Page 63 of The Best Parts of Him

Ryland wasn’t sure how it happened, but the puck got lost in a shuffle of skates as Miles and two Washington players battled for it in front of the crease. Then, in a move too serendipitous to make sense of, someone kicked it aside with their skate.

And it landed right on Ryland’s tape.

Ryland was so surprised that he stared at it for a full two seconds before registering what had happened. Miles’ shout of “Move it, Ry!” sent him bursting into action, and before he could think twice, he shot . . .

And scored.

The goal horn blew, fans flew to their feet, and Miles jumped on him before being joined by Lang and their D-men.

Reporters wanted a moment of his time after the game, so he donned his Columbus Pilots hat, ensuring the brim didn’t hide his eyes, and stood tall as he answered their questions.

“How’s your shoulder feeling?”

“You had a strong start today and an even stronger finish. Can you tell us what was going through your mind in the final few minutes of the game?”

“Walk us through the last few weeks, Ryland. How did you stay in shape while recuperating from your injury?”

“The Trailblazers also had a game tonight, but they lost. Anything to say to Bellamy Jordan about that?”

One of the reporters smirked. “Or to your new boyfriend?”

Ryland lost his smile and backed up a step. Once upon a time, he would’ve grinned like the Cheshire Cat and said something like, “The only thing I have to say to Bellamy Jordan is that obviously the better man won.”

He’d never say that now, though. He respected his brother’s choice in partners too much, for one thing. And for another, he’d grown to respect Bellamy.

And as for the second thing, that was the first question he was asked about his relationship with Dabbs?

Fucker.

“Man, that’s not a fair question,” Ryland said. “You all know that Bellamy and I are on friendly terms now. That’s . . . Yeah, I’m not going to answer that, and I don’t appreciate you trying to start something. And as for me and Dabbs, I have nothing to say about that if you’re just going to belittle it.”

The public relations people called a halt to the interview after that, and Miles—who’d scored tonight’s first goal early in the second period—took the spotlight.

In the locker room, Ryland shook off his annoyance and sat on the bench in front of his stall to check his phone. Nothing from Dabbs, but that wasn’t surprising. He was probably still at the arena. He hadn’t been cleared to play yet, but as team captain, his coach had given him permission to sit behind the bench during home games.

Ryland did have messages from his siblings and his dad in the family group chat, though.

Jason:

He’s baaaaaaack!

Brie:

I bet Dad five bucks you’d have a terrible first game back tonight.

Jason:

BRIE! What the hell?

Dad:

She’s kidding.

Dad:

It was only a dollar.

Jason: