Icebreaker

Content Warning: This section of the guide details protagonist Anastasia Allen’s experiences of anxiety, disordered eating, and an abusive relationship with her skating partner.

Anastasia Allen and her figure skating partner Aaron Carlisle practice their routine while their coach, Aubrey Brady, yells at them. Brady confronts Anastasia about her ability to learn a complex jump called a “quadruple Lutz,” suggesting that she take the jump out of the routine, but Anastasia and Aaron object. After practice, Aaron drives Anastasia to home to his condo, which he and Anastasia share with Lola, Anastasia’s best friend. On the way, Anastasia consults her planner, which she considers her “most prized possession” (4). She plans when she eats and sleeps, and even when she has sex. Tonight, she plans to meet Ryan Rothwell, the captain of the basketball team, with whom she enjoys regular sex but does not have a romantic relationship. Aaron teases her about her planner and the size difference between her and Ryan. Anastasia and Aaron do not have a romantic relationship, but he is sometimes jealous of her social life.

When they get home, Lola is upset because Olivia Abbott was given the role she wanted in a play.