Page 9 of Soulmates and Slapshots
She shakes her head. “Nonsense.”
I give her a warm smile. I’m even tempted to ask about the conversation they are all having, but I don’t want her to know I was eavesdropping. I have a feeling Shirley May is someone I want on my side now that I’m a resident of this town.
“I’m guessing I shouldn’t argue with you,” I offer.
“You’re a smart man.”
“Okay. Do you have apple?” I ask.
“Extra-large piece of apple pie coming right up,” she exclaims.
A free piece of pie and being welcomed with open arms. I don’t think this will be my last visit to Shirley May’s.
CHAPTER 4
FIONA
Istroll through the cozy lobby of the Hawk River Lodge, my eyes scanning the space in search of Aunt Dee. The scent of pine and firewood lingers in the air, and something about this place reminds me of my grandparents’ house. The lodge is rustic in the most charming way, like something straight out of a postcard from the Rocky Mountains. It has high-beamed ceilings, worn leather furniture, and flickering lantern-style lights giving off the kind of comfort you can’t fake.
I settle into one of the oversized, wingback armchairs near the hearth, the crackle of the fire soothing my nerves. Pulling my phone out of my bag, I send a quick text to Aunt Dee.
Hey, I’m here in the lobby. No worries if you’re busy. I can come back later.
Shetold me to stop by, but I still feel like I might be intruding. Today’s been interesting, to say the least. The more I explore Maple Falls, the more I understand how people could fall in love with this place. It’s like a best kept secret hidden away in the hills, waiting to be discovered.And everyone I’ve met so far has been so genuine and welcoming. Plus I ran into Mabel McCluskey. We have some mutual friends in New York, and it turns out she’s from Maple Falls too. It really is a small world after all.
And then there’s Weston, one of the Ice Breakers. I can’t wait to tell Aunt Dee. I mean, who just bumps into a pro hockey player on a sidewalk? Although I had no idea he was a hockey player.
“Yay. You found a little piece of heaven,” Aunt Dee’s voice calls from behind me.
For a second, I freeze. My thoughts immediately flash to Weston. How did she?—?
Oh. She’s talking about thelodge, not…
“Yes,” I say, smiling as I turn to face her. “I love this place. It feels like something out of a Hallmark movie.”
Aunt Dee beams as she takes the seat across from me. Her cheeks are rosy from the cold, her blonde streaked curls tucked behind her ears.
“I knew you’d like it,” she says knowingly. “Anyway, how was your day?”
I give her the rundown, starting with my visit toFalling For Booksand how sweet Neesha was. And my stroll through the farmers market. Then I casually mention running into Weston, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.
Aunt Dee arches an eyebrow, her expression turning sly. “Ooh, you already met one of the Ice Breakers? Sounds like ameet cuteto me.”
A meet cute? I guess my aunt is a hockey superfan and a hopeless romantic.
“I guess so,” I say, playing it cool.
“And he justapproachedyou? On the street?” She leans in,a wicked grin tugging at her lips. “He must’ve liked what he saw.”
“Very funny,” I mutter, rolling my eyes, even though my face has grown hot.
She shrugs like it’s no big deal. “There’s nothing wrong with meeting a delicious hockey player. You’re on vacation and you should be enjoying yourself.”
“Iamenjoying myself. And for the record, I’m also on vacation from men,” I say, laughing.
Aunt Dee waves off my protest. “Oh, please. We’re not talking about justanyman. He’s a hockey player. That’s an entirely different category.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Did you forget that my last relationship imploded not that long ago?”
