Page 47 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

"She said you helped her study."

"I asked questions."

"You quizzed her on medication calculations."

He shrugs. "Close enough."

I laugh softly. "You realize that's not a normal conversation for a patient."

"No?"

"No."

He thinks about it for a second. "Huh."

Then without another word, he reaches for his breakfast tray and before I can ask why...

he stands. Carefully. Lifts the tray. And starts toward the hallway.

"Jamie."

He glances back.

"I'm returning it."

"I can see that."

"It's on my way."

"There are people whose entire job is collecting breakfast trays."

"I know."

"So why are you carrying it?"

He looks at me as though the answer should be obvious, like DUH. "Because they're already busy."

For one ridiculous second...I don't know what to say.

He isn't trying to impress me. He honestly believes carrying his own tray makes someone else's morning easier.

"I'm sensing a pattern."

"You should."

He carefully sets the tray down. No triumph. No frustration. Just...breakfast. As he turns back toward his room, I glance sideways.

"Let me ask you something."

He smiles. "I've noticed that usually means I'm about to learn something."

"Maybe."

"Go ahead."

I hesitate, not because I'm unsure of the question, but because I'm still curious about the answer.

"Does it ever get tiring?"