Chapter 43: Rinkmates: Chapter 43

My blades slice the ice, heart pounding as Aiden and I glide into our starting positions. We made it to the second round of the finals, but at the cost of saying goodbye to Priya. Tears streamed down our faces as we hugged her tight before she left to go sit with her parents and family in the audience.

The music begins and we launch into our routine. Pain shoots through my ankle on the landings, but I grit my teeth, determined to prove I deserve to be here. As I approach the triple axel, my pulse races.

One, two, three rotations and I land, not perfect but standing. A wave of thunderous applause rises from the audience, a chorus of cheers and clapping hands blending together. We strike our final pose and grin out at the sea of faces—and my heart stops. Riley is there in the front row, holding up a sign: i love liora james.

Our eyes lock as the cameras find Riley and I notice Ethan and Nina cheering next to him.

“Three perfect tens!” the judges boom.

Aiden and I hug, but as soon as we’re cued to leave the ice, I skate to the edge of the rink and Riley sweeps me up, twirling me around as his lips meet mine.

“You were amazing,” he whispers between kisses.

“I can’t believe you actually came,” I say, still stunned. “Did you win?”

“No,” he admits and my stomach drops. “But it’s okay. You’re my real trophy.”

My smile falters for a moment, but then I realize he’s messing with me. I give him a playful smack. “Don’t you dare lie about winning the Stanley Cup ever again!”

He laughs, spinning me around once more with a grin. “We fucking won, baby!”

I kick my feet in excitement. “I just can’t believe you came.” He’s just won the Stanley Cup, and yet he came straight to me.

I turn to Nina. “You were right. Deep down he really is sweet.” The sweetest actually.

“Well, you two, be prepared to celebrate big time tonight once Lia snags her trophy,” he says, winking at me.

The break flies by in a blur of nerves before they call us onstage for the audience vote. Clinging to Aiden’s hand, I stare up at the screen, hardly breathing. The countdown begins.

Ten.

Nine.

Eight.

I hold my breath.

Seven.

Six.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

Suddenly, Aiden’s and my face appears on the screen and the scream stifles in my throat. We won. We won! Within seconds, Riley hoists me into the air, tears of joy streaming down my face as he whirls me around. I did it. I really did it. Five years ago, I thought I’d lost everything…but now, I have the money for the house and law school.

As the celebration on stage winds down, Riley leans close to my ear. “Hey, I’m inviting the whole crew and production team to the Falcons’ victory after-party. You ready to go?”

I nod eagerly, my heart still pounding from the excitement as I look up at him. Gently, I touch his cheek, relishing the pure joy in his eyes. “I love you,” I whisper.

He kisses me softly. “I love you too.”

Being part of this show turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me. Yes, it was tough and painful, but it saved my life. Things won’t be perfect right away, but Riley has promised to support every decision I make and to stand by my side. I still want to take things slow and spend time alone with Rory first, as he needs his mom right now and I need my kid. Once we’re settled and healing, I’ve agreed to let Riley into our lives more. I’m ready to give happiness a chance, even if it means taking baby steps.

I deserve to be happy.

We make our way offstage when a familiar voice stops me. “Liora, wait!”

Grace approaches, a genuine smile on her usually stoic face. “Congratulations, truly. You know, you’ve always been too good for this show.” She pauses, as if considering her next words carefully. “Listen, I’d love for you to come back next year as a judge. Help us make some real improvements around here.”

Stunned, I glance at Riley, who gives me an encouraging nod.

“I…Wow, Grace. That’s quite an offer. Can I have some time to think about it?”

“Of course,” Grace replies smoothly. “Enjoy your celebrations tonight. You’ve earned it and I’m sorry. I hope we can talk about everything that went down soon.”

Her hand lands gently on my shoulder, offering a congratulatory squeeze right before she makes her way to Aiden and Ethan.

As she walks away, Riley tugs at my hand. “Look at you, already moving up in the world.”

I laugh, leaning into his strong frame. “I can hardly believe my life. But right now, all I want to do is party the shit out of this night with you and all our friends.”