Page 286 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Annette looks at me over Noah's head.

I shrug. "We've been recruited."

As we walk, nearly everyone we pass waves.

A volunteer asks if I'll sign next month's equipment request.

Another reminds me that the charity tournament schedule is waiting in my office.

A teenage boy proudly announces he passed algebra.

Someone else thanks me for finding a used goalie stick.

Every conversation lasts only seconds. But every single one ends with a smile.

After a few minutes, Annette leans closer. "They all know your name."

"They know everybody's name."

She shakes her head. "No, they know yours because you know theirs."

I don't answer. I'm not sure she's wrong.

Noah pushes open the equipment room. "My skates!" He proudly lifts a pair that are still almost too shiny to have been used.

I recognize them immediately. We bought them in October after his mother quietly admitted she couldn't afford another season.

"Still fit?"

He nods enthusiastically. "And Mom says I'll get another year out of them because she bought them a little big."

"Your mom's smart."

"I know."

He hugs the skates against his chest. "I skate way faster now."

"I've heard."

"I want to be captain someday."

I smile. "Then remember something."

"What?"

"The best captains help other people shine."

He thinks about that. Then nods. "I can do that."

"I know you can."

He smiles before glancing toward Annette. "I like her."

Annette laughs. "You do?"

He nods matter-of-factly. "Captain Jamie smiles more." The words land harder than he could possibly know. For a moment, neither of us speaks.

Then Noah looks between us. "Are you coming to watch me skate?"