Page 66 of The Fall

She pats my shoulder. “Just making sure.”

I shake my head, looking for any way to get out of this conversation. “Anyways….”

Mom laughs again. “How’s everything else going? Are you enjoying coaching?”

“Actually, I am. I know you didn’t want me to retire last season, but I think it was the best thing for me. As much as I love skating, competing is so hard.” She nods because she knows exactly what I mean. “I think I needed a break physically and mentally.”

When I told my mom I was going to retire, she cried. I think I cried a little, too, but I knew I was ready. I wanted to be able to give her more of my time and mental space, but I couldn’t do that when I was so focused on skating and winning.

“That’s great, Logan. I should know by now to trust your decisions.”

“Yeah, you should. And coaching has been fun. The younger kids are awesome. They’re all so excited. And Savannah and Max are great to work with, even with her attitude sometimes.”

“I’m sure her attitude has lessened these days.”

I roll my eyes. “You’d be surprised. But I think that’s one thing I like about her. She certainly keeps me on my toes.”

“That’s good. You need someone like that.”

It’s refreshing not to have someone fawning all over me, as odd as that sounds. I like that Savannah doesn’t give in to me. She makes her opinions known, and I respect the hell out of that. I want a strong woman, not just someone who agrees with everything I say to keep the peace. How boring.

“Yeah,” I agree. “Now I just have to make sure I can get them to the Olympics. I don’t want to let her down.”

“You won’t, Logan. With your experience and their skills, it’s bound to happen. Just keep believing in yourself.”

“I will. Thanks, Mom.”

My phone pings with a text from Savannah, letting me know she’s home, which is code for get your ass over here. I smile at my screen and quickly type back that I’ll see her soon.

“Let me guess… you’ve got to go?” Mom says with a smile.

“Yeah.” I stand and lean down to kiss her cheek. “Don’t wait up.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t. Have fun, Logan. And remember what I said.” She gives me a knowing look.

“Got it.” Don’t get anyone pregnant. Check.

I grab a few things from my room and then head out to Savannah’s place. I stop at a store on the way and grab her some flowers. I don’t know what her favorite flower is yet, so I grab a bouquet with a good mixture.

When she opens the door for me, her face lights up. “Are those for me?”

“No, is Kelsey here?” I tease.

She playfully swats my arm as I hand her the flowers. “Beautiful flowers for the most beautiful woman in the world.”

I kiss her slowly. Too slowly for what is probably appropriate in public. My tongue slides lazily against hers as I deepen the kiss.

“Gross!” Kelsey yells from inside the apartment.

We laugh and reluctantly pull away from each other. “We should probably get inside before we give my neighbors a show they aren’t ready for.”

I look over my shoulder and see the camera doorbell on the apartment on the other side of the hall.

“Yeah, good idea.”

Savannah puts the flowers in a vase while I say hello to her sister. Then Savannah pulls me down the hall toward her room.

“Should I go ahead and put my earbuds in?” Kelsey asks.