As of eleven that morning, Tom Alan hadn’t yet said anything. Erika could only assume the talk had gone well, however.
“And stroke, and stroke, and hold, and turn…Up!” Irina shouted.
Tom Alan hurled Erika high and far. She was in the air, where she did four perfect revolutions.
“Land it!”
She did. And though she bent at the waist and almost put down her hand, it was the best one in weeks. Irina was all smiles.
“Yes!” Tom Alan beat his chest like Tarzan.
The magic was back, and Erika felt it.
Their practice was interrupted not long afterward by a visit from Jesse and his grandmother. “I shall leave you alone,” Irina said. Her friendly tone did not mask the look in her eyes. Erika had a feeling they’d pay for the disruption later on.
“Though I’ve heard a lot about you, and know who y
