Page 112 of ICED
Mia laughs, softness breaking through her usual no-nonsense mask. “That’s the spirit, Lila.”
She hands Lila a strap and says, “Here, you’re my assistant physio. Strap it tight, like this.”
Lila frowns, concentrating hard as she does her best to follow the instructions. Ollie flexes his leg, testing the support.
“Good work, physio!” Mia says approvingly, giving Lila a wink.
Lila beams. “I fixed his knee!”
Maya leans down, whispering, “You’re amazing, Lila.”
Lila grins and then climbs onto Maya’s hip, eyes sparkling with pride.
After the physio check, the guys get back on the ice for some light drills. Coach is running the session, his voice carrying clearly.
“Remember, keep it smooth. This isn’t about speed or power, it’s about loosening up, feeling the puck, staying sharp for the game later.”
Dylan grins and weaves through cones like a pro, Ollie following gingerly but steady.
Lila points at each move, narrating in her own way. “Ooh they skate fast! Bear makes the puck go zoom!” Then she bursts into giggles as she points out onto the ice. “Look Mummy, Dylan’s doing a funny skate dance!”
Maya chuckles softly, catching my eye.
Watching Lila’s commentary, I realise this is more than just a warm-up. It’s a moment where my worlds collide. My life on the ice, and this little girl and woman who’ve become my everything.
Watching them, I feel my chest tighten a bit. This is what I wanted for Maya and Lila, a place where they belong, surrounded by people who care. Maya’s smile is soft but full of something I can’t quite name. Maybe hope.
We finish the session with some light skating drills, crossovers, quick stops, puck handling, but it’s more about shaking off the stiffness than pushing limits. I glance over at Maya and Lila, who watch the guys like they’re seeing magic happen. And maybe we are.
After practice, the team gets a break before game time. Maya, Lila, and I head to the hotel pool. Lila’s practically bouncing as she steps onto the deck, the unicorn swimsuit shimmering under the soft pool lights.
“Ready for your swimming lesson, Jellybean?” I ask, trying to sound like a pro coach.
She nods, a mix of nerves and excitement. “I want to be a good swimmer, like Bear.”
I grin. “Well, first things first, kick your legs like this.”
I demonstrate, keeping my voice calm and steady. Lila tries to copy but immediately splashes water everywhere.
Before I can tell her to try again, Murphy wades in,grinning like a kid. “Let me show you how it’s done.” Then, without warning, he tries a fancy dive and belly-flops with a splash that sends water everywhere.
Lila bursts out laughing, clutching her tummy.
Dylan and Ollie jump in next, turning the lesson into a mini pool party. Ollie, in particular, is in full shark mode, sneaking up behind Lila and pretending to bite her legs. She squeals and kicks water back at him, her laughter ringing through the pool area.
Mia stays at the poolside, smiling but occasionally joining in with a well-timed splash or cheer.
I try to keep my coach face on, but honestly, I’m just as soaked and laughing as everyone else.
Slowly but surely, Lila’s confidence grows. She kicks harder, floats a little longer. I praise every effort.
“You’re already a champion, you know,” I tell her softly as she paddles toward me.
Her eyes widen. “Really?”
“Really,” I say, cupping her wet face in my hands. “In my eyes, you are.”
Maya watches from the edge, leaning against the wall with a smile I’ve never seen on her before. Pride, relief, maybe even love.
