The next two days sped by. Joan and Jade had driven from Chicago, so everyone was able to pile into their SUV and drive over to visit the Rock and Roll Museum. Even Rossi was impressed by their extensive collection of antique electric guitars and other memorabilia. Paige and Jade were on the same practice ice sessions, making it easier for Tovah to handle her coaching responsibilities.
"I'm afraid this is going to be my last competition," she confessed to the two mothers and Rossi. "With my new job, a baby on the way, and a husband who is out of town a lot, I don't think I will be able to handle it all. While we are here, we need to look around and see if we can spot another coach who might be willing to take on these two girls."
"That's going to be tough," Rossi observed. "From what I have seen, most coaches expect to be the ultimate authority for all issues concerning their skaters. We, on the other hand, are used to a team approach."
"Well, I took a chance the last time," Laurel smiled at Tovah. "And it turned out great. I guess I just might have to take a chance again."
And so, the search for a new coach began.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Hotch and the team flew into Cleveland just hours before Paige and Jade took the ice for their short program.
"Okay, you two. You both need to concentrate on skating a clean program," Tovah reminded them as they waited for their warm-up groups to be called. "The judges need to see that you are capable of completing the required maneuvers without any difficulties. Jade, you need to remember to keep your head up. There's nothing on the ice that you need to watch out for. And, as for you, Paige, try to keep track of your arms. Flailing them about as you skate does not count as artistic expression."
"Yes, Ma'am!" Paige smiled at her coach.
"Yes, Coach Tovah," Jade added with a grin.
"Now, let's go knock them dead!" Tovah declared with a smile.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
"Go Paige!" the familiar call echoed across the arena as Paige took her opening pose. Jade had skated in the previous warm-up group, and Rossi and Morgan had joined together to do the honors for her while Joan sat smiling proudly.
"You know some of these girls?" the older couple sitting in front of the team turned around to ask.
"Jade, who was in the last group, is an old friend, and Paige is my daughter," Hotch proclaimed proudly.
"Well, best of luck," the husband declared.
"I saw them on practice ice earlier and they both are very good skaters," his wife added appreciatively.