Page 10 of Soulmates and Slapshots
She gives me a mischievous look. “Which is exactly why you deserve a distraction. You need something or maybesomeoneto help you forget all that mess you left behind in New York.”
This is classic Aunt Dee. She’s free-spirited, unapologetically bold, and always ready to meddle.
“Anyway,” she says. “Give me all the details.”
Clearly, she has no intention of letting this go.
“I don’t knowmuch. His name is Weston, and he said he’s new to Maple Falls.” I pause, deliberately leaving out his great smile and dimples that should be illegal. “That’s all I’ve got.”
She frowns, her eyes narrowing. “Hmm. We’ll have to change that, won’t we?”
I sigh. “So, how’s your day been? Has it been busy?” It’s a desperate attempt to redirect her attention. I have no doubt she could talk about hockey players all day.
She groans, her shoulders dropping slightly. “It’s beenokay. There’s just a lot happening with the town, it’s been hard to concentrate.”
I tilt my head. “Is this because of the situation you mentioned this morning? The town meeting and stuff?”
She nods, her expression suddenly serious. “Yep. I think we’re all on edge a bit.”
“Oh no. What’s going on?”
She sighs dramatically. “Apparently there’s a billionaire claiming he’s the heir to a bunch of land here in Maple Falls. He thinks he’s going to come in here and take over. A lot of the locals are worried about what this means for the town.”
My eyes grow wide. “Really? Is he legit?”
She shrugs. “It sounds like it. There was some uptight business manager at the council meeting. The guy didn’t even come himself—he sent someone in his place. I’m expecting we’ll find out more at the next town meeting.”
“When is the meeting? I’ll go with you,” I tell her.
She gives me a confused look. “You want to go to our town council meeting on your vacation? It’s not exactly one of the town’s most popular events. Although it can be entertaining at times.”
“That’s okay. I’m all for supporting a good cause. This town is your home, and I want to support you in any way I can.”
She purses her lips. “Okay, if that’s what you want. And if it inspires you to stay in town longer—then that’s even better.”
I giggle before replying to her comment. I had a feeling she’d say something about that.
“Don’t get your hopes up,” I insist. “I just think this town is so beautiful, it would be tragic for someone to come in and destroy it.”
She sits up straight. “Exactly. But I can promise you that Maple Falls won’t go down without a fight.”
“That’s the spirit,” I shout. “Now how about a tour of the lodge.”
Aunt Dee is so excited to show me around, and it gives me something to do, especially since I’m still figuring out how to take it easy without any other responsibilities or a packed schedule.
After spending some time with my aunt, I make my way back through the town on my way home. The temps are dropping quickly, and my cropped sweater is no longer cutting it. My mind is racing as I stroll, and there is more traffic now. I’m assuming part of the evening rush. It’s still nothing compared to Manhattan at this hour.
Aunt Dee is working late, so I’m on my own for dinner. I see some good options as I walk, but something about Shirley May’s Diner is calling my name.
When I walk inside the retro diner, I see a few people sitting at the counter, and then I spot a familiar face. It’s Weston sitting in a booth by himself.
He looks up a few seconds after I spot him, and his face instantly lights up.
“Hey, stranger,” he calls, giving a friendly wave.
I guess the chances of seeing the same people in a small town are normal, but twice in one day is a bit strange, right? Hopefully he doesn’t think I’m following him.
“Hi. I guess we had the same idea this evening?”
