by Jenna Payne
“What do you mean someone like you? You’re amazing.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“It’s just the way it is.”
“I don’t buy it,” he said, turning to leave.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m going home, where I’m welcome. I wouldn’t want to break your concentration and ruin your competition. Goodbye and good luck.”
“Ethan please don’t-”
But the slamming door cut her off mid-sentence. Hot tears threatened an instant before they spilled over. This was the last thing she needed before a competition. He should understand. It’s not like the figure skating world was new to him. But maybe they were too different.
Vienna moved around her home in a daze, tears flowing and heart broken. She hadn’t meant to hurt him, but her priorities were clear. Double checking her heavy bag, she zipped it back up and hefted it over her shoulder. She didn’t have to leave for another hour, but she might as well.
There was no reason for her to stay here.
Chapter 10
Vienna scanned the crowd early Sunday morning, but she knew she wouldn’t find Ethan there. He’d been noticeably absent Saturday night, making her high-scoring short program hard to get excited about. She was in the lead in her division going into the long program. All she had to do was skate the long program clean and she would win the women’s single skate.
Her name was called over the loudspeaker and she pushed thoughts of Ethan out of her mind. It was his loss, and no big surprise. He was just like the other men she’d dated over the years. He got what he wanted from her and moved on at the first sign of tension. She would get over it, but for now, she had to focus.
She stepped out onto the ice, waving to the crowd when she took her courtesy circle around the rink. She stopped in the middle of the ice, getting into her opening pose and waiting for her music to start.
The piece began gently, and she flowed into her opening sequence with effortless grace. A medley of her favorite Broadway tunes.
When the tempo picked up, she shot into her first sequence to loud applause from the crowd. She nailed the landing on both, a broad smile spreading across her face.
The wind whipped her skirt around as she picked up speed. She was exhausted and emotionally drained, but the excitement of the competition fueled her. She stuck the next two jumps and mentally prepared herself for the last sequence; Ethan’s signature move.
She didn’t let the thought of him wiggle its way into her mind. She was too focused on nailing the jump and the landing. The crowd held its breath as her feet left the ice, the slicing of the blade almost deafening as it echoed above the silence.
She heard the crowd go silent, all eyes on her. Her skates touched down easily on the ice and she allowed herself a moment of relief as the crowd roared its approval.
Tightening her circle, she worked herself into the final spin sequence. She couldn’t hold back her smile as the music faded and she came out of the spin feeling triumphant.
She’d done it!
Flowers and tiny stuffed animals rained down from the stands and she stooped to pick up a few as she skated off the ice.
She sat on the bench beside her coach, waiting for the judges to tally her scores.
Her coach whooped in response to her high scores. The two competitors that were following her couldn’t close the gap no matter what they did. She’d won.
“Great job, Vienna,” her coach beamed.
“Thanks, Franz.”
She moved to the edge of the rink, watching the final performer take the ice. This was the best moment of her life, but Ethan’s absence was tearing at her. In a little under five minutes she was going to be on that ice, accepting her hard-earned medal.
A hand touched her shoulder, and she turned, expecting to see her coach.
She was shocked to see Ethan instead. He held a single red rose in his hand.
“What are you doing here?” she said, not wanting to get into a fight right before she went out to collect her medal.
“I’m sorry. That’s why I’m here. I was wrong.”
“You were,” she said, surprised at how hurt she sounded. “You missed my short program last night.”
“I didn’t. I saw you.”
“Why didn’t you let me know you were here then?”
“Because I was still mad, but I’ve had some time to think, and I realize I was wrong. I’m so sorry Vienna.”
Vienna searched his eyes, his face. He looked like a lost little boy. His expression almost undid her.
The announcer read the results of the last competitor, leaving a brief gap before they announced the winner.
“And your champion, ladies and gentlemen, is Vienna Rhett of Chehalis, Washington!”
The crowd roared and Vienna turned.
“Wait.”
“Ethan, I have to get out on the ice. I’ll be right back.”
“Promise?”
She kissed him on the cheek and took the rose he offered.
“I promise.”
She skated out onto the ice with the second and third place competitors, tears of joy streaking down her face. The crowd was on its feet, several of them chanting her name. It was more than she’d ever dreamed of.
She took her spot on the podium, catching Ethan’s gaze and smiling. His being there made the moment all the more special, and she was glad he’d set aside his hurt feelings and had come.
The small, gold medal felt heavy on her neck. She took a victory skate around the rink, waving at the fans before skating off the ice and into Ethan’s arms.
“I’m so glad you came,” she said, leaning into him and wrapping her arms around him.
“Whoa be careful,” he said, setting her back a little bit.
She saw something move beneath his coat.
“What is that?”
“Well,” he began, reaching into his heavy jacket, “you said that you wanted a roommate. It’s not a goldfish, but I think you two will get along.”
He pulled out a tiny, fluffy silver kitten with bright green eyes.
“She reminded me of you,” he said, handing the purring kitten over.
“Because I’m hairy and fluffy,” Vienna laughed, snuggling the precious cat tight.
“No. Elegant and perfectly beautiful.”
He pulled her close, kissing her passionately.
“I was actually hinting about you when I was talking about a roommate,” Vienna admitted, letting Ethan lead her to the locker rooms so she could change.
“I know. But a kitten is a good start.”
“As long as you don’t make me wait for you forever.”
He laughed, dipping his head down to kiss her once more.
“What’s so funny?” she asked.
“Nothing. I was just thinking the same thing.”
THE END
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