Chapter 29
EMMIE
My phone buzzed excessively, but I ignored it as I stuffed my ice skates into my duffle bag along with my outfit. My blood was still thrumming from my performance, the high so big that I almost didn’t want to come back down.
My first competition back, and I won.
I heard people say that it came as no surprise, but to me, it did. I’d spent the last few months wondering if coming back was the right choice. If I still had what it took to win.
Today proved that I did.
After that performance, I felt stronger than I ever had before. All these long, hard months of training paid off. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like I actually had a lot more in me.
I slung my duffle bag on my shoulder, taking a quick glance around the room to make sure I had everything. I was impatient to leave. I wanted to celebrate winning the first competition back—and winning it with my boyfriend in attendance, as well as my father.
I was so focused before my routine that I missed the fact Mateo was sitting next to my dad. It wasn’t until I was off the ice that I let it sink in that my dad now knew I was seeing his quarterback.
I guess, in a weird way, my dad being here and learning about the two of us was like ripping off a Band-Aid. Quick and somewhat painful. I felt guilty not being there with Mateo when my dad found out.
Stepping out of the makeshift dressing room, I turned to the left, following the hallway that would eventually lead to the parking lot. I only made it a few steps before a familiar skater came around another corner and walked toward me.
Keira’s platinum blonde hair stuck out like a sore thumb. I didn’t miss the sneer on her face, eyes dipping to the medal hanging on my neck before she quickly masked it. Thank god Erin wasn’t here or this would be a lot worse.
“Nice skating, Emmie.” God, even her nasally voice grated on my nerves. “That program was…interesting. It’s good you found something that works for you.”
“Thanks. I had a lot of fun out there.” I shrugged.
Keira smiled like she expected more, like she was waiting for me to get upset at her dig. I held her gaze, letting the silence stretch a second too long.
“Enjoy your second place medal.”
For a moment, her smile slipped. Barely noticeable, if you weren’t looking for it.
But I was.
By the time she recovered, I was already walking away.
I left Keira behind me with a smug grin. She could make as many digs as she wanted, but I won first place and she didn’t. Not my problem.
I took a right down another hallway, spotting Marcy up ahead talking to another coach. As if sensing I was right there, she ended the conversation and swooped me into another big bear hug. The third one I’d gotten since I stepped off the ice.
“I know I said it already, but I am so proud of you,” Marcy gushed. “You did amazing.”
“Thank you,” I beamed. I truly couldn’t have done any of this without her.
“As we get closer to the Olympic trails, we’ll add more jumps, but as the first competition back, you nailed it,” Marcy continued. The two of us walked side by side toward a double set of doors that led outside.
The medal on my neck softly banged against my chest with each step. It only added to the excitement of the day. I wasn’t one to brag about my wins or wear my medals outside of the arena but today…today I was going to.
Marcy and I stepped outside, the sun hanging low and soft enough to make the heat tolerable. With skating season in full swing and football season kicking up, fall was slowly creeping in, a welcome break from the relentless summer sun. And for once, I was glad for the change.
Three familiar figures loomed ahead as the last remaining fans made their way to their cars. I felt bad making them wait for me to do my interviews before changing, but I was glad they all stuck around.
I heard Erin say my name, causing the others to turn in my direction. The grin that took over Mateo’s face made my heart melt. As he strode toward me, oblivious to anyone else, I left Marcy’s side to meet him halfway.
“Em,” he breathed as his arms wrapped around my back, lifting me off the ground and twirling us in a circle. My arms wrapped tightly around his neck, my head buried into his shoulder as I grinned.
Now this…this was what I’d been waiting for.
“You did amazing. Holy shit.” Mateo gently placed me back on my feet, hands gripping my waist as he pulled back to see my face. “You were indescribable.”
“Yeah?” It felt like my smile was going to split my face in half.
“That was the best thing I have ever witnessed in my life.” Mateo’s blue eyes followed me as he shook his head, like he still couldn’t believe what he’d seen. His hands came up to cup the sides of my face. “I’m so proud of you.”
The kiss he placed on my lips was soft, lingering just long enough to make my chest ache when he pulled away. It was far too short.
“Did I turn you into a super fan now?” My hands rested on his chest, the hard muscles flexing under them.
“Oh, I’m hooked now. Erin and I booed people,” Mateo boasted with a smirk.
“Yes, we did,” Erin said as she came up on the side of us. I detangled myself from Mateo to pull her into a hug. When she stepped back, she had a glint in her eye that I was all too familiar with. “We booed Keira so good people kept shushing us.” Erin looked so proud, and I grinned.
“Did you now?” I looked at Mateo who gave a smug nod as well. I had a feeling these two together were menaces.
“She can’t trip you and get away with it. Not on my watch.” Erin shook her head. “Your boyfriend got bored halfway into her performance.”
“Because it was boring. Can’t believe I had to sit and watch that for three full minutes,” Mateo added. My shoulders shook with laughter, loving every second of this.
“Emmie.” My name was said off to the side, bringing my attention away from my best friend and boyfriend.
My dad stood there, like he wasn’t sure if he should join in, hands in his coat pockets. The fact he came today meant a lot. I hadn’t wanted to put a lot of hope into seeing him in case disappointment followed.
Mateo and Erin stepped back toward Marcy, giving my dad and me a moment. I had completely forgotten Marcy was still here.
“You were incredible, Em Bear.” My old childhood nickname slipped from his lips. Tears pricked the back of my eyes, and I gave him a watery smile. I promised myself I wouldn’t cry, yet here I was.
“Thank you for coming.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it.”
I didn’t let myself overthink it as I wrapped my arms around my dad, his own closing around me. I stayed there, tucked against him, feeling something in my chest slowly start to mend.
My dad squeezed me one last time before dropping his arms. I stepped back and looked at everyone who came to support me today. I couldn’t seem to form any words to express how much it meant.
“Thank you all for coming today,” I finally got out.
“I had a blast,” Mateo said, coming up to wrap his arm around my shoulders and pulling me into his side. When my dad looked at the two of us, Mateo tense dup. “Well…that part aside. Which I have apologized for.”
“Dad, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about us.” When my dad settled his gaze on me, I straightened. “I should have told you sooner but,” I wetted my lips, “I really like Mateo, and who I choose to date is my own decision.”
Standing up to my dad was no easy feat. That intimidating stare was enough to make my knees shake a little.
I wasn’t sure what was said between him and Mateo earlier.
I didn’t know if my dad gave his blessing or not, but I wasn’t going to let him dictate who I was with.
After today, I felt strong enough to stand my ground and go after what I wanted.
I just hope it didn’t hurt the already fragile foundation of our relationship.
He didn’t say anything for a minute, just watched me, like he was still deciding what to feel. When he finally opened his mouth, I braced myself. Mateo’s arm tightened around my shoulder like he was preparing, too.
“I don’t like how I found out. I won’t pretend I do.” He let out a slow breath. “You’re not a kid anymore.” His voice gentled after a beat. “You’re grown. Who you choose—that’s up to you. I may need a minute, but I’ll adjust.”
“So, you’re okay I’m dating Mateo?” I asked just to be sure.
“Okay is a loose term.” He looked at Mateo, then back to me. “But if you’re happy…then I am, too.”
I hadn’t realized just how much I was hoping for my dad to be okay with this until he said it. All the tension leaked from my body as I sagged against Mateo’s side. I shot my dad a grateful smile.
“But that doesn’t mean you can parade around in front of me. Got it?”
“Yes, sir,” Mateo said, chuckling.
“Hey, guys?” Erin suddenly said from behind us.
Mateo and I turned around. “Yeah?”
“I don’t mean to ruin the moment but, uh…has anyone been on their phones lately?” Her brown eyes were wide as she looked up from her phone.
“No, why?” Mateo dropped his arm from around my shoulders, reaching into his pocket for his cell.
“Um…” She looked a little panicked as she stared at me, as if mentally trying to tell me something.
“Shit,” Mateo cursed.
“What? What is it?” I leaned over his arm to get a look, my dad and Marcy stepping closer. Mateo angled his phone for me to see a news headline splattered on social media.
Mateo Boone, star quarterback to the Buffalo Titans, was seen at an unlikely event today—the US Women’s Figure Skating Regionals, which took place here in Buffalo. His attendance was surprising but so is who he was cheering for—Emmie James, daughter to Buffalo’s coach, Reggie James.
Multiple pictures were taken of Mateo Boone there in support of the two-time Olympian, which makes us all wonder…is there something going on with him and the coach's daughter? Our sources tell us the pair is dating.