“Bet you wouldn’t have lost against Keller if he was around,” Theo says.
Cole shrugs. “That’s why he’s going pro.”
Easton’s eyes glitter. “Hell yeah. Miss having him around, though.”
“Heard his game is killer,” Noah says.
“It is,” Theo agrees proudly. “I’m ready to get tickets when he plays on NHL ice for the first time.”
Easton and Cameron whoop. Noah goes with the flow, doling out high fives to each of us. When he gets to me, he claps his palms against mine and holds on with a wink. Laughter bubbles out of me.
“Sorry, I’m immune to flirting from Heston’s hockey boys,” I say.
“But you haven’t met me yet,” Noah answers.
“Alright, get a move on,” Cole says mildly.
They fall in line, their respect for him clear. It stirs a spark of delight.
Before we put them to work, they eye the food Dad and Mr. Boucher spread out on folding tables. When Dad invites everyone to help themselves, they descend on it.
“Hope you brought enough,” I joke with Mr. Boucher. “Hungry hockey players are dangerous creatures.”
“Don’t I know it,” he replies. “What’ll I do when I lose you soon at the bar?”
“Eventually,” I concede. “I’m not ready to go full-time yet, so don’t go giving my job away.”
“There will always be a spot open for you as long as you need it.”
“Thanks.”
I grab a plate to load up with wings, but my brother stops me.
“Hang on. We got you a surprise,” Benson says.
“What? Who?”
“Me, Jess. Mom and Dad chipped in, too.”
“Hey,” Cole says.
Benson waves a hand. “Credit where credit’s due, this was Cole’s idea. It’s an early birthday present.”
He goes into the garage and moves some old hockey gear out of the way. Mom’s giddy with her phone held up to record my reaction. I throw confused glances at my friends, the hockey guys, finally landing on Cole. Everyone seems to have an idea of what’s going on.
Benson drags a long box out to the camper. It’s not clear what it is until he lifts it against the new siding.
Oh, wow. It’s a bigger sign than the one I ordered for inside. This one’s neon. I spent a month in late winter looking at thembefore deciding I couldn’t do it without getting a really expensive one.
“Cole looked up how to wire it with the camper’s electric,” Benson explains.
“We’re so proud of you,” Dad says. “Always will be. We want you to know that.”
My eyes mist and my voice trembles with emotion. “You guys.”
Cole’s fingertips glide up my spine before he wraps me in a half-hug. “What do you think?”
I lean into him as much as I can get away with as his friend in front of everyone. He slants a handsome smile my way.
