"I know, but Levi can’t take another hit after last season’s scandal. It almost broke him, Sadie. Why do you think you’re on leave? He’s worried about his people being okay, healthy, happy…" Alex’s voice cracks as she trails off. "It was Jeremy’s mom, Evelyn Green."
I type her name into my social media app, nodding as soon as her picture populates. "Yep, that’s who I assumed. Do you still have access to my email?"
"Yeah, why?"
"She has a folder." I set my computer on the bed next to me. "Classic helicopter enabler if you ask me. Look through the folder, and if you’re still concerned, I’ll do some digging."
Alex hisses as the echo of her fingers clacking computer keys rattles through the phone.
"Is this bitch for real?"
"Yep." Burrowing down beneath my quilt, my stomach unknots. I was worried for half a second. But I know for a fact that Evelyn Green only cares about one thing—letting everyone know her son is the best. She was furious when Cooper was chosen as our first spotlight, and I’ve been ding-donged by her almost daily since. She’ll say anything—threatenanything—to nab the honor for her son.
"Thanks, Sadie. I’ll handle it."
"Of course. You know I could come back now, if you need me…" My heart thumps at the words, but for the first time in forever it’s not with excitement. It’s with hesitancy, like I’m ready but also not at all.
"No, we’re good. I hope you’re having fun, taking this leave seriously."
"It was worth a shot. But yeah, I am."
"Good. Talk to you soon."
"Bye, Alex."
The phone clicks off, and I strip the earbuds out. This is the thing I should be focusing on. I should be spending my free time making sure I can hit the ground running when I return.
A sense of relief hits me. While talking to her is a reminder that I’ve all but forgotten the rink for the last few days, it’s also the first time that I haven’t felt unsure about my status there. When I arrived in Mage Hollow, I didn’t know if Levi would take me back. Now, after gaining a bit of perspective, I’m confident he will. Maybethat’sthe progress he was hoping to see.
I wish I could tell him, share the epiphany… but his fiancée just snuck out to chat with me. I refuse to be the one who wakes him. So instead, I text Max.
Guess what?
Max
Is this a dream?
What?
Max
It’s 6:16… AM!
Whoops! I sort of forgot how early it was.
Sorry! Call me when you wake up. I have news.
Max
Tell me in person? At 10 when I pick you up to go to Zarichny’s?
The flower farm?
Max
It's a whole thing. I’m going back to sleep.
(thumbs up*)