Page 74 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

My shoulder aches less this morning. Progress.

The coffee remains beyond saving. I carry the mug toward the sink. Carefully. No rushing.

Annette would approve. The thought makes me smile. Which is slightly concerning.

I rinse the cup. Set it in the drying rack. Turn toward the pantry.

Stare at the cereal on the top shelf. Too high. I could reach it before surgery without thinking.

Now...

I'd have to stretch.

Bad idea.

I look at it for another second. "Nope."

Toast it is. I manage two slices into the toaster. Find the butter. Then discover the lid refuses to come off with one hand.

I try using the edge of the counter. The jar spins.

I try gripping it against my ribs. Immediate regret.

"Seriously?"

The butter remains undefeated. I consider eating dry toast.

The doorbell rings. Once. Then immediately again. Three more times.

Only one person rings a bell like he's trying to summon the dead.

I don't even have to look. "Liam..."

His voice comes through the front door before I reach it.

"Captain!" Another ring. "I know you're in there!" Ring.

"Open up before Coach remembers where I hid the flamingos!"

I stop with my hand on the doorknob.

"...the what?"

I open the door. And freeze.

***

There are six vehicles parked in my driveway.

Coach's SUV.

Colby's pickup.

Toby's Jeep.

Caleb's truck.

Liam's ridiculously clean sports car.