The next morning flew by. Exhibition practice was followed by a 'Hotchner Family Interview' with Tamika Jones (Tamika's leading question: I understand you are a blended family. Laurel's answer: Shaken, stirred, and blended. We've been through a lot together and I would suspect that there is still a lot to come.), which was followed by a team brunch in a private dinning room, organized by Rossi.
"I wanted to make sure you got one proper meal today," he told Paige. "The past few days have been totally chaotic and I know you haven't had a chance to eat properly."
"None of us has," Laurel told him. "Thank You!"
"Pasta?" Paige smiled at him as she glanced at the menu. "I never would have guessed."
"Don't be a smart aleck now, Young One," Rossi chided her. "Just because you have that medal hanging around your neck doesn't mean – "
"Oh Uncle Dave!" Paige laughed as she hugged him.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Brunch (with several pasta dishes) was over and everyone was walking out of the private dining room when Phil Lewis and Kaylie Thornton walked over to the group.
"Paige, Laurel, and Aaron," Phil smiled at them. "If you have a minute? There are some people who would like to have a word with you."
"We aren't going far," Kaylie assured them. "We have a small conference room set up in the hotel's business center."
The three exchanged glances as Laurel tightened her grip on Paige's hand. "No problem," Hotch assured the two USFSA officials. "Lead the way."
When they walked into the conference room, they saw the President of the USFSA, as well as the four members of the Selection Committee, sitting around a conference table waiting for them.
"Please, sit down," the invitation came from the president.
"As I am sure you have guessed," the head of the committee began once they were seated. "We are here to discuss the selection of the USFSA Figure Skating Team members who will be representing the United States in the upcoming Olympics in Montreal, Canada."
"It is my pleasure to tell you that you have been selected to be a member of that team," the president concluded.
"Thank You!" Paige gasped out. "Thank You! I have always loved skating in Canada, and to be part of the Olympics - "
"You have earned it." The assurance came from another committee member.
"You don't have as much international experience as some of the other skaters, but what you do have is very impressive," was the comment from the third committee member.
"And, I understand that you and your 'entourage' have made a very positive impression on many of the people you have met at the various competitions," the fourth committee member smiled at them. "Not to mention that your group seems to be extremely proficient at thinking on their feet and solving any problems which may arise."
"We think you will do well," the president concluded with a smile.
"Now, as you probably know, the U.S. is entitled to send three ladies to compete," the head of the committee continued.
"The second competitor was easy," he explained. "Laura Kingsley has done very well over the years and can be counted on to give a strong showing. So, she will be going too. However, the problem arose when it came to choosing the third skater."
"Shin Lee Lin did place third at Nationals this year. However, she is only 14 years old and has had very little experience in international, high pressure competition," the second member explained. "It was because of this that the decision of this committee was that she will be going to the Olympics as the alternate, and that the third competitor will be Hannah Decker."
"Rest assured that both Hannah and her mother will be warned that their behavior before and up to the actual competition will be closely monitored," the fourth committee member continued. "And, if there is any indication that they are stepping out of line, Hannah's name will be withdrawn and Shin Lee will skate in her place."
"Do you have any questions?" the head of the committee smiled at Paige and her parents.
"I assume – that – that - we will be receiving information on Paige's competition schedule and on the USA team meeting and everything else in the usual way?" Laurel stuttered.
"You will," was the immediate assurance. "And, also, information on Paige's accommodations in The Olympic Village. She will also be scheduled for several meetings with the other Olympians from the U.S. who are competing in other sports."
"I think I can promise you the experience of a lifetime!"