Page 58 of Soulmates and Slapshots
“Have a good day,” I tell her, already reaching for the coffee.
“You too.”
When the door closes behind her, I get up and open the curtains. I stand in front of the window, letting the sunlight pour over me, filling the room. It’s a gorgeous morning in Maple Falls, only adding to my confusion.
I crawl back in bed and sip my coffee, taking time before I jump into the day ahead. On the agenda, follow up on all job possibilities. It’s all on me to decide what comes next.
CHAPTER 19
WESTON
We’re finally back in Maple Falls after a brutal game on the road, and I’m exhausted. That’s typical when it comes to away games, but this time sits differently. I haven’t been sleeping much, and it’s not just the schedule. Fiona’s move has me in knots.
The idea of her leaving Maple Falls is really hitting hard. I’m trying to be logical about it, but I’ve never felt like this before. Knowing she won’t be here every day is really affecting me, and I’m not sure what to do.
I sent Mac a text asking him to call me when he has a minute. The Wolves have been on the road too, so we haven’t been able to connect. I could use someone to talk to right now.
Fiona and I exchanged a few messages while I was away, but it was all small talk. Neither of us brought up our situation. Honestly, avoiding the topic feels easier. And probably because deep down I know she’s leaving. As much as I hate saying it out loud, it’s the right move for her. Maple Falls can’t give her what she needs professionally, and if I hadn’t been traded, I wouldn’t be here either.I’d be chasing my career wherever it led me, just like she needs to.
I keep telling myself that if we’re meant to find our way back to each other, we will. Someday things might line up differently. Until then, I need to trust that letting her go is part of the path we’re meant to take.
In the meantime, we have another game in less than twenty-four hours against Toronto, so I’m doing my best to stay focused on that. I played fine on the road, but I haven’t been able to find the same intensity I had against the Warriors. I need to get my head right, especially with how competitive things are right now. I’m glad to be home in time to reset and hopefully get some rest before I’m back in the rink tomorrow.
My condo feels quieter than usual. Clément wasn’t here long, but I got used to having him around constantly muttering things in French.
After tossing a load of laundry into the machine, I sit down and send Fiona a quick text.
We’re finally back. How are you?
I barely have a second to breathe before my phone buzzes. My heart skips thinking it might be her. But it’s Mac.
“Well, well, well—if it isn’t the star of the league,” I answer.
He laughs. “How about those stats?”
Mac is having an amazing season, putting him right where he likes to be— in the spotlight.
“Very impressive,” I admit.
“They sure are,” he says, not even attempting to be humble.
I quickly get right to the point. “Anyway, I need some advice, man.”
“I got you. Let’s hear it.”
I fill him in on Fiona and all that’s happened between us.
He cuts me off mid story. “Hold on—what are you doing? Why haven’t you told her you want her to stay?”
“I told you I don’t want to pressure her.”
“Fine, no pressure,” he exclaims. “But at least let her know you want her there. You need to tell her you care about her. Don’t make her guess.”
“She knows,” I tell him.
“Does she?”
“Yes,” I insist. At least Ithinkshe does.
