First step? Redirecting the conversation.
“How do you feel?” I asked, pointing to Ben’s feet.
I knew I had an advantage over him since he wasn’t in his native skates, and I wanted to hear the many ways he felt hobbled without them.
“It’s always an adjustment when I go back to these. They don’t feel natural to me. But I bet I can do some of the stuff you do wearing them.”
There was no end to Ben’s confidence.
“Oh, you think so? Please grace me with your figure-skating skills.”
“I’m sorry, did you say jump?”
Ben paused then did the tiniest, shakiest waltz jump ever executed in the Greater Woodspring Skating Arena. I managed not to laugh at him, until he finished with a graceless, stiff-armed pose.
“Sad.” I shook my head.
“Okay, watchthis.”
He attempted it again and managed to get a little more air, but nearly fell when he landed it.
“It’s your arms,” a little voice echoed out.
We both turned to find a young boy nearby, watching us with his hands on his hips and the furrowed expression of someone who’d been coaching newbies for thirty years. I recognized him as a promising ten-year-old figure skater named Nathan who’d been putting in plenty of hours at the rink with a private coach.
“Oh yeah?” Ben asked him. “What should I be doing instead?”
“Arms out for balance, like this.”
The boy executed a flawless jump and we both broke into spontaneous applause.
“Now you,” he said to Ben. “Don’t be afraid, you just have to believe in yourself.”
“Great advice. I’ll do my best.” He grinned as he shot me a look.
Ben paused, skated a few steps, then managed to get airandland without wobbling.
“See? You’re a natural,” the boy said proudly. “Just keep practicing and you’ll get even better.”
Ben hid a laugh. “Well, thanks. I sure will.”
“Hold on...” the boy said, eyeing Ben as he skated closer. “I know you.”
I expected Ben to whip off his hat with a flourish, but he waited quietly for the boy to continue.
“You’reMagic Martino! Oh my god,” he cried after a few more seconds of staring at Ben.
Ben laughed. “I am. What’s your name?”
“Nate,” he answered in an awed voice. “I can’t believe you’re here!”
“In the flesh,” Ben said.
I rolled my eyes.
“Can you show me some speed-skating stuff? Please?” Nate asked excitedly. “My coach isn’t here yet, I have time.”
“Heck yeah, let’s do it. Quinn, you want to stay for a lesson?”
