Page 31 of Fake-Off with Fate
“What do you mean by that?” he spits.
“You’ll have to ask my dad.”
“I’ll do that.” Then he immediately hangs up.
I have no idea how I’m going to get through this week without committing bodily harm on that man. I’ve never been a violent person, and I’ve certainly never threatened to run somebody over with my car, but Phillip brings out the worst in me. I’m going to have to keep my distance or risk winding up in jail.
Looking at the clock, I realize I had better go home and bring my dad’s car back so that people don’t start to wonder what’s happened to him. It could get kind of complicated playing musical cars, but Phillip has made it clear he’s looking for my dad’s vehicle, so I’m going to have to let him see it.
I walk right by the aforementioned bane of my existence, but I keep my eyes in front of me. I don’t say a word to him. Once I get into my car, I check my dad’s phone and discover the troll has texted him three times since we got to the office.
Phillip
Sir, are you unwell? You’re never late.
Mayor Thompkins, your daughter parked in your space even though I told her that wasn’t allowed.
What time can I expect to see you today, sir? I have some concerns.
The worst part of taking over for my dad is not going to be trying to save Maple Falls—it’s going to be dealing with Phillip. Typing furiously, I tell him:
Mayor Thompkins
Phillip, I’m taking the morning off to spend time with my wife. I would appreciate it if you would quit bothering me. If you have any questions, please ask Ashlyn. She has my full blessing to do whatever she sees fit.
Phillip
But Mayor Thompkins, she doesn’t know what we do here. How can I trust her?”
Mayor Thompkins
Remember that it’s your job to do as I ask.
Phillip
I realize that, sir, but …
Mayor Thompkins
Then please just do your job.
I may have gone a little bit far with the last response, but Phillip Bane is the most annoying person I have ever met. Being that I mostly work for entitled movies stars, that’s saying a lot.
Now that I’ve told Phillip my dad is spending the morning with my mom, I have some time to kill before coming back to the office with his car. I decide to go to the library and do a deep dive into Maple Falls’ history to see if I can come up with something that will help us.
CHAPTER 16
JAMIE
Practice goes well,and I’m happily surprised by the natural chemistry our team seems to have on the ice. So far, no one is hogging the puck, and they’re passing to everyone like they’re trying to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses. If we continue like this, we might just be a contender for the Stanley, after all.
As soon as practice ends, Dale calls us all over. “I’m impressed and I don’t say that lightly. We’ve got a lot of talent here and even though our season hasn’t started, I’m proud of you all. Let’s keep up the good work.”
The men seemingly puff their chests at the compliment. We might be pro athletes, but getting approval from our coach is always appreciated. Dale continues, “The press are very interested in us right now, and I want all of you to take as many interviews as you can. Don’t talk about the bachelor auction yet, but talk up Maple Falls; talk up your new team; and please don’t be shy about mentioning your personal lives. That’s always a big hit with the fans.”
As the guys skate off the ice, Dale tells me, “I got a call fromHockeymagazine. They say you’ve been avoiding their reporter. Why is that?”
“All they want to do is talk about Allegra, Dale. I don’t want to talk about her.”
