Page 48 of The Callahan Effect

I grinned before adding another message.

Next year I probably won't know what a weekend is. Fourth year is busy enough, but once residency starts the hospital won't care whether it's Saturday, Sunday, or Christmas. Patients don't stop needing doctors because it's the weekend or holidays.

Mason became noticeably quieter after reading.

"I never really thought about that."

I shrugged lightly. Medicine demanded what it demanded. It always had.

Mason reached for my hand before intertwining his fingers with mine, his thumb brushing absentmindedly across my knuckles as though reluctant to let go.

"Come on," he finally decided. "If you're going to work, I'm coming with you."

I blinked in surprise.

He grinned.

"I've never actually watched anyone prepare a rink before, and I'd rather spend another hour with you than lie here pretending I can get back to sleep."

Warmth settled deep inside my chest and I squeezed his hand before nodding.

Together, we climbed out of bed and began getting ready for the day, neither of us rushing despite the early hour, both aware that even the simplest moments felt better when we were sharing them.

The campus remained close to deserted as we crossed toward the arena, the cool morning air carrying the clean scent that always followed an overnight drop in temperature. Spokane hadn't fully awakened yet but a handful of students wandered across the lawns toward the nearest café. Maintenance staff moved between buildings, and the rising sun painted the eastern sky with streaks of gold that reflected from the arena's broad glass frontage. Beside me, Mason walked with his hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie, still looking as though another two hours of sleep would have been his preferred way to spend the morning, yet not once did he complain about coming with me.

"I don't think anyone should be awake before nine on a Sunday."

Dad wanted everyone back on the ice while yesterday's game was still fresh. It won't become a habit. Most Sundays you'll have the day off.

Mason read the screen.

"I'm going to remember you promised me that."

I raised an eyebrow and he shrugged.

"If Coach decides to schedule Sunday practices every week, I'm blaming you."

I rolled my eyes.

His grin faded into something more thoughtful.

"Seriously, though...thanks for letting me come along this morning. I would've been lying in bed wishing you were there instead and I wanted to be there when you speak with your Dad."

We stepped inside through the staff entrance and the familiar smell of sharpened skate blades, fresh ice, and rubber flooring greeting me like an old friend. Graham was already waiting near the equipment room with a mug of coffee balanced on top of the maintenance cart.

"Morning, Jack."

I returned the greeting with a wave.

His eyes drifted toward Mason before a knowing grin spread across his face.

"So this is why you didn't answer my text last night."

Mason glanced back and forth between us.

"You texted him?"

Graham chuckled.