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“Having dinner and catching up.” Caleb looked around Rick and raised his eyebrows at Aaron.

“You should come over. We could watch a game or two,” Rick continued, as if he hadn’t heard Caleb’s answer and was unable to decipher the hint that he might be a third wheel. “We could watch any team you want.”

“He’s actually avoiding games.” It wasn’t Aaron’s usual style to interrupt, but he didn’t like the vibe between Rick and Caleb. “He’s anxious enough about not being able to play.”

“Yeah. I’m only watching what Coach tells me to so I can stay up on strategy. You know how it feels to be scratched.”

“Sure do. I had that broken arm our sophomore year and was out the last half of the season. Tell you what. Why don’t you come help me coach instead? My team would love to see you.”

“I’m not skating quite yet, so….”

“No matter. You can coach from the bench. Price here can come along. We always need more adults to help corral the players.”

Aaron was surprised by the invitation. He knew how to skate, sure, but he wasn’t exactly known for his athletic prowess. Although if meant he’d get to hang out with Caleb more, he’d consider it. But coaching? He wasn’t so sure. And was corralling players an actual hockey term?

“How’s the team this year?” Caleb asked as Aaron considered a graceful way of turning the offer down.

“It’s a good batch of kids. Third in the division right now and looking to step it up before playoffs.”

“All right. I’ll bring some plays, and we’ll see what I can do to help push that. Can you help get me some solo ice time? I need to get back on skates next week, and I haven’t heard back from anyone at the rink about scheduling it.”

“I can get that set up later tonight. I’ll email the slots I schedule you for.” Rick tore his gaze away from Caleb to look at Aaron. “You in for coaching, Price? You can skate, right?”

“Of course I can,” he said, with a little too much pride in his voice. “Just say when.”

“Great! See you both Monday afternoon at four thirty.” Rick gave Caleb a hug and went to the counter.

Had those two ever been a thing? Aaron could’ve been reading the situation completely wrong, but it felt like they might have been more than just teammates. As far as he knew, Caleb hadn’t come out until college, just like he’d done, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t something going on secretly before that.

“He hasn’t changed at all.” Caleb sighed and looked to Aaron. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s okay. I remember what he was like in school.”

Caleb took a sip of his coffee. “You didn’t have to agree to help with coaching.”

Aaron shrugged in a way that he hoped conveyed nonchalance, but all he managed to do was knock the handle of his coffee mug with the back of his hand, sending a portion of its contents across the table. Luckily it was a small spill, and he mopped it up quickly with some napkins. “It’ll be cool to see you in your element. Did you always know you wanted to play pro?”

“Oh yeah. High school was all about getting into a college with a good program where I could get noticed. Don’t get me wrong—the education was important too, you know, in case I didn’t make it to the pros. I admit, I’d been worried about bailing my senior year, but I wasn’t going to pass on my chance to get into the draft.”

“I thought you finished college? I could swear Pam told me you had a degree in… oh, what was it?” Aaron searched his mind for the missing detail.

“Communications.” Caleb’s smile warmed Aaron far more than the coffee. “I split my senior year between online and summer school. It took a couple years to get it done, but I finished.”

Aaron studied Caleb further. He was full of surprises. Sticking with school while he was a rookie was impressive, and even more so because he likely could’ve finished much later.

“My turn.” Caleb broke into Aaron’s thoughts. “Always wanted to be a teacher?”

“Ever since I was tutoring in high school. That moment when someone connects with the information is so fulfilling. I get to do that every day, and I love it.”

“Just like you did with me.” Aaron tingled as Caleb spoke softly. “I’d love to come watch you teach some time.”

“Really?” Sure, he had people sit in on his classes from time to time, but why would Caleb what to do that? Would Aaron even be able to concentrate with him there, or would he be stuck stammering? “It’s not exactly a spectator sport.”

“Well, you’re going to see my teaching skills, of a sort, in action. I should get to see yours, no?”

“I suppose. Would you be willing to talk to the class about what it’s like being a pro athlete?”

“Hey, now, don’t try to change what this is about.” Caleb bumped his shoulder against Aaron’s. “I want to see how you do it.”