Page 78 of Fake-Off with Fate
“Even if it means changing my whole life?”
“Depends on what means more to you,” she says. “Would you rather be a closet designer in LA or find a man you can build a life with?”
“You don’t think I can have both?”
She shrugs her narrow shoulders. “Maybe. But here you are doing a job you love and all the while pining for a man who doesn’t live here. Maybe you should go home and see what happens with him, and if things work out, you could come back to LA together.”
“There’s a bachelor auction tomorrow night …” I start to say.
“Is your man up for sale?”
“He is. My hometown is trying to raise money to buy some acreage.” I don’t bother to explain the whole sordid story. “Jamie plays for our local NHL team, and his team has agreed to auction off the players to help raise money.”
“You should go home and bid on him,” she says.
I shake my head. “Bidding starts at five thousand dollars. I don’t have that kind of spare cash.” But even as I say that a thought pops into my head. Standing up, I walk across the room to where my purse is. I open it and pull out Zach Hart’s business card.
Waving it in the air, I declare, “But I think I might know how to get it!”
As I am preparing to leave Este’s house, she makes me promise that I’ll stay in Maple Falls for at least a month. She feels this is the minimum amount of time to realistically see if Jamie and I might have a future together. “What about my job here?” I ask.
“I’ll find someone else,” she says before adding, “You’re doing this for both of us, Ashlyn. I’m rooting for you.”
When I get back to my house, I tell Callie about my plan. “You guys can stay here as long as you want,” I tell her. “And ifthings work out and I wind up staying in Maple Falls for a while, you and Dillion can take over my lease.”
Relief fills my friend’s face. “That would be great. I don’t think I’m prepared to buy here again. At least for now. In fact, I’m not sure I’m cut out for Southern California long-term.”
“It’s been a fun run though, huh?” I ask.
“Yes it has. But we’ve been talking about starting a family. I’d love to be able to take a few years off work to spend with my kids, and I know that isn’t possible here.”
“It’s expensive, for sure.”
Callie wraps her arms around me in a hug and announces, “I love you, Ash. Go find your happy ending.”
I’m suddenly full of optimism that my life is working out exactly as it should. I can’t wait to get home to Maple Falls and tell Jamie that.
CHAPTER 36
ASHLYN
My parents were thrilledwhen I showed up on their doorstep unexpectedly last night. When I told them I plan to stay for at least a month, my dad asked if I could stay for two so he could leave me in charge of things while he and my mom spend the bulk of December in Italy. I promised to consider it.
I’m currently standing outside the Hawk River Lodge where the bachelor auction is going to take place. I’m wearing the same red dress I wore the night of the inaugural ball for the Ice Breakers.
The parking lot is packed, so I’m guessing we’re going to make a ton of money tonight. My dad told me there are a bunch of wealthy single women who’ve flown in from all over the country to support our cause. I’m pretty sureour causeisn’t their motivating factor. They’re here to buy themselves a date with a professional hockey player, plain and simple.
I quickly check my coat before heading toward the back door of the ballroom. I didn’t tell anyone I was going to be here, because I figure the element of surprise is a good thing. Also, I’m a little terrified.
My dad is talking to a couple of people, so I flag him to get his attention. He hurries toward me. “You lookgorgeous, honey!” Then he recaps our plan. “I’ll go out and remind everyone what we’re doing here, and then I’ll introduce you to get the ball rolling. How does that sound?”
My mouth is so dry I can only bob my head up and down in agreement.
As he walks away, I find a bottle of water and take slow sips. I’m a nervous wreck. It’s been almost two weeks since I’ve talked to Jamie and I’m not even sure he’ll be happy to see me. In fact, with my recent luck, he might already be dating someone else. The thought causes my stomach to tighten.
Making my way to stage right, I listen while my dad warms up the crowd. He thanks everyone for coming and assures them their contributions will help save Maple Falls. Then he expresses gratitude for their patience while he was “sick.” Finally, he says, “I’d like to acknowledge my daughter, Ashlyn, for everything she did to help us while I was under the weather.”
He reaches his arm out in my direction while adding, “She did such a great job that she’s come home to see her wonderful idea through to the finish line.” I walk out on stage to thundering applause.
