Page 2 of Shining Through

The frenetic energy around the set indicated air time was just a few minutes away. Celeste Fields, a striking black woman in a lemon yellow dress, greeted them and directed Tabitha, Mia and Antoinette to sit beside her. Co-host Michael Connor, who was shorter and older than Tabitha had expected, sat with the coaches. A technician attached their microphones, and moments later the house lights dimmed. With a blare of the show’s peppy theme song, they were on the air.

After introducing the skaters and showing clips of each competing, Celeste turned to Tabitha. “You’ve been training as a skater, since you were what? Seven? Eight?”

“I started skating when I was six, but it wasn’t until I was twelve that I became serious about competing.”

Celeste smiled. “We hear you were so determined, you went to the rink manager and promised to work every night until midnight to pay for your ice time.”

Tabitha’s cheeks grew hot, and it wasn’t from the lights. The story was well known, and unlike much of her official biography, it was true. Peter thought it showed her early determination, but it also brought back the desperation she’d felt to hold onto the only area of her life where she had any control. Though her memories of that day were more embarrassing than inspiring, she laughed along with the others. “I think I kind of shocked them.”

“I think they saw a future champion,” added Michael. “At nineteen, you were this close to skating in the Winter Games, but fell short. Now at twenty-three, you’re the top skater in a very competitive U.S. ladies’ field!”

Tabitha bobbed her head to acknowledge the studio audience’s polite applause. She’d worked damn hard to earn it.

“Since only three skaters will qualify for Grenoble, how does that impact the relationships among you girls?”

Inside, Tabitha cringed. No one would ask her male teammates something so ridiculous.

“It doesn’t at all,” Mia gushed, shifting the focus away from Tabitha. “We’re super close and all the U.S. skaters are just amazing!”

“Well you’re certainly amazing! Just fifteen years old, and already a world medalist,” said Celeste. “And coached by the legendary Claudia Davis, who if I’m not mistaken is Peter’s ex-wife!”

Laughter echoed in the studio though Tabitha failed to see the humor. Claudia’s smile twisted as if she’d just sucked on a lemon. Her coach’s neck reddened, but he hid his embarrassment with a good-natured chuckle. “Well Celeste, you’ve certainly done your homework. Yes, Claudia and I were married several years ago. She is a talented coach for whom I have the utmost respect.”

Silver-haired Claudia accepted the compliment with a satisfied smile.

“She’s had an amazing run of success at the Winter Games with three skaters taking home the gold?” Celeste’s expression grew serious. “That’s something that’s eluded you, and now in your final season as a coach, you’re giving it one more try.” She pressed her hand to her heart. “That just gets me, right here.”

“A story perfect for Hollywood,” Michael added, as the trumpet fanfare from theRockytheme song played, accompanied by cheers and applause from the audience.

“And contender Antoinette Curtis is ready to jump in the ring and mix it up with the champs!” He threw a one-two air punch. “Antoinette, you once spoke about the mindset of a champion. Can you share a bit about what that means?”

“Oh yes,” said Antoinette. “It means committing myself to whatever it takes to be the best. That means working hard, sacrificing and putting in the effort, even when it’s the last thing in the world you feel like doing.”

Passion rose in Antoinette’s voice, and Tabitha fought the urge to rub the goosebumps that rose on her arms. This scrappy underdog had described what Tabitha once felt about her skating. Only she didn’t any longer.

Why not? And how do you get that passion back?

Celeste smiled. “I can’t imagine skating is ever the last thing any of you feel like doing! And your off-ice lives are just as impressive. Tabitha, tell us about Harvard!”

Tabitha blinked and her stomach rolled. Though she’d expressed interest in the school, the closest she’d come was an online no-credit literature class. That didn’t make her a Harvard student by a long shot. She’d never even set foot on the campus. “I’m not—”

“Not enrolled at the moment,” Peter interjected. “Because her focus right now is on the Winter Games. But once she retires from competing, she’ll return to her studies.”

“And we know she’ll excel,” added Michael. “Pre-med isn’t it?”

She bit back a laugh at the idea that she was a champion athlete who studied organic chemistry in her free time. Her manufactured persona had some outlandish qualities, but then, so did her real one. While the dishonesty bothered her, Peter insisted it was part of projecting a polished, wholesome image. She responded with a non-committal smile. “I’m still deciding.”

CHAPTER TWO

WHEN THE SEGMENT ENDED, ANDthe show broke for commercials, Cleavon came to escort the skaters and their coaches back to the Green Room.

Fiona Turner came over and embraced Tabitha. “Oh honey, I’m so proud of you. The best damn skater in the whole US of A, and you look gorgeous, to boot!”

“So do you Mom.” The blue and white sleeveless dress Peter’s assistant chose during yesterday’s shopping trip to Neiman-Marcus complimented Fiona’s autumn-red hair, and covered the large Yin and Yang tattoo on her right shoulder. Fiona would have chosen something that showed more cleavage.

“Yeah, I clean up good for an old carny gal.” Tabitha hoped Cleavon hadn’t overheard the carny gal comment. Peter had declared certain topics off-limits, Fiona’s unconventional background being one. “Where’s Samara?”

“I don’t know.” Tabitha felt a stir of uneasiness. “Isn’t she with you?”

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