Page 52 of Soulmates and Slapshots
“Fiona…” She sighs. “Let me ask you something. Are there any big publishing houses in Maple Falls?”
I frown. “No.”
“So you’d be walking away from a career you’ve built? A career youlove.”
“I don’t know,” I admit. “Seattle’s not far. There could be opportunities there.”
“Seattle is not New York.”
I sigh deeply, the weight of it all pressing on my chest again. “I know.”
It’s clear this conversation isn’t going anywhere, so I tell her I’ll keep her posted then quickly end the call before she has a chance to say anything else.
I know Hayley is coming from a good place. She’s always been a fixer. And when she sees a mess, she tries to make it better. I love that about her. And whether I end up back in New York or somewhere else, that kind of friendship is forever.
Wherever I go from here, I don’t plan to lose any of the important people in my life, including those in Maple Falls.
CHAPTER 17
WESTON
It’s Halloween in Maple Falls, and it’s clear this town takes the holiday very seriously. Every storefront is decked out with elaborate decorations, from glowing pumpkins to spooky window displays, and nearly every resident I’ve seen seems to be in a costume or at least a pair of cat ears. With the crisp autumn air and colorful leaves swirling on the ground, it seems like the perfect Halloween setup pictured in a movie.
But hockey doesn’t stop for Halloween. The Ice Breakers are sticking to business as usual. We had our usual early practice this morning, pushing through drills and prepping for a tough stretch of upcoming games. The only unexpected development is the news that Clément is heading back to Paris. I found him packing up, and admittedly it caught me off guard. I can’t help but wonder what this means for the team. We have a new goalie named Lucas who was just traded up from a minor team. I know exactly how he feels having been in his shoes not long ago.
On top of that, I haven’t seen Fiona in a few days. She’s been busy helping her aunt get the lodge ready for tonight’sHalloween festivities, or at least that’s what she said. Part of me worries she might be avoiding me. But then she invited me to join her tonight. Of course I said yes. I’ll take any excuse I can to see her.
There was just one catch—she told me I have to wear a costume. So I got creative and dressed up as a hockey player. Original, I know.
When I walk into the lodge, I’m honestly impressed. The place is completely transformed with all the spooky details. The main lobby is dimly lit by flickering candlelight, with cobwebs stretched across the chandeliers. Carved pumpkins are lined up along the rustic staircase, each one more intricate than the last. A group of tables holds a variety of hors d’oeuvres, pumpkin tarts, candied apples, and a wide assortment of other pastries. In one corner, there’s a fortune teller sitting at a table with a crystal ball and tarot cards. I will probably avoid that area of the room. The idea of knowing what my future holds scares me.
I spot Denise right away, and once again her outfit doesn’t disappoint. This time it’s not a pink ‘80s prom dress. Tonight Fiona’s aunt is going full-onWizard of Oz, dressed in averyshort Dorothy costume—complete with sparkly red heels and a small basket holding a stuffed dog. She makes a beeline for me as soon as she sees me.
“Weston, there you are,” she says, as if she’s been waiting for me to arrive. “Great costume. Very creative.”
I flash a grin. “Thanks. It took me forever to put it together.”
She hooks her arm through mine before I can respond and pulls me toward the entryway. “I’m glad you’re here. We need to talk, and it’s very important.”
This doesn’t sound good. I’m not sure if she’s being overdramatic or if I should be concerned.
“I think Fiona’s planning to go back to New York soon,” she says in a loud whisper.
Those words hit me like a punch to the gut. “Really? Are you sure?”
She sighs, nodding. “She was on the phone last night and again this morning. I didn’t catch all of it, but I’m pretty sure it was with someone from her publishing company. She was asking a lot of questions. It sounded very official.”
A lump suddenly forms in my throat. Deep down, I knew this might happen. I was just hoping she’d want to stay.
“Has she said anything to you?”
I shake my head. “No. Nothing.”
“I figured,” she says. “Well, we need to do something fast.”
I open my mouth to answer, but then I see Fiona.
She’s standing near the fireplace, wearing a soft white gown with wings on her back and a glittering halo on her head. She’s dressed as an angel, which is the most perfect costume for her.
