Page 32 of Soulmates and Slapshots
“She’s just being stubborn, which is a quality that runs in our family. We’re all headstrong and don’t like to be told what to do.”
“None of us do,” I say.
She shakes her head. “It’s time for Fiona to move on from New York, but I know she needs to decide for herself.”
“Well, I know from experience that it can be difficult to leave a place you’ve called home for a long time,” I tell her, “I’ve been there a few times in my life.”
She shakes her head. “Nah. There’s nothing in that city for her anymore, and I think she knows that. She just needs a little nudge.”
Denise gives me an innocent look which is clearly implying she thinks I should be the person to do this nudging.
“Anyway, I’ll let Fiona know you were asking about her,” she says with a sly grin. “Should I send her over here when I see her?”
Oh, this woman is good.
“Maybe you can give her a littlenudge,” I suggest.
“I will certainly do that,” she says before scurrying over to Coach Hauser. It takes her only a few seconds to begin herdiabolical flirting, and it’s fascinating to watch her in action. Although truthfully, she’s given me a lot to think about. I wonder if Fiona has thought about leaving New York permanently. And maybe I can somehow let her know that I wouldn’t mind if she extended her stay in Maple Falls.
CHAPTER 10
FIONA
“Idon’t know if I have anything to say to you,” I say, my voice cold. “You have quite a bit of explaining to do.”
Even though it sounds like I’m lecturing a teenager, I refuse to back down. After the stunt Hayley pulled the other night, I’ve been dodging her calls. I finally decide to put her in the hot seat and get some answers.
“Me?” she bursts out, her voice high with disbelief. “Were you planning to tell me you were going on a date? It only takes a few seconds to send a text with important information like that.”
I scowl and cross my arms, even though she can’t see me through the phone. “I didn’t have a chance. It all happened fast.”
Which, to be fair, is one way of describing my quick thinking. Thankfully Weston was a good sport and went along with it.
“Well, don’t leave me hanging,” she presses. “I need the details. Who is this man? Where did you meet him? Tell me everything.”
“Not untilyoutellmewhat on earth you were thinking, putting Joshua on the phone like that. I think I’ve had enough surprises when it comes to that man.”
There’s a pause. “I know. But it was the only thing I could think of to get you to talk to him—face to face. Especially since you're still there. It would be easier if you would come home so you guys could sit down and hash things out.”
“Why would I want to be face to face with him?” My voice cracks before I can stop it. “Did you forget thathewas the one who ended things? He was the one who made that decision on his own and then surprised me with it.”
“I haven’t forgotten,” she says quietly. “Believe me, I gave him an earful. I told him he was a complete idiot. And trust me, Fiona, heknows. He knows exactly what a huge mistake he made.”
“Good,” I mutter. Even though this doesn’t erase the flashbacks of that fateful night.
She’s silent for a few seconds before the questions start coming again. “I thought you were just going out there to visit your aunt for a few days. And now you’re…dating someone? What exactly is happening?”
I bite my bottom lip, unsure how to answer that. Weston and I are…well, we’resomething. Friends, mostly. Sort of. I think?I did throw a bucket of water at him to raise money.
“What’s the big deal?” I snap. “I’m not allowed to have a little fun while I’m on vacation?”
Ugh. Now I officially sound like my aunt.
“Fiona, come on,” she says gently. “You know I always have your back no matter what, but I’m worried about you.”
“Do you have my back?” I ask. “Because right now, it feels like you’re working overtime trying to get me back with the guy who broke my heart without warning.”
She’s quiet again, and I know she’s thinking it through. This hasn’t been easy on her. Or on any of our friends, really. We all became close around the same time, but still, she crossed a line. So much for staying neutral.
