Page 28 of With This Ring
Kayleigh glided on her skates while directing her class of teenagers on the other side of the rink.
“Now, let’s start skating toward the other class,” Dakota said. “Take your time. We’ll build up speed when we feel more confident.”
A peppy Duran Duran song played overhead, serenading them.
Gigi took Anissa’s hand, and together they led the group forward.
“Great job, Jack!” Dakota told the shy little boy at the back of the group when he wobbled past her. “You’re getting this.”
Dakota’s class reached the other side of the rink, then turned and skated back to the center. They continued going back and forth, all to the soundtrack of nostalgic ’80s songs.
When they finished thirty minutes later, Dakota clapped. “Y’all did a fantastic job,” she said. “That’s it for tonight. Keep practicing.”
“Dakota?”
She turned at the sound of her name, and Jack’s mother, Rose, sidled up to her. “Hey! Jack is doing great.”
Rose looked embarrassed as she wrung her hands. “It’s because you’re a great teacher. But it was a slow week at the diner, and I was wondering if I could pay you next week.”
Dakota’s heart clutched for Rose. She was aware of her situation—working hard to raise her son on her own. She understood what it was like to struggle, especially lately. “That’s no problem at all.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate it, Dakota.”
Jack appeared next to his mother and pulled on her sleeve. “Can we get a drink, Mom?”
“Of course.” Rose smiled down at her son and then at Dakota. “We’ll see you next week.”
Dakota was grateful Kayleigh and Brice gave free concessions coupons to all the skating students so Rose could get Jack something to drink.
Kayleigh skated over and smiled at Rose and Jack before taking Dakota’s arm. “Are you ready for the adult class?”
“Can I help teach?” Gigi asked.
Kayleigh leaned down and touched Gigi’s nose. “Why don’t you help Daddy in the DJ booth instead?”
“Okay!” Gigi set off to find her father.
Dakota and Kayleigh moved back to the center of the rink, where a group of a dozen new skaters ranging in age from nineteen to sixty stood waiting for them.
For the next forty-five minutes, Dakota and Kayleigh taught the basics. By the time the class ended, the rink was buzzing with patrons, most of them dressed in ’80s clothes. A line had formed by the snack bar, and others stood by the half wall, waiting for the general skating time to begin. Kayleigh headed toward the DJ booth while Dakota glided off the rink floor.
“Good evening, folks.” Brice’s voice rang out over the speakers as the lights dimmed and disco balls reflected around the rink. “Who’s ready for an ’80s all-skate?” A Bon Jovi song began, and cheers broke out around the rink.
Dakota grinned as people poured out onto the floor and began skating counterclockwise.
Kayleigh appeared next to her balancing a tray with two pieces of pizza and two sodas. “Want a slice?”
“Sure. Is Gigi staying in the booth with Brice?”
Kayleigh nodded toward the DJ booth. “Yup, so we can talk.”
Dakota followed Kayleigh to a booth, where she sat across from her best friend and took a bite of pizza. “You know, hands down, this is the best pizza in Flowering Grove,” she said, raising her voice to be heard over Bon Jovi. “I don’t care what anyone says.”
“Thanks for the loyalty, bestie. And I’m always grateful to hear that the food is good.” Kayleigh lifted her cup and took a drink of soda.
“Our classes went well tonight. We had a good turnout too.” She leaned forward and shared what Rose had said about paying for the classes. “If you need me to cover her, I will.”
Kayleigh waved her off. “I don’t expect you to pay for Jack’s lessons. We can give her time.” She gave Dakota a look. “Besides, you have your own financial concerns now.”