Page 38 of Soulmates and Slapshots
This game was a loss for the team. But the impending loss of Fiona feels even worse. This is just another reminder that having someone in your corner through the ups and downs of life is the ultimate end goal. After seeing what Cooper has with Blair and what Mac shares with Vivian, I finally understand, and I want the same thing.
CHAPTER 12
FIONA
Watching the Ice Breakers’ defeat tonight hit me harder than I ever expected. I know losing is part of the game, but that didn’t make it any easier. It was gut-wrenching to witness, especially knowing how hard the team has been working. The final seconds ticked down like a slow, cruel countdown, and when the buzzer echoed through the arena, the entire place fell into a stunned silence. You could almost feel the heartbreak in the air.
I didn’t stay long after the game ended. As much as I wanted to be there for Weston, I wasn’t sure if my presence would help or just make things worse. What do you even say in those moments?You played hard?Next time will be different?
It all feels so fake after a loss—especially one that was so close. The score had been tied until the last few seconds. It was one of those losses that leaves you replaying every moment and every shot.
The good news is I’m seeing Weston tonight—off the ice and away from the pressure of the game. We’re havingdinner together, and it’s not a fake date I dragged him into during a moment of panic.
I didn’t come to Maple Falls looking for any kind of romance. I needed space and a break from the chaos of my old life. But there’s something about Weston that draws me in. He’s sincere and down-to-earth, so different from Joshua.
Thankfully, Joshua’s calls and texts have slowed, though he hasn’t completely given up. You’d think he’d get the message given my lack of response. And Hayley’s stopped bringing him up. I think she knows better after surprising me with the face-to-face call.
I take one last look in the mirror, twisting a few strands of hair around my finger. I’m wearing a soft white cable-knit sweater and wide-leg jeans. My outfit is comfortable and not too over the top. I’m in Maple Falls, not Manhattan.
My aunt is working at the lodge tonight, but she’s been texting me nonstop since I told her about my dinner with Weston. She didn’t sayI told you so, but her smug little “Oohhh, sounds like fun” basically screamed it.
I’m fastening a gold bracelet on my wrist when I hear a knock on the door.
“Come in,” I call out, already guessing who it is.
Weston pops his head inside, a worried look on his face. “Whoa. Don’t you think you should check before letting anyone in here? What if it wasn’t me?”
I roll my eyes, smiling. “I figured it was you. And anyway, this is Maple Falls—I doubt they have a big problem with crime.”
I don’t know this for sure, but I haven’t even heard a car horn since I arrived.
He laughs. “Fair point. I think most people are harmless, unless you say something bad about the Ice Breakers.”
I chuckle. “So true. My aunt Dee would probably throw a punch if someone insulted the team.”
“Yeah. I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side,” he agrees. “Her superfan energy is fierce.”
“Oh yeah—and she’s loyal to her core. When I needed a place to escape to, she didn’t hesitate to invite me here.”
“Loyalty like that is rare,” Weston says softly. “It means everything, especially in this world.”
I nod, meeting his eyes. “It really does.”
He sighs. “Ready to go?
“Yep.” I grab my coat and follow him out the door.
The air is cool, the sky streaked with the fading sunlight. Evenings in Maple Falls are so dreamy.
“So,” Weston says as we start walking. “I was trying to figure out where to go. The options are a bit limited.”
“Yes, that’s one thing we don’t have to worry about in Manhattan,” I reply. “But I’m fine with anything. We could even go back to Shirley May’s Diner.”
“It was really good,” he grins. “But I thought maybe we could try the Glass Olive. It’s Italian food, and I like the name.”
I’m trying not to stare at his face, but his dimples make me go weak. Gah. I shouldn’t be having all these feelings already.
“That sounds great. Let’s go.”
