Luke stretched and rolled his shoulders as he walked into the lobby area. He found the arena owner, Rick, struggling with a box at the concession counter. He jogged over and took the box, setting it on top of the counter and pulling back the packing tape to open it.

“Thanks.” Rick panted. He slumped into a chair. “You couldn’t have come along at a better time.”

A warm feeling rose in Luke’s chest and he busied himself unpacking the box. It was full of chips. “I could say the same thing about you, you know.”

Rick laughed. “The world sure is mysterious.” He adjusted his position and groaned. “Is the ice all set?”

Luke nodded. “Perfectly smooth and ready to be carved up.”

“Good.” Rick said with another chuckle. “The team should be here soon. When they get here, you’re free to take off, or watch the practice.”

Luke just nodded again.

He had been living and working at the arena for just over a month and a half. He was comfortable around Rick, comfortable enough to tell Rick why he had left home. He hadn’t shared the whole story, just why he couldn’t live with his parents. Rick was nice about everything, and had even offered to help Luke find a doctor. Luke was starting to think of Rick as family more than an employer.

Now, nearing the end of August, the hockey team was starting to use their ice time to practice. Luke had never been too interested in hockey, so he doubted he would stay to watch the practice. He would probably go out.

Luke looked up when he heard the front door open. A teenager walked in, carrying a large equipment bag. He paused just inside and looked around. His gaze landed on Luke and he gave a friendly smile. “Am I early?” He asked.

Luke assumed he was one of the hockey players. He shook his head. “Just the first to arrive.” He mumbled.

Rick got to his feet and poked his head around the corner to see who had come in. “Ah, Michael.” He chuckled. “The ice is ready if you want to start your warm up.”

Michael nodded and left in the direction of the locker room. Luke watched him go, envying the ease and confidence with which he carried himself. He guessed that Michael didn’t spend half his time wondering what other people saw when they looked at him.

Luke watched Michael’s movements, studying them in the hopes of emulating them.

At least, he tried to convince himself that that was why he watched Michael until he was gone from sight. He couldn’t let himself acknowledge the warmth he felt, or the slight increase in his heartbeat. No, he couldn’t let himself develop a crush.

“I can’t be with anyone.” He mumbled to himself. “Not when I’m not even me yet.”

“What was that?” Rick was looking at him with a raised eyebrow.

Luke shook himself. “Nothing.” He hurried to finish putting away the chips, then he broke down the box and tucked the cardboard under his arm. “I, uh, I’m gonna take off.” He awkwardly nodded toward the front door.

“Before you go.” Rick stopped him. He dug around in his pocket and pulled out a slip of paper. “She’s expecting your call.” He said with a smile, and handed the paper over.

Luke looked at it. It had the name Dr. Woods on it, with a phone number underneath. He looked up again, but Rick was already occupied with something else. He smiled, tucking the paper away. “Thank you.”