Roman adjusted his stance and sighed. "Listen, Lena—"
But she raised a hand, stopping him before he could finish. "Is this the surprise you said you had for me?" she asked, her voice brimming with disappointment as her gaze flicked over him before hardening. "A figure skater, Roman? Really? You're throwing away a real partner for a girl who can't even stand on her own two blades without falling?"
The comment struck a nerve.
Roman's jaw tightened. "You don't need to say that about her," he said, irritation creeping into his voice. "She is as much a—" He stopped himself abruptly, exhaling through his nose. "Listen, Lena," he continued, forcing the words out more evenly. "I don't have time for this right now. I'll deal with it later."
Before she could respond, Roman stepped around her and continued down the hallway.
