Page 23 of Fake-Off with Fate
His head bobs up and down slowly before asking, “What do you do in Maple Falls for fun?”
“You move to LA,” I joke before saying, “Life is slower paced here but you can go to the movies or go out to eat. You could even join a bowling league.” He doesn’t look impressed, so I ask, “What do you do in New York?”
“Go to clubs, concerts, museums. The more accurate question is what can’t you do in New York?”
“Do you have a Maple Festival?” I ask.
“No, but we have farmers’ markets and flea markets. There are street vendors all over the city. You can even ride horses in Central Park.”
I take a final sip of water before teasing, “Why in the world did you leave that kind of nirvana for Washington state?”
“I was being followed around by reporters asking me about Allegra. When Dale called and asked if I wanted to captain the Ice Breakers, I jumped at the chance to have some solitude.”
“Then enjoy the solitude and quit complaining,” I tell him.
“Yeah, but you know, the bears …”
“Do you need me to drive to your house with you after supper and make sure you get inside okay?” I ask.
He looks like I just offered him a winning lottery ticket. “Would you?”
Peggy drops the check before I can answer. Jamie makes a move to grab it at the same time I do. “What are you doing?” I ask him.
“Paying the check.”
“Why?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know, because I always pay when I go out to dinner with a lady.”
I take my credit card out of my wallet and drop it on the table. “This wasn’t a date, Jamie.”
“I know.”
“Good, so let the town pay.” I’m going to keep all my receipts and let my dad reimburse me. Then I ask, “Are you serious about wanting me to follow you home?”
“Serious as a heart attack,” he confirms.
After paying the bill, we walk out of the diner together. I point across the street and tell him, “I’m parked over there.”
He points to a black SUV right in front of me. “I’m right here. I’ll wait for you.”
As I cross Main Street, I can’t help but think that if I lived in Maple Falls, I might just be interested in Jamie Hayes. But since I don’t, I vow to keep him in the friend zone. After all, a girl can’t have too many friends.
CHAPTER 12
JAMIE
WatchingAshlyn cross the street to her car, I once again realize how pretty she is. It’s not just her looks though. She’s smart, and funny, and she enjoys her food. I firmly believe you can’t trust a woman who doesn’t allow herself enough sustenance. That alone should have tipped me off about Allegra. She barely touched lettuce, and then only if it didn’t have any dressing on it. Yuck.
Once Ashlyn gets into her car, I bang a U-turn on Main Street and lead the way out of town toward the bear-infested property I’m renting. Normally, I’d be reluctant to let a woman know what a scaredy cat I am, but dude, these are bears.
Winding around the curves in the road, I’m captivated by the changing colors of the maple trees. While the pine trees stay green, there are enough others to promise a spectacular fall display.
I turn on my signal well in advance, so Ashlyn has warning. When I reach the mailbox at the end of the drive, I veer right and slowly make my way up the winding path. My eyes are trained in the direction of the woods, searching for unwelcome visitors.
As soon as I get to my parking spot, I turn off the ignition. I wait for Ashlyn to park next to me before opening my door. Butsomehow I still can’t seem to force myself out of my relative safety.
Meanwhile, Ashlyn gets out of her car and stands in the path. “Are you coming?” She sounds annoyed, like she’s waiting for an errant child.
