He wondered if he could stay with Ryan if he didn’t.
Three days later, Fabian sat on Ryan’s bed, holding a well-loved copy ofAnne of Green Gables. “Do you always bring this with you?”
“Whenever I fly somewhere, yeah.”
“Why?”
Ryan shrugged and pulled some rumpled-looking clothing out of his travel bag. “For comfort. Mom used to read that book to Colleen when we were kids, and I would always listen in. Then I read it to Colleen myself. It’s always kinda been our thing.”
“So it’s like an anchor? Something you can focus on when you’re scared?”
“I guess.”
Fabian handed it to Ryan, who placed it back in the bag. “How’s your back?”
“Fine. Why?”
“Is it?”
Ryan looked confused. “I told you it’s better, didn’t I?”
“Yes,” Fabian said pointedly. “You did.”
“What’s wrong?”
Fabian stood. “You’ve been lying to me.”
Ryan’s eyebrows shot up. “Lying?”
“You can’t be serious.”
“Serious about what?”
“About thinking I don’t know! It’s obvious your back hasn’t healed.”
“It’s not that bad,” Ryan grumbled.
Fabian felt like he might explode. “Don’t play tomorrow night.”
Ryan stared at him like he had no idea what Fabian could possibly be concerned about. “Of course I’m playing. I have to.”
“Your back is still completely fucked!”
“My back is always fucked. It’s just more fucked than usual right now.”
“You can’t play hockey like this.”
Ryan snorted. “You’re the expert.”
Fabian rounded the bed and stood in front of him, fists clenched at his sides. “Really? That’s how you’re going to play this? Your sissy boyfriend doesn’t know anything about sports, so he’s stupid to be concerned about your health?”
Ryan narrowed his eyes at him. “Don’t call yourself that.”
“Don’t play hockey when you’rehurt.”
Ryan’s face softened, which only made Fabian madder because now it looked like Ryan was amused by how stupid he was being. “It will be fine. It’sbeenfine. The doctor gives me something for the pain.”
Excuse me?“Gives you something? Gives you what?”
