Page 18 of 300 New Year's Eves

It’s not until he hears Chadwick Levinson’s voice that Sergio realizes where Jeremy has led them.

“Nobody thought Jeremy Owens could be beat,” Chadwick blusters to an annoyed-looking Allison. Sergio groans at his words. Apparently, he’s doomed to hear this conversion between the two rivals no matter how it’s provoked.

“I couldn’t,” Jeremy says, stepping in beside Allison.

Chadwick stands up a little straighter and looks Jeremy up and down. “Sorry, I didn’t see you there,” he says with a haughty lilt to his voice. Sergio immediately remembers why it felt so good to punch this asshole the night before.

“I should really thank you,” Chadwick says. “Nike was so focused on making you the future face of figure skating that they completely overlooked me for ages. Once you walked away from that endorsement, I took off. Now, look where I am!”

“I didn’t walk away,” Jeremy says.

Sergio can taste the bitterness radiating off of Jeremy. Despite how thick it is, he keeps his cool. Sergio’s punch did not go over well last night. If he wants to make any inroads with Jeremy, he needs to keep his fists to himself.

Chadwick lifts his hand as if lazily swatting a fly on a hot summer day. “It’s fine. You can admit you couldn’t handle the pressure.”

“I handled the pressure just fine,” Jeremy says. “And you damn well know it.”

Sergio looks at Allison standing on the other side of Chadwick. She seems to be having the same reaction that he is: careful silence and a clenched fist at her side. He’s half tempted to wait this out and see if Allison throws the punch this time.

“Maybe,” Chadwick says, his tone bored. He shifts his attention back to Allison. “Remember what I offered. My coaching staff would love to take you on.”

Allison positions herself beside Jeremy. “I’m fine where I am.”

“Well, if you change your mind, you know how to reach me,” Chadwick says and turns to walk away from them. When he does, he finally notices Sergio. “Sergio? Sergio Durand!”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s me,” Sergio says in defeat right as Holden hops on stage to announce the beginning of the countdown.

“Ten!”

“It’s good to see you,” Chadwick says.

“Nine!”

“Don’t tell me you know Allison, too?” Chadwick asks.

“Eight!”

“Yeah, I know her …”

“Seven!”

“… well, I know Rose and Jeremy.”

“Six!”

Chadwick leans in a little closer. “It’s a shame she’s training with them …”

“Five!”

“… I mean, Rose is great and all …”

“Four!”

“… but Jeremy.” Chadwick winces.

“Three!”

“He’s lost whatever magic people thought he had.”