Page 10 of My Best Bet

I tipped my cup at him before striding over to the bleachers. Taking the stand’s steps by two, I climbed until I reached the top where I could lean against the railing. I wasn’t about to bring ablanket and no way did I want to sit my ass on the freezing cold metal.

Scanning the ice, I caught sight of Lucy again. The instructor was kneeling down on the ice and moving the girls’ feet so they could feel the correct edge for three-turns.

Lucy stuck her tongue out while she concentrated hard, trying to complete the move. It was just a simple three-turn, but I had to stop myself from clapping for her.

When her eyes drifted over the stands and finally landed on me, I gave her a big smile and thumbs up, making her giggle.

My chest finally loosened. I almost chuckled aloud as I took a sip of hot chocolate. I’d been stressed out all day overthis? I completely overreacted. Lucy was having a good time. This was a great idea. Maybe one of my best ever.

But when her Coach stood back up, I realized I spoke too soon.

What the…

No… That couldn’t be…

I squeezed my eyes shut for a second and rubbed my eyelids. Because I must’ve been seeing things. The stress of the day must’ve been catching up to me. So her instructor had the same dark brown hair, so what?That she wore in a side braid that ended in a low bun, the exact same waysheused to wear it?

Taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes again and squinted at the figure across the ice, trying to see better.

And then she smiled.

My cup slipped through my fingers and splattered to the ground.

The cold air froze my lungs.

It felt like I was slammed on my ass by a cross-check. The kind that rocks your world, steals your breath, makes your stomach churn angrily.

No.

It couldn’t be.

No, no, no.

That’s not… My hands gripped the railing. It wasn’t actuallyherstanding there… right?

I dropped my head and closed my eyes again.

My nerves were just getting the better part of me.

Shewas just in my mind because this wasfigure skating.

Anxiety could do crazy things to the brain– that was a fact. I was seeing things.Iwas placing her here in my mind. There’s no wayshewas actually standing on the ice withmy daughter.

But looking down at her again, it was obvious.

The same rich brown hair pulled back with wispy pieces falling out around her face. The same delicate features, reserved smile, and pale blue eyes, clear as day, even across the ice from me.

She was bundled up in coaching clothes– sleek sweatpants, multiple zip-ups, and a scarf– but she couldn't hide her stride, the way she moved so elegantly as she skated. Every single skater’s stride was unique. I'd know hers anywhere, any day.

It washer.

Meredith Bennett.

Shaky nerves coursed through my body as I charged down the steps to end the lesson. To take my daughter away from here, away fromher.

But as I reached the opening in the boards, I caught sight of Lucy laughing.

Lucy looked…happy.

---