Page 18 of Soulmates and Slapshots
“Are you worried?” I ask Aunt Dee.
She sighs. “I wish I could say no.”
“There has to be a way to stop this from happening,” I exclaim.
“Let’s hope so.”
I watch as the residents exit the room. It’s wild how invested in this situation I suddenly feel. I’m sure Aunt Dee will use this as a tool to convince me to extend my stay in Maple Falls. But this is only temporary because I have a life to get back to—I just don’t know what that life looks like yet.
I’m awake bright and early because I have real plans today and they don’t include binge watching TV or reading. I was beyond excited to get a text from Mabel inviting me to meet for coffee at Falling for Books. I even leave the house early so I can enjoy a leisurely morning stroll down Main Street. It’s a gorgeous sunny autumn day, the kind of weather that makes everyone fall in love with this season.
As soon as I turn the corner, I see Mabel in front of the store typing something on her phone.
“Hi, Mabel,” I call.
“Hey, girl,” she exclaims. “I’m so glad you could meet up today.”
“Of course. My calendar is wide open these days.”
We hug each other before entering the shop. Mabel heads back to the café while I stop to peek at the rows of books. There’s something that comes over me every time I step into a bookstore. I could literally stay here all day.
When I finally join Mabel, she’s talking to Neesha.
“Hi, Fiona. Are you enjoying small town life?” Neesha asks.
“I am. I love New York, but I don’t miss the traffic jams or long commutes. And everyone here has been so nice, friendly, and down to earth. Even the professional hockey players.”
“Hmm…well I try to stay away from those guys,” Neesha replies. “A broken heart will do that.”
I cringe. “I’m sorry. But if it makes you feel better, I’ve only met one of them, and he’s new in town so I can’t speak for the entire team.”
“No worries,” Neesha says, straightening the cupcake display. “I’m just speaking from personal experience.”
“You know what we should do?” Mabel exclaims. “Let’s plan a girls’ night. Just the three of us, no hockey players allowed.”
I grin. “That sounds fun. I’d love to.” I can’t remember the last time I went out with friends. I’m probably way overdue.
“You in, Neesha?” Mabel asks.
She shrugs. “I’ll let you know. I’ve been swamped with cupcake orders.”
“It’s only one evening,” Mabel reminds her. “You can take a break from cupcakes for a few hours. It’s probably good for you to step away and clear your mind. It might even help you be more creative.”
Neesha gives a doubtful look.
I totally understand how she feels. I can remember working a lot of extra hours when I was trying to grow in my career. It’s hard to rest when you’re so focused on achieving a goal. I thought if I worked harder, I’d have more opportunities.
“Okay, I’m in,” Neesha agrees finally. “Emmy was just giving me a lecture on working too much also.”
“She’s right,” Mabel exclaims.
I order a latte and listen to Mabel and Neesha chat about a business grant competition and how it could help Neesha open her own bakery in Maple Falls.
“It’s a great idea, but I can’t apply for it,” Neesha says. “Maple Falls wouldn’t be able to support a cupcake business long term. Besides I really want to branch out and experience a big city, you know—try out adventurous, single life.”
“Been there, done that,” I interject. “Believe it or not, the city isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And there’s a lot of competition when it comes to starting and building a business. I live in New York because of the publishing industry, but I’d consider other places if it was an option. Maybe somewhere with a slower pace...”
I know things always seem more glamorous from the outside looking in. And while I love New York, sometimes I wonder if I’d be there if it weren’t for my job. Although right now who knows what’s happening with that.
