Chapter 19: Forty-Eight Counts, and Then Some

Four hours separated the rhythm dance from the free dance.

The longest four hours of Nadia's life.

She stretched.

Reviewed notes.

Called her mother.

Tried not to panic.

"You look nervous," Dominic observed.

"I am nervous."

"Good."

"Stop saying that."

"No."

She laughed despite herself.

That was Dominic's secret talent.

Making impossible situations feel manageable.

Eventually the announcement came.

Final warm-up.

Final skate.

Final chance.

"Ready?" Dominic asked.

Nadia looked at him.

The answer felt surprisingly easy.

"Yeah."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Good."

Together they stepped toward the ice.

Not as strangers.

Not as temporary partners.

But as something neither had found the courage to define yet.