Page 140 of Stealing for Keeps
When it’s over, I wait for her by the locker rooms. She comes out still in her uniform but with a big coat over it, sneakers instead of skates, a bag on one shoulder and her pom-poms in one hand.
I hold up the sign Lacey gave me earlier over my head.
Laughing, she approaches me. “We lost.”
“Didn’t notice,” I say. “I was too busy staring at you instead of the game.”
I let the sign drop to my side and circle my free arm around her waist.
“You looked great out there. I’ve never seen anyone skate like you.”
“Thanks. Maybe I can teach you sometime.”
I scrunch up my face. “I don’t think I’d do well on ice.”
“Oh no, you’re doing it. I played chess for you.”
Laughing, I drop my mouth to hers. I never knew kissing could feel like this. The press of her lips to mine is like a jolt to my central nervous system every single time.
Someone clears their throat behind me, and I pull back reluctantly. Claire’s smile falls. “Mom?”
I swivel around.
“Dad?” Claire adds.
Sure enough, both of her parents are standing three feet away. Ruby too. The latter comes forward and hugs Claire. “You looked so pretty out there. I missed watching you skate.”
“Thanks.” Claire hugs her back, still looking stunned.
Ms. Crawford meets my gaze briefly and gives me the smallest nod. I wouldn’t say it’s appreciation, but she’s here.
“You still got it, Claire Bear.” Her dad comes in for a squeeze next.
“I don’t understand.” Claire looks between them.
“You looked beautiful out there. Like you were meant to be there.” Her mom speaks slowly, like she’s realizing it only as she says the words. “Watching you skate still takes my breath away. I forgot…” Her voice breaks, then she steps forward and hugs her daughter.
The surprise on Claire’s face makes her eyes widen and brows raise. Then something else crosses her face, understanding maybe. She wraps her arms around her mother without taking her eyes off me, then mouths, “Thank you.”
“I love you,” I mouth back.
Chapter Forty-Four
Claire
When we get home from the hockey game, I head up to my room. Tonight was better than I imagined. Being out there skating with the other cheerleaders felt good. There is less pressure to be perfect and more room to just enjoy it all.
When I’m ready for bed and pulling back the covers, Mom knocks on the cracked door and then peers into my room.
“Can I come in?” she asks.
Nodding, I sit on the edge of the mattress.
She comes in and takes a seat next to me. My defenses are slightly lowered, but I don’t think she’s going to suddenly go easy on me just because she came to watch me cheer.
“You really looked beautiful out there. You are easily the best skater on the team.”
I can hear the hint of condescension in her tone, and my annoyance level creeps right back up to high.
