Dante pushes Ryan’s wheelchair behind the
small procession heading for the bus. It’s Mrs. Talonovich in the
lead, of course—she’s in her element here. As they walk, Ryan tells
Dante she lives for this stuff. “Every single away game,” he says
over his shoulder, “and she’s in the parking lot, helping the team
pack up. God, playoffs last year? I thought she’d end up coming
with us. That was scary.”
Ahead of them, the skate officials follow
Josey and Becca, right behind Ryan’s mother and laden down with
their bags. Nearing the bus, Mrs. Talonovich nods at the open
luggage compartments. “In there, girls. Thank you so much.
Ryan appreciates it.”
“Ryan can talk for himself,” Ryan
mutters.
Dante senses his boyfriend’s anger beginning
to brew so he slows down, widening the gap betwee
