Chapter 9
She couldn't believe he'd brought a notebook with him. The day had once again gone off without a hitch. From the looks of it, they would most likely be done earlier than expected, which pleased her. Now as she stared over at Howie, writing feverishly, taking notes on everything she was telling them, she shook her head. This guy was too much. She had to laugh at the looks he was getting from everyone else. Some looked annoyed, while others looked uncomfortable, wondering if they should've been doing the same. Chuckling, she went on, pointing out various arenas.
"In here is where the figure skating competitions will be taking place. You can see this is an official size skating rink and just over in the corner there are the judges' booths. They've been strategically placed so as to get the full effect of each routine in order to judge accurately."
Howie continued to draw stray lines on the paper. He'd given up on actual note taking at the beginning of the day; it was just too much. He watched her as she talked, in a few days they would be leaving and he'd never see her again. The thought left him saddened for some reason. She was still very much of an enigma to him; she was a lot of what he looked for in a woman, strong, confident, career oriented. Perhaps a little too much of the latter.
Still, he wondered what it would be like to tare down that collected façade and get to the woman beneath. Beyond the professional clothes and glasses, under that cool stare to the passionate, delicate woman that he knew lay just beyond. The woman that he'd seen in her office a few days ago.
He stared intensely at her. It would be a lot of fun to find out, to be the one to break that façade. Oh yes, it'd be a lot of fun. A slow smile spread over his lips.
****
The next few days passed quickly and as Jordan had predicted, they ended a day early. Now as they headed back to the hotel for the last time, she took her position at the front of the bus again.
"Well this concludes your training course. As you can see, we're way ahead of schedule and you're free to head back home if you'd like. I just want to remind you that tomorrow, Friday, is the ball, you're free to bring a date as well. I'll be attending and I encourage you to go. As I said before, it's not required, but it's our way of thanking you for taking time out and helping us out this year. I hope you've enjoyed it and enjoy your experience here at Utah. I know I've enjoyed myself. Congratulations on being selected to take place in such an exciting event. Good luck!" She smiled before sitting back down.
They arrived a few minutes later at the hotel and Jordan said her farewell's to them as they left. The last one off the bus was Howie. He lingered around for a bit, waiting for everyone to leave before approaching her.
"Jordan?"
"Oh, hello Howie! I know we kinda got off to a rocky start in the beginning, but I just wanted to say good luck in Florida. Enjoy it, it's a once in a lifetime experience."
Howie smiled. "I sure will. Jordan, there's something I wanted to ask you."
"Oh? Does it have to do with anything we saw today?"
"No."
"Oh? What can I do for you then?"
He studied her for a moment before smiling. "I was wondering if you'd like to be my date for the ball tomorrow evening."
She stilled, for some reason her heart starting pounding fiercely. "Uh...I..." What was happening? She felt like she was back in high school, she was totally tongue-tied.
"Are you going with someone already?"
"No but..."
"But?" He smiled.
She blinked, looking away quickly. "I don't think that'd be such a good idea Howie."
"Why not?"
"I don't really think that it'd be appropriate to do so. I'm sorry. But I'll see you there." She smiled shakily. She watched as he looked at her a moment longer, a soft smile lingering on his lips. He wasn't in the least bit upset.
"Ok then. I'll see you there. Have a good evening Jordan." Howie nodded formally before turning and making his way into the hotel.
