Chapter 3

“We’ve been over this. There’s nothing wrong with my apartment. It’s within walking distance of the rink.”

Roger nodded. “True, but I’m thinking of a more drastic move.”

Alexi’s hand froze on the door of his locker and he turned to look at his coach. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m thinking Aspen.”

His stomach dropping, Alexi frowned. “Colorado?”

“It’s where I trained. It’s where your mother and father trained and met.”

“Maybe, but I’ve been training here all my life and I’ve done well.”

“Yes. A silver medal is commendable.” Roger grabbed up Alexi’s discarded towel. “But I want a world championship for you, Alexi. An Olympic championship.You, of all the skaters I coach, are the one who can and will do it.”

“But why can’t I just do that here?”

“You need to focus. I want you to think skating twenty-four hours, seven days a week.” Roger sat on the bench in front of the lockers. “I know about your feelings.”