They waited in the lobby after the standings were announced.

“So, figure skating?” Lyric’s dad was watching the crowd. Around them, skaters were being congratulated by loved ones.

“It reminds me of ballet.” Her mom observed, turning a warm smile in Lyric’s direction. “Do you remember your ballet days?”

“Mom.” Lyric complained. She wished she could forget. Dancing wasn’t for her.

Luckily, Michael spotted Luke before Lyric’s parents could reminisce about everything she had broken. He waved to get Luke’s attention.

Luke smiled as he jogged toward them, the faux silver metal bouncing around his neck. As soon as he was close enough, Lyric threw her arms around him in a hug. “Congrats!”

“Thank you for all your help.” He awkwardly bent to place his backpack on the floor so that he could return her hug. “You have no idea how much it meant to me.”

When Lyric broke the hug, Luke turned to thank Michael. That’s when he noticed Lyric’s parents. His demeanor changed, becoming shy, and he hunched his shoulders.

“I brought my parents.” Lyric explained. “I hope you don’t mind.”

Luke shook his head.

“You were lovely out there.” Lyric’s mom complimented.

“Thank you.”

“We should celebrate when we get home!” Lyric decided. She picked up Luke’s backpack and turned to leave. “How about--” She stopped.

The backpack was heavier than she expected. Testing the weight, she was positive that it held more than his costume and maybe a wallet. Opening the bag, she saw the rental skates Luke usually used during practice. “Did Rick let you borrow a pair of skates?” She asked.

“Um, no.” Luke rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. “He, uh, gave them to me. Said it was an early birthday present.”

“Your birthday’s coming up?” Michael asked as they all made their way to the parking lot.

Luke nodded. “Yeah, in a few days.”

“What a coincidence.” Lyric’s dad laughed. “Lyric’s birthday is on the thirteenth. You two should celebrate together.”

Lyric heard Luke chuckle, but she couldn’t get behind the idea. She didn’t want to think about her birthday.

Half way across the parking lot, Michael waved goodbye and broke away to find his own car. Lyric hesitated when Luke didn’t follow. “You didn’t come with him?”

Luke shook his head.

“Who’d you get a ride from, then?” She looked around. Luke hadn’t said anything about waiting for someone else.

“Nobody.” He was looking at his feet. “I, uh, didn’t want to bother either of you, so I hitchhiked.”

“What?”

“That’s dangerous, son.” Lyric’s dad was shaking his head. Then he jerked his head toward their car. “We’ll give you a ride. Just tell us where to drop you off.”

“The arena is fine.” Luke muttered as they started moving again. “Um, thank you for the ride, Mr. Rivers.”

When they got on the highway, Lyric’s dad looked at the clock. It was nearly midnight. “It’s late. I’d feel a lot better if you let me drive you all the way home. What’s the address?”

“The arena.” Luke muttered, barely audible. From her seat beside him, Lyric didn’t miss the ashamed look on his face.

“I live there.”