Triple Axel

Disclaimer/Warning/Author's Note: See Chapter One

Enjoy.

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Chapter Three:

Dropping In

Melissa looked up into those intense blue eyes again then focused on his full bottom lip. She wondered again what it'd be like to kiss it then pulled herself out of her daydream.

"Hi," she smiled up at him. Her smile caused an unfamiliar feeling in his midsection.

"Mind if I sit here?"

"Uh, no."

He sat down next to her and said, "I'm glad to see you found Row G alright."

Melissa felt her face growing warm. "Yes, I did. You, too?"

"No way I'd forget Row G. So, I didn't catch your name earlier."

"Oh, right. Sorry about that. My friend's a little…"

"Impulsive?" he finished for her.

"I was going to say self-centered and rude," she said.

"Oh."

"She's my best friend, but even she admits she can be a little…abrupt."

"Ah, yes. The infamous Taylor Hagan. I've met her a few times, we have several mutual friends." Melissa nodded. "And you are?"

"Oh, sorry! I'm Melissa Wu," she said extending her hand. "Figure skating." Jackson took her hand and there was an audible spark that made them both jump.

"Whoa!" Jackson said, smiling. He couldn't help noticing how small her hand was compared to his.

"It must be all this wool," Melissa said. "Static build-up."

"I suppose," Jackson said. He thought it was something else entirely. "By the way, I'm Cody Jackson. Snow cross. Everyone just calls me Jackson."

"Nice to meet you, Jackson."

"You too, Melissa." Jackson glanced at his schedule. "So, when are your team pictures?"

"Four hours from now in the southeast corner."

"Really? Mine are right after that in the same place. Since we have four hours to kill, do you wanna go grab something to eat?"

Melissa kept her eyes on her schedule. She felt the heat building in her face. "I'd like that."

Jackson couldn't help notice her blush. He smiled and looked down at their uniforms. He picked up the end of her scarf and gave it a tug. "Well, we can't go out in these. I'll meet you outside the locker rooms in…fifteen minutes?"

Melissa smiled. "Okay, fifteen minutes." She could still feel herself blushing as they walked down to the locker rooms and parted company. Melissa changed out of the Opening Ceremony outfit as quickly as she could, hanging it up carefully. She was very proud to have it. She changed into her street clothes then checked her makeup and hair in the large mirrors. She was glad she had opted to wear a cute little sundress and Keds rather than her usual sweat pants, t-shirt and hoodie.

She emerged exactly fifteen minutes later and saw Jackson leaning against the wall. He was wearing black cargo shorts and a black t-shirt with some band's logo on it. She couldn't help checking out his form in the more fitted clothes. She blushed again as she realized he was doing the same to her.

"Where to?" he asked.

"What are you in the mood for?"

"Anything, really. I'm starved. Just…"

"No meat," they said simultaneously.

"You're a vegetarian?" she asked.

He nodded. "You, too?"

"Yeah. I do eat fish. And chicken once in a while."

"Me, too."

"Do you know of a place near here? I'm not familiar with this area."

"There's a great vegetarian place a few blocks from here. Shall we?" he said as he gestured up the street.

[ - - - - - ]

They had settled into a booth and just finished ordering when Melissa's cell rang. She checked the caller ID and said, "Sorry, I have to take this."

"No problem." Jackson began looking through various flyers stacked at the back of each table, but he couldn't help hearing Melissa's side of the conversation. He could hear the loud voice coming through the phone and even though he couldn't make out the words, he recognized the tone.

Melissa sounded more and more stressed as she tried to get a word in. Finally she said a curt goodbye and closed the phone. She turned the power off then threw it into her purse.

"Everything okay?" Melissa met his eyes with a puzzled look. "You just seem a little…tense."

She shook her head and gave him a half smile. "It's just my coach. She's pissed that I'm not at the rink or the gym."

He looked concerned. "If you need to go, I understand. I know how coaches can be."

"No...I have to be here for the pictures. She'd really have a fit if I didn't stick around for them. Besides, I haven't had an hour to myself in months."

"You must be under a lot of pressure."

Melissa thought about this for a moment. "Yeah, maybe. But mostly from myself." She changed the subject by saying, "So, tell me about snow cross. It looks really exciting, I love watching it. It's so…unpredictable."

"Yeah, it's awesome. Fast, exciting, challenging. I love it."

"Were you in Torino? I don't remember seeing you."

"Nah. I was supposed to go, but I broke my leg a few weeks before they chose the team."

"That's terrible! What happened?"

"Caught an edge going for big air and came down on the deck. It was only a hairline fracture, just enough to keep me off the team."

She looked puzzled. "But, I thought you did snow cross."

"I do. It was the X Games. Superpipe and Big Air."

"So, why don't you do halfpipe for Vancouver?"

"The field's too deep. Shaun, Louie, Scotty and Greg have it handled. Team USA needed more cross riders and I like the racing factor better anyway. Halfpipe is for fun."

Melissa cocked her head and smirked. "And Shaun is too darn good."

Jackson laughed. "Good? He's sick! I couldn't hope to come close to his scores. But, I really do prefer the pace of the cross. How did you do in Torino?"

"I guess you don't watch much figure skating," she laughed.

Jackson shrugged. "I never had a reason to. Until now."

Melissa felt the flames creeping up her cheeks again. "I was barely fifteen. No one expected much from me so I didn't have the pressure that Sasha, Kimmie and Emily did."

"And?" he looked at her expectantly.

She looked down at her plate and said, "I, uh…cracked the top ten."

"Top ten! That's amazing! God, that must have been incredible."

"Yeah, I guess." Jackson saw a sadness cross her face. "I mean, it was. I just…" She took a deep breath and said, "My mother had passed away a month before that so…" her voice trailed off.

"Melissa, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to…"

"It's okay."

"Were you close?"

Melissa nodded as she played with her necklace. "She's the one who taught me to skate and passed on her love and appreciation for the art of it to me."

Jackson reached across the small table and squeezed her hand. "Well what about your dad? He must be really proud of you."

Melissa looked into his blue eyes. "He died when I was four."

"Geez, Melissa. I have the worst case of foot-in-mouth disease today. I'm really sorry."

"It was a long time ago, I don't really remember him. And, I feel my mom with me whenever I'm on the ice, so…I'm okay. Really." She flashed him one of her bright smiles that made his stomach flip.

"Do you live with…grandparents or an aunt or…"

"Nope, no family. There was no one else. Both my parents were only children, my grandparents are all gone. My coach, Daley Marin, became my legal guardian. She's coached me since I was six." She shrugged. "I'm the poor little orphan girl. Just pull up the profile they did of me for Torino. It made me want to puke." She looked disgusted. "On second thought, don't watch it. They made me sound so pathetic. I hate that thing." She sighed.

Melissa shrugged again, smiled and said, "So, tell me your Olympic story, Cody Jackson. Did you come from the ghetto and learn to snowboard as a way to escape the crime and drugs in your 'hood?" They both laughed.

"No, nothing quite so dramatic. I was born and raised here in L.A., but in the valley, not da 'hood. Mom's a teacher, dad works in a bank. I had a boringly normal childhood. I was a surf and skate rat. My parents liked to ski and we'd go to Mammoth or Big Bear all the time. Colorado every Christmas to see family. My cousin taught me to shred when I was five, after that, there was no looking back."

"Brothers or sisters?"

"Nope. Only child. Well, we had exchange students staying with us all through high school. Kids from Australia, Brazil, Russia and South Africa."

"That must have been fun."

"Yeah. Most of them were pretty cool and liked to surf and shred. Or they were willing to learn. You know, they wanted the whole SoCal experience. They were good times," he said, a faraway look in his eyes for a moment. He refocused on her and asked, "Is your coach married? Does she have kids?"

Melissa laughed. "Daley? Hardly. She knows skating backwards and forwards but, she's not exactly the…warm and fuzzy type. I can't imagine her being married. I'm not even sure she likes guys. She does have a little brother, Lex. He's on the team, too. Luge. He's seventeen."

"How old is she?"

"Thirty-eight."

"That's some age difference."

Melissa nodded. "Yeah."

"Are they close?"

"Not really. She sees him at Christmas and their parent's anniversary. That's about it. Like I said, not exactly the warm fuzzy type."

She noticed the expression on Jackson's face. "Don't get me wrong, she's always been wonderful to me. But in public, she's all business. Sometimes I wish she'd be a little less...intense. She's a perfectionist and insists I be one, too. But, it's not like she's constantly like that. I mean, she always makes sure I have everything I need.

"Still, that has to be a little tough..."

Melissa considered this. "Sometimes it is. Like, she doesn't want me hanging out with Taylor so I hardly ever get to see her."

"Speaking of Taylor," he began, "How did you two meet? I mean, I don't know you very well, but you seem like really unlikely friends."

Melissa chuckled. "Yeah, we are. Through an oversight in Torino we became roommates and have been best friends ever since. She's so unlike anyone I'd ever been around, she has this great energy around her that has a way of sucking you in. Even after her famous face plant."

"Oh man, that's right! The Hagan face plant. Classic," he said, laughing.

"She handled that whole thing so amazingly. She really wasn't upset. She was like, 'That's life, sometimes you grab big air and sometimes you face plant. Today was my day to face plant. Tomorrow I'm going to grab big air again.' And she did."

Jackson nodded. "That's what I love about boarders. They can be very philosophical and know what's really important in life. A face plant isn't a tragedy, it's a temporary state of being."

"Exactly. I wish figure skating was that laid back. Every hundredth of a point is reason enough to have a meltdown, start doubting yourself and have your coach lecture you for an hour."

"How do you do it?"

She looked at him quizzically. "Do what?"

"Deal with all that pressure? I mean, skating, what little I know about it, seems so…technical. Like you said, every little hundredth of a point, each little movement, the direction of it, what edge you land on...matters. I don't think I could deal with that."

Melissa considered for a moment then said, "I don't really feel pressure from the judges or scoring. I mean, I want to do well, but really, for me, it's just fun. I'm lucky that I inherited my mom's talent and she taught me how to do everything technically correct from the very beginning so I don't really have to think about it-it's like second nature to me. Daley doesn't know this, but I don't pay any attention to the scores. I concentrate on how the movements feel, how the ice feels under my blades, how the music and energy from the crowd makes me feel. I guess the only pressure I'm aware of is from myself. I want to do well to honor my mother's memory and please Daley."

Melissa sighed and looked at Jackson."Sorry I babbled so much."

"No, I enjoyed listening. I can tell how much you love it from the way you talk about it."

She cocked an eyebrow at him. "You know, for someone who doesn't know much about skating, you know stuff."

He grinned. "Yeah well, I said I didn't know much, not anything."

Jackson noticed the light in the restaurant had changed so he glanced at his watch. "Whoa, we've been here almost three hours, we should get back. We still have to change our clothes."

He insisted on paying the bill and they walked back out into the bright, August sunshine. Melissa couldn't believe how easily she was talking to him. She'd never been this comfortable around someone so fast.

"So, have you ever snowboarded before. Or skied?" Jackson asked.

"No, Daley won't let me. Too dangerous she says."

"Not if you have a good teacher."

"Are you offering?"

Jackson grinned and shrugged. "Sure, if you'd like to."

"I would. Although, I'm not sure how good someone can be if they bit it just going for big air." Melissa tried to look serious, but couldn't do it. She giggled.

"Ha ha."

"What about you? Have you ever been on the ice?"

"Uh, not really. Once or twice when I was four. I just remember falling down and that was it. Why? Are you offering lessons?"

She smiled. "If you'd like. I'm a really good teacher."

"Never bit it in competition?"

"Not since I was six."

"Maybe I'll take you up on that."

"And you give me snowboard lessons in exchange."

"What about your coach?"

Melissa lifted one eyebrow. "What she doesn't know won't hurt her. Just…don't let me break anything."

"No worries."

They arrived back at the Center and entered their respective locker rooms. Melissa emerged thirty minutes later wearing a long-sleeved skate dress that started as medium blue on her shoulders and gradually became darker until it ended in a midnight blue skirt. It had a v-neck and some subtle beading and crystals scattered across the bodice. The skirt was cut asymmetrically; several inches above her knees in the front and just grazing the top of her calves in the back. The design made it look like it was flowing even when she was standing still. She had small diamond studs at her ears and a silver cross around her neck. Her hair was pulled back in an intricate looking braid with small crystals dotted through it. She was wearing a lot more makeup, but she still looked natural. Jackson was waiting in the hallway and he gasped quietly when he saw her. She was wearing her Keds and carrying her skates.

Melissa looked Jackson over. He was wearing what looked like baggy, broken-in jeans and a plaid red, white and blue hoodie. He had his goggles, gloves and helmet in hand.

"That looks comfortable," she said. "And warm."

"Whoa, it's nothing compared to you! You look…really beautiful."

Melissa looked at the floor and blushed. "Thank you."

As they began walking down the hall that lead to the arena floor Jackson noticed Melissa was rubbing her arms.

"You cold?"

"A little. These outfits are made for looks, not warmth."

"Here," he said, stopping next to the bleachers. He set his gear down, unzipped his hoodie and draped it over her shoulders. He had his racing shirt on underneath.

"Thanks," she said. Melissa pulled it closer, drinking in the warmth from his body heat and his masculine scent. She found herself fantasizing about his bottom lip between hers.

"Melissa!" A wiry dark-haired boy came running up and engulfed her in a tight hug. "I was hoping I'd see you today!"

"Hey, Lex. Can't breathe..." she gasped.

"Sorry. I'm just so excited to see someone I know." Lex took in her outfit. "You look really...Wow!" Jackson noted how the young man's eyes were shining as he looked at her. He cleared his throat.

"Oh, uh, Lex Marin, this is Cody Jackson."

Lex looked surprised. He hadn't even noticed Jackson standing there.

Jackson extended his hand. "Everyone just calls me Jackson," he said. "Nice to meet you, Lex."

Lex shook the proffered hand. "Yeah, you, too." He looked between the two of them, confused. "What sport?"

"Snowboard cross. You?"

"Luge. How do you two know each other?" he asked Melissa as he glared at Jackson.

"Uh, we just met," Jackson said quickly. "We have team pictures in the same place and she was cold so I loaned her my jacket."

"Uh, yeah. And thank you so much, Jackson. It's really helping," she said as she shot him a grateful look. Just then the announcement was made calling all figure skaters to the southeast corner and all luge members to the northwest corner.

"That's you and me, Lex," Melissa said. "We'd better go. It was good to see you. I guess Daley and I will see you a little more often now that we're both on the team."

Lex was beaming. "Yes, we will." He hugged her again and kissed her cheek. "Maybe we can grab a coffee after the shoot?" he asked.

"Sorry, I go straight to training. You know your sister."

Lex nodded. "Yeah. Well, maybe another time, then?"

"Yeah, maybe. Depends on my schedule."

"Okay, I'll call you. See you later!" he said as he glared at Jackson once more before running toward his teammates.

"Wow, somebody has a major crush on you! I thought he was going to deck me!" Jackson teased, looking highly amused. "Good thing he's not in the biathlon or I'd be worried about being mistaken for a target."

Melissa smiled but looked embarrassed. "I don't know what to do about him. He's a sweet kid, but it's just that, he's a kid. I'm barely two years older than him, but it seems like a lifetime. Thank you for covering for me about the jacket. If he tells Daley that I was talking to a guy, I'm gone until the day before my first event."

"So, what are you really doing after the shoot?" he asked as they crossed to the southeast corner.

Melissa shrugged. "I am supposed to go to the rink and practice. What about you?"

"Nothing special. Maybe you could give me my first skating lesson?"

Melissa smiled up at him. "Maybe."

They arrived at the space set up for their shoot. There was special flooring laid out so she changed into her skates and reluctantly surrendered Jackson's hoodie.

He watched as she posed with the other female figure skaters. Then they added the men. A very flamboyant guy with a wild mop of curls seemed to be overly familiar with Melissa and had everyone laughing, including the photographer. The ladies stepped out while they shot the men then they started the individual pictures. Melissa led the wild-haired man over.

"Cody Jackson, snowboard cross, this is Nathan McHugh, figure skater. And one of my oldest and dearest friends."

"Hi, Jackson! Nice to meet you," Nathan said, extending his hand.

"You, too, Nathan," Jackson replied, shaking his hand and relaxing. "How long have you been friends?" he asked, curious now.

Melissa beamed at Nathan. "We grew up on the ice together. We went to the same training center since what? We were five?"

"That's right. We were five years old when I met this skinny little girl that would barely talk. The coaches tried to get us to pair up, but I prefer to be alone in the spotlight and Melissa was too shy to talk to a partner."

Melissa was blushing again. "Stop it, Nathan."

"So, how did you two meet?" Nathan asked.

"We were in the same row for the team picture." Jackson smiled at Melissa and she shyly smiled back. Nathan looked from one to the other and saw the writing on the wall.

"Well, it was really nice to meet you, Jackson. Guess I'll be seeing more of you now that we're all part of Team USA. I need to get my picture done so I can leave."

"Are you going to train?" Melissa asked.

"Girl, please! I'm only in L.A. a few more nights. I need to catch up with friends and get my groove on. Wanna come?"

Melissa scoffed. "As if Daley would let me."

Nathan frowned. "True. You know, you are an adult now and can do what you want."

"Nathan, don't start," she said shooting him a look then cutting her eyes toward Jackson.

"Sorry. Well, have fun and I'll see you in Utah. Bye!"

"Bye, Nathan."

Melissa and Jackson made small talk for a few minutes then she decided she should get in line for her individual picture.

"Um, would you mind sticking around until my pictures are done? I'd really like that first skating lesson," he said.

Melissa nodded and smiled. "Yeah, that sounds like a plan. I just have to be back in my hotel room by nine. Daley will check and she'll have a cow if I'm not there."

"No problem. I have to get to bed early myself. After the mixer tomorrow the team's heading out to Calgary to train. You will be at the mixer tomorrow, won't you?"

Melissa shrugged. "I don't think so. Daley wants to leave for Park City in the morning so I can get back to full-time training."

"But, you have to come. It's an official team event and the press will be there. So will the U.S.O.C. bigwigs. How would it look if a medal hopeful wasn't there?"

Melissa's face lit up. "That's exactly the kind of argument I can use to convince Daley! You're a genius, Jackson."

He looked smug. "I've been know for flashes of brilliance from time to time. Oops, looks like you're up."

Melissa hurried over and got in position. Jackson moved a few feet behind the photographer so he had a better view.

"Okay, look right here and smile!" the man said. "Good. Okay, now look over here."

Melissa caught sight of Jackson over the photographer's shoulder. He made a goofy face then smiled.

Melissa beamed. "That's perfect!" he boomed as he clicked away. "Oh, honey, that's the one!" He checked the shot and said, "We're done. Those last ones were perfection! Whatever you were thinking of, you should do more often. You were absolutely glowing!"

Melissa blushed and fiddled with a bead on her dress. She walked over to the seats and started removing her skates. She looked up to see Jackson speaking to the photographer. Jackson came over and grabbed his gear. "He's agreed to take my individual now so I don't have to wait around after the team photo."

Melissa shoved her feet into her shoes then hurried to stand and watch Jackson's shoot. He was looking so serious until he saw Melissa. His mouth changed to a crooked grin and the photographer loved it. "There! Like that! Now you look like a cocky snowboarder." Jackson rolled his eyes and adjusted the helmet under his arm. Melissa smiled at him and he grinned back.

"Okay, Jackson. You're all done. As soon as the rest of the team gets here we can start."

"I'll go round them up and be back in a few," he said. Jackson took off his jacket and draped it over Melissa's shoulders again as they walked back toward the locker rooms. "You're sure you don't mind sticking around?" he asked.

"Absolutely. I should be ready by the time you're done."

"You won't get in trouble?"

Melissa shook her head. "She won't know. I turned off my phone and I only do that when I'm training. She had a lot of business to take care of so I should be good until nine."

"Okay, I'll see you out there soon." Jackson waited until the door closed behind her before he went into the other locker room to round up his teammates.

Melissa had changed into her practice clothes when Taylor came bouncing in. "So, did you talk to him?"

Melissa grinned. "More than talk, we went to lunch together and we're sneaking away after his team pictures so I can give him a skating lesson."

"Oh, look at you, girl! We've been back together for one day and you're already lying to your coach and sneaking around!"

"Whatever. I'm not lying...exactly. I'm just not telling her everything. Anyway, as some wise person recently told me, missing one day of training won't hurt my chances."

"Is this the same Melissa Wu who insisted she needed to practice today?"

"Shut up. Hey, um…do me a favor and don't mention to anyone that I know how to snowboard."

Taylor lifted an eyebrow. "Why?"

Melissa lowered her voice so no one else in the locker room would hear them. "Because Jackson is going to give me boarding lessons in exchange for skating lessons."

"Melissa! If Daley finds out she'll have your hide!"

"She didn't find out all those times I went with you."

"True." Taylor looked her up and down and made a face. "Is that what you're wearing?"

"Yeah, why?" Melissa asked, looking down at her clothes. "They're my training clothes. It's all I have."

Taylor squinted at her outfit and tapped her index finger on her lip. "I got it!" She dug around in her bag then said, "Put your dress back on and wear these." She tossed a pair of black leggings at Melissa.

"I'll freeze, Taylor" she whined. "You know how cold I get."

Taylor rolled her eyes and laughed. "You're going to have your hands all over that hunky piece of man-meat. Do you really think you're going to be cold? Puh-lease."

Melissa felt her cheeks grow warm. Taylor did have a point. "I have a black hoodie that I can put on if I need to."

"Trust me. If you do everything right, you won't need it. And don't wear your gloves. You need to feel his skin under your fingers. And if you're lucky, you'll be running your fingers through his hair and you don't want to build up static and zap him. Now, go get you some and have fun!"

"Taylor! You make it sound like I'll be jumping his bones. I'm not you."

"Nice! I try to give you a little help and you go all viper on me."

Melissa rolled her eyes. "Spare me the hurt feelings act, Taylor. We both know better. And we know I didn't say anything that wasn't true."

Taylor grinned. "Yeah, I know. I was just trying to see if I could make you feel guilty. You didn't even crack. How does Daley do it so easily?"

"Stop! And if Daley calls you…"

"I'll say you're doing the hockey team," Taylor said with a smirk.

Melissa laughed. "Better yet, if Daley calls you, don't answer."

"Whatever you say, darling. Call me tonight when you get home. I want to hear all the details."

"Hey, you're sticking around for the mixer tomorrow, right?"

"Of course! Free food, free publicity, hot guys. Why wouldn't I be there?"

"I'm going to try and convince Daley to let me go. I think I have the right angle. Will you help me figure out what to wear? Jackson expects me to be there."

Taylor looked her friend in the eye. "He's really gotten to you, huh?"

Melissa nodded. "Pretty obvious, isn't it?"

"I'm happy for you, I really am. Just…be careful. You've known him all of a few hours. Don't do…anything I would do."

"No chance of that!"

"Hey!"

"Don't worry, Tay. He's not like other guys. There's something, I don't know, sincere and solid about him."

"Like you have enough experience with men to judge that."

"I'm a good judge of character!"

"I don't know," Taylor said skeptically. "You picked me. That doesn't say much for your judgment. Just ask Daley, she'd agree with me."

"Don't worry, it's not like I'm going to do anything with him. Just give him a skating lesson."

"Right!"

"Well, if those perfect, full lips of his do happen to land on mine…"

"Enough! Get out of here and call me later, let me know how it went."

"Thanks, Taylor!"

Melissa picked up her duffel and garment bag and headed out to the main floor. The snowboarders were just finishing their team pictures. Jackson jogged up to Melissa. "Give me five minutes to change and I'll meet you by the front doors." He jogged off toward the locker rooms.

Melissa turned on her phone to check her messages while she waited and it immediately started ringing. She checked the caller ID, groaned and answered it. "Hello? Yes, almost. But...I was going to get in some practice time. Nooo...but," Melissa sighed as she listened to a long tirade from her coach.

Taylor waved at Melissa as she passed by chattering with the other female snowboarders. True to his word, Jackson was back in five minutes. He stood there politely waiting for her to end her call. He already knew it was Daley. Melissa smiled apologetically and held up her index finger. Jackson smiled and shrugged. He understood how coaches could be. Finally Melissa hung up. She turned to him. "Sorry, my coach."

"That's okay. I had one like that once."

"What happened to him?"

"I fired him and found one that was more suited to my taste."

"Not an option for me."

"Guess not. So, where's this rink?" Jackson asked.

"About five miles from here."

"Do you have a car?"

"No, I was going to get a taxi."

"I have my truck, I'll just drive us."

Jackson picked up her bags and led her outside to a small, dark blue SUV. He held the door for her as she climbed in. He noticed she kept looking around. "What's wrong?" he asked as he buckled himself in.

"I'm just afraid Lex will see me and tell Daley."

"Don't worry about Lex. I saw him leave with some other guys before you came out of the locker room."

They drove the short distance to the rink and entered through a small side door. Melissa had Jackson wait in the hallway while she checked to see who was there. Only Captain Bob. She promised to lock up and sent him on his way. When she was sure they were alone, she locked the doors and led Jackson out to the ice.

"What am I going to do about skates?" he asked.

"What size?"

"Thirteen."

"Hang on a minute." Melissa disappeared into a back room. Lights started turning off so that only a few were on over the ice. Jackson looked puzzled as Melissa came back out carrying a pair of men's skates.

"What's with the lights?" he asked.

"Oh, sorry, I should have told you. These lights give me headaches so I practice with as few on as possible."

They sat down on a bench and Melissa pulled her skates out. They both laced up and she looked at him as she pulled out her gloves. She was wearing the black hoodie over her sundress. It was just too cold to look cute.

"You ready for this?"

"Lead on, teach."

Melissa had him stand up on his blades. She led him through some warm-ups before explaining a few basics. "These are hockey skates so you should be a little more stable on them," she said. "Ready to try the ice?"

Jackson shrugged. "Why not? How about you go out there first and show me some of your stuff while I make my way over there?"

"Really?"

"Yes. I'd love to see you skate."

Melissa felt her cheeks warm as she turned away from him and stepped out onto the ice. She skated a big circle to get a feel for the ice then she did a few spins, a camel and some intricate steps into a double toe loop. She built up her speed with a part of her short program then launched into a triple lutz-triple toe loop combination.

Jackson was standing on the ice, holding onto the rail, mesmerized. When she did her last jump, he clapped. "That was amazing!" he said.

Melissa smiled as she stopped in front of him. "Thanks. Ready?" She held out her hands.

Jackson took a deep breath, grabbed her hands and slid toward her. She patiently led him around the rink again and again, talking him through the basics they had practiced on the floor. He was skating forward pretty well on his own, he was okay going backwards and he could stop. "You really are a good teacher," he said.

"Well, how about we try a spin?"

"Um, I don't know about that."

"Come on, it's basic. Don't worry, I've got you." She took his hands and led him in a slow spin. "See, nothing to it. Now you try."

She let go and Jackson tried by himself. He turned once, but on the second spin he started losing his balance. Melissa grabbed for him, but they both ended up on their backsides, laughing.

"I thought you weren't going to let me fall," he said.

"Sorry, but you're bigger than me. I couldn't hold you. Are you hurt?"

He grinned at her. "Only my pride. I didn't hurt you, did I?" He was staring into her warm, brown eyes.

"No, I'm fine." She stared back into those blue eyes and felt herself drawn to him.

Jackson felt it, too, as he leaned in closer. He licked his bottom lip in anticipation. Melissa could smell his soap. He could feel her body heat. Their lips were three inches apart. Two inches apart. They both closed their eyes and…

There was a loud bang that echoed through the empty building. "Melissa!" someone shouted.

Melissa and Jackson jumped apart. "Who's that?" he asked.

"Shhh! It's Daley. Stay down and be quiet!" Luckily, they were next to the wall nearest the front door.

"Melissa Wu, are you here?" Daley yelled, sounding very annoyed.

Melissa popped up. "I'm here, Daley!"

"What were you doing down there?" she demanded. "You didn't fall did you? Are you hurt?"

"Relax, Daley. I was tying my lace."

"Oh." Daley looked around. "Why is it so dark in here? Are you trying to hurt yourself, practicing in the dark?"

Melissa sighed. "It's not dark. The lights give me headaches, remember?"

"Oh, right. Why the hell is your phone off? I've been trying to call you!"

"You know I turn it off when I train. What's up?" She skated closer to Daley to keep her away from the wall.

"I wanted to tell you to come back early so you can pack. We leave for Park City first thing."

"Oh. Uh, Daley, you do know there's an Olympic team mixer tomorrow, don't you?"

"Yes, so? It's a party. We need to get you back to full-time training. You have to get focused."

"I know, but…I heard a bunch of the athletes talking. This mixer is a big deal. There will be lots of press and sponsors and the U.S.O.C. members will be there and…how would it look if a medal hopeful didn't show? I mean, I'm in town and they know it, so…"

Daley's face scrunched up for a minute while she thought about what Melissa said. "U.S.O.C. members, huh?" Melissa nodded. "Sponsors, lots of press?"

"T.V. and print. I heard S.I. will be there, too."

Daley blew out a loud breath. Well, I guess you should be there. Okay, fine. We'll leave for Park City the next morning."

"Okay, whatever you think is best," Melissa said.

"Well, are you coming?" Daley said impatiently.

Melissa checked her watch. "I was hoping to get another hour of practice in."

Daley consulted her own watch. "No, we need to go shopping now and find you something to wear for tomorrow."

"I don't need anything, Daley. I'd rather practice. Why don't you go pick out something for me?"

"Look Melissa, I know you really don't like to shop, but I'm not picking out anything for you. The last time was a disaster, remember?"

"Oh, yeah. Forgot about that... But, I really don't need anything. I can just borrow something from Taylor."

"I do not want you dressing like her. Especially not with the U.S.O.C. and press there. Now, I'll give you ten minutes to change and say good bye to Bob. I have a call to make, I'll be waiting in the car. Ten minutes, Melissa."

"Okay," she said reluctantly. Daley turned and left the building. Melissa skated over to Jackson and helped him to his feet. "I'm so sorry about this, but if she caught you here I'd be locked away in Park City until after the opening ceremonies."

"Sounds like she has you on a pretty tight leash."

"She just worries about me. She thinks I'm all she has."

They both took their skates off. Melissa returned his and turned off the rest of the lights as he put his shoes back on. She left a note for Bob so he'd cover for her if Daley happened to talk to him.

Melissa gathered her gear then led Jackson to the side door. "I really am sorry our lesson got cut short."

"I'll just take a rain check," he smiled. "What are your plans tomorrow?"

"I don't know for sure. I'll be up and working out at four then I'm not sure what Daley has planned. Then I'll go to Taylor's to get ready for the mixer."

"Text me tomorrow, maybe we can have lunch again."

"My cell doesn't text."

"What? All cells text."

Melissa pulled out her phone and handed it to him. "Not mine."

"This thing is a dinosaur! How long have you had it?"

"I don't know, seven years?"

Jackson programmed his number into her phone and added hers to his. "Call me tomorrow when you know what you're doing."

"Okay. Thanks, Jackson. I had a good time today."

He smiled. "Me, too. Thank you for the lesson. I can't wait to finish it." He leaned forward to kiss her, but the sound of a loud horn blaring made them both jump.

"That's Daley. I'd better go. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow, Melissa," he said. He stared at her for a few seconds then smiled and walked out the door.

Melissa felt butterflies in her stomach. She smiled as she locked the door behind him. Daley's loud horn disrupted her thoughts. She let herself out the front then ran to the car and dumped her bags in the back. She was buckling herself into the passenger seat when Daley asked, "What took you so long?"

"I had to go to the bathroom."

"Well, I just called Vera. She's meeting us at her office to help find something suitable for you to wear tomorrow."

"Daley, I really can just borrow something from Taylor. You know she has nice clothes. All designer labels, no less. She gets plenty of stuff from Vera, too. And it'd be a loan...free. I mean, can we really afford this?"

"It's a business expense so yes, we can afford it. We can't have a medal hopeful wearing something off the rack."

Melissa sighed and sat back in her seat. "Whatever you think is best, Daley."

[- - - - - ]

A/N: I wrote the majority of this story before Canadian Joannie Rochette's mother died. I altered my story a bit to incorporate it (later). No disrespect is intended, I have the utmost respect for her and the composure, courage and strength she showed in skating after such a terrible loss. I'm sure many of you, like me, were skating every stroke with her and willing her to do well and moved to tears after each of her performances.

I also apologize if I offend any of you by eliminating athletes from your country, no disrespect is intended. I have watched these Games as I do every Olympics; hoping my country wins, but I have no problem cheering for another country if I think they are the superior performer. I just have to eliminate some athletes to accomodate my characters and story lines.

Oh yeah, and I ADORE Shaun White! (Always have!) No one compares in that sport. How much fun is he to watch?

As for my looooong absence (other than the drabble on Turkey Day), I injured my back again in June, so bad that I couldn't move for two weeks. Summer plans were scrapped as I had to heal and rehab. There is still quite a bit of pain and healing to do, but such is life. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. (I just wish it would make my back stronger.) =)

Hope you enjoyed and will let me know what you think.