Blue ICE

If Lena was going to catch the attention of her dream man, she’d need to get her skates on

- Margaret Mather

Lena gazed at the Christmas tree standing at the edge of the ice rink, resplendent in all its finery. The colored lights entwined around its branches flickered on and off, casting shadows on the opaque ice. Baubles of gold and silver twinkled underneath shimmering tinsel of red and green as skaters glided over the ice to the sound of Elvis singing Blue Christmas, and were then urged to go faster by the husky tones of Brenda Lee belting out Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.

Skating was Lena’s first love, with Christmas following close behind. After weeks of pleading with her parents, they’d finally caved in and allowed her to go to the Christmas Eve session at the ice rink. She had been overjoyed – not just for the thrill of skating or the wonder of Christmas – but she might also see the gorgeous hunk she’d spied the previous week.

Smitten by his good looks, she had tried everything in her power to make him notice her. He was tall, with auburn hair and deep hazel eyes, and he’d sped around the ice with ease. She’d marveled at his expertise as she’d followed him around the rink, showing off her own prowess, hoping to attract his attention.

She’d skated her way through a figure of eight, turned around with a flick of her boots, and zigzagged backward, then jumped as high as she could without falling over. Nothing worked. He’d seemed oblivious.

Her last attempt to get noticed had been to tumble in front of him, but he’d jumped over her and skated on.

Tonight, Lena was determined to talk to him.