Page 52 of Skating and Fake Dating
She and I don’t have breakfast again, but I have been craving pancakes. Unfortunately, those are not on my recommended meal plan. Neither are the thoughts about a certain PAL that are eating me up inside.
CHAPTER 22
CARSON
Ipop into the market for some non-vending machine snacks and recognize Bailey’s grandmother in the dairy aisle.
“Carson,” the older woman calls.
“Hi, Mrs. Porter. How are you today?”
“Better now that I ran into a tall man who can get that cup of yogurt up there. I was talking myself into climbing onto the bottom shelf and hoping I could reach it.”
I chuckle and pass her the little container.
She tells me her doctor recommended substituting protein for her afternoon sweet snack. “I see you’ve been keeping my Bailey busy. She hasn’t had a chance to pop in for a visit.”
For some reason, I wish that were the case and hold up my empty hands. “Getting a new team started and players adjusted is a big job.”
Bailey has also been assigned PAL to Asher, a last-minute pick for the team. He’s staying at the SkyBnB too, so it’s kind of like having a brother from another mother. The place has four bedrooms and as many bathrooms. Plus, the dude cooks and I like to eat. It’s the start of a true bromance.
“I bet she does it well and it doesn’t hurt tohave a little smoochy smoochy on the side.” Nanna winks as her granddaughter approaches.
My ears warm.
Bailey’s arms are full of healthy snack options and a wide-eyed smile. “Smoochy what? Wait. Never mind. Hi, Carson. What are you?—?”
“I was just telling him to come over this afternoon if he’s not busy. You should show him the operation—we could use the help of a tall, strong man ahead of the Maple Fest. I lost Bailey to the big city, but I have a feeling she’s going to be back someday. The maple trees and her ole grandmother miss her.”
The contents of Bailey’s arms tumble into the grocery cart as we all laugh lightly.
“I’ll make you two a treat and then you check the lines, the taps, and pick some apples before coming back to the kitchen.”
“Nanna, I’m sure Carson has a lot to do today.”
“Actually, I’m free,” I blurt.
“See you soon.” The older woman waves and carries on down the aisle.
Bailey leans in and says, “But, don’t you want to pick out some things for your new place—you move in this weekend—or play your guitar or hockey? I’m sure you have hockey.”
“My schedule is clear. We have the afternoon off for portraits and capturing some social media content with Clara.”
“She and I go way back.”
“Is there anyone in Maple Falls you don’t know?”
Her cheek lifts with a grin. “Probably not.”
“I already had pictures done. Plus, I have a certain craving I just can’t seem to kick. Maybe I should go to the source and see how operations are going.”
Bailey laughs. “You probably don’t want to miss team stuff, but Nanna will likely give us a protein-rich snack, which is why we’re here at the market, but I can ask her to make pancakes. But no kidding, Shirley May’s are the best.”
“I’m talking about the maple syrup, Bailey.”
“Oh.” She blinks a few times as if not expecting me to be interested in one of her hobbies … or addicted to it. It’s true. I have not stopped thinking about it or her all week.
“Also, I have a question for you.” I peer around but figure it’s best not to ask her to be my fake date here.
