Page 54 of Soulmates and Slapshots
We settle into a cushioned lounge chair overlooking the river. I grab a heavy knit blanket draped over the armrest and pull it over us. Fiona nestles closer, and for a moment, everything feels perfect, like we’re the only two people in the world.
“You were quite the hit tonight,” she says with a grin. “Ithink people were more excited to talk to an Ice Breaker than do any of the Halloween activities.”
I chuckle, leaning my head back against the cushion. “You think?”
“Oh, absolutely. I don’t think you realize how impressive you are.”
I shrug, unsure of how to respond.
She studies me for a second then shifts her tone. “How’s everything going with the team?”
“It’s good,” I tell her. “We’ve got a tough stretch of games coming up, but I think we’re ready. I feel like we’ve finally come together as a team.”
She nods slowly, but something flickers behind her eyes. I can tell she has something else on her mind.
“Is everything okay with you?” I ask, turning slightly to face her.
She hesitates then looks out toward the river and line of trees. “I had a call with my boss back in New York this morning.”
And there it is. My stomach tightens, but I try not to show my disappointment. Whatever choice she makes, I’ll support her. I care about her too much not to.
“How did it go?” I ask, my voice cracking slightly.
“It went well,” she says. “The merger’s still uncertain, but he seems confident there’ll be opportunities for everyone.”
I nod, forcing a smile. “That’s good news.”
She turns to face me. “There’s also another opportunity…with a different publishing house.”
“In New York?”
She nods again, more slowly this time. “Yes.”
I exhale, long and slow. “So you’ll be leaving?”
She chews on her lower lip. “I haven’t decided anything.I’m waiting to see if they make an offer and what it looks like. It sounds promising though, and they are a good company with a lot of benefits.”
I rub my hands over my face, wishing I could say the one thing I want to. But it wouldn’t be fair to give up her career or a new opportunity for a quiet life. Not to mention that traveling is a part of my job. What about when I’m on the road?
“I’m really struggling with what I should do,” she admits softly. “The idea of going back…it feels surreal. Like I’m not the same person I was before coming to Maple Falls. I feel like I’ve grown in so many ways.”
She gestures toward the landscape. “I love it here, more than I ever thought I would. And…” She stops talking then looks at me. “There are a few other reasons I’d hate to leave.”
I smile, my pulse picking up speed. “Anything…or anyone in particular?”
She gives me a soft, thoughtful look. “Yeah.”
I slide my arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. “You know, I’m not sure what it’s going to be like looking up into the stands and not seeing you there. I feel like I play better when I know you’re watching.”
She places her hand gently on my cheek.
“You really don’t give yourself enough credit,” she says. “You’re not good just because someone’s cheering for you. You’re good because you’ve worked hard to get to this point. You’re good because you have heart, talent, and focus. Don’t ever diminish that.”
I lean into her touch, closing my eyes for a second. I don’t want this to end before it’s had the chance to become something even more real.
But for now, I need to let her explore the opportunitieswaiting for her. As much as it hurts, I know deep down that letting Fiona make this decision for herself is what’s best in the long run. If I tried to convince her to stay and things didn’t work out, I’d feel responsible. I’d never forgive myself for standing in the way of something incredible just because I was afraid of losing her.
And the fear is there that she may leave and never come back.
