Page 74 of Ride with Zane

“You can. Trust me.” She places a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Just skate at your own pace. There's no rush and don’t leave my hand until you feel at ease.”

I nod hesitantly, pushing off once more. I wobble a bit but manage to find my balance. Ashley leads me around therink slowly, adjusting her pace to match mine. Watching her, observing the fluidity of her movements and the joy shining in her eyes, I start to feel the rhythm of the ice.

“It's like riding a bike, huh? Once you get into it, it's freedom.”

“Yeah, something like that,” I feel a sense of exhilaration as I begin to relax. I attempt a few simple movements, taking hesitant steps and sensing the ice beneath my feet.

Gradually, with Ashley's gentle guidance and reassuring words, I gain a bit more confidence. I start to move with slightly more ease, albeit clumsily, around the rink. The ice becomes less daunting, and with her right there beside me, I feel a sense of unity, like we're in harmony.

Skating transforms from a mere activity into a shared moment. As I glide, I experience a feeling of liberation, the cold air against my face and the warmth of Ashley's presence by my side. It's a sense of freedom, of being in sync with someone special to me.

I cautiously pick up the pace, following Ashley’s lead as she continues to guide me around the rink. Her movements are graceful, effortless, and I find myself mesmerized by the elegance with which she navigates the ice.

“See, you’re doing great,” she flashes me an encouraging smile. “Just keep breathing and relax your shoulders. Let the skates glide.”

I try to heed her advice, attempting to mimic her motions and find my rhythm. My movements remain rigid, but with each turn I feel a bit more at ease.

As we continue, she skillfully executes a few spins and glides backward, her movements exuding confidence. Her passion for this sport is contagious, and it starts to seep into my own tentative attempts.

“Come on, Rock. Try a little turn,” her voice a blend of cheer and gentle guidance.

Taking a deep breath, I attempt to maneuver a simple turn, bracing myself for the inevitable wobble. Surprisingly, I manage to execute it, albeit with an awkward tilt, but I remain upright.

“That’s it!” Ashley cheers, her eyes lighting up. “You’ve got it!”

Encouraged by her praise, I muster the courage to try another move. Each movement becomes less daunting, less foreign, and more like an extension of my intentions.

“Thanks, Princess,” I feel a surge of gratitude for her patience and support.

“Anytime. You did great,” she turns and leans on me wrapping my arms around her. “Relax babe, and follow me, okay?”

“Okay.”

“At my three we’ll move the left leg first and then right.”

Is she kidding me? “I’m not sure.”

“One, two…” fuck. “three” we move in unison holding my breath. The more we skate the faster we go. Left, right, turn, and again. I like it and feeling her so close it’s amazing. “Relax,” we slow down, her back pressed on me, she raises our arms and moves a little forward while starting to spin inches from me. The fresh air makes me feel chills, but her smile is worth it. She stops and my heart races in my chest. “I love you.” The flashes catch our attention while I notice people are filming us. I grab her hand and guide her toward the edge. It’s time for us to leave.

We spend the rest of the day exploring St. Moritz, taking in the sights and immersing ourselves in the vibrant energy of the city. After tons of pictures, food, and FaceTime with her dad and Denise, we make our way back to the hotel. The city takes on a different charm at night, with twinkling lights illuminating the streets and a sense of quiet tranquility settling in.

Hand in hand, we walk through the streets, the sound of our footsteps echoing in the stillness. The crisp winter air fills our lungs and the anticipation of what’s to come lingering in the air.

Chapter Twenty-One

Ashley

I'm standing in the center of the ice rink, the cold air chilling my skin despite the layers I wear. Today marks the first day of the Olympics, the day I've trained so hard for, and yet, anxiety twists my stomach into knots. The choreography, the routine I've practiced countless times, suddenly feels foreign, unattainable.

Raven stands at the edge of the rink, her eyes on me. “Focus Ash,” she calls out. “You've got this. Show them what you're made of!”

I take a deep breath, trying to quell the rising panic. This is it.

The music starts, and I begin my routine, gliding over the ice, each step carefully calculated. But today, even the simplest moves feel like a monumental task. The jumps that used to come effortlessly now seem impossible, and my nerves threaten to get the best of me.

As I execute a spin, my thoughts drift to Rock. He understands my fears, my anxieties about the competition. I'vebeen putting on a brave face, but the weight of expectation is crushing me, as are Raven’s actions.

After I finish the exhibition, I skate over to the edge, seeking solace in Rock’s presence. He's been a pillar of support throughout this journey, and right now, I need someone to understand the turmoil raging inside me.

---