Read Online Breaking the Ice by Gail Nall - Free Book Online Page B

working on it a couple of months ago.”
    â€œMy new coach has this great technique he’s teaching me. I’m so close to it. Of course, I’m not allowed to do it in my program, but I might test up to Intermediate.” Now I’m justmaking stuff up. Aside from my first lesson, Greg hasn’t even mentioned working on the triple sal. Or testing up.
    â€œThat sounds really hard,” the dark-haired girl sitting next to Ellery says. “Can you do that, Ells?”
    Ellery’s shoulders tense up. “I’m working on it.” Which is hilarious, because Ellery hasn’t even landed her double axel yet.
    â€œAnd I’m going to start ice dance, too.” It’s like my mouth won’t stop. The words bubble up in my throat and fall out before I realize what I’m saying. It’s just like Praterville.
    â€œI didn’t think you were into dance,” Ellery says.
    â€œThat was before I had a partner,” I lie.
    â€œThat sounds so romantic.” Ellery’s friend sighs.
    Ellery shrugs. “Whatever. I hope he’s cute, at least. I’m just sticking to what I do best. Singles.”
    The dark-haired girl giggles and pokes Ellery in the ribs. “I know who you’d like to dance with.” She nods at the guy across the table.
    Ellery flushes. “Cut it out.”
    I’ve never seen Ellery get embarrassed. Ever. It’s weird, so I look away. The closest TV shows a couple twisting and twirling to some tense music. Kind of like my new program piece. “And I’m going to learn to dance.”
    â€œYeah, you just said that.” Ellery’s face is back to a normal color, and she’s frowning at me.
    â€œNo, actual dancing. Like that.” I point to the TV, where the couple is gazing into each other’s eyes as they sashay around the dance floor.
    â€œOoh, I’d love to learn ballroom dance!” Ellery’s friend says.
    Ellery doesn’t say anything, so I keep talking. Which seems to be my thing tonight.
    â€œAnd guess who’s in all my sessions? Jessa Hernandez.”
    Ellery swirls a bread stick in some marinara sauce. “I thought she retired.”
    â€œShe just took some time off. She’s going to make a huge comeback. And she’s helping me with my triple sal. Oh, we got a table. See you later!” I run off toward my ­parents. If I stood there any longer, I’d probably start telling Ellery I’d already qualified for the Olympic team. I can’t believe I made all that stuff up. And then said it out loud!
    â€œAre you all right, Pumpkin?” Dad asks as I slip into the booth. “Your face is bright red.”
    â€œOh, yeah . . . I’m fine.”
    â€œHow is Ellery? Is she ready for Regionals?” Mom asks.
    â€œShe’s okay. I guess she’s ready. I didn’t talk to her much. She’s with a bunch of friends from school.”
    â€œI’m surprised her mother hasn’t started homeschooling her yet. I don’t know how she’ll find enough time to practice once school starts again.”
    I stab a bread stick with my fork and take a bite before Mom can say anything about it. Ellery was almost always at the rink before and after school. She didn’t seem to have any problems balancing school and skating.
    â€œDid you tell your father about your new program?” Before I can answer, Mom launches into a detailed description of my new music and how it will benefit my skating. Dad just smiles and nods. Mom’s been talking nonstop about the program since Monday.
    I swallow the last of the bread stick and fidget with my napkin. From a few booths down, I hear Ellery and her friends laugh. I guess that’s what happens when you go to normal school. You have friends to get pizza with. And you share secrets. Then they tease you about the guy you like.
    It looks . . . fun. I wish I went to school.
    But that won’t ever happen. I