Page 76 of Fake-Off with Fate
“It’s not like we were dating for real,” I tell him. But it is Dale’s fault we were even pretending to date and that is currently making me feel the tiniest bit hostile toward him.
Sensing my mood isn’t good, he says, “She seemed like a nice girl.”
“Nice?” Shirley May exclaims. “Ashlyn Thompkins is one of the best people I know. I was so hopeful that when she came home, she might stay.” The diner owner’s gaze shifts behind me. “Will you look at that. Mayor Thompkins has finally shown his face. We were all starting to think he was on his deathbed or something.”
I turn around and see a hefty man of average height approach us. His arm is around a woman that I would know wasAshlyn’s mother anywhere. The two are lookalikes with the small exception of about thirty years.
The mayor and his wife approach us. “Dale,” he calls out. “I hear your team is doing well.”
As they close in, Dale shakes his hand. “Mayor. It’s nice to see you again.” Then he gestures toward Mrs. Thompkins. “This must be your lovely wife.”
The mayor announces, “This is my beautiful Alicia.” Ashlyn’s mom smiles sweetly as she looks at her husband with borderline adoration. It appears Ashlyn knew what she was doing sending them away together.
Dale turns to me and says, “This is Jamie Hayes, our captain.”
“Jamie!” The mayor seems inordinately pleased to meet me. “I’m sorry I missed our supper, but I understand Ashlyn took good care of you.”
“Yes, sir,” I tell him. “Your daughter was very kind to share a meal with me.” I don’t bother saying anything more because that would just be weird. Also, it’s not like there’s any reason to.
“What do you make of this business with Alexander MacDonald, Bill?” Shirley May asks the mayor.
“It’s troubling, for sure,” the mayor says. “But even so, I’m sure we’ll figure this out together.”
“We’ve missed seeing you around town,” the diner owner tells him. “It’s good to have you back on your feet.”
“I left you in good hands,” he says without confirming or denying the state of his health.
“Ashlyn would make a great mayor,” Shirley May announces.
“From your mouth to God’s ear, Shirley May. I’ve been telling her the same thing for a couple of years now, but I don’t think she’s getting the hint.”
“Ashlyn has a big life in LA,” Alicia Thompkins interjects. Then she tells her husband, “You got to choose your own path, now you let our daughter do the same.”
The mayor looks at his wife lovingly. “Of course, dear. Anything you say.”
After a moment of silence, I interject, “Well, I’m off to get a pretzel with that beer cheese sauce I’ve heard so much about. Good to see you all.”
As I walk away, Dale calls out, “Remember what I told you when you first moved here.”
I stop in my tracks before turning back to him. “Don’t feed the bears?”
He laughs. “Well, obviously, but that’s not what I’m talking about.”
“Don’t take candy from strangers?” I joke.
Another head shake. “Cupid lives in Maple Falls,” he says with a wink.
Glancing in Shirley May’s direction, I tell him, “Looks like that’s working out for you.”
His face illuminates like he just got hit with a spotlight. “I sure hope so, but I think it might work out for you, too.”
I never told Dale that I was having feelings for Ashlyn, so I don’t know what he’s talking about. But then I turn to follow his gaze.
What in the world is Allegra still doing in town?
CHAPTER 35
ASHLYN
