"No leaps, I promise," I assure him, not letting myself think too much about the way he squeezes my hand.

Part of me wants to show off a little bit, do a quick lap as promised, but pappered with a few spins and leaps. But I haven't skated in a few weeks now and I'm not at all warmed up so it's probably for the best if I don't. Last thing I need is to end up with another concussion or, worse, embarrass myself in front of Simon.

So I gently let go, making sure he as a firm grip on the boards before sliding backwards and then slipping into an easy glide. I'm aware of his eyes on me the whole time and I keep my strides long and slow and easy. No super speed this time around. As I pull up behind him again, I turn easily so I can keep facing him, blades digging into the ice to stop myself.

"See, it's not too scary," I tell him, gliding closer. "That was definitely faster than I expect you to handle on your first try and you don't have to love it like I do, but I hope it's at least a little fun!"