Page 75 of Ride with Zane
“You did amazing, Princess.” He wraps me in his arms.
“I felt like I was falling apart out there.” I close my eyes, hiding the tears that threaten to have the best of me. The realization hit me hard, but I can’t pull back. Not now. I owe it to mom.
He looks at me, concern etched on his face while he glances toward Raven. “She didn’t realize it, give her time.”
“What?”
“You were incredible out there Ashley, flawless.” She pushes me toward the stand, I look up at the monitor and seeing the points adding up my score makes me burst into tears.
“You’re second, Ash, you need to bring it home! No excuses, okay?”
I nod, or think I do.
Raven forces me to look at her. “There’s no room for errors, got it? You can fall at home, but not here!”
“Will do.” I try to sound positive but my stomach knots.You fucking bitch!
I move toward my locker with Rock following. The door closes and I let out a long scream. “What’s up, Princess?”
“I'm so tired,” I admit, my voice wavering. “Physically and mentally exhausted. I don't know if I have it in me to bring it home.”
Zane gives me a sympathetic smile, his eyes reflecting understanding. “Take a breath, baby. You've got it. Tonight we’ll stay in and go to sleep earlier, okay.”
“Movie and cuddles?”
He opens his arms and I relax in his embrace. “Everything you want, Princess. Tomorrow everything will finish. Be you and enjoy it.”
“What if I fail?”
“Fail what?” He scoffs. “You got here, Ash. Babe, you’re only twenty-one and you’re the best figure skaters I know.”
I raise my head and peer at him. “How many do you know?”
He scoffs. “Ehm, you, but that’s not the point.” I giggle, hiding my face in his chest. “It’s a great goal you’re here and even if you don’t get on that podium, who cares? You’ll get it next year.”
I burst out laughing because he has no idea, but I get his point. I already chose my future and if I can’t win it well, that’s okay. I have everything in my life that’s worth living for. I lived mom’s dream and mine.
As I prepare for the next practice session, I draw strength from Zane's words. The Olympics might be intimidating, but I won't let my fears overpower me. I owe it to myself to give this competition my all, to skate with passion and determination, and to face my anxieties head-on.
Zane
I watch Ashley with a mix of pride and concern as she gracefully glides across the ice, determined to perfect her style for tomorrow. She's focused, pushing herself to perform flawlessly, but I can't shake the worry I saw lingering in her eyes. She's been pushing herself hard, relentless in her pursuit of perfection, but she's also been plagued by doubts and fears about this moment. I want to erase those worries, to make her see herself the way I see her: as a remarkable skater with an incredible talent and determination.
While she continues to practice her routine, I grab my phone and quickly dial the hotel. “Hi, I’m Zane Mitchell, from room 2409. Could I ask for a favor?”
“Of course, Sir.”
“Could you please prepare our room for a romantic evening? Rose petals, candles, the whole shebang. We’ll be back in two hours.”
The receptionist assures me that they'll take care of it, and I hang up feeling a surge of excitement. I want this night to be special, a chance for Ashley to relax and unwind before the big day, to remind her that she's more than just her skating routine.
As Ashley finishes her training session and skates over, I put on a smile. “You did amazing out there, Princess.”
She smiles back, but I can still see the tension in her eyes. “Thanks, Rock. I'm trying my best.”
I take her hands gently in mine, looking straight into her eyes. Where’s my lioness gone? It’s been weeks since her mood shifted and she tenses when Raven is around. Truth is, even around Monica she was the same. I found it weird to see her train with Raven in the morning and push herself for five hours in the afternoon with Monica. Never together. It may be because they were working on two different choreographies. But seeing her nervousness makes her adorable and fragile at the same time. “You're doing more than your best. You're incredible. Your dedication, your skill, everything about you is amazing.” I make her sit and start to untie her skates. I plant a kiss on her foot and help her wear the boots. “And tonight, I want you to forget about the competition. I've arranged something special for us.”
Her eyes widen in surprise. “Rock, I’m not in the mood...”