“I’m pretty sure I skated before Iwalked. Just pay attention tomy feet.”“Stassie,” he drawls. He doesn’t need to do anythingcomplex to help me but ensuring he’s in the right spot andfacing the right direction is essential when I do the realtechnical part.More than anything, I need him to recognize the names ofthings so he knows what I’m doing, and doesn’t accidentallyget in my way.“I’m going to make it easy for you. “Idon’t think you can promise me that.”Once we get into the swing of things, I’m thoroughlyenjoying my training session for the first time in forever, and Ithink Brady might be too.Moving to the center of the ice, I move to Nate’s side tointroduce the simpler jumps.

Nobody is going toattack you on the ice.”“Respectfully, Coach.” His eyes flick to me quickly. The pair of you do it again.Gracefully.” I’ve done more laps than leaps before Brady isfinally satisfied with Nate’s version of graceful. “Like a drunk deer, misguidedlystepping onto a frozen lake.”“Do they have a lot of drunk deer in Montana, Coach?” Iask, remembering to say Montana and not Russia at the lastsecond.“Do not sass me, Anastasia. Poor Nate looks pleasedwith himself, and to his credit, he did match my pace.“How was that?” He grins. It’s very easy to recognizesomething you see six days a week. “I like to imagine she was a dog trainerin a past life.”We make it back to where we started, and I recognizeCoach’s distaste immediately. After over two years of working with her, I don’teven notice anymore. “What’s with theclapping?”It’s fun having other people experience Brady’s antics forthe first time. When we’re farenough away to feel safe, he moves closer. “What part of graceful made you two think Iwant to watch a race? Do as I ask, now!”Setting off, Nate manages to keep pace. Do I need to do it again?”Nate’s mouth opens, but before he can fire back, Bradyclaps her hands. Got it…Ow! Why do you always pinchme?” He groans, rubbing his stomach.“I am not slow! I’ve already proven I’m faster than you areonce. “I’m not sure whatshenanigans Coach Faulkner lets you get away with, but youdo what I tell you in my arena.”He nods, his smug grin from earlier is a distant memory.“Got it.”“Both of you give me a lap.” She concentrates on Nate.“Concentrate on being graceful, not fast, but keep up withStassie.”“Graceful. It never occurred to me that itmight not be me that Nate can’t cope with. “Spoken like a truetyrant.”After warming up, it’s finally time to find out if this was ahorrible idea.“If this is going to work, I need you to remember theroutine, Nathan.” Coach tightens her faux fur, wrapping herarms around herself tightly.

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