Page 166 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

When he finishes the final repetition, he rolls his shoulder experimentally and smiles.

"I think that one finally stopped arguing with me."

I look down at his chart. "I'll admit it behaved much better today."

"I've worn it down."

"You've learned to listen."

He grins. "That too."

I finish making a few notes before closing the folder. Over the past several weeks I've come to enjoy this quiet part of the appointment almost as much as the therapy itself. Jamie usually waits while I finish my paperwork instead of moving toward the door. Sometimes we talk. Sometimes we simply enjoy the silence.

Today feels different. Not uncomfortable. Just...thoughtful.

Jamie lingers beside the treatment table, turning his truck keys slowly through his fingers.

"You look like you're trying to decide something."

He laughs softly. "Am I that obvious?"

"To me?" I smile. "Usually."

He looks down at the keys again before meeting my eyes.

"Our foundation is holding a charity skate tomorrow evening."

I nod. I remember seeing the posters around town.

"It's mostly for kids. We raise money for adaptive sports programs and equipment grants."

His voice grows quieter, almost cautious.

"I was wondering..."

He stops, something I've noticed he rarely does. Jamie usually speaks with the confidence of someone accustomed to making decisions. Today he sounds more like a man hoping the answer won't be no.

"I wondered if you'd like to come."

The invitation catches me completely by surprise.

"As a guest," he quickly adds. "Not because you work with me."

A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth.

"And not because I need another therapist."

"Definitely not."

His ears redden just enough to make me wonder if he realizes it.

"I just thought..." He searches for words. "...I thought it might be nice."

There is something wonderfully uncomplicated about the way he says it.

No grand gesture. No hidden agenda. Just one friend asking another to share an evening.

"I'd like that."