Page 58 of The Callahan Effect

"See? I'm not the only one who can see you want to tell us something."

The conversation drifted through the ordinary questions I'd expected. They asked about Evergreen, the exhibition game, my professors, the training schedule Coach had already warned us would become more demanding each week, and whether Spokane was beginning to feel like home. I answered honestly, finding myself relaxing with every passing minute. If I'd planned this conversation, I'd probably have launched straight into the reason I'd called. Instead, hearing familiar voices reminded me how much I'd missed them.

Mom's attention shifted away from me.

"Who's sitting beside you?"

I glanced at Jack.

"So much for easing into this," I muttered.

He squeezed my hand and I turned the camera enough to bring him into view.

"This is Jack."

He offered a small wave before holding up his phone.

Hello. It's nice to meet all of you.

"Jack says, Hello. It's nice to meet all of you. They're his words. Jack communicates through his phone because he's mute. He lost his voice because of a medical condition when he was six. I'll relay what he says."

Concern crossed Mom's face.

"Jack says, I'm fine. It's only the way I communicate that's different."

Dad nodded thoughtfully.

"What are you studying, Jack?"

I continued answering for Jack.

"Medicine. I'm in my fourth year. I want to specialize in ENT surgery after I graduate."

"Jack also operates the Zamboni for the hockey program."

Emma's eyebrows climbed.

"You're kidding."

I laughed.

"No."

"He does both even with his study load?"

"Yeah."

Dad smiled.

"I've always admired people who aren't afraid of hard work."

Jack acknowledged the compliment with a grateful nod before typing another reply.

"Thank you."

There wasn't going to be a better opening than the one already sitting in front of me. I drew a steady breath.

"I didn't call just because I wanted you to meet Jack."