Chapter 19 Lena

I can’t stop smiling. I’ve tried, really, I have, but every time my mind drifts, I’m right back in the arena. The roar of the crowd. The energy. The way Evan skated out and immediately looked for me. The way he waved. And the way Sabrina practically launched herself over two girls to blow him a kiss.

I bite my lip to keep from laughing again. She’s trying way too hard. And Evan being absolutely miserable about it? That’s just… karma. High school karma.

Because back then, he used to tease me relentlessly. Not in a mean way—just enough to make my face turn red and my stomach flip. So watching him now, dodging Sabrina like she’s radioactive, feels like the universe finally balancing the scales.

The party is loud and warm, full of people talking over each other, music playing, food everywhere. The younger girls are having the time of their lives. And honestly? So am I.

Emma, Mason’s little sister, is a breath of fresh air. Sweet, bright, starry‑eyed. She told me she wants to be like me someday, and something in my chest melted a little. Inviting her to skate with me felt natural, easy. She reminds me of why I loved skating in the first place. I’m talking with her and the girls when Evan suddenly appears at my side.

“Hey,” he says, a little breathless. “My mom and brothers just got here. Come say hi?”

My heart does a weird little flip. “Yeah. Of course.” He smiles, soft, warm, and heads off to get them.

And the second he’s out of earshot, Sabrina swoops in like a hawk. She plants herself in front of me, arms crossed, chin lifted like she’s about to deliver a royal decree. “Back off,” she says.

I blink. “What?”

“Evan is mine,” she says, lowering her voice like she’s sharing a secret. “So whatever you think is happening between you two, it’s not. He’s just being polite.”

I stare at her. Then I laugh. I can’t help it. It just bursts out of me. “Okay,” I say, still laughing. “Whatever you say.”

Her eyes narrow. “I’m serious.”

“Oh, I know you are,” I say, which somehow makes it even funnier. Before she can say anything else, I turn to Emma and the younger girls. “Come on,” I say brightly. “Let’s get something to eat.” They follow me instantly, leaving Sabrina standing there fuming, probably trying to figure out why her dramatic confrontation didn’t land the way she imagined. I don’t look back.

Because honestly? Seeing Evan ignore her all night, barely glancing her way, focusing only on the girls, on Emma, on me, was the greatest thing ever. And for the first time in a long time, I feel… light. Hopeful. Like maybe things are shifting in ways I didn’t expect. And I’m not sure what that means yet. But I’m not afraid of it anymore.

We weave through the crowd toward the food table, Emma practically bouncing beside me. She’s still talking about the game, about the speed, the noise, the way Evan scored in the second period, and I can’t help smiling at her excitement. I’m reaching for a plate when I hear a familiar voice behind me. “Lena?”

I turn, and before I can even react, I’m wrapped in a warm, tight hug. Evan’s mom. She squeezes me like she hasn’t seen me in years. “Oh, sweetheart, look at you. You look wonderful.”

I laugh into her shoulder. “Hi, Mrs. Hart.”

She pulls back, holding my arms, eyes shining. “I’m so happy you’re here. Evan told me you were back in town, but seeing you, oh, it just makes my heart full.” I feel my cheeks warm. She’s always been like this, soft, motherly, the kind of person who makes you feel safe just by standing near her.

Emma beams up at her. “Mrs. Hart!”

“Oh, honey,” she says, bending down to hug her too. “There you are.”

The way she holds Emma is different, gentler, protective. And I remember what Mason told me earlier this week. Emma and Mason lost their parents last year. A car crash. Sudden. Awful. And Mrs. Hart stepped in without hesitation. Just like Evan did with Mason. No wonder Emma clings to her.

“She hasn’t stopped talking about you, we were so worried when you were injuired.” Mrs. Hart says, smiling at me.

Emma nods vigorously. “Lena said I can skate with her on the pond!”

Mrs. Hart’s eyes soften even more. “That’s very kind of you, sweetheart.”

I shrug, suddenly shy. “She reminds me of… well, me.”

Mrs. Hart squeezes my hand. “Then she’s in good hands.”

Before I can respond, a voice cuts in. “Hi! I’m Sabrina.”

Mrs. Hart turns her head slowly, politely, like she’s being interrupted during a prayer, gives her a single nod. “Hello.”

Then she turns right back to me. Just like that. Sabrina’s smile falters. Emma bites her lip to keep from laughing. I don’t even try.

Mrs. Hart loops her arm through mine. “Come on, sweetheart. Tell me how you’ve been. I want to hear everything.”

I glance over her shoulder and spot Evan across the room, talking to his brothers. He catches my eye and smiles, soft, warm, the kind that hits me right in the chest. And for a moment, everything feels… right.