Page 79 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

"I wasn't the one who believed it."

Toby laughs before Liam even starts. "That poor rookie."

Colby shakes his head. "I still feel bad for him."

"You absolutely do not."

"Not even a little."

Liam points dramatically around the room. "So, here's what happened..."

He pauses for effect. "We convinced the rookie Charlie that the arena had switched to a special premium fuel blend for the Zamboni."

Jamie laughs.

"No."

"Oh yes."

Coach mutters, "Unfortunately."

Liam continues. "We told him Coach wanted it topped off before morning skate."

Coach closes his eyes. "I never said a word."

"You didn't have to, the kid drove all over Frostholm trying to find it and called three service stations."

Colby is laughing too hard to continue. Toby wipes his eyes.

"The best part..." Liam says proudly. "...he came back apologizing because nobody had it."

Now I’m laughing so hard I must press my hand against my ribs.

"Worth it?" Coach asks. I nod as I’m still trying to breathe. "Worth every stitch."

Coach points at Liam. "You were impossible then."

"I've matured."

The entire room goes silent. Caleb looks up. “No."

One word. Perfectly timed. The room erupts again.

***

By late afternoon the cabin barely resembles mine anymore.

Pizza boxes cover the kitchen island. Three empty soda cans sit beside the fireplace.

Moose has finally surrendered my slipper in exchange for half a slice of pepperoni pizza.

Lucky has somehow convinced Caleb that his ears require constant scratching..

Coach settles into the old leather recliner with a paper plate balanced on one knee.

After the pizza has settled and all the guys look like they’re about to take a nap, Coach wanders into the kitchen to start making coffee.

Colby quietly begins folding the empty pizza boxes. Toby is on the floor throwing a tennis ball for Moose and Lucky. Caleb is tightening a loose cabinet hinge because he noticed it squeaked.