On thin ice, p.30
On Thin Ice, page 30
He veered toward the center, and I mirrored his trajectory. Our skates traced a delicate arc as we glided into our final position. Luca skidded to a halt seconds before me. I stopped just after him, sending up a spray of ice shards before twisting into a free fall. He caught me, dipping me into a dramatic lovers’ embrace. The world paused, our breaths mingled, and our eyes met, sparkling with joy.
And, just as they did the first time, our lips connected.
The crowd erupted in claps and cheers.
Luca pressed his forehead against mine as we took deep breaths.
“We did it, Stevens.”
* * *
Once we’d made it off the ice, we headed to our seats in the live lounge for interviews. We were the last to perform, so now the audience and viewers had thirty minutes to cast their votes.
The hosts had reeled off their standard finalists’ questions, asking us about how we felt to have made it to the final, our plans after the show, and whatnot. Luca and I answered noncommittally, skirting around the fact that I wanted to quit the show and he was no longer auditioning for Dirty Dancing.
“So.” The host turned, speaking directly to the camera. “After weeks of training, weeks of fierce competition, and over a million votes tonight, three couples remain.” She turned to us. “If the finalists could take to the ice. We will join you down there for the results after a short break.”
Our fingers were still intertwined as we stepped onto the ice. The rink was alive with the energy of the crowd and other finalists. We glided toward the colossal trophy shimmering in the center, the hum of the audience fading, leaving only the sound of our synchronized movements and the pounding of our hearts. We took our places to the left of the trophy. The host followed, transported across the ice on a buggy.
The cameras zoomed in, their red lights blinking to life. The show’s theme music rang through the rink, signaling the start of the next segment.
“Welcome back to the final of Stars on Ice.” The crowd cheered and I couldn’t hide my smile when Luca’s hand squeezed mine.
“You have voted for your champions, and we are about to be given that result,” the host declared dramatically, her voice echoing through the rink as she addressed the camera.
“Third place in season ten of Stars on Ice goes to…Sophia Arnold and Noah Fitzgerald.”
The crowd cheered and clapped as they were given their medals. Noah and Sophia hugged each other, their faces lit up with joy, then turned to the camera, blowing kisses to the audience. That left us and Asha and Alice standing on either side of the trophy.
“And the winners of season ten of Stars on Ice are…”
You could have heard a pin drop.
“Luca Vasvault and Matilda Stevens!”
Cannons of confetti exploded overhead, gold streamers cascading down like shimmering rain.
My heart soared and my feet were swept off the ground as Luca pulled me into his arms. He squeezed me so tight, with so much love, that I felt like I could burst.
Luca’s laughter rang in my ears as tears of joy rolled down my cheeks.
We’ve done it—we’ve actually won.
He placed me on my feet again but wasted no time cradling my face in his hands. He pressed his lips to mine and undiluted joy swept through every inch of my body. We stayed like that for a few seconds before pulling away.
As my gaze held Luca’s shimmering eyes, the crowd’s cheers still roaring around us, I knew in that moment I’d never been prouder of us—but also, never prouder of myself.
We’d won with the performance we’d wanted to do, not the skate my mother had wanted us to do.
We’d won because it was important to us—and no one else.
My whole body buzzed—I’d done it. We’d done it. The crowd’s cheers rang in my ears, and my chest rose with a breath so deep it felt like I hadn’t taken one in years.
Luca’s hand was a warm, solid constant in mine. We could barely take our eyes off each other, our excitement and love almost palpable.
After we’d received our flowers and trophy, we weaved through the busy corridors of guests, hand in hand, smiles beaming from our faces.
We had a few more loose ends to tie up.
Jack had texted Luca to say they were in our dressing room, so we headed in that direction. When I’d called Rosie that morning, I’d had little hope she’d feel well enough to make it. When she said she’d speak to the home to see if they had enough staff to bring her along for a few hours, I was so excited. I knew she always watched our performances on TV, but I also knew it would mean a lot for Luca to have her there.
We celebrated, laughed, and chatted for twenty minutes. Rosie’s eyes sparkled as we told her about the last-minute change. Her laughter was light and genuine, but a faint shadow of fatigue crept into her expression.
We said our goodbyes. Luca guided her carefully toward the door where her nurse waited and followed them to the car.
Jack and Lily headed out to the reception area to mingle, so I took the chance to change into an evening gown—a long black strapless dress that would complement Luca’s tuxedo perfectly. I didn’t bother changing my hair or makeup, even though I still had diamantés sparkling in my curls.
Luca returned and changed quickly, and once we were both ready, we headed to the drinks reception. The space was packed with people, the hum of conversation rising above the clinking of glasses. Round tables draped in white linen scattered the room, each surrounded by clusters of guests. A long table at the far end was laden with an array of drinks and appetizers, drawing a steady stream of people.
We wasted no time and headed straight to the press for one more interview, choosing the journalist with the most cameras surrounding her. As we walked over, Luca wrapped an arm around my waist.
“Matilda, Luca—huge congrats on your win. You must feel on top of the world right now.” The journalist held out a microphone for us.
“We do,” I said, as Luca squeezed my waist. “It’s been such an amazing season, and we feel so incredibly lucky to have had everyone’s support along this journey.”
“Everyone has loved watching you two, both on and off the ice. People are going crazy to know more about your romance. What are your plans now the series has finished?”
Here we go.
“Luca has a few opportunities lined up, and, as for me, this is going to be my final year on the show,” I told her, knowing I was 100 percent doing the right thing.
Her jaw dropped and her eyes went round. “Is this an exclusive? Are you really retiring from Stars on Ice?”
I nodded, relief loosening my shoulders. I’d finally done it—I was going to start a career I dreamed of, not the one my mother wanted me to have.
“Why? Have you got something else in mind? Perhaps a different television show?”
“God, no,” I laughed. “I’m not sure yet, but I’m looking forward to figuring it out. Especially with Luca by my side.”
I looked up at him, and a beautiful dimpled smile graced his lips.
“Luca, do you have anything to add?” She moved the mic to him.
“Nope,” he said, popping the “p.” “Other than I feel so grateful to have met someone as incredible as Matilda. I don’t really care what we do beyond the show, just as long as Matilda is happy and we do it together.”
The journalist visibly swooned, hand on her chest. She thanked us both for our time, and we turned, scanning the room.
“Ready for the next part, Stevens?” Luca asked me, grabbing a glass of champagne from a tray and passing it to me.
“More than ready.”
“Go get ’em.” He discreetly tapped my arse as I sauntered away.
My mother was already waiting for me by the bar, smiling widely, pleased for our win—but there was a hint of fire in her eyes. Beside her, Mark and Lauren wore mirrored expressions of displeasure.
Taylor wasted no time shaking herself out of her mother’s grip and running toward me. I caught her as she jumped, hugging her tight to my chest.
“You were amazing, Auntie Matilda!” she squealed. “That was my absolute favorite dance, and I am so, so, so glad you did it.”
“I’m glad you loved it too, Tee.” I kissed her head and set her down. She took my hand and I squeezed, so grateful to have such a loving niece.
“So, what did you think?” I asked in a sing-song voice.
“I am so pleased for you, Matilda!” my mother all but squealed. And for the first time in years, she did genuinely look happy for me. “You’ve finally won—I am so proud.” But then she glanced around the room, eyes roaming to see who was nearby, and stepped an inch closer. “But,” she ground out through a clenched smile, “why did you change the dance? You were supposed to continue the legacy—remind people about what our family has achieved.”
“I thought it was amaaaazing!” Taylor added, bouncing at my side. “She looked so pretty skating out there.” I smiled down at Taylor, her unrestrained excitement and innocence warming my heart.
“It was the dance we wanted to do.” I lifted the glass of bubbles to my lips and took a leisurely sip as I looked at my mother. “Can’t you just be happy that we won?”
“I have already told you I’m happy you’ve won, Matilda—I really am. But this wasn’t your choice to make.” She stepped another inch closer. “We had made a decision. For once, this wasn’t about what you wanted to do.”
“It’s never been about what I wanted. It’s always been about what you wanted, hasn’t it?”
She flinched, realizing her mistake.
I rolled my shoulders back. “You know I don’t even like competing, right? I hated preparing for the Olympics and skating on the show. But you don’t care about that because it’s only about keeping the legacy, isn’t it?”
My mother’s eyes widened, and her breath caught. “I can’t believe you’re saying this.” She turned to my sister and kick-started her favorite party trick: pitching us against each other.
“Neither can I.” Lauren shook her head, looking me up and down. “Mum just wanted what was best for you. She invested all her time into your career, and you’re just going to walk away from it all?”
“Mum, don’t be mean to Matilda,” Taylor said and hugged my side. I wasn’t going to drag this out any longer; it wasn’t fair for Taylor to have to witness this. I parted my lips to tell them exactly that when Mark chimed in.
“The channel isn’t happy with you either. We didn’t sign off on the last-minute change.” He glanced at my mother and then back at me. “You know the channel will want to bring you in to discuss the matter and how it will affect your place next season.”
My mother’s eyes flared at his words.
“That’s fine.” I smiled tightly. “I’m handing in my notice for next season anyway.”
Their mouths hung open simultaneously, and my mother’s eyebrows knitted into a sharp, questioning line as she processed my words.
“This is all because of that stuck-up actor, isn’t it?” Mark demanded, face reddening.
“No. I am sick of doing things I don’t want to do anymore.” Scoffing, I turned my gaze back to my mother. “I’m not doing this to hurt you. I’m quitting the show because I no longer want to do it. The decision has nothing to do with you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Matilda. Stop throwing a—”
“Please stop.” I held up my hand, cutting her off. “Unless you want to have a genuine conversation about this, let’s end it there. I’m not changing my mind.”
Her jaw clenched so tightly that her cheek muscles twitched.
“So, that’s it, then? You’re quitting?” Mark’s lips pressed into a thin line. “What about us?” He gestured between our bodies. Lauren’s eyes widened as a flicker of disbelief passed across her face.
He flinched at my laughter. “There is no us, Mark. And yes, I am quitting the show. My notice will be on your desk tomorrow morning.”
“I also just finished writing my witness statement for Matilda’s workplace harassment case.” Luca’s words caused me to jump as he chimed in from behind.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mark demanded, looking between us.
“Oh, I forgot to say.” I held my hand to my chest, feigning innocence. “I reported you to the channel for harassment. Not only have you been derogatory and manipulative to my face, I know what you’ve been saying behind my back. And Luca witnessed it too. And”—I crossed my arms—“when I spoke to a few of the other girls around the rink, they said you’d been the same with them.”
Lauren’s gaze shifted, just a fraction, before she quickly masked it. But for a split second, I caught the smallest flicker of approval in her eyes.
Mark’s snicker sliced through the air, sharp and cold. His lips twisted into a cruel smirk as he delivered his response. “Good luck with that.”
I didn’t bother arguing about it. The man wasn’t worth my breath.
“Taylor, you’re more than welcome to come and hang with us.” I squeezed her hand, and she looked up at me.
“We’re leaving. She’s coming with me.” Lauren’s voice was flat, but there was a brief hesitation as if she wasn’t completely certain.
“We can take you home later, Taylor,” Luca offered. “It’s no problem.”
Lauren narrowed her eyes, her jaw tightening as if she was fighting with herself. Her gaze flickered to me, then back to Taylor.
“Go.” Lauren spun on her heel to walk off, then paused. “Drop her home by midnight.”
Despite my surprise at her lack of fight, I wasted no time taking Taylor’s hand and following Lauren’s lead in departing. We didn’t bother saying goodbye to my mother or Mark. There was no point dragging the conversation out.
Instantly spotting Lily and Jack, we made our way over to them.
Luca draped his arm over my shoulder on one side, while Taylor held my hand on the other. As we navigated the crowd, Luca chuckled at whatever Lily and Jack were arguing about.
Surrounded by Luca’s familiar warmth and my friends’ laughter, I had never felt more like myself.
Six months later
After finishing the day at the rink, I braved the rain-soaked car park. Luca’s headlights flashed a few cars away like a beacon. Dodging puddles along the way, I hurried over and climbed in, savoring the familiar warmth.
As it was a Friday evening, the car was filled with the delicious smell of whatever takeaway Luca had ordered for us.
“Hey, Stevens.” Luca greeted me by pressing a soft kiss to my lips.
“How’s your day been?” I asked as he reversed out of the space. “Thank you so much for grabbing dinner, too. It smells delicious.”
“Busy, but good busy. I visited Mom, worked on the screenplay for a few hours, and reviewed some voice-acting jobs Jack sent through.” He left the car park and signaled right toward his home.
We practically lived there. With Luca’s enormous, beautiful house just a short drive away, there was little reason to trek to my tiny flat. The thought of sprawling out in front of his fireplace or on his huge bed, with all the room to move and breathe, was enticing enough to make the decision easy.
“How was your mum?” I hadn’t seen Rosie since last week when I’d visited for tea, but she was having a good streak after a few bad months of symptoms.
I saw her far more often than I saw my own mother, who still hadn’t forgiven me for quitting the show—especially since my complaint had led to Mark’s being kicked off the channel. Apparently, he had made more than a few women uncomfortable, and when I spoke up, many others did as well.
The fact that I was now teaching children only rubbed salt into my mother’s wounds.
But as my therapist reminded me on a weekly basis, my mother’s emotions weren’t my responsibility.
At least now one of us was happy.
“She was good. She gave me a book for you; it’s on the backseat,” Luca said, smiling as he gazed at me across the console.
My heart warmed. “Oh, I’ll text her to say thank you when we’re home.” I turned the radio down. “And the jobs Jack sent through? Are you considering them?”
“Maybe. They look like good opportunities, and voice acting offers more privacy than screen acting. I might talk with the producers. We’ll see.” He held his hand out, offering me his palm. I slipped my hand into his. “How was your day?”
“It was good. Jesse and Edward nailed the backward crossovers in our private session.” They were twins who’d joined my Saturday class a few months ago but loved skating so much that they’d enrolled in private lessons as well.
Since quitting Stars on Ice, I’d thrown myself into teaching children. The first few weeks had involved a whirlwind of shrill voices and crying five-year-olds, but I’d gradually found my footing, discovering the joy in every wobbly glide.
Our conversation and the sound of rain filled the car for the rest of the journey, the steady drumming on the roof calming the buzz in my mind. As we chatted about our days and plans for the weekend, a familiar sense of ease settled over me.
I glanced at Luca, at his relaxed smile, and gratitude washed over me. All the years of not doing what I wanted felt worth it when this was my reality.
Gravel crunched under the wheels as we pulled into the driveway. We quickly grabbed the food from the footwell and darted into the house, trying to avoid the rain.
Voices on the TV echoed from the back of the house. I glanced at Luca, puzzled. He paused, his eyes briefly meeting mine before rolling in exasperation. With a quick wave of his hand, he gestured for me to follow.
