Page 37 of Frozen Flames

“I’m glad to hear that. I’ll adjust your training, and we’ll go from there.”

“Okay,” he whispers, as if he can’t believe it himself.

I suppose when one has a dream they’ve been longing for, for so long, the reality of it can seem further away, if not impossible.

With every second that ticks by, I can’t help realizing that Henrik might be onto something.

There’s something here, between us.

The air is palpable with its energy. It’s intense and rejuvenating.

“I’m starving, Harv. What should we eat?” Henrik shows up again once we’re done, interrupting my reverie.

Harvey stares at me and asks, “You up for Greek food, Claire?”

I look over at his brother, whose frown is unmistakable. “Um, sure, that sounds great.”

I know with Henrik here, I’m less than welcome to hang out with them, but I can’t help wanting to spend more time with Harvey.

Besides, it’s not like I have much else to do…

Once the food is delivered, I eat mine at the table in silence while the two brothers debate Henrik’s business idea. When we’re finished and Henrik leaves, I start adjusting Harvey’s training program on my iPad based off of Stefan’s updated exercise plan.

“Everything okay? You’ve been quiet all day.”

“Yes, of course. Just feeling a little off today.” I don’t tell him about his brother. The last thing I need is for him to go to Henrik because I told on him.

I needed the wake-up call to keep it professional.

“Alright.” He seems like he wants to say something else, but instead he leaves me be and wheels back to his bedroom.

I finish his new training plan and send it off to the rehab center I’m assigned to, copying Stefan on the email before I leave.

I’m in the waiting room at the hospital with Audrey, watching her move her head from side to side with her orange headphones on.

She hurt her arm in gym class today, and she thinks it’s broken.

I tried convincing her that we should simply go to the clinic, but she wouldn’t have it. My mom has a big presentation tomorrow, so alas, it’s just Audrey and me waiting.

I can’t even explain why I’m feeling off or why Henrik’s words set me off so much.

Is he even right about this?

I mean, Harvey and I haven’t done anything except spend time together, which is inevitable. What do they expect? That we’ll grow to hate each other instead of the inverse?

I take a deep breath. The last thing I wanted tonight was to end up in the ER with Audrey for another one of her medical issues.

I feel awful even thinking it, but sometimes…scratch that, it’salwaysabout Audrey.

And I’m okay with that—she’s my younger sister.

And it’s not her fault that she hurt herself. It’s really not. I’m still annoyed though, wishing I were home right now, sulking in my room.

Maybe Harv and Henrik’s attitudes are rubbing off on me, I don’t know.

“Oh my God, look at that cute guy over there.” Audrey removes her headphones and points with her chin at a guy with ripped jeans and black polish on his thumbs.

I chuckle, imagining my mom’s facial expression if she were here.

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