Page 346 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

I shake my head and keep walking. "I think you're imagining things."

"I'd agree..." He pauses thoughtfully. "...except Toby noticed too."

From somewhere behind us, Toby calls, "You are humming."

"I am not."

"You are."

"I've known him longer than you," Liam says triumphantly. "Trust the experts."

By the time we reach the locker room, I'm laughing too hard to defend myself.

***

Practice itself is almost a relief. Passing drills don't ask personal questions. Conditioning laps don't study my expression.

Coach runs us through special teams before finishing with battle drills along the boards, and for nearly ninety minutes the only thing I need to think about is hockey.

Even then...my hand finds the inside pocket of my jacket hanging in the locker room every chance I get.

The ring is still there.

Safe.

Waiting.

The final whistle sounds just before noon.

Coach gathers us at center ice for a few last instructions before dismissing everyone.

As the other players begin skating toward the tunnel, he catches my eye. "Walker."

I glide over. "You've got somewhere to be this afternoon."

It isn't a question. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a folded sheet of paper.

"Our community appearance."

I glance at it. "The elementary school?"

"I moved it."

"You did?"

He nods matter-of-factly. "Toby volunteered."

From halfway across the ice Toby calls, "Wait...I did?"

Coach doesn't even turn around. "You did now."

The entire team bursts into laughter. Toby points dramatically. "I've been promoted without consent."

"You'll survive," Coach replies.

"I don't even know what I'm teaching."

Liam skates past him. "Children."