Page 54 of Redeeming Heart

I took a deep breath before I skated down the side and over the ramp while doing tricks that would have made me break a leg back in the day. I spend hours trying to clear my mind from all the buzz before I was ready to go back home.

Deciding to grab a coffee on my way home from my mom’s favorite coffee shop and a bagel when the smell of freshly baked goods overwhelmed my senses. I was paying for my things when I noticed a familiar face sitting at one of the booths, wearing a sports cap.

I excused myself before heading over to their table and sitting down.

“I didn’t say you can sit there.” The voice said not looking up from their phone.

“I don’t remember asking.” Hailey raised her head when she recognized my voice.

She lowered her phone and smiled at me. “I wondered if I was going to see you.” She noted.

“What are you doing in New Orleans?” I asked.

“Last time I checked you are the new face of Elizabeth Cunningham’s New York dance program.”

She nodded and then pulled up her shoulders. “We are on tour and Elizabeth has family this side.”

“You didn’t bother to call?” I was teasing her and I think she sensed it as she just smiled at me.

“Didn’t think you would answer. Jaylin told me about your mom.” She remarked.

“I’m sorry that I couldn’t be there for the funeral. I didn’t even know if I should be there…”

“Hey, it’s okay. It was just another day filled with despair.” We didn’t know each other well, but Hailey was awesome. I liked her and I could see why Jaylin was so fond of her.

“How are you doing?” She asked and I haven’t had to answer that question for a long time because no one bothered. Camille and Jaylin didn’t press me for answers because they knew.

“Not bad, considering everything that has happened,” I answered and then stood up when they called my number.

“I have to go. Have places to be and people to bug.” I said.

“Do you mind some company as I am a bit lost?” I chuckled at her request but nodded my head.

“If you don’t mind spending a few hours watching me practice.” She frowned as she followed me out after paying her bill.

“Do you skate professionally?” I tried not to laugh at her question because she must have misunderstood.

“I am nowhere good as Jaylin and not that amazing to be called a professional,” I replied, smiling at her.

“Where are we going then?” She asked, looking around and taking in the busy streets of Louisiana.

“The girls probably don’t know, but I stopped playing hockey when my mom passed away. I barely spoke to any of them since they left, but I’ve joined a girl’s hockey team recently.” I explained.

“Jaylin mentioned once or twice that you were a leading champion in field hockey,” Hailey noted.

I just shrugged. “Jaylin sometimes exaggerates,” I muttered.

Hailey snickered and shook her head at me. “She never lies though.”

That was true. Jaylin hates lies and would rather kill someone with the truth than lie to them. She believes they will catch up with you and only worsen to a point where you can’t get out of it.

“Do you mind if we make a quick pitstop on our way over?” I had to get my sports bag and gear before we could head over.

Hailey just shrugged having no problem and I almost forgot how laidback she was.

No one was home when we passed by to grab my things and it made things trouble-free.

“How are things going with you and Elizabeth? You must probably be a celebrity with becoming a face of a company and voted as the best dancer in the world.”

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