Page 14 of Soulmates and Slapshots
“Very funny,” I retort.
He laughs hysterically. “I’m kidding, man. But good for you for getting involved in your new team. How’s it going otherwise?”
I give him a rundown of the practices so far and my teammates. I’m just grateful to no longer be talking about my dancing.
“So you’re liking it there so far?” he asks.
“Yeah. Maple Falls is nice. It’s small, but the people seem very nice, and they love having a hockey team in town. Apparently, there are superfans running rampant here.”
“Puck bunnies?” he asks.
“Maybe…”
“Well, if Cooper can find a woman in Maple Falls, anything is possible.”
I laugh nervously.
“Very true,” I agree. “I actually met someone today.”
“Really? Does this someone have a name?”
“She does. It’s Fiona.”
“Ah, now we’re talking. Let’s hear it…”
“She’s only in town for a short time visiting family,” I add.
“That’s okay,” he says. “What else?”
I tell him about running into her two times, first on the street and then the diner. Then I tell him she called me herfriend.
“So what?” he says. “Vivian used to despise me—we were basically enemies. Starting as friends is a much safer way to go, trust me.”
Vivian is Mac’s girlfriend. They grew up together but didn’t get along for years, and then when he went home in the off-season, all that changed.
“Good point,” I say. “Plus she’s leaving.”
“When?”
“I’m not sure. A few weeks?”
“Plenty of time to work your magic. I can give you all the tips.”
I snort. Mac has never lacked confidence. This is something I’ve been trying to work on both on and off the ice.
“Anyway, things with the team are ramping up,” I say, shifting the subject to hockey. “We have an inaugural bash, and then the season starts.”
“Are you ready?”
“I think so. I’m hopeful for a successful season,” I tell him.
“It’ll be good,” he says knowingly. “I mean, not as good as the Wolves’ season, but there’s nothing wrong with second place.”
I laugh. That’s a typical comment from Mac.
“Didn’t Vivian talk to you about that ego of yours?”
“Yes, but she’s finally starting to appreciate it. It’s part of the Mac Evans charm.”
