Page 30 of Soulmates and Slapshots
“And here you are in a new kind of chaos,” I joke. “I bet you didn’t think you’d be surrounded by crazed hockey fans.”
She laughs softly. “I certainly didn’t.”
“Welcome to the world of hockey,” I announce.
She pauses for a few seconds. “I owe you an explanation…Joshua asked if we could talk tonight. That’s when I saw you. And before I could think it through, I told him I had a date—and you were the lucky winner.”
I smile. “Well, I’m glad I could be there in your time of need.”
Her expression softens as she looks at me. “You’re a good sport. I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You don’t have to,” I say, grabbing another slice and placing it on my plate. “Although there is one thing you could do…”
She grins. “What’s that?”
“You can keep coming out to cheer on the Ice Breakers. You might be the lucky charm we need.”
If she is the team’s lucky charm, then she can’t leave. We need herhere. I need herhere.
Fiona’s face lights up. “It’s a deal. And speaking of games—let’s talk about your big win. You guys were incredible.”
I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. “Yes, it felt good. We needed this to start the season. It always takes time for a new team to acclimate, but we all worked together to accomplish our goal.”
“I could tell. You were completely in your element out there—not that I know anything about hockey. I’m just guessing based off what I saw, plus Aunt Dee’s very detailed commentary.
“Ah, I should’ve guessed.”
“Oh, it’s impressive. She should really consider finding a job within your organization.”
Ha. I’m sure Coach Hauser would love that.
“Well maybe this is your chance to learn more too,” I suggest.
She nods. “Yes. My aunt is ready and willing to teach me everything.”
I cringe slightly. “Not that I don’t trust your aunt to be well versed in the sport, but maybe you should learn from a professional.”
A small grin appears on her face. “And I’m guessing that would be you.”
I shrug nonchalantly. “Would that be okay?”
I’m trying to be as casual as possible. It’s obvious Fiona has been through a lot, and I don’t want to push too hard. But I’d really like the chance to get to know her better. A few casual hockey lessons seem like the perfect way to start.
“I’d like that,” she says softly.
And just like that, I forget all about the ex-boyfriend, the favor, and the crowd around us. It’s just her and me—and honestly, I wouldn’t mind if this pretend date turned into something a little more real.
Apparently, Maple Fest isthebiggest event of the year in Maple Falls—bigger than the holidays, homecoming, and possibly even bigger than the Ice Breakers’ opening night. Although I don’t believe this. The entire town buzzes about it for weeks in advance. Between our games and this festival, you’d think nothing else existed around here.
From what I’ve gathered, people come from all over to experience the magic of Maple Fest. The center of town is lined with food trucks. There are classic carnival games, a sprawling corn maze, a pumpkin patch, a haunted house ofcourse, and square dancing. I’m sure this provides endless entertainment for the onlookers. After my stint of TikTok dancing, I plan to avoid that dancefloor at all costs. I’m hanging up my dancing shoes. Skates are more my speed.
Naturally, the Ice Breakers have a front-and-center presence at the event. We’re hosting a booth for meet-and-greets, photo ops, and autograph sessions. I even overheard someone call us“the Darlings of Maple Falls.”As much as I like to pretend I don’t care about the praise, it’s honestly nice being welcomed like this. This isn’t something you take for granted when you’ve bounced around to different cities the way most of us have. Our fans back in Tennessee were great, but there’s something different about the way Maple Falls has rolled out the red carpet for us.
My teammates and I are working the booth in shifts, which leaves me some free time to explore the festival. As much as I want to try Shirley May’s caramel corn, I’m more excited about running into Fiona. Ever since our impromptu pizza night, she’s been on my mind more than I care to admit. This is something I haven’t felt in a long time. Being back and forth between the minors and the Wolves didn’t allow much time for relationships, at least for me. I’ve spent the last few years investing in my career, and I think it’s finally starting to pay off.
Anyway, I know Fiona was going through something the other night. She needed a friend, someone to be there at that exact minute. I’m glad I could be that person. But part of me wonders if maybe, she’s been thinking about that night too. The idea of asking her on an actual date has crossed my mind more than once, but I don’t want to put her in a difficult position. She’s still healing from the past, and her time in Maple Falls has an expiration date. I know she will returnto her life in New York and probably never look back at Maple Falls. Still…that doesn't stop me from hoping.
When I arrive at Maple Fest, the breezy autumn air is filled with laughter, the scent of cinnamon and woodsmoke swirling through the streets. I weave through crowds of families, kids carrying caramel apples, and couples walking together, until I spot our table just past the town square. You can’t miss it with our banner hanging behind the table and our team logo everywhere.
