Page 19 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Both men look at me. Coach with surprise. Jamie with challenge.

“Jamie, don’t forget you’re in Riverton, not home. It’s my understanding that everyone but Coach left on the team jet last night after the game.” I add. “Anyway, you’re post-op, medicated, and breathing shallowly because three ribs are reminding you that they exist. If Ethan walked in here and saw you pale, sweating, and trying to comfort him from a hospital bed, he’d feel worse."

Jamie says nothing, but Coach nods in agreement.

“So,” I continue. “If you want to help him, sleep first. Second, sit up without nearly falling. And third, breathe properly. Then we discuss visitors and video calls."

Coach's mouth twitches. Jamie glares at him. "Don't," Jamie warns. Coach lifts both hands. "Didn't say a word."

He did not need to. Jamie looks back at me.

For a long second, the room holds quiet. The kind of quiet that decides whether two people are going to spend the next several weeks fighting or respecting each other.

Finally, he gives one short nod.

"Fine."

"Good."

"I want updates."

"That can be arranged."

"And my phone."

"Later."

"Laptop."

"Remember? Much later."

Coach coughs into his fist. It sounds suspiciously like a laugh. I ignore him.

Jamie does not. "You enjoying this?" he says. "A little," Coach admits.

I check Jamie's oxygen saturation again. Better, but still not where I want it after the exertion.

"One more breathing set," I say.

Coach points at him. Jamie looks like she asked him to skate suicides. "Do what she says."

"Everyone's very bossy today."

"We're calling it medical care."

He takes the spirometer again. This time, he does not make a joke before using it. Progress. Small. Real.

After Coach leaves, the room quiets. Jamie rests back against the pillows, eyes half closed, but I can tell by the set of his jaw that he is not sleeping.

His mind is still working. Still searching for a problem to solve.

I adjust the blanket near his feet. "Try to rest."

***

"When can I skate again?"

There it is. The question I knew was coming.