Page 12 of Soulmates and Slapshots
He groans. “Why not? I’m sure you’ll be seeing it soon enough.”
He launches into a story about how the team’s social media rep recruited him and two other players to do an online performance.
“A TikTok dance? On the ice?” I exclaim. I don’t waste any time reaching for my phone. “I need to see this. Is it already posted?”
“I’m not sure,” he says with a groan. “But I’m already bracing for a flood of messages from my old teammates back in Tennessee. This is the kind of thing that never dies.”
I quickly search for the Maple Falls Ice Breakers, and sureenough, there it is—right at the top of the team’s feed. A glorious, full-out TikTok dance featuring Weston and two other massive hockey players trying to coordinate moves in full gear, on the ice.
“Oh, my gosh,” I gasp, laughing. “This is amazing. Look at you!” My voice comes out louder than intended, turning a few heads in the diner. “Check out those moves.”
Weston sighs and drops his head into his hands. “And I thought I came here toplayhockey and contribute to the team. Instead, I’m going viral for attempting moves like a member of a boy band.”
“Boy band on ice. I like it,” I exclaim. “This is great. Honestly, I think this could be your big break.”
He peeks at me from between his fingers, clearly embarrassed. “You really think so?”
“Oh, definitely,” I tease. “I’d think fans would enjoy it. Stuff like this makes you seem relatable and down to earth. Aren’t most professional athletes untouchable?”
He snorts. “Relatable, huh? That’s one word for it. But I wouldn’t say I’m untouchable. I’m not exactly a superstar in the league.”
“Not yet,” I suggest. “I mean, I don’t know much about hockey, but you made it to the pros, so that must mean something.”
“I did,” he agrees.
“There you go,” I say. “Everyone moves at their own pace, right?”
He smiles again, revealing the dimples I remember from our first meeting. And just like that, a flutter of something unexpected stirs in my stomach. I sit up a little straighter, trying to shake it off. This isn’t the right time for me to be noticing dimples. Or charming hockey players. Or anyone, at all.
“Okay, enough about me,” he says, changing the subject. “You mentioned you’re in Maple Falls visiting family?”
I nod, grateful to have something to think about other than dimples. “Yes. My aunt lives here. I needed a little break from real life, and she suggested I visit. So here I am.”
He gives me a curious look, one eyebrow raised. “That bad, huh?”
I shift in the booth, folding one leg under me as I settle in. “Pretty much. My company’s going through a big reorganization after a merger, which is pure chaos.”
He winces. “That sounds stressful. What kind of work do you do?”
“I’m an editor at a publishing company,” I tell him.
His expression lights up, intrigued. “Whoa. That sounds important. Do you like it?”
It’s a simple question, but I’m not sure how to answer it.
“Yes,” I say unconvincingly. “At least I used to. And some days I still do. But lately it feels like everything’s shifting, and I’m not sure where I fit anymore.”
His gaze softens. “Yeah. I know exactly what you mean.”
And for some reason I think he really does.
“Anyway, I won’t bore you with my drama,” I say. “In other news, I heard about some crazy stuff happening in town.”
“I did too,” he says, leaning closer to me. “The gist I got is that some guy says he’s an heir to a chunk of land in Maple Falls.”
I nod. “Yep. My aunt says people are starting to freak out. I’m going to the town council meeting with her to find out more.”
“Well, that’s nice of you,” he says. “Especially since you’re on vacation.”
