Page 53 of Soulmates and Slapshots
“She’s over there,” I murmur, motioning toward her.
“Go,” Denise orders. “Go tell her how you feel. She needs to know everything before making any final decisions.”
I feel my face flush. “I’m not going to stop her from going. That’s her choice.”
“You’re right—it is her choice,” she agrees. “But she deserves to have all the facts so she can make that choice.”
Before I can say anything Denise hurries away, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the sound of eerie music drifting through the lodge.
I take a breath and glance back at Fiona. She hasn’t seen me yet.
I’m not sure what I’ll say or if I should say anything at all. I need to wait until she brings it up.
I make my way over to her.
“Hey,” I call.
Her face lights up as soon as our eyes meet. “Hi. Nice costume.”
“Yes, I put a lot of effort into it,” I joke, holding my arms out.
“I can see that.”
“Where’s your costume?” I ask, the corner of my mouth curving up.
“Very funny,” she says, grinning.
“I’m being serious,” I exclaim. “You told me we had to dress up tonight.”
“I’m an angel,” she informs me.
“Yes, you are.”
She moves toward me and wraps her arms around my waist. “You’re sweet.”
“So are you,” I reply, pulling her even closer to me. She rests her head on my chest and tightens her arms around me. As amazing as it feels to have her close to me, I can’t help but wonder if she’s trying to soak up every second because her time here is ending.
“Anyway, we have work to do,” she says pulling away after a few seconds.
“Aww…but it’s Halloween,” I whine.
She laughs. “It’ll be fun. And we’ll be able to spend time together later—after we pass out candy.”
“Okay, fine.”
“Weston, I need you,” Denise calls.
“Ugh. Is your aunt calling me?”
Fiona giggles. “It sounds like it. It’s best not to keep Aunt Dee waiting.”
I turn to walk toward her, but Fiona grabs my hand to stop me. “Thank you for being here.” She rises on her tiptoes and kisses me on the cheek.
“There’s nowhere else I’d want to be on Halloween,” I admit.
The party turns out to be a huge success. I spend most of the evening chatting with guests, posing for pictures, and signing everything, including pumpkins. I'm genuinely surprised by how many people bring up my performance in the game against the Warriors. Hearing their excitement as they recount the moment really hits me in a way I didn’t expect. I’m used to being part of the action but not the one who makes the big plays. It feels good to stand out. The only bummer is I haven’t had more than five minutes with Fiona all night.
Once the last guests filter out and the music dies down, Fiona and I finally sneak away from the noise and hockey fans. We slip out onto the terrace, where string lights are draped overhead casting a soft, golden hue over the stone patio. The trees beyond are dark silhouettes against the night sky, the dipping temperatures hinting at the next season.
