Page 80 of Ride with Zane
“She should slow down, the triple triplets with arms over the head are not that easy.” She sighs. “Three Lutzes and three toe loops in the sequence.”
Still another language for me, but I try to play it cool without showing how idiot I feel right now.
“The four-step sequence is the best one she ever did, good job, Ash!”
Come on, Princess, bring it home, baby!
She keeps going, follows the rhythm while jumping and turning. It reminds me of those carillon with a ballerina inside.
“This is a quadruple axel… How…” I can see the surprise look on Raven’s face and somehow, I don’t like it, Ashley is risking over there. “I can’t even do it, let alone teach it.” Her voice fades in a mere breath.
I knew she was working on something specific and when she starts to spin her dress changes color and the white one becomes dark and shiny with a black panther on it. That’s Mac doing. My eyes wells up while she stops, and the crowd goes crazy. She waves at them, and skates over to us. I help her put on her jacket and she hugs me tight. I feel so complete right now and nervous as hell.
“Are you crying?”
“Figures.” I roll my eyes, wiping my tears off.
Raven and Ashely move to sit under a big screen, peering at it like life depends on it. When she turns to her left and sees I’m not there she motions me to sit even though Raven tries to say something. She grabs my hand and I kiss it.
When the scores come out and it shows a 229 points, she bursts into tears. I pull her in a hug and kiss the top of her head. “I’m proud of you, Princess. I told you, you’re the best, but you didn’t want to believe me.”
She lets out a hearty laugh. “Ashley Mitchell, I already love it.”
She scores one more point. A lethal one to me.
Ashley
After the new shoots and a massive bunch of roses I can’t even hold, we move toward the locker room and I take my stuff. Idon’t bother to change, I’m exhausted and I need to lay down as soon as I can. Every muscle I have and the ones I didn’t know existed hurt like hell. The adrenaline gives me the push to move forward but I’m so glad this madness has come to an end.
“There are interviews scheduled.” Raven’s annoying voice gets on my nerves.
“Already done them.” I sigh while spotting a familiar face. “Uncle Lance, so glad you made it.”
“Couldn’t miss it, cupcake.” He hands me another bunch of roses.
“Thank you.” I smile passing them to Rock. “He’s Lance, my mom’s brother and lawyer. And Lance, this is Rock, my future husband, and Raven.”
“Holy hell man, good luck with her.” He chuckles while shaking his hand. “I heard a lot about you.”
“Good things I hope.”
“Kevin adores you, but he may deny it.” He smirks and I know he will. “Here, you have the documents.” I shake my head and nod to him to give them to Raven.
“What’s that?”
“I’m off to bed, see you.” I wave to Raven.
“Will give you a lift and then I’ll head back to London.” Lance winks at me. “Congratulations, by the way. Jill would have been so proud of you, cupcake.”
“I hope so.”
Once in the car, the flowers alone fill the trunk and I may already have an idea on how to use them.
“I’ll wait for your wedding invitation.” He chuckles peering at us. “I was surprised when Kevin told me you’re getting married.”
I snap my head at Rock. “Dad knew?”
He kisses my hand. “Let’s say I’m an old fashioned man.”