Page 33 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

"I see someone who walked twenty feet..."

Her voice stays gentle. "...when pressing one button would've accomplished exactly the same thing."

I shrug. "It seemed easier."

"No." A tiny smile. "It seemed familiar."

I frown.

"What does that mean?"

"It means..." She picks up the call button and sets it beside my good hand. "...you're much more comfortable taking care of yourself than letting someone else take care of you."

I look down at the button, then back at her. "I hadn't really thought about it."

"I know."

Another small silence settles between us. Not awkward. Just thoughtful.

She picks up her tablet. "Ready to start today's adventures?"

I look at her. "If I say no?"

"I'll give you five minutes."

"And then?"

"Then we're doing them anyway."

I grin despite myself. "You're tougher than Coach."

"I've been told."

***

An hour later a quiet knock sounds against the partially open door. Coach steps inside carrying a navy duffel bag over one shoulder. "You look terrible." I grin. "You always know exactly what to say."

"It's a gift."

He sets the bag beside the chair. "Colby stopped by your cabin after practice yesterday."

"My cabin?"

"He figured you'd want your own clothes instead of hospital gowns. He sent them overnight."

Coach unzips the bag. "He packed enough for about three weeks."

I laugh. "I'm only planning on being here a few days." "Apparently, Colby has met you before."

Annette glances up from the computer. Coach notices.

"He said, and I quote, “Jamie will try to escape the minute somebody turns their back.'"

She smiles without looking away from the chart.

"He's not wrong."

I point toward the doorway.