Page 24 of Soulmates and Slapshots
“All right. Let’s do it.” This might be a long shot, but I’m willing to do some investigating.
Mabel and I chat for a few more minutes and then I start tohead home. I admit it feels good to have friends here in Maple Falls. I’ve always been a social person, so building connections matters to me. Working together for such an important cause gives me a chance to get out of my own head for a while.
And speaking of friends, I owe Hayley a call. I also need to tell her about Joshua trying to reach me. At first, I thought it was just a pocket dial…but he called again. Something is up with him.
I dig through my bag for my phone and scroll to Hayley’s number.
“I was wondering when you were going to call me,” she answers. “Is small town life getting to you yet? I can pick you up at the airport, just tell me when.”
“Actually no,” I admit. “It’s been nice being here. Until I received two unexpected phone calls last night from a certain ex.”
I’m still reeling from seeing Joshua’s number on my screen. I haven’t heard from him since we broke up, nor did I expect to. This is the same man who blindsided me by telling me he needed a break from our relationship while I believed we were taking the next step. Ugh. Just thinking about it makes me sick to my stomach.
“Ohhh…about that…”
I chew on my lower lip. “Hayley Jean, do you know something I don’t?”
She hates when I use her middle name, so she knows I’m being serious.
“I might have a bit of info,” she replies.
“Okay? Were you planning on letting me in on it?” I ask. “Isn’t that what best friends are supposed to do?”
“Of course, but I figured you’d be back home by now,” she says. “I didn’t think you’d last more than a few days inthat tiny town. Speaking of which, why aren’t you back yet?”
In her defense, my trip was supposed to be over by now.
“Well I’m still here, so spill,” I reply, avoiding her question.
She sighs before diving into her story. “I ran into Joshua a few nights ago. He was sitting at the bar all by himself, and he looked so lost. Naturally I approached him ready to unload, but before I had a chance, he started asking about you, and honestly, I expected him to burst into tears at any second. He knows he messed things up.”
Hearing this brings an array of emotions, but mostly I feel validation. I’m glad he’s feeling regret—he should.
“Fiona?” Hayley calls, dragging me out of my thoughts.
“I’m here, I was just thinking,” I say. “Did you know he was going to call me?”
“He didn’t say anything about that, but I’m not surprised. Did he leave a message?”
“No.”
“Are you going to call him back?”
I don’t say anything while I try to process the information she’s just shared with me.
“Probably not.”
“Well—what if he calls again? Will you answer?”
I sigh. It’s too early for this topic of discussion after only one cup of coffee.
“I don’t know. There’s not much for us to say to each other. Plus I came here to get away from all the stress. Hashing all our issues out is only going to bring up the emotions I’m trying to take a break from.”
“Do you really like it there?” she asks as if it’s the craziest thing she’s ever heard.
“I do…” Suddenly the image of Weston pops into my head, which catches me off guard.
“And you’re not bored out of your mind?” she asks.
