Page 108 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Annette orders tea. I order black coffee.

The cashier smiles. "The usual."

I pause. Apparently, I have a usual. Annette notices my expression.

"Congratulations."

"On what?"

"You're becoming predictable."

"I don't know how I feel about that."

"I think you'll survive."

We carry our drinks toward the same small table we've claimed every week without ever discussing it. Near the windows. Away from the crowd.

I set my coffee down. Annette wraps both hands around her tea before taking the first sip.

She closes her eyes for half a second. "Perfect."

"That good?"

"I haven't had a hot drink stay hot all morning."

"Occupational hazard?"

"Definitely."

I nod. "I can relate."

"You can?"

"I've burned three pots of coffee this month."

She smiles. "I believe that."

"I forget it's brewing."

"What distracts you?"

I think about it. "Exercises. The notebook. The weather. The flamingo."

Her eyebrows lift. "The flamingo?"

I sigh. "Liam."

"Ah."

"He's convinced it needs a name."

"And?"

"I'm refusing to participate."

"I give you another week."

"I'll never name a lawn ornament."