Page 107 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

"That's good."

"You know what I like best?"

"What?"

"You stop when I tell you to."

I laugh.

"High praise."

"You have no idea."

She points toward the hallway. "Go hydrate."

"Yes, ma'am."

"There may be hope for you yet."

I grab my water bottle and step into the corridor. Across the hall, the door to the sports performance gym opens.

Annette steps out carrying a tablet. She's reading something on the screen and doesn't notice me immediately.

A loose strand of auburn hair has escaped her ponytail. She absently tucks it behind one ear while continuing down the hallway.

Then she looks up. Our eyes meet and her entire expression softens into a smile.

"Good morning."

And for reasons I can't quite explain...my day suddenly gets a little better.

***

Annette glances toward the elevator. Then toward the hallway leading to the hospital café.

She doesn't ask. She simply starts walking. Three steps later, I change direction without thinking.

She notices me beside her a moment later. The corner of her mouth lifts. "I thought you were heading to the parking lot."

"So did I."

"Interesting."

"It surprised me too."

She laughs softly. "I was hoping you'd say yes."

I blink. "To what?"

"Coffee."

I grin. "You didn't ask."

"I didn't have to."

I suppose she's right. Somewhere over the past month, coffee has stopped being something we plan. It has become what happens after therapy. No discussion. No invitation. Just...part of Tuesdays.

The hospital café is quieter than usual. The lunch rush hasn't started yet. A handful of nurses occupy one corner. Two therapists compare notes over sandwiches. And someone is working on a laptop near the windows overlooking the snow-covered courtyard.