Page 6 of Soulmates and Slapshots
I step outside into the cool autumn air, the scent of coffee still lingering on my clothes. For the first time in weeks, I feel lighter.
As I head down the sidewalk, I glance back at the cozy storefront ofFalling For Booksand smile.
I think I just made my first friend in Maple Falls.
CHAPTER 3
WESTON
Well, that was…unexpected. If someone had told me I’d be starring in or stumbling through a TikTok dance routine with two of my teammates, I would’ve laughed. And yet there I was after practice—on the ice, fully suited up in my uniform, attempting to move in sync with my teammates. I never considered myself a dancer and with good reason. It’s harder than I thought it would be.
Asher, of course, nailed the choreography like he’s been doing this for years. The guy has that natural, flawless coordination that makes everything look effortless. Cade held his own too—he’s got rhythm and enough swagger to make it work. And then there’s me. I really did try my best.
Clara, the enthusiastic social media rep for the Ice Breakers, is in full campaign mode. She’s determined to bring top level energy and attention to the team this season, and I admire her dedication. But I didn’t realize that dedication involved hockey players attempting viral dance challenges. It’ll be interesting to hear what the fans have to say, and I’mexpecting my phone to blow up with messages from my former teammates. I can already hear their relentless teasing.
Honestly, the whole thing is a blur. And now my less than stellar dance moves will be exposed for all the world to see.
I may not have crushed the choreography, but I’m a team player and I didn’t fall flat on my face. That’s got to count for something, right?
It’s been a long and exhausting day, so after a shower I venture into town to find something to eat.
It seems so quiet without any big city traffic. I’m sure this is normal for small towns in the afternoon, but it’s something I’m not used to. I zip up my jacket against the breeze swirling through the streets. It’s not that cold, but there’s a distinct chill in the air signaling the shift in seasons. I’ve always liked fall. Growing up in the Northeast, we were lucky enough to experience all the seasons—real ones, not the pretend kind where the leaves barely change. Although I didn’t enjoy all the chores we had—yard work and raking leaves were always the worst.
As I turn the corner, I slow down when my eyes land on a figure standing near the end of the road. For some reason I can’t look away. She’s striking, but not in an over-the-top way. There’s something magnetic about her presence. She’s standing still, looking around like she’s waiting for something…or someone.
She has shoulder-length, wavy blonde hair that moves gently with the breeze and is wearing oversized sunglasses that hide most of her face. She’s wearing baggy denim jeans and a cream-colored sweater that skims just above the waist of her jeans, revealing a small strip of skin at her midsection. There’s something different about her—like she’s from somewhere else.
I don’t know why, but a strange curiosity settles over me. Who is she? And what is she doing in Maple Falls?
I move in her direction without giving it a second thought.
“Hi. Are you lost?” I ask.
Wow. That sounded like the worst pickup line ever, and I immediately regret saying it.
Before I can excuse myself, she turns around and gives me a curious look.
“No. At least I don’t think so,” she says. “Is Maple Falls even big enough to get lost in?”
I laugh. “That’s a good question.”
Why did I even say that? I’ve only been in town a short time, so I wouldn’t be able to help if she needed it.
“Honestly, I’m trying to decide what to do next,” she says. “I’m not used to having so much free time on my hands.”
“I wouldn’t know,” I admit. “What’s free time?”
She gives me a casual smile. “So what recommendations can you give a Maple Falls visitor?”
I knew it. She didn’t seem like a local.
I raise my eyebrows. “Well, I probably won’t be much help since I just arrived in town myself.”
She smiles. “Ah, another new person. That’s a relief because I’m assuming everyone else in this town already knows each other.”
“Most likely,” I agree. “But you’re not the only newbie, so don’t worry.”
“What brought you to Maple Falls, Washington?” she asks.
