Page 19 of Soulmates and Slapshots
Mabel and Neesha are still chatting, and then the conversation shifts to the dreaded topic of dating. Naturally, I brace myself. This is my least favorite subject lately. Just themention of it makes me want to crawl under the nearest table and hide with a few cupcakes.
“Well, a year is a long time,” Mabel says, dragging me out of my thoughts.
“It’s not like I’ve forgotten how totalkto a man,” Neesha says, crossing her arms defensively.
Mabel leans in, eyes gleaming with mischief. “In that case, I dare you to flirt with the next guy who walks through the door. No exceptions.”
Neesha makes a face. “Come on, what if he’s ninety years old with bad teeth?”
Mabel grins. “Then he’ll appreciate the attention. And your dental hygiene.”
“I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this,” Neesha mutters. “Fine. Just this once. And only because I’m trying to prove a point.”
As if the universe has a great sense of timing—the door opens and we all glance over.
And, well, he’s not ninety. He’s actually…kind of cute.
Neesha visibly straightens her shoulders, flips her hair, and plasters a smile on her face.
Mabel and I watch in silence for a few moments as Neesha starts chatting with the new customer. She’s keeping it simple with a little playful banter about coffee preferences and cupcake flavors. Still, it’s clear she’s holding her own. After a few minutes of listening, we quietly slip away, giving her some privacy to get acquainted with her new friend.
As we wander through the books, Mabel turns to me. “So, what haveyoubeen up to? I imagine you’ve already discovered Maple Falls isn’t exactly the nightlife capital of the Pacific Northwest.”
I laugh. “Yeah, that’s putting it mildly. But I did go to the town council meeting with my aunt.”
Her eyebrows shoot up. “Really? Wow, you must be really bored. We need to hang out more.”
“Actually—I wanted to go after hearing about the situation with the MacDonald guy. I wish I could do something. He sounds just like my ex-boyfriend. He was one of those polished, smooth-talking corporate types, and when they want something, nothing stands in their way. They send their people to come in and make demands without even making an appearance.”
Mabel’s expression shifts. “Yeah, I know the type. And even though I try to escape from Maple Falls every chance I get, it’s still my hometown. I don’t like seeing it be threatened by greed.”
I nod, chewing on my lower lip as thoughts swirl in my head.
“You must know the town really well,” I say slowly. “Do you think there’s any way to stop him?”
Mabel lets out a slow breath, tapping her coffee cup. “I’ve been thinking about that. And there might beonething…but I’m not sure if it would make any difference.”
“What is it?” I ask eagerly.
She eyes me curiously. “You’re really invested in this, aren’t you? You don’t even live here.”
“I know,” I say. “But my aunt does. And there’s something about this place…maybe it’s because of its simplicity and community. I don’t know, but the thought of someone coming in here and steamrolling it makes me furious.”
Mabel studies me for a long moment. “Anger isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes it’s the only thing strong enough to make people stand up and fight back.”
“You’re right,” I say, and a flicker of determination sparks between us.
In the distance, I hear Neesha laughing. She’s obviously succeeding in proving her point.
“Well, there’s a bird,” Mabel says.
I frown. “A bird?”
She nods. “Yes. I don’t know much about it, but I think it’s endangered.”
“Okay…” I say slowly.
“So maybe the land has some kind of environmental protection. Something that would prevent development.”
