Page 338 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

At one point Becca wraps both hands around her coffee and smiles at me.

"You know something I've noticed?"

"What?"

"Jamie laughs now."

I smile automatically. "He always laughed."

She shakes her head. "No."

A gentle smile touches her face. "He smiled for people."

The distinction catches me. "He wanted everyone around him to be okay. Especially after hard losses."

***

Becca glances at the clock above the bakery counter across the street and groans.

"I promised I'd be back fifteen minutes ago."

Keisha laughs, and I say that I'll tell Brooke you were detained by important girl talk.

"She'll believe you."

Becca stands and leans over to hug me.

"I'm really glad you're staying."

"So am I."

She smiles warmly. "I had a feeling you would."

With one last wave, she heads toward the bookstore, disappearing inside just as another customer walks through the door.

Keisha watches her go.

"I like her."

"So do I."

"No..." She smiles knowingly. "I mean, I really like her."

"I know."

We begin walking slowly toward the inn, taking the long route along the lake instead of the sidewalk through town. Neither of us speaks for several minutes. The breeze carries the scent of pine and fresh water. It's one of those perfect summer afternoons that asks absolutely nothing of anyone.

Keisha slips her sunglasses onto her head.

"So..."

She hooks her arm through mine. "Tell me honestly."

"What?"

She looks sideways at me. "Is he everything you hoped he'd be?"

I smile. "No."