The arena had emptied, the buzz of teammates long gone, but the ice still glimmered under the lights. My skates scraped softly against the surface as I drifted toward the bench, thinking George would finally let me leave in peace. But when I turned, he was right there, gliding toward me with that steady, unreadable face of his.
I felt the air tighten.
“You are leaving already?” His voice carried easily in the hollow rink.
“I stayed longer than I planned,” I said quickly, adjusting my gloves. “I have homework.”
His eyes narrowed, like he could see through the excuse. He slowed as he reached me, his skates carving effortless arcs. “Homework can wait. I think you need this more.”
“What, another lecture?” My tone was sharper than I meant, but it was safer to push him away before he got to
