Page 57 of Soulmates and Slapshots
That reminds me of what Hayley said the other day. I’ve worked hard to build my career. Starting over seems so daunting. Would I be throwing away everything I’ve done to get to where I am?
“Maybe you could work remotely?” my dad offers. “Or look for something nearby on the West Coast?”
“Yes, I’ve thought about talking to Ed about that possibility,” I admit. “But with the merger and all the uncertainty, who knows if they’d even consider it. Everything feels so…up in the air.”
“Well, whatever you decide, we’re behind you one hundred percent,” my mom assures me.
“Absolutely,” Dad agrees. “And hey, we’ll come visit you in Maple Falls. Your mother’s long overdue for some quality time with her favorite sister-in-law.”
“Very funny,” my mom snaps. “But to be fair, I do appreciate her. When you needed a break from New York, she welcomed you. Of course I’m grateful for that.”
"Me too," I say softly. "And honestly, I think she’s really enjoyed having me here. She’s been alone for a long time, even though I know Maple Falls has been good for her. She’s happy here."
"Has she been trying to convince you to stay?" Dad asks.
I let out a small laugh. "Only since the day I arrived.”
He chuckles. "Yep, that sounds like my sister. When she wants something, she doesn’t hold back."
A yawn escapes before I can stop it, my sleepless night finally catching up with me. I thank my parents for the chat and promise to keep them in the loop once I figure out what I’m doing.
After we hang up, I roll onto my side, eyes getting heavier. Maybe a short nap will clear my head. And when I wake up, the answer I’ve been looking for will be obvious.
My phone buzzes somewhere in my sheets. Groaning, I fumble around until I find it. When I look at the screen, I see a missed call from Hayley.
I sigh and place the phone face down on the nightstand. I hate ignoring my best friend, but I can’t handle more pressure right now.
The call with my parents helped me to rest, even if they didn’t hand me the answer I’d secretly hoped for.
“Knock, knock,” a voice calls from the hallway.
“Come in,” I mumble.
My aunt steps inside, balancing a tray piled high with breakfast. Tears prick my eyes as the scent of coffee fills the room.
“What’s all this?”
“It’s my way of saying thank you,” she says cheerfully. “For helping with the Halloween party last night.”
“You don’t have to thank me. You’ve let me stay here way longer than planned. I think I’m the one who owes you a thank you.”
She sets the tray down beside me on the bed. “You are welcome to stay as long as you need. Or indefinitely, if that’s what you want.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Did my dad call you?”
Her eyes go wide. “Nooo…why?”
“You’re a terrible liar,” I say with a smirk.
She snickers, giving herself away. “Okay, fine. He texted me this morning and said you’re having a hard time making a very important life decision.”
I nod, slowly.
“Well, for what it’s worth,” she continues, sitting on the edge of the bed. “He asked menotto pressure you. And demanded that I give you space and let you figure it out on your own. So I promise I’m not going to push.”
“Thank you,” I say quietly.
She pats my leg and stands. “All right, I’m off to meet Mary-Ellen, then heading to the lodge.”
