Crossing the Ice

by Jennifer Comeaux

  “Oh really?”

  “I would’ve loved to take the kids to the show taping, but it’s at four in the morning.”

  I picked up the TV remote. “Yeah, there’s no way those sleepy heads will be awake.”

  “Have a good night,” Em said as she disappeared into the bedroom.

  Sergei echoed her and closed the door behind them. I turned on the TV and scrolled through the guide to set the recording, and the wheels in my brain started to spin.

  After I finished with the TV, I grabbed my laptop and pulled up the TODAY Show website. The show taped on Grouse Mountain, not far from the city, and free tickets were given to the first one hundred people who showed up.

  I can be one of those people.

  My fingers flew over the keyboard as I searched for a local taxi company. I couldn’t wait any longer to see Josh. What better way to do it than to surprise him?

  I copied the number for the cab and looked at the time. I had a few hours before I needed to leave, so I decided I should take a nap. If Josh was going to see me for the first time in a month, I didn’t want bags under my eyes.

  I set the alarm clock and stretched out over the comforter, but I felt too jumpy to sleep. What if Josh wasn’t excited to see me? What if his feelings for me had changed during our time apart?

  My thoughts kept me restless until I finally succumbed to exhaustion. When I opened my eyes, I peered at the clock, and a jolt of panic shot through me. I’d either slept through the alarm or it hadn’t sounded. I was thirty minutes late!

  I jumped off the bed and hurried to the bathroom to get ready. While I brushed my teeth I wrote a note to Em and Sergei, letting them know where I was headed. Then I called the taxi while I put on my make-up.

  The lobby of the building was deserted as I paced in front of the glass doors, waiting for the cab. When the car arrived and we started toward North Vancouver, the dark streets were just as quiet. All the partyers had called it a night.

  The cab pulled into the parking lot at the base of Grouse Mountain, and I groaned at the long line of people already there. I needed to be on the first gondola up the mountain so I wouldn’t miss the start of the show. As I took my place at the back of the line, I tried to count the number of people ahead of me, but it curved past the ticket office.

  When the group began to move forward, I craned my neck to see if the gondola still had space. I reached the front of the line, and my heart sank at the sight of the tram packed with people. The guy in charge held up his hand as a stop sign and said something to his co-worker. She responded, and he called out, “Two more!”

  I hopped up and down and raced onto the tram, squeezing between bodies and the doors. All personal space considerations went out the window. We lifted into the air moments later, and I gazed out at the lights of Vancouver drifting farther away. I thanked God I was neither claustrophobic nor afraid of heights.

  We became shrouded in darkness as I assumed we were passing through the trees, and then everything suddenly became bright and white. Unlike the city below, the mountain was covered with snow, and the huge TV lights illuminated the entire area.

  The doors opened, and the frigid air shocked my face. Half of the crowd swarmed the chalet while the other half went over to the fire pit. I followed the group to the pit because the small ice rink was just beyond it.

  And so was Josh.

  My stomach danced with both nervous and excited flutters. I hid behind a few people and peeked at Josh putting on his skates. I couldn’t go up to him now when he was about to be on TV. We needed more time to talk. I would wait until after he finished with his appearance, and then I would surprise him.

  Josh’s parents came out of the chalet, talking to two of the show’s hosts, and I ducked deeper into the crowd. I definitely did not want them to see me first. After schmoozing for a few minutes they went back inside, probably to stay warm. I was starting to lose feeling in my own face.

  Josh and Stephanie warmed up on the rink while the hosts joined us at the fire pit and the cameras began rolling. My legs were freezing through my jeans, and I bounced lightly, both to keep warm and to let out some of my edginess. I couldn’t wait for everyone to stop yapping so Josh could skate.

  Finally, the cameras shifted to the rink, and Stephanie and Josh did a short routine. They also led a couple of the hosts around the ice. When the segment ended, everyone cleared the area except Josh and Stephanie, who sat to change out of their skates. Stephanie finished first and headed for the chalet, and a minute later Josh zipped his bag and stood. My pulse pounded hard.

  This is it. Time to put your heart out there.

  I broke away from the crowd and walked through the snow straight toward Josh. He looked up and gaped at me with wide eyes.

  “Court… what…”

  Being face to face with him stole my breath and my voice. As I struggled to speak, he rushed forward and took me into his arms. I gasped with a cry and locked him in my embrace. Tears trickled down my cheeks, and I buried my face against his scarf.

  He kissed the top of my knit hat, and I sighed at how perfect I felt being in his arms again. I could stay in that spot forever and be completely content. But I had to share all the things I’d longed to say to him.

  I lifted my head and held his gaze. “I watched you skate last night, and you were so amazing. I was so happy for you. You deserve to be here. I should’ve told you that weeks ago.”

  He slid his gloved hands between my scarf and my chin, his fingers tickling the nape of my neck. With his head bent toward mine, his mouth so close, I lost my train of thought.

  “There’s something I should’ve told you weeks ago, too. Something I’ve known for so long.” His thumb caressed my cheek, and his eyes looked deep into mine. “I love you, Court. God, I am so in love with you.”

  My breath caught in my throat, and I thought my heart might burst from fullness. I pressed my mouth to Josh’s, and the warmth of his kiss heated my entire body. He brought all the feeling back to my frozen lips and then some.

  We slowly came out of the kiss, our lips still touching, and I said, “I love you, too.”

  He smiled and kissed me again before wrapping me in the longest, warmest hug I’d ever received. When he pulled back to look at me, I kept my arms tight around his waist, not wanting to ever let him go.

  “There’s something else I need to tell you,” he said. “I wasted so many years being afraid to take a chance and tell you how I felt about you. I don’t want to waste more years being apart from you and living a life I don’t really want. All because I was afraid to take another chance.”

  I felt my eyes grow big. “Are you saying…”

  “I’m not going back to L.A., and I’m not going to law school.”

  I stared at him, wondering if I was dreaming all of this. I’d hoped for so many months Josh would stay with me, but I’d accepted that wasn’t going to happen. And now he was saying the words I’d wanted to hear so badly.

  “Are you really not leaving? What are you going to do?”

  “I’m working on something, but I don’t want to say anything yet. You’ll be the first to know, though. I promise.”

  I laughed and put my hand to my forehead. “I can’t… I can’t believe this. I came here to tell you I was happy to do the long-distance relationship because I just wanted to be with you, no matter how far apart we were.”

  “So, should I move back to California then?” he asked with a crooked grin.

  “No!” I hugged him closer. “I’m fully on board with this life decision you’ve made.”

  “Good. Because I can’t imagine my life without you.”

  He brushed his lips over mine, and I drew him in for a long, sweet kiss. When we broke apart, I noticed some of the people by the fire pit watching us instead of the show. That reminded me of a couple of people who wouldn’t be so entertained by us.

  “Have you told your parents you’re not going to school?” I asked.

  “Not yet.
They’re going directly to the airport from here, so I’ll talk to them when I go home after the Closing Ceremony.” He took my hands and laced our fingers together. “Are you in Vancouver for just a few days?”

  “No, I’m here the full two weeks. Em gave me tickets and invited me to stay with her.”

  “That’s awesome. Then you should come to L.A. with me when we leave. I’m just going for a couple days.” He squeezed my hands and smiled. “I can show you all my favorite places.”

  “Ooh, can I see the beach house?”

  “That’s number one on my list.”

  I grinned and rested my forehead to his. The morning couldn’t possibly get any better.

  “I can’t wait.”

  “Speaking of the beach, let’s get out of here and go someplace warm,” Josh said.

  “That sounds fantastic.”

  We walked around the TV cameras, and as we passed the chalet I asked, “Should you tell Stephanie and your parents you’re leaving?”

  “I’ll text Steph. I don’t want to see anyone but you right now.” He curled his arm around my waist.

  We only had to wait a few minutes for the tram to arrive, and since everyone else was still watching the show, we had the entire car to ourselves on the return trip. There was plenty of space for us both to sit, but Josh pulled me onto his lap. Away from all the people and the lights, he gave me a deeper, hotter kiss, making me feel like I could float down the mountain.

  I’d been wrong. The morning had gotten even better.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  I held up my phone and snapped my fiftieth photo through the windshield. “This is the most beautiful highway I’ve ever seen.”

  Josh smiled and turned up the radio, just the way we both liked it. To the left of the winding highway, the Pacific Ocean glimmered under the midday sun, and its white-capped waves splashed over the rocky shore. I put away the phone and rolled down my window halfway to catch some of the fresh sea breeze.

  Every moment since the morning on Grouse Mountain had been pure bliss. Josh and I had traveled all around Vancouver, watching events and cheering on Team USA. We’d gotten the biggest thrill at the ladies’ free skate, where Liza finished in fifth place, cementing herself as one of the early favorites for gold in four years. When the Olympic flame had been extinguished at the Closing Ceremony, I’d shed quite a few tears from the overwhelming gratitude I felt. I couldn’t have had a more incredible Olympic experience even if I’d been a participating athlete.

  Josh curved the rental car onto a side road that also ran along the ocean, and I gawked at the steep incline as we drove up the hill. A large house came into view, and my jaw dropped even further.

  “I thought it would be like one of those little cottages down by the water,” I said.

  “I guess I didn’t mention how big it is. It’s not technically on the beach, but it has the best ocean views.”

  We parked behind the house, and Josh helped me with my huge suitcase. When he unlocked the door, he let me step inside ahead of him, and my mouth fell open once again.

  “Whoa,” was all I could manage.

  The foyer opened to a large living room, which looked especially massive because of the wood-beamed vaulted ceilings. Straight ahead was a wall of glass windows and doors, and there was nothing but crystal blue water in the distance. In the corner of the room next to the patio doors sat a black upright piano. Josh’s piano.

  “This is… ridiculous,” I said as I did a full three-sixty.

  “Do you like it?” Josh grinned.

  “Do I like it? If anyone would answer no to that question, they should have their sanity checked.” I walked over to the glass wall. “How can this just be a vacation house? If I came here for vacation, I’d never want to leave.”

  Josh slid open the doors, and the sounds of waves lapping onto the beach and seagulls squawking floated into the living room. We went out onto the patio, and Josh stood behind me and hugged my waist.

  “Now that you’re here with me, I could definitely stay here forever,” he said.

  I leaned my head back against his chest and closed my eyes. The soft breeze caressed my face while Josh’s lips caressed my hair. This must be heaven.

  We stood quietly in our embrace, soaking up the warm sunshine and the peaceful comfort of each other. After the busy morning at the airport and the cramped flight, I couldn’t think of a better way to unwind.

  “Have I told you today how much I love you?” I said.

  He turned me to face him, and he placed a gentle kiss on my mouth. As he gazed into my eyes, I saw how much he loved me. No words necessary.

  “There’s something I need to ask you,” he said, taking my hands. “Something very important.”

  I tilted my head to the side, curious over his serious tone. He watched me another minute and then began to lower to one knee. My pulse went into a full sprint.

  Oh my God.

  “Josh…” I whispered.

  He stopped before his knee reached the deck floor, and he stood tall again with a smile. “That’s not it.”

  I exhaled and swatted his arm. “You almost gave me a heart attack!”

  “I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist.” He laughed and pulled me close, turning serious once more. “Not now, but one day…”

  A long shiver ran down my spine, and I smiled. “One day.”

  “I do have something to ask you. And it is important.” He paused and wet his lips. “Will you skate with me?”

  “Of course. Anytime, anywhere you want. You know I’ve been dying to skate with you again since the Christmas show.”

  “That’s not exactly what I meant. I meant will you be my partner and compete with me.”

  My eyes widened. “What?”

  “I know you wanted to start school, but I think we could be amazing together. When we skated together for the show, we only uncovered just a little bit of what we could do.”

  He was serious. He wanted to team up and compete. I’d just started to come to terms with saying goodbye to my competitive career.

  “I… I don’t know what to say. I always planned on retiring now. I don’t think I can ask my parents to put any more money into skating.”

  “They won’t have to.”

  “Josh, I’m not letting you pay—”

  “I’m not. We have a sponsor.” He smiled. “Mrs. Cassar wants to fund both of us, all our expenses. She said her accountant told her she needs more charitable write-offs.”

  I gaped at him. “Does she know how much money that is?”

  “I laid it all out for her, and she didn’t bat an eye. She was too enamored with the prospect of us skating together all the time.”

  My mind raced with the possibilities. Being able to skate without worrying about the cost. That was a very appealing thought. As was skating with Josh every day. I’d still have to work to pay for living expenses, but I could cut back my schedule. Thinking about Mark, he was clearly done with the sport, so the door was open for me to skate with a new partner. The big question was — could I put myself back in that crazy competitive world after so many disappointments?

  “I know you’re probably trying to wrap your head around this, and it’s a lot to think about,” Josh said. “But we don’t have to commit to four more years. We can take it one year at a time.”

  I continued to silently process everything he was proposing, and he rambled on, “Mrs. Cassar even said I can live in her guest house rent-free, which I’ll definitely need since I’ll be supporting myself. I was thinking I could start giving piano lessons and maybe do choreography for some of the kids at the rink. Em said she’d help connect me with some students. Oh, and she’s very excited about the idea of coaching us. Thrilled is more like it.”

  He grinned and held my hands. “Have I sold you on it yet?”

  “You’re doing a pretty good job.”

  “Well, if you need even more convincing, just think about us on the ice together every day.” His voice low
ered. “Feeling that connection, creating beautiful movement together.”

  He angled his head closer, and I bit my lip. “It’s all incredibly tempting.”

  “I would be so honored to be your partner,” he said.

  He looked at me with so much love and respect that my eyes welled with tears. I thought back to all our rehearsals and when we’d skated in the show. I’d felt so free and so inspired. I couldn’t turn down the chance to explore that further. I believed we could do amazing things together, too.

  “My answer is…”

  His eyebrows rose high with anticipation.

  “Yes!”

  He broke into a huge smile and enveloped me in his arms, lifting me off the ground. I laughed as he whirled me around and around.

  “She said yes!” he shouted to the sky.

  His phone rang in his pocket, and I slowly slipped out of his embrace so he could answer it. “Who dare interrupt our celebration?”

  He glanced at the screen. “It’s my dad.”

  I gave him a few feet of space and wrung my hands as he took the call. He was meeting his parents in a little while to tell them he wasn’t going to school, and I could only imagine their reaction to that plus the news of our partnership. He shouldn’t have to deal with it all on his own.

  Josh ended the call after only a minute. “He needs to meet sooner because he has to see some client.”

  “I really think I should go with you. Especially since you’ll be telling them about us skating together.”

  He closed the space between us. “I love you for wanting to come, but it’s better if I do it alone. It’s not going to be a pleasant conversation.”

  “Which is why I should be there to support you.” I touched his cheek.

  He covered my hand with his and kissed my palm. “I don’t want you to get caught in the crossfire. Just knowing you’ll be here when I get back is the best support I can ask for.”

  “So I guess I’m not changing your mind.”

  “I won’t be long.” He hugged me tight. “Let me show you around the house so you’ll know where everything is.”