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Aaron was proud of Caleb as he saw signs of recognition and understanding among some of the players. Caleb was a good teacher, or in this case, coach.

Once practice ended and the kids dispersed, Aaron helped pick up the pucks so the Zamboni could clean the ice. Caleb was crossing the ice with Rick as Aaron came up to them.

“Nice job with the coaching, Caleb,” Aaron said, trying and failing to slow down, much less stop.

Caleb reached out with quick reflexes and steadied him. “Careful.”

“You really should learn to skate better if you’re going to help,” Rick said.

Aaron tried to keep from shooting daggers with his eyes.

“What did we just learn about teamwork?” Caleb looked to Rick as he kept his arm out for Aaron to use to stay steady as they moved to the door to exit the ice. Aaron loved the teacherlike positive quality in Caleb’s voice, rather than a condescending one.

“Point taken.” Rick didn’t sound completely convinced of that. “Thanks for helping out, Price.”

As they stepped off the rink, Caleb rolled his eyes at Aaron, who gave a weak smile, before he talked with some of the players around him. A couple of parents pulled Rick away as Aaron sat down on the bleachers to get out of his skates. He was in way over his head with this and just wanted to go home—except he’d agreed to hang out with Caleb. That was going to be a nightmare. Caleb had to be embarrassed about Aaron’s performance today even if he had just defended him to Rick.

Caleb broke away from the group as parents tried to corral their kids to get changed. He was almost to Aaron as one more player intercepted him.

“Mr. Carter? Can you show us more stuff?”

“That’s up to Coach Rick.”

Rick turned as he heard his name. The young player saw that as his opportunity. “Coach, can Mr. Carter come back?”

“If he’s got the time, yes.”

“When are you on the ice next?”

“Wednesday and Friday before our game on Saturday,” the player said.

“I can make that.” Caleb didn’t miss a beat, and the players cheered in response.

“Thanks, man.” Rick clapped Caleb on the back. “You’ve got a knack for this. You want to grab a drink or something and have that catch-up?”

Maybe this was Aaron’s out. Caleb would surely go with Rick.

“I’ll have to take a rain check on that. I’ve already got a date.” Caleb stole a look at Aaron, who quickly looked away, shocked at what he’d heard.

Date? He actually said date. There were other terms he could’ve used, even a simple I’m hanging out with Aaron. There couldn’t be dates. He knew he didn’t fit with Caleb at all—except he sort of did. Sometimes. Maybe just not here. The conflicting thoughts drove Aaron crazy.

“Fair enough. Maybe some other time, then?”

Unless Aaron was misreading, Rick was flirting a bit, just like the other night. Although Aaron might not be in the best position to judge.

“We’ll see.” Caleb turned away from Rick and sat down next to Aaron.

Before Caleb could say anything, Ian joined them. “If you’re coming back on Wednesday, text me.” He handed over a card. “You don’t need much skating work. I’d be happy to help out ahead of practice.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that.” Aaron smiled and stood to shake Ian’s hand.

“My pleasure. It’s great having someone else out there to keep practice moving for the kids.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Caleb stood too. “I was planning to coach him as well, since I’ve got ice time right before practice Wednesday.” Caleb turned to Aaron. “With two of us working with you, you’ll be whipped into shape in no time.”

Suddenly he had two people helping him. He didn’t know what to say to that.

A player came up to Ian, dragging a huge bag behind him. “You ready, Bobby?” Ian asked.