Page 17 of Soulmates and Slapshots
On second thought, maybe I shouldn’t tell her. As soon as I mention anything about civic duty or small-town politics, she’ll insist I hop on the next flight back to New York. She already thinks I’ve lost my mind coming here instead of some secluded beach in the islands. But here I am, sitting next to Aunt Dee in the Maple Falls Town Council Meeting, waiting for it to begin.
And there’s no way I’m telling Hayley about throwing a bucket of water at a professional hockey player to raise money for the town. If she hears that, she might fly here and drag me back to New York herself.
The room is buzzing with quiet chatter as we wait for the meeting to begin. Neighbors greet each other while a few kids tap away on their phones. There’s an energy here—a mixture of routine and anticipation.
“This is kind of exciting,” I whisper to Aunt Dee, leaning in.
She lets out a warm laugh. “Just wait until things heat up. We’re an outspoken bunch around here.”
She’s not kidding.
A few minutes later, the meeting is called to order. The council begins with a basic agenda including public safety reports, updates on education, and budget reviews. I try to pay attention, but my mind starts to wander. It’s all necessary stuff, but where’s the drama and the town gossip? I’m ready to hear speeches from the outspoken town residents.
I don’t have to wait long.
A tall, intimidating man steps up to the microphone. He has a commanding presence and a voice that fills the room like thunder. He introduces himself as the representative of Alexander MacDonald, heir to the MacDonald property—an area that encompasses a huge part of Maple Falls land. The way he talks, it’s clear he’s used to winning arguments. He presents a thorough, polished case for “development,” outlining plans that sound more like something I’m used to seeing back in Manhattan. I know his type all too well. My ex-boyfriend Joshua was power driven and all business. I have no doubt this guy, Jeremy Hunt gets paid quite well to come to these meetings and be thebadguy.
Reactions ripple through the room. A few people mutter under their breath. Then one of the councilmen suggests that change might bring “much-needed growth” to the town.
Aunt Dee scoffs. “Councilman Mitchell needs to be fired,” she mutters under her breath. Then, she shouts, “Mitchell, you need to retire.”
A few people clap in agreement. This is the Aunt Denise I remember. Bold and outspoken.
A pretty girl named Bailey gets up and walks to the front of the room. She delivers a touching message about keeping Maple Falls quaint and unique. It’s obvious how much this town means to her and her family.
Before I can stop myself, I’m on my feet cheering her on. “Yes, go girl.”
My outburst is met with silence.
Several people turn around to stare at me—clearly wondering who this random woman is chiming in like she lives here. I feel my cheeks burn, but Aunt Dee just beams at me proudly.
Councilman Mitchell looks like he’s irritated, but he ignores me. He goes on and responds to Bailey about someone matching the cash offer they’ve been presented.
Just then, a tall guy stands up. He introduces himself as Carson Crane—a player for the Ice Breakers. Naturally, my brain immediately flashes to Weston. I mean they are teammates so…
Carson speaks with a quiet kind of confidence. He says Maple Falls doesn’t need to become a metropolitan area and it already has a lot to offer.
“Exactly,” I say a little too loudly. And there I go again, adding my two cents.
This time, more heads nod than turn. Aunt Dee pats my arm and gives me a wink. “Keep it up.”
As the meeting continues, something shifts in me. I feel a strange but unmistakable desire to do more than just sit in the audience. I overheard someone mention fundraising, and I start to wonder…maybe I could help. At least while I’m here.
I know I came here to take a break and clear my head. But maybe giving back to a good cause could be exactly what I need.
“I’m going to find a way to help,” I whisper to Aunt Dee.
She raises an eyebrow, amused. “Really? That’s very sweet of you.”
Sweet? I guess. Or maybe I’m just growing more comfortable in Maple Falls.
Just then I hear Bailey say that not everyone has to be born here to care.
She’s so right. I’m not from Maple Falls, but I still care.
The debating continues, and I listen intently. Now I just need to find a way to contribute.
I’m deep in thought when the meeting is adjourned. The discussion has been extended to the next meeting as several people presented fundraising efforts.
