Page 50 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

Liam sighs like the world has personally betrayed him. "You people hate symbolic leadership."

Jamie shakes his head, laughing carefully.

"My ribs officially blame you."

"Worth it."

"Not even a little."

Toby finally reaches across the screen and tugs the jersey over Liam's head. The picture shakes as Liam protests dramatically. "Mutiny!"

Coach folds his arms. "Justice."

The camera steadies again. Liam's hair now sticks in every direction.

He points accusingly at Toby. "I'll remember this."

"You won't."

"I probably won't."

Even Annette laughs. When Jamie catches the sound, he glances toward her. She quickly lowers her eyes back to the chart, pretending nothing happened. His smile lingers a second longer than it should. Only after the laughter settles does Jamie ask quietly,

"How's Ethan?"

The joking disappears almost instantly.

***

Before Jamie can ask another question, the screen fills with all four faces.

Liam, jersey-free, is naturally first to talk again. He leans so close to the camera that all Jamie can see is one green eye. "Captain..."

Jamie sighs. "Here we go."

"...you look terrible."

Without missing a beat, Jamie smiles. "Good to see you too."

Liam grins. "I was worried surgery might improve your personality."

"Disappointed?"

"Deeply."

The camera shifts. Caleb appears; arms folded across his chest. "You still alive?"

"Barely."

"Good."

Jamie laughs. "I missed you too."

"I know."

Classic Caleb. Three words. Maximum affection. Minimum effort.

The phone wobbles again as Toby reaches for it. "Move over."