Page 271 of Cross Check

His idea of celebrating is making boxed brownies and sitting on the kitchen counter while we talk about what February in Italy looks like. By the time we head to bed, my cheeks hurt from smiling. My stomach hurts from laughing, and I can’t stop thinking about how we’re getting to experience this milestone together.

EIGHTY-FIVE

GRANT

FEBRUARY, THIS SEASON

Italy is a dream.

Being on the Olympic team is everything I thought it would be and more. The Opening Ceremony was electric. We’ve been putting in good prep work to get ready for our first game next week, and Hannah is about to compete in the figure skating finals for a medal.

I find a spot in the ice-skating arena and wave to Coach Saunders who jogs my way from the VIP entrance.

“Hey,” I say. “I was worried you were going to miss her performance.”

“I was stuck doing an interview with NBC. There are too many responsibilities as a head coach.” He shrugs off his coat and pulls at his collar. “At least the media training I did with Piper makes talking to reporters more tolerable.”

“It’s about time you don’t stare someone down when they hold a microphone in front of you.” I snort. “I saw Hannah and gave her the gift you had for her. Do I want to know what it is, or will it make me throw up?”

“A ribbon.” Brody smirks. “Is that a problem for you?”

“Not at all, and I’m going to pretend it has a singular function of only going in her hair.” I scowl. “Don’t ruin hair accessories for me, man.”

“How is she feeling?” he asks, wiping his palms on his joggers.

I bet he’s as anxious as I am. My heart is about to leap out of my throat, and I’m afraid to watch Hannah’s routine. She’s been working her ass off the last two years to get to this point after recovering from her burnout. I know medals aren’t everything, but it would be really fucking cool to see her stand on that podium after the journey she’s been on.

From a retired figure skater to the comeback girl, a good score in tonight’s free skating program would solidify her dominance in the sport.

“Nervous, but ready. She’s been waiting for this,” I say.

Hannah’s name is announced, and the crowd cheers. The music starts, and she’s perfect from the very beginning. Precise, poised. Chin up, arms elongated. I grab Brody’s hand when she lands her first jump, wanting to scream.

“If she gets this quadruple Axel right, she’ll be the second skater to land one in competition,” I whisper.

“Hush. I’m trying to channel good energy,” he whispers when she takes off. “Come on, baby.”

I hold my breath as she sets up her entry. She lifts off the ice and I count each rotation, nearly jumping out of my seat when she finishes the sequence upright.

“Oh my fucking god. She did it. SHE DID IT,” I whisper-shout, shaking Brody’s shoulders.

The music ends, and we’re both on our feet. We look like total idiots whistling and jumping up and down as Hannah curtsies for the judges and waves to the crowd, but I know neither of us give a shit.

“What do you think?” Brody asks. “I hate how goddamn subjective the scoring is.”

“Has to be good enough for a bronze. No one else is going to try that move. That was a risk, and it paid off.”

Her score is announced, and the points are high enough to put her in position for at least a silver medal. I finally relax as we make our way down to where Hannah is taking a sip of water. I let her and Brody have a few minutes together, and when I’ve seen enough of their PDA to last a lifetime, I roll my eyes.

“Okay, lovebirds. Can I say hi to my sister?” I ask, and Hannah bursts out laughing. “The room we used to share was covered in figure skating outfits. I deserve at least one hug.”

“Sorry, G.” She slides out of Brody’s hold and squeezes me tight. “The Everett siblings take on the Olympics. Can you believe it?”

“Not at all, and I better see you cheering us on at our first game,” I say.

“I’ll be there.”

Hannah pats my shoulder and pulls away. Her attention moves to another skater who stops to talk to her and I yawn, tired after a long day. My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I frown at Maverick’s name on the screen.