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“And their captain misses them.” He frowned and tried not to sound too grouchy. These conversations were why Caleb escaped the city. “You know I hate not being able to play.”

“I’m glad you’re not rushing it like you did after that sprain in eighth grade,” Pam said before rolling her eyes at him.

Caleb couldn’t help but grin at the memory and Pam’s expression. “I can’t put one over on the team doc like I could on Mom and Dad. It was stupid, of course, since I ended up out far longer than if I’d just let it heal.”

“Well, you’re an athlete. Not usually a group known for exhibiting the smartest behavior when it comes to injury.”

Caleb raised an eyebrow at her and ripped off another huge portion of the roll.

“So, I was wondering, since you’re here, could you do me a huge favor?”

Pam sounded like she was making a request rather than a demand, and he was immediately suspicious. Though they were only eighteen months apart in age, his sister had always had a strongly protective streak when it came to him. Pam, however, wasn’t afraid to exercise her position as eldest whenever she needed something.

“What’s up?” He decided to play along to see what she’d ask. He was as much intrigued as afraid of what she’d pull him into.

“The school carnival is Friday afternoon, and it would be amazing if you’d sign a few autographs. It’s a fund-raiser for the after-school sports program. It’d be so perfect if the hometown hockey superstar could be there.”

Nervous laughter spilled out before Caleb could stop it. “That’s a lot better than anything you made me do when we were in school.”

Pam was the principal at Foster Grove Elementary, the same school they’d gone to when they were children. She’d always helped with school events as far back as he could remember. Her involvement usually meant he ended up doing something she needed.

“I promise you’ll just be signing stuff, nothing crazy. Unless you want to work the kissing booth too.”

“Why would there be a kissing booth at a grade school carnival?”

“I’m kidding, although it would certainly keep some of the parents busy. And if we had a celebrity, someone like you….”

Caleb stared at Pam in disbelief as she seemed to be mentally filing the idea away for future reference. Best to nip that idea in the bud, and quick. “No, thank you. But I’d be happy to do the autographs. Just let me know where to be and when.”

“You’re a great little brother.” She jumped up, came around the table, and hugged him. “Any chance you might donate a few things for the silent auction?”

“Why didn’t you ask me to send something up? I mean, I’m happy I’m here to sign in person, but I would’ve given you auction stuff regardless.”

Pam sat back down and shrugged. “You outdid yourself a few years ago with the whole New York trip and game package, so I didn’t want to push. But since you’re here….”

“Of course.” He couldn’t help but grin. “I’m sure I can get something good put together.”

“Perfect. You’re the best! Aaron and I have been pulling our hair out over the last-minute details that have to be dealt with.”

“Aaron?”

“Yes. Aaron Price,” she said, looking at him as if he’d lost his marbles.

“He’s back in town?”

“Oh God, I never told you? His job in California didn’t work out. When he told me, I suggested he come back home. He started teaching third grade at the beginning of the school year.”

“Well, what do you know.”

“He’s doing a phenomenal job, I knew he would. The kids adore him, and I’ll admit, I love having my best friend back, just like the old days.”

Caleb sipped his coffee and tried to picture Aaron Price after all these years. “I hope I have a chance to see him while I’m in town.”

“You’ll see him on Friday. Like I said, he’s helping with the carnival.” She checked the time on her phone. “Crap. I’ve got to go. I’ll send you all the details. It’s this Friday afternoon,” she said pointedly. “See you later.”

She got up, gave Caleb a peck on the cheek, and was off like a shot. He wasn’t even sure if she heard him say goodbye.

He sat back and took another bite of the delicious pastry.