Page 65 of Skating and Fake Dating
I hand the phone back to Weston, trying to look annoyed but failing miserably because puckering up with Bailey isn’t the worst. No, it’s pretty much perfect, but it isn’t anyone’s business.
Coach blows the whistle, signaling the end of our break. As we skate back onto the ice, I can’t help but think about Bailey and how, despite the teasing, I’m looking forward to introducing her to these dweebs I call my friends.
CHAPTER 27
CARSON
Practice runs long with drive drills, plus a lot of redundant passing and shooting, making me late for the town meeting.
When I arrive, Councilman Mitchell leans into the microphone, “The fact remains that we can’t look back while our community’s finances run into the river. We have to look forward to the future. At what we could make this place. Sentimentality doesn’t pay the bills.”
Getting up from the section where she was seated with her family, Bailey’s face flushes as she approaches the podium. She adjusts the mic and clears her throat. “Keeping Maple Falls a small, quaint town without big box stores and huge developments is part of our identity. It’s what makes us unique and keeps visitors coming back year after year.”
Mitchell mutters, “Your passion is admirable, but unless you have the cash to offset the offer …”
“We’re fundraising and?—”
I recognize a few familiar faces in the crowd, cheering Bailey on, including her new friend Fiona, whom I’ve also spotted at the arena, when Mitchell interrupts, “And if I’m not mistaken,your current employer is based in New York. Maybe consider calling this home and then you can have a say.”
Bailey’s hand flies to her hip and she huffs.
I get to my feet and blurt out the idea that just came to me, “Some of us are currently inquiring about partnerships with professional organizations for donations.”
A hushed murmur ripples through the room.
“And you are?” Mitchell asks, though his tone suggests he already knows.
“Carson Crane. I play for the Ice Breakers. Maple Falls is charming and has a lot to offer without the addition of making it into a metropolitan area.”
“With all due respect, you’re an outsider. These are local matters.”
Several others nod in agreement.
Eyes flaring, Bailey speaks into the microphone once more. “Carson may be new, but not everyone who cares about this town had to be born here.”
I nod in her direction, but Mitchell isn’t entirely wrong.
The debates continue with Alexander MacDonald’s representative, Jeremy Hunt, brooding and casting glares as if he’s personally offended that residents want to preserve Maple Falls.
I’ll admit, it feels good to feel like I belong somewhere, but the seed in my mind about how I don’t truly belong here was planted and yet, I cannot keep my focus off Bailey, her heart for this place, how intelligently she makes counterarguments, and how beautiful she looks being brave.
Afterward, I wait just outside the door to the town hall. Bailey’s eyes widen as if surprised I stuck around.
“You were amazing in there.”
“Thanks, but I’m afraid we’re not making much progress and I don’t know why Mayor Thompkins wasn’t here. Ashlyn, his daughter, oh, there she is—” Bailey flags her down.
Ashlyn freezes momentarily before approaching, her fingersfidgeting with the button of her blazer. She glances over her shoulder twice as if checking for witnesses.
Bailey launches right into a cheerful greeting. “Hi! It’s so good to see you. Are you back in town?”
Ashlyn shifts from foot to foot. “Just visiting.”
Bailey nods. “Me too. Well, I’m here for my job temporarily and trying to save Maple Falls from developers, you know, all in a day’s work.”
“I do.” A flash of panic flits across Ashlyn’s features before disappearing.
“You do?” Bailey tucks her head in surprise.
