Chapter 16: Week Twelve: Return

Monday morning couldn't arrive fast enough.

Nadia walked into Ridgemont Academy carrying her skates and a level of excitement she refused to acknowledge.

The ankle felt good.

Strong.

Stable.

Ready.

The moment she entered the rink, she saw him.

Dominic was already on the ice.

Of course he was.

"You're staring again," he called.

"You're predictable."

"You're late."

"I'm three minutes early."

"Exactly."

Nadia laughed.

For the first time in a week, everything felt normal.

No.

Better than normal.

Training began immediately.

Their first run-through wasn't perfect.

The timing felt rusty.

The transitions needed work.

But none of that mattered.

Because by the second run, everything returned.

The rhythm.

The trust.

The connection.

"Fifty-six," Dominic said afterward.

"What?"

"Clean connections."

"You counted?"

"Obviously."

"You need hobbies."

"Skating is my hobby."

"That's deeply unhealthy."

"Yet effective."

Irina approached with her notebook.

"Welcome back," she said.

"Thanks."

"Don't thank me. Earn it."

"There she is."

"There who is?"

"The terrifying Russian coach we all know and fear."

Irina smiled.

Which somehow felt more threatening than a frown.

"Run it again."

"Of course."

Nadia glanced at Dominic.

"I missed this."

"I know."

"How?"

"Because I did too."

The words landed softly.

Neither spoke for several seconds.

Then Irina shouted from across the rink.

"Less staring. More skating."

Both immediately pushed off.

Neither wanted to explain why they were smiling.