Page 54 of Skating and Fake Dating
Bailey frowns, likely at the memory of her ruined shirt.
“It was delicious.”
“You ate it?”
“I’d been in a bit of a rebellious stage,” I admit.
Nanna leans in, intrigued.
“Then you started calling me Blondie.”
The older woman’s shoulders bounce. “So it was a workplace romance. I’m fond of those.”
“More like a hate-to-love situation,” Bailey corrects.
My brows knit and she must recognize my confusion.
“Nanna is part of an online book club. They read a book with a different trope each month. There are friends to lovers, second chances, and others.”
Nanna adds, “Right now we’re halfway through a fake relationship romcom. The main character needed a date to her sister’s wedding.”
I’m pretty sure Bailey and I both swallow hard at the same time. My ears feel as warm as her cheeks look.
Hopping to her feet, she says, “Well, we’d better head to the grove before it gets too late.”
Tiny is already at the door, waiting.
“Actually, I wanted to ask Carson about hockey. I hear practice has been going well.”
Not wanting to be rude and glad for the change of topic, I say, “Certainly has. All the players are strong in their own ways and I think it’ll be a great season.”
“Nanna, you’ll be able to see them all over social media. Remember Clara? She’s the social media manager and is going to be showcasing them regularly.”
“Performing goofy dances,” I mutter.
“You can trust Clara. She knows what she’s doing.” Bailey winks, then linking my arm with hers, she says, “Come on. Tiny is waiting.”
Outside, I take a breath of the crisp fall air. Leaves drop from their branches, twirling on the breeze that carries the scent of woodsmoke. Silver-tinted sunlight filters from above, painting dappled gold patterns on the path ahead while the satisfying crunch of leaves beneath my boots provides nature’s perfect soundtrack to the day.
I say, “It’s beautiful here.”
“It’s home. If only I could get my business to support it.” She shakes her head sadly. “Developers have been on Nanna about the land for years.”
“What do you mean by your business?”
“My dream side hustle. ‘Sweet Memories Maple Company.’ I figured that was more appealing than ‘Hot Mess Maple’ or ‘Sticky Situations,’ which we seem to repeatedly find ourselves in.” She glances over her shoulder toward the way we came. “I’m sorry about that. I should’ve come clean. Told Nanna that we’re?—”
“We didn’t lie.”
“But we’re not?—”
“Actually, I have the Ice Breakers inaugural bash coming upand I’m wondering if you’d like to join me.”
“Oh, right. Your agent wanted you to date someone “stable” to improve your image. Having spent some time together, surely you see I’m not the best candidate for the job.”
“You’re the only one.”
“Haha. This town isn’t that small. My cousins would cage fight each other for a chance to go somewhere with you.”
