Nola Scott

Friday had come too soon.

The time from when I landed on Stockholm soil to now couldn't have gone any quicker. We had two days of practice and now it was almost time to hit the big stage. I had been a nervous wreck since getting here. My family got in yesterday, helping me ease some of the panic. Seeing my siblings here to support me helped the most.

For a couple of hours, they helped take my mind off today. That only lasted so long. When I got back to my hotel room, I was in pure panic mode. Ember not texting me back wasn't helping either. First Miles, now her? I had no idea what was going on. The only person who seemed to answer me was JT.

He told me Ember had been ignoring him too. She was probably on one of her antisocial sprees. Why she picked two days before the biggest day of my career to do it, I have no idea. Surprisingly, I slept like a baby last night. I did my before-competition day rituals and made sure my head was on my pillow in time for me to get a full eight hours.

Melatonin helped with that.

When my eyes opened this morning, I felt a sense of serenity. My nerves from the day before seemed to be gone. It was weird, but I tried not to think much about it. This was a good thing. I needed a clear head to be able to function today.

I had received plenty of more texts today and my heart skipped beats when I noticed Ember had reached out.

Ember: getting over a slump. i love you so much, nola. you're going to smash it later! ill be watching <3

Her words made me smile. I hearted the message just like I did the others. The fact that Miles still had not reached out made me queasy. We had been talking about this day for so long and now that we're here, he's silent.

Before I got in my head about a man not texting me, I took a deep breath.

Today is your big day.
Don't let anything other than figure skating come first in your head.
Focus. Focus. Focus.

Coach Laurel and I were back in the waiting/locker room area. I hadn't gone out to the other side yet but I heard the chatter of the people out there. The house was fuller than most of my competitions.

Once I stepped foot into the arena, it was like all of my nerves and emotions had been waiting for me inside this building. My hands began to get damp and chills touched every inch of my skin. This was it. In just a couple of hours, I was going to find out whether or not I was going to be on the Olympic team.

Team freaking USA.

I had been dreaming of this for years and years and I was getting my shot today. The emotions were getting the best of me. I started thinking about all the teams I had been in, all the people I had met, and all the blood, sweat, and tears I had put into this sport.

All of that brought me to today.

Nola Scott, an American figure skater, that nobody knew. My name had been talked about a little more now that I was competing today but no one really knew what to expect from me. I wasn't like Mei and Karington who had been training for this competition for years. Their whole life goal was to be on the Olympic team while I had been lucky enough to have Laurel as my coach.

She was once a star on the ice meaning she had the most connections. Coach Laurel had coached several Olympic athletes in the past and she was trying to make me her next one. I didn't want to fail her because she wanted this for me as much as I did.

Relaxing music plays through my pink headphones, the ones Miles had gifted me for my birthday. It's nearing ten and the competition would start soon. I was number 25 out of 37 competitors today so I had time to blow.

Weirdly I wished I could compete sooner. That way I could just get it over with. Now I have to wait another couple of hours until my turn. Mei was number 15 and Karington was 19.

The anxiety was eating me up at this point but I was trying to focus on the positives. So many positive things could come out of today even if it doesn't go perfectly. Being on a stage this big gives me so many opportunities that I never had before. I have one goal today but not completing it won't be the end of the world.

A shaky breath escapes my lips as Coach Laurel approaches me with a smile on her face. I carefully take off my bulky headphones and set them on the bench next to me. "You look so beautiful, Nola," she says, lifting my chin with her hand. A small smile curves onto my lips.

My hair is slicked back in a bun and I tried to keep my makeup minimum but did a little bit of blue shadow to match my dress. I certainly feel pretty. Figure skating makes me feel that way a lot. More than anything else.

"Thanks, Coach," I say, my voice coming out shaky from all the nerves. "Hey, you'll be okay. We have time. Just relax, okay? You can watch the show on your phone if you want. I sent you the link," she tells me, winking before walking off. We already had our talk earlier. I almost bawled when she was telling me how proud of me she was.

Luckily, I was able to keep my composure.

Watching her walk away, I thought about her words. I don't think I wanted to watch the competition. Maybe I'd watch Mei and Karington's performance. I'm sure Coach Laurel would come and tell me when they were going to perform.

I picked up my headphones and again, put them over my ears once more. For the rest of my time, I decided to relax and repeat affirmations to myself in my head. It was hard to sit still now but I had to do it.

Soon, I'd be on that ice. Hopefully, I would put my name out in the figure skating world. I would finally be someone. That excites me more than a lot of things too.

So as I lay my head against the wall next to me, I close my eyes and just think about every single positive possibility.

***

It felt like I had just closed my eyes two seconds ago. In reality, two hours had passed. I swear from the moment I opened my eyes to now felt like ten seconds.

Coach Laurel had woken me up because Viktoriya Mikhailova was going on the ice in the next ten minutes. She was the performer before me and I had to warm up after she was off the practice ice. I took it easy during those ten minutes but I felt my nerves eating me up. Coach gave me one last pep talk and then we were waiting in the waiting tunnel for my turn.

She left to go make sure that my music was ready to go so I was all by myself. Minus the security dude standing awkwardly in the corner. I could still hear the chatter of the people in the stands but they all faded into mush in my brain. All I was thinking about was not fucking this up.

I had performed at figure skating competitions my whole life but this was the big one. The one I had watched on TV every year, hoping that one day I'd be there. This was the pinnacle point in my career. It was hard for me to even believe that my skates would be touching this ice. There are so many amazing performers who would likely make their country's Olympic team, touch this ice before me.

How crazy was that? Hopefully, I'd join them.

A hand on my shoulder took me away from my thoughts. When I turned to the side, Coach Laurel stood next to me again. "Ready, girl?" she says. My heart pumped faster at her words and while my vocal cords failed me, I nodded. "Let's go," she whispered. Somehow, my body was able to move in the direction of the ice.

I could feel the thump of my heartbeat in my ears and it was so loud that it faded out all the noise behind me.

"Nola," Coach Laurel said, stopping me in my tracks. "This is your moment to shine, but remember, it's just another rink with ice. Skate like you always do." My response was another nod and despite all my nerves, her words instilled a calmness in me. That was our last exchange before I turned and entered the ice.

I couldn't help but feel the icy chill in the pit of my stomach as I stood on the edge of the rink, the iconic Ericsson Globe Arena looming large around me. This was it – the moment I had been dreaming of ever since I laced up my first pair of skates. No one knew who I was. Yet. It was time to make my debut on the Worlds stage.

As the adrenaline coursed through my veins, I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, reminding myself of the countless hours of training that had brought me to this point.

With Coach Laurel's words in mind, I glided onto the ice for my short program.

The spotlight was blinding, but I took a moment to acknowledge the cheering crowd, searching the sea of people for my family. When I couldn't find them in about two seconds, I decided to focus. They know the support I rely on them comes from their silence. There's no shouting in figure skating. Clapping only occurs when I do something amazingly like land a difficult jump. As much as I'd like to know where they are, I decided to just take a deep breath as my routine begins.

The opening strains of my music, a beautiful melody, filled the arena.

The opening element of my routine is a layback spin, a move that showcases my flexibility and control. I try and draw the audience in with the ethereal quality of my movements, extending my arm gracefully overhead while my free leg points upwards. The music grew larger, and I transitioned seamlessly into a triple-loop jump, launching myself into the air with all the strength I could muster.

As I landed the triple loop, I felt the perfect connection between my skates and the ice. Coach Laurel thought I should start my routine with a more difficult jump and so I did. It took me long to perfect it. The triple loop was a jump that I had trouble successfully landing a lot of the time. Relief flooded me knowing I landed it on the most important day.

I moved into a combination spin, executing it almost perfectly. Each spin, each twirl, was a testament to the countless hours of training that I had dedicated myself to. I heard the claps over my music after all my executions. It boosted me to keep doing what I was doing.

My footwork that followed was demanding, a series of crossovers and mohawks where I tried showcasing my control. I let the music guide me, and I surrendered to its rhythm, my body moving in perfect harmony with the melody. It felt like I was alone in the room, no noise but the music in my ears.

As I approached the midpoint of my routine, all my practice and skill had paid off so far. The music crescendoed, and I flowed into a sequence of jumps. A double axel, a triple flip, and a triple salchow. I stumbled on the triple flip and fell on my knees after the triple salchow. My heart dropped to my stomach but I got up and kept going anyway.

There was time to improve. My routine wasn't over yet.

As I approached the final moments of my performance, I focused on doing every single thing right. My choreography went by smoothly with just one stumble. The anxiety started to build up in me again when my program started coming to an end. Finally, I executed my last spin, my body arching in a graceful arc, and I held the position for a while.

Soon, my music slowly faded to an end.

The crowd erupted into applause and it was so loud, it took me back a bit. It was then that I noticed my family up in the crowd, supporting me like always. Mom was showing the most excitement out of everyone. She had always been my number one fan.

I took my final bow with a smile of relief on my face and left the ice knowing that I had given everything I had to offer. It wasn't perfect but I tired.

God, I really tried so hard.

Coach Laurel, with a knowing smile, greeted me as soon as I got off the ice. "You did amazing out there, Nola! I'm so proud of you." My smile hadn't faded yet. Unlike my other competitions, we wouldn't know the scores until after everyone finished their short programs. While that made me worry, I tried not to think too much about it.

"Thank you," I said in a breathy tone. Despite doing this routine full out a thousand times, I was still always catching my breath afterward. "Go get some water really quick and then meet me at our place in the back." Coach tapped my shoulders, giving me one last hug before letting me go.

I walked back with my hands on my hips, catching my breath. There was a long empty hall that separated the ice and where the skaters were. It was quiet and the only sound I heard was my uneven breathing.

There was no denying that my routine wasn't perfect.

I fell.
I actually fell.

The triple salchow was a jump I had perfected over a year ago. But my stumble from the triple flip had set me up for failure. My eyes started to water at the thought of it. I fucked it all up.

"Scott, we gotta figure out how to stop running into each other."

At first, I thought I was hallucinating that voice. It felt like my heart had picked itself back up from my stomach and started beating again. Thousands of emotions were triggered in me and I didn't want to turn around in fear that it was all in my head.

But like the masochist I am, my body turned back around.

Six foot three, dark hair, and damned gray eyes stood about fifty feet away from me. He looked so beautiful that it still felt like a dream. Though I knew it wasn't. This was real life.

He was here.

"Miles?!" Still in shock but too damn excited to contain myself, I ran as fast as I could until I reached him. Once I did, I threw my arms around his neck and jumped. He held onto my lower back with his arm, holding my weight up. "Oh my god, what are you doing here?" I asked.

My heart was thumping a million miles a minute. He smelled amazing, his woody masculine scent hitting my nostrils. Whatever that cologne was, I wanted it all over the place so I could smell it 24/7. Why did I have to be so attracted to this man?

"I came to see you, Scott. You did fucking amazing, I'm sure you're gonna make it to the top 24," he said confidently, holding the back of my head with his free hand. I almost cried just then. He believed in me so much. I could just see it in the way he looked at me now. The way he's been voicing to me how great I was going to do. I'm sure he saw my mess up, it was clear as day. Yet he still believes in me.

"I mess-" He cut me off before I could even get my sentence out. "That was the best I've ever seen you. It was great. The people around us kept asking who you were. My eyes weren't the only ones you caught, Scott." I looked into his gray eyes when he said that. Oh, those damned eyes.

So beautiful and familiar.

"I couldn't have done this without you," I admit, my voice coming out in a whisper. Miles shakes his head and I just realize he's still carrying my body with his forearm. "You did this. You're an amazing athlete, Nola. It's gonna pay off for you. Don't put any of your accomplishments on me. You did this all on your own."

Just when I thought I couldn't fall anymore for the guy.

I've been trying to hold back these strong feelings for weeks. No matter how hard I try to push them away, they just can't escape me. It's like every time he opens his mouth, my feelings grow stronger. His face being this beautiful also doesn't help my case. I let out a breathy sigh.

Our eyes never leave each other and the world stops. Suddenly, we're back at the hotel balcony.
The moment before our almost kiss.

A throat clearing has Miles setting me on the ground and the both of us turning in the direction.

My family stands a couple of feet away from Miles and I. "You. Did. Amazing!" Mom yelps, throwing her arms around me. I hug her back and notice my dad and brothers staring past me. Kiersten on the other hand joins in on the girl hug. When we pull away, everyone's eyes turn to the man behind me.

Oh, God.

I finally have to explain this whole situation to my parents. They know nothing about the friendship Miles and I share. I've been mute about the whole thing up until... now, I guess.

"Guys, this is Miles. You remember Miles right? Brooks, Kayc?" I stutter, my voice coming out a bit higher pitched than usual. "Yeah! How's it going, man?" Brooks says, walking up to greet him. Thank God. He saved some of the awkwardness. Miles greets my family, introducing himself to Foster and Kiersten whom he had not met yet.

Dad hasn't said a word, not even to me, giving Miles the dad stare. Mom looks at him worriedly. "Oh my god, there you are!" Another familiar voice says from behind us. My heart starts to beat a lot faster again but more from excitement than nerves. "Why did you leave me behind like that? I got lost!" My best friend exclaims at Miles.

"Em?" I say into a chuckle. Her attention shifts to me when she hears my voice. She breaks out into a squeal before jumping into my arms. "You did so so so so amazing!" she yells as she sways me back and forth in a hug. Both her and Miles showed up in Stockholm even after I thought they wouldn't be here.

"How are you here?" I question. She turns to look at Miles, her face flushing slightly. That's all the answer I needed. He brought her with him. He continued to pull me in and now, I was truly terrified. "Are you my last surprise?" I say, glancing around. "Sadly, the kid couldn't join us. But he's watching back home," Miles replies.

As much as I wished JT could have made it out, seeing two of my friends here is more than enough. I try not to get emotional again and pull them both into a hug. "You don't know how much this means to me guys," I admit. My hands still shake from all the nerves.

Ember greets my family after the three of us pull apart. Miles stands awkwardly behind me as my dad continues to give him a look. I know he's just being protective over me but I'm shocked he is since the last time I mentioned Miles, it wasn't in a good way and Dad was taking his side in a way.

Brooks and Kayce were the only ones who knew I was still in contact with Miles but I'm sure they weren't opening their mouths about it to Mom and Dad. Mom is more chill than Dad right now but that's because she trusts me. Still, I'm sure she'll have questions for me later.

I thank my parents and siblings for coming and they return to their seats. Miles and Em stick around me for a little longer until Miles leaves to go find a bathroom, telling Em he'll meet her back at the bleachers. Finally, when he's gone, my best friend looks at me with the slyest look on her face. "What?" I question.

"I actually didn't get that lost earlier but I let you two have your moment if you know what I mean." Ember winks, that smirk still on her face. My cheeks flush slightly at her words. "You saw that?" I question. By that, I mean me jumping into Miles' arms like a crazy person. I'm just thankful he didn't throw me off of him when he got the first chance to.

Em nods in response. "Oh yeah. Heard everything too. Sorry for eavesdropping, I couldn't help it," she shrugs, "he's in love, Nola." That second sentence she says more in a whisper despite nobody being around. Just when I thought my cheeks couldn't get any redder. I smack her arm lightly. "Don't say that, Em!" I whisper shout from embarrassment.

She giggles mischievously. "Oh please, how do you not see it yet? How many sweet gestures has this man done for you and you're not even his girlfriend yet? He's the one who came over and asked me to come to Stockholm with him. Miles has been planning on coming to see you here for a long time, you just didn't know it," she explains.

He has?
Oh gosh. He's missing games being here!

Panic sets in and I think Ember notices because she places a reassuring hand around my arm. "He cares that much, Nola. Trust me he didn't even seem that phased to miss his games. Plus, JT's got it tomorrow."

Hockey is his job. It's the one thing he's the most passionate about. I've known Miles since about when the season started. It's been refreshing being around an athlete who cares about his sport so much. We've talked about what figure skating and hockey mean to us so I know just how much his job means to him.

The fact that he was willing to miss two games for me is unfathomable. I can't believe it. Ember's words linger in my head. He's in love. There is no way that man can feel an ounce of what I feel for him. It may not be love but... it's something strong. I'm sure he cares about me, that I don't doubt. Like Em said, he's done a lot for me.

But based on our past in the romance area... I just don't think he feels the same way. It's hard to see how he really feels sometimes. I thought I was good at hiding my feelings but boy, Miles is an expert at it. Most of the time, I can't tell if he's upset about something unless he tells me he is. He's a tough cookie to break.

Nodding, I pull her in for a hug one more time. "I'm glad you're here, Em." She embraces me back tightly. "Me too. You did so well, please don't get into your head about those falls. I've been watching everyone's performance and maybe one person has been close to perfect. That performance has given you so many opportunities already, I just know it."

My eyes start tearing up again. Yep, I'm so thankful Miles brought her here. "Thanks, Em. I love you so much." I mean it. She's like a second sister to me. "I love you more." When we pull apart her eyes are reddened like mine but she smiles. "I'm gonna go find, Miles. We'll meet up again after the results?" she asks. "Yeah. I'll come find you guys."

Em gives me one last hug before she leaves. I watch her walk away and think about how lucky I am to have her in my life. She's been with me through a lot of things and vice versa. Her words calm something in me and I take a deep breath before walking off to get a drink.

***

Coach Laurel was waiting for me with the other girls representing the US. They complimented me on my performance and I gave them the same respect back despite not seeing them perform. I'm sure they did amazing. I've seen both of their programs before.

"Everyone should be done performing in about an hour and then the results should come not long after," Coach tells me. I nod, placing my skates in my bag in the meantime. My feet hurt from how tight I tied them and can feel the blisters that are going to form soon.

The wait from the time my short program ended to when the results were going to be posted went by too quickly. Ten minutes before results were announced, all the women who performed today went back out, congregating around the women from their county. Mei, Karington, and I all sat next to each other. I wish I could be alone right now.

Well not alone but with only my coach. The girls sitting next to me are my competition despite representing the same country. My hands are under my thighs as my feet tap against the ground impatiently. There's chatter coming from everywhere and I scan the arena. My family, Miles, and Ember are out of sight. Too many people fill the seats to find them but I try to think about everyone's words from earlier.

The support from them was the only thing saving my sanity right now.

"It's time." Coach Laurel's voice caught me off guard.

Everything in my life had led up to this point. All the early mornings, late nights, competitions, sacrifices, the big falls, the small falls, the wins, the losses. Every single thing had brought me today. Despite the outcome of today, there would be countless opportunities for me. Coach Laurel told me so. Miles did too. This was only the beginning of my professional career. I just wanted it so badly.

"Here are the top 24 spots of the 2044 World Figure Skating Championships who will advance to free skate on March 26th," the announcer's voice spoke dryly through the speakers. I physically felt my heart stop and my body freeze. The only thing that moved was my eyes as I scanned the names from top to bottom.

Cheers and cries were heard all around before I could even finish scanning the list. Once I did, my shoulders hunched forward and I let out what felt like my first breath in hours.

I didn't place.

Mei and Karington celebrated next to me, getting 12th and 21st place respectfully. "I'm sorry Nola, this isn't the end though. You know that," Coach Laurel conceded, rubbing my back in circular motions. I tried not to overreact. She was right. I had another chance later this year. But that thought didn't stop the tears from flowing because right now? I felt like I had failed.

Hot tears slipped from my eyes and I covered my face with my hands. Coach Laurel picked me up and led me to the back, away from all the commotion. She kept whispering things to me but I blocked her out. After my performance, I only thought about all the mistakes I had made for a short second because Miles appearing out of nowhere interrupted my thoughts.

Then everyone started telling me how great I did which led me to believe that I did but I didn't. I really didn't. It wasn't my best performance. Some of my practice full-outs were better than what I did today. It was heart-wrenching. All the effort that I had put in didn't lead to success.

It felt like someone was squeezing my heart with all their force. Hot tears continued to drop from my eyes. I was embarrassed that I was crying but my strong emotions didn't let me stop. A couple of minutes later, I felt another hand on my back. "Oh, babe."

When I look up momentarily, I see my mom's face. She brings me into her arms and I hug her quickly, crying into her shoulder. Even though I can't see, Dad sits behind me and rubs my back. They both let me cry and don't say a word. I feel like I'm nine years old again, losing a competition and having my parents comfort me when I cry.

The only difference now was that this competition was one of the biggest ones. It was my chance to take my nine-year-old dream and run away with it. Yet, I failed. It didn't work out for me as hard as I tried to make it work.

When I look up, Mom and Dad stare at me worriedly. Kayce and Brooks sit next to Dad but both stand when they see me finally lift my head. The two of them stand in front of me and Brooks grabs my hand to pull me up. As much as I don't want to, he's gotten a lot stronger so his force pulls me up like nothing.

My brothers both hug me and I'm shocked that Kayce is showing me some brotherly love. Usually, he doesn't like to be touched. Hugging isn't his thing so I take advantage of feeling both of my little brothers showing me comfort. "You did really good, Nola. Don't let this bring you down, sister," Brooks concedes, rubbing my back.

"Agreed. Those judges obviously aren't educated in good skating. You danced better than anyone here," Kayc adds. My heart warms at both of their words. It's hard to get a compliment out of my oldest, little brother so I smile a bit despite feeling like absolute crap. We pull away and Brooks uses his thumb to wipe I'm guessing makeup from under my eye. "You definitely did."

I lay my head on Brooks, absolutely exhausted. I'm glad my family came because I don't know what I would do if they weren't here. The outcome of today is what I feared but having them here makes it somewhat easier. I look past Mom and Dad, my eyes landing on Miles and Ember.

My best friend talks to my shy little brother and he has a slight flush on his face. Next to them, Miles is intensively listening to my sister as she talks about God knows what with so much passion. Mom turns her head to look at where my gaze focuses on and laughs. "What is she going on about?" dad questions.

"Looks serious," Brooks teases. "Can we leave now?" I ask no one in particular. Being here is making me feel like I can't breathe. My eyes catch a glimpse of Mei and Karington. They both have smiles on their face as they talk to their coaches. Crap.

Instead of congratulating them, I ran off to cry. I'm happy for both of them. They deserved it. "Give me a second." I excuse myself and walk over to where Mei and Karington are with their coaches and Coach Laurel. "Congratulations girls," I say sincerely. "Nola, you did really well. We were sure you were going advance to free skate," Mei says and Karington nods in agreement.

Shrugging my shoulders, I sigh. "It's okay. You girls deserved it." Karington gives me a weak smile. "Try Nebelhorn. We'd love to have you compete with us next winter," she says. "You would kill Nebelhorn and you have more time to prepare." They both encourage.

The CS Nebelhorn Trophy was another qualifying competition for the Winter Olympics. This wasn't my only opportunity but somehow it felt like it was. Looking at another rink right now would just bring me to tears. I'd think about going through with that another day. My emotions were too high right now.

"We'll see what happens. Congratulations again girls, I'll see you soon hopefully." We say our goodbyes and Coach Laurel wraps her arm around my shoulder as she walks with me toward the back again. "I'm proud of you, okay? You don't have to think about Nebelhorn right now. Take your time to reflect and get back to me."

Her words bring out another sigh from me and the question I've been wanting to ask lingers in my brain. "Where did I place?" My voice comes out in a shaky breath. Coach looks at me for a long time before she says anything. "25th." I audibly wince.

One place.
One place away from 24th.
Once place away from making it to free skate.

I don't bother asking how many points away because if it's close, that'll just kill me. Knowing that if I had landed that jump, things would have looked different for me. "You were so so close. This is a good thing. Many coaches have come up to me and asked who you are. You impressed many today, Nola. Regardless of the outcome, you should be proud of yourself."

Despite all the positive things escaping her mouth, I can't help but still feel sad. I only nod at her words. She hugs me tightly one last time before letting me go. When I turn around, the first person I see is Miles. My heart starts to beat quickly. We haven't spoken since after my performance. I'm about to walk over to him when my dad steps in front of me, covering my view of the hockey player.

"Ready, kid?" he asks. I nod. "Just give me a second, Dad." He grabs my arm and steps in front of me again when I try to get past him, toward Miles. "What is he doing here?" Dad questions in a firm voice. I look up at him and he holds a concerned look. The last time Miles came up in a conversation with my parents, I told them I didn't know him.

It's been a while since then and that's obviously changed.
A lot has changed since then.

"He's my friend," I say in a whisper. Dad's dark brows pull together. "Friend? I thought you hated the guy," he replies. I sigh. "You know how dramatic I can be. It's all resolved now. We're good friends." My answer doesn't calm him though. He looks at me like he's trying to figure out if I'm telling the truth.

I am.
Miles and I are only friends.
Even though I don't want t-

"Isn't he 24?" Dad interjects. "Yes, and?" I ask, annoyed at his interrogation. "What does he want with a nineteen-year-old?" I rip my arm away from his hold. "Dad. It's not that big of a deal. We're just friends. Don't make this weird and something that it's not," I retort. He turns his head to look at Miles, I'm assuming. "Dad!" I whisper shout.

He looks back at me. "Can you leave with us? Your mom and I," he asks. "Yeah, just give me a second, please." I basically beg him. Dad looks at me for a long while, "Fine." His voice is tight. He leaves me be, returning to wherever my family waits for me. When my dad moved out of the way, Miles still stood there waiting for me.

I walk over to him slowly and a small, weak smile pulls at his lips. "Hi," I whisper. "Hey, Scott." Hearing him call me 'Scott' makes me feel more than one thing. Ugh, I missed him. Not even caring about who's around, I close the space between us, wrapping my arms around his strong torso. I feel his body tighten for just a second but he relaxes himself and wraps an arm around my neck.

"Tired?" he asks. His heart thumps rapidly against my head and I bask in his smell. Familiarity is what I need right now. "Tell me," I say, ignoring his question. I rest my chin on his chest and look up at him. His gray eyes find mine and his eyes flit around my face. "Tell you what?" he asks. "That I did terrible today. That I fucked up my chances at being an Olympian."

If anyone is going to be honest with me, it's Miles.

"I'm not telling you that, Scott."
"Why not?"
"I'm not going to lie to you."
"You wouldn't be lying."
"You know I would."

I sigh deeply and lay my head back on his chest. "Why can't anybody be honest with me?" Miles stays quiet for a couple of beats before moving back a bit. I look up at him and he looks down at me. "Want me to be honest with you?" he questions, brow raised. "Yes please," I beg.

He nods. "You didn't do perfect. You made mistakes. You tripped. You even fell right on your ass. Those mistakes led to why you didn't advance to free skate." Ouch. Why did I want the truth, again?

"But you danced amazingly, Nola. Your choreography was sick. The jumps you did land were executed well. I'm not lying when I tell you everyone around Ember and I was asking who you were. They're more knowledgeable on the sport than I am and I heard them say they've never seen anyone perform choreo better than that. Even a couple of performances later they were talking about you."

I let out another shaky breath. "Really?"

"Really. You still have time and many more opportunities waiting for you. Don't get in your head. It happened. It's over. You can't do anything about it anymore. So as soon as you leave these two doors, don't even think about it anymore. Your career has just begun, you're gonna do amazing things with it. I promise," he says.

The only way I know how to respond is by hugging him again. His warm breath on my neck sends shivers down my spine. The times like this remind me of what our relationship used to be like. The times when I called him selfish or narcissistic. He's far from both of those words.

Miles is one of the kindest guys I've ever met. He's proven to me numerous times that he cares about me and would do things that not a lot of other people would do. Sure we've had our downs but none of them matter because of everything we've built since then.

It's crazy how people come into your life one day and you think nothing of it then eventually they end up becoming so important. Now, I can't imagine a life without the guy. Our rocky start turned into one of the best friendships I've ever had.

"Thanks for coming and bringing Ember along." I don't forget to mention the sweet gesture he did for my bestie. He chuckles. "She was good company for a 13-hour flight," he replies. I pull away and look at him. "What did she do? Or say?" I question. She wouldn't betray me by telling him I like him...right?

"She was just being Ember. My comment wasn't sarcastic, I've just never been with the girl longer than an hour before," he tells me. I'm trying to think of how that plane ride went and all I'm imagining is the situation at hand earlier with Miles and my baby sister. I laugh, remembering that. "What was my sister talking to you about earlier?" I ask curiously.

A smile pulls at his lips. "She was going into town on those judges. Thinks you should have won first place. Sweet girl," he explains. I can't help but laugh again. My little sis is a sweet girl, shy too. But once you start talking to her, she won't stop talking. She's also very passionate about certain things and will babble for hours if you let her. Knowing she has my back makes my heart burst with joy.

"Your family is great. You should be grateful," he adds. I smile. I'm feeling more than grateful for them today. Without them, I wouldn't have made it through this day. That includes Miles and Ember as well. "Always grateful for my day ones. When are you and Em planning on leaving?" I ask.

Since I didn't advance to free skate, I decided to travel back with my parents. Aunt Monet let my family use her private jet to travel over here so we're able to leave whenever we please. "I bought us a one-way just because I didn't know when we'd be going back but hopefully we can catch a flight by tomorrow or tonight even," he tells me.

"Come with us," I blurt out. His brows furrow together but he doesn't say anything. "My parents are using my aunt's private jet. You and Ember can come with us, I'm sure they wouldn't mind. Save your money," I tell him. "You sure?" he asks questionably. "My parents aren't going to say no."

Before he can say anything else, I grab his arm and start leading him toward the exit where my parents and Em are waiting for us.