Ryan isn’t sure what Dietrich’s said this
time but it makes Dante fly around the ice at top speed, and he’s
still a full lap ahead of the others when he crosses the finish
line. Hands on his knees, he glides off the track, nodding at the
crowd that calls out his name—and these are just other skate clubs,
their guests, a few local fans. Wait until this place is slam
packed tomorrow, wait until they cheer him on then. While
the other skaters finish the race, Dante keeps to the edge of the
rink, slowing to cool down after the relay, and he coasts to a stop
in front of Ryan. “Hey,” he sighs, breathless, as he leans on the
boards. “That one always does me in.”
Forcing a tight smile, Ryan strokes the back
of Dante’s gloved hand and asks, “What happened this time?” Dante
shakes his h
