Page 97 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

I shrug carefully into my coat while Annette reviews my appointment card one last time.

"Same time Thursday."

"I'll be here."

She gives me a look. "I wasn't worried."

"You should be."

"Remember, I've met hockey players." She hands me the appointment card. "And Jamie?"

"Yeah?" "Today's enough." I hesitate. "No extra exercises."

She smiles. "No extra exercises.

I shake my head. "You really are dangerous."

"So, I've been told."

I tuck the appointment card into my pocket. "See you Thursday."

"See you Thursday."

I push through the front doors into the crisp winter air. Colby's truck is parked near the entrance.

He spots me and raises one hand through the windshield.

I wave back.

Halfway across the parking lot, movement catches my eye.

An older gentleman from therapy stands beside a small sedan, leaning heavily on a cane.

A thick wool glove has slipped from his hand and lands in the snow. He sighs quietly and stares at it for a moment. The glove isn't far away. It might as well be a mile.

Without thinking, I change direction. "You mind?"

He looks up. "I'd appreciate it."

I bend carefully, using my knees instead of my back, and pick up the glove. When I hand it to him, his fingers refuse to cooperate. Arthritis. The joints are swollen and stiff.

"Here." I hold the cuff open while he eases his hand inside. "There you go."

He smiles. "Thank you."

"My pleasure."

He flexes his fingers once before looking at the sling. "Shoulder?"

"Clavicle."

He nods knowingly. "Knee replacement for me."

I smile. "Looks like we're both keeping the therapists employed." He pats my good shoulder lightly. "Take your time, son." I start to answer. Instead...I simply nod. Maybe it’s because I'm finally beginning to understand what he means.

I look up and behind the clinic windows, Annette is glancing toward the parking lot. I think she sees me beside the older gentleman, and I’m pretty sure I see a smile touch her lips.

Then our truck pulls away, disappearing into the steady snowfall.