My stomach drops the moment I see Emily’s face after practice a few days later. She’s standing near the locker room entrance, and there’s something in her expression that makes my chest tighten.

Coach Marquette is gathering everyone near the boards, calling the team over. I skate over slowly, Emily falling into step beside me. Her hand brushes mine but doesn’t hold on.

“Team, I want to introduce someone special,” Coach says, gesturing to a woman standing beside her. The woman is probably in her late thirties, dressed in expensive athletic wear that screams professional. Her posture is perfect, shoulders back, chin level.

“This is Victoria Hughes. She’s a former Olympic silver medalist and currently heads the Regional Selection Committee.” The name sparks recognition that I shove down.

Victoria smiles, and it’s the kind of smile that’s been practiced in front of cameras—professional, polished.

My phone buzzes in my bag in the locker room, and I remember yesterday’s text. Dad: Victoria Hughes, the coach I mentioned, is visiting Lakeview this week. She’s looking forward to meeting you. Be open-minded.

Emily had tensed when I’d shown her, had started to say something, but I’d cut her off. Asked her not to make a big deal. She’d promised, but the look on her face now suggests promises only go so far.

“Let’s move to the conference room,” Coach says, already heading toward the door. “More comfortable than standing on ice.” The team follows, our skate guards clicking against the hallway floor.

The conference room smells like old vanilla diffusor. We file in, taking seats around the long table. Emily sits beside me, close but not touching, and I can feel the tension radiating off her like heat.

Victoria takes a position at the head of the table, leaning casually against the edge. “I wanted to meet you all personally,” she begins, her voice smooth and confident.

“Lakeview has an incredible program. Excellence isn’t just about what you do on the ice—it’s about how you represent your program, your coaches, yourselves.”

The words sound nice. Inspirational, even. But there’s something underneath them, something that makes the back of my neck prickle. Emily shifts beside me, her knee pressing against mine for just a second before pulling away.

“I also wanted to open the floor for questions,” Victoria continues, her gaze sweeping across the room. “Anyone have concerns heading into Regionals? Things you’re wondering about?”

Sarah raises her hand immediately. “What are the judges looking for this year? Any changes to the scoring criteria?”

Victoria nods, like she was expecting this. “Technical standards remain consistent. Clean landings, proper edges, speed and control. But what sets competitors apart is presentation and artistry alongside skill. The judges want to see complete packages.”

More questions follow. Ava asks about the weight of the short program versus the free skate. Jessica wants to know about international judging panels. Victoria answers each one with that same polished professionalism, never faltering, never uncertain.

Then she leans forward slightly, her expression becoming more serious. “The most successful skaters I’ve worked with over the years,” she says, and her eyes sweep the room again, “are the ones who stay focused on their craft. Who don’t let outside distractions affect their performance.”

The words hit like a physical blow. I feel Emily tense beside me, her whole body going rigid. Victoria’s gaze had landed on us—just for a second, maybe not even deliberately, but long enough that Emily noticed. Long enough that I noticed Emily noticing.

“Discipline is everything in this sport,” Victoria continues, moving on smoothly. “Mental discipline as much as physical. The athletes who maintain that focus consistently perform at the highest levels.”

The meeting wraps up with more generic encouragement. Coach thanks Victoria for her time. Everyone stands, filing out with quiet murmurs.

“Really?” Emily’s voice is careful, controlled. Too controlled. “Because she just stood in front of the entire team and made a comment about distractions while looking directly at us. You’re telling me that’s a coincidence?”

Unsaved contact: Hi Maddie, this is Victoria Hughes. David shared your contact information—I hope that’s okay. I really enjoyed meeting the team today. If you ever want to discuss training or have questions about the competitive circuit, my door is always open. No pressure.

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