Page 77 of Thrown for a Loop
“I was hoping to sneak in there and touch up my skates.”
“Don’t trust me to do it?” he says with a teasing smile.
“I, um…” It’s egotistical of me to say this to a guy who takes care of some of the best skaters in hockey. “I didn’t know if you ever worked with figure skates.”
He chuckles. “I don’t blame you, but I grew up sharpening all kinds of skates. And I was just finishing up with Chase’s. Here—takea look.” He passes me a brand-new pair of Risport Elites, right out of the box.
I let out a low whistle. “These are sweet.” And when I run my thumb over the blade, the edge is perfect. “Nice job. I apologize.”
He just grins and takes my skates from me, giving them a quick once-over. “I got you covered, Coach. Nice and sharp, right?”
“Please.”
The hum of the sharpener fills the room, and his face creases with concentration. I use the time to check my texts. There’s a new one from my mother, so I brace myself.
Zoe, how about this weekend for a visit? I want to see your new apartment.
Now there’s a terrible idea. But I have the perfect excuse—another junior tournament, this time on Long Island.
There’s also a message from Darcy.
OMG, you’re having a rehearsal today? Guess I’m taking a lunch break at 1!
Oh lord. The gossip in this place.
Bernie hands my skates back a few minutes later. “Good luck out there.”
“In figure skating we say ‘break a leg’ instead.”
He gives me an incredulous look. “Seriously?”
“It’s a weird sport. Thanks for your help!” I take my skates and march out to the rink to face the music. I plunk down on the bench and loosen the laces.
A moment later, Chase joins me on the bench. He sets his new skates down and kicks off his shoes.
I give him my bravest smile. “Brand-new boots, huh?” I ask. “Blister city.”
“Maybe,” he agrees. “But at least there’s no duct tape on them this time.”
My heart softens at the memory of his old taped skates. “You were such a badass, skating in those things when everyone else in the building had custom-fit Riedells. I don’t think I really appreciated that.”
He looks up, surprise on his handsome face. “Don’t sweat it, Ice Princess. Having to work for everything was highly motivating.”
Still. It makes me wonder what else I missed back then. “Do those fit you okay?”
“Guess we’ll find out.” He gives the laces a tug.
With my skates tied, I prop my phone up on the edge of the boards and set it to video. We’ll probably need to see the replay to know how we’re doing. Then I kick a leg up into the air and stretch out my hamstrings.
I catch Chase watching me. “What?”
He frowns. “Gotta warn you, I’ll be rusty.”
“You’ll be fine,” I say, leaning into the stretch. “You’re one of the more natural skaters I’ve ever seen. You know you ruined me for other hockey players?”
His eyes widen. “Um, what?”
“Your skating.” I shrug. “I thought they’d all skate like you. Then I started working with college players during my internship, and I realized how few of them will ever skate like you.”
