Page 59 of Soulmates and Slapshots
I’ve been upfront about my feelings. Haven’t I?
Back when she first told me she only wanted to be friends, I didn’t hide how I felt. Not completely, anyway.
“I think you need to come right out and tell her,” Mac says. “No more dancing around it. Don’t let her wonder.”
Crap. Is that what I’ve been doing this whole time?
Have I been hoping she'd read between the lines by trying to give her space?
“What’s the deal with that town anyway?” he asks suddenly.
I frown. “What do you mean?”
He chuckles. “Well, Cooper Montgomery found a wife there. And you might be next. There must be something pumped into the air.”
I laugh nervously. “I don’t know about that.”
“Things happen when you least expect it. Trust me.”
I sigh, running my hand through my hair. “Maybe. Anyway, thanks for listening. I’ve really been struggling.”
“Talk to her. And keep me posted,” he demands.
“Will do.”
His words play on a loop through my head after the call ends. Fiona knows how I feel. But even if she does, maybethat’s not enough. Maybe she needs tohearit from me. Before I lose the chance.
I'm just stepping out of the shower when my phone buzzes. It’s Fiona.
“Hey,” I answer. “Perfect timing.”
“Oh good,” she says. Her voice sounds a little too cheerful. “I wanted to give you time to get settled after your trip.”
“I’m settled,” I reply, stretching out on the bed. “How are you?”
“I’m alright,” she says, but her tone tells me different.
I sit up. “Are you sure about that?”
She exhales deeply. “I got an offer, from AirWinds Publishing.”
My heart sinks even though I was expecting this. “Is it what you were hoping for?”
“It’s a really good offer.”
I drag a hand down my face, trying to fight the ache in my chest. I should be excited for her, and I want to be. But right now, all I can feel is the panic building within me.
“That’s great,” I manage, my voice rough.
She’s leaving Maple Falls. And I’m one step closer to losing her.
“I have a call with them in the morning,” she tells me. “Just to go over a few questions. Nothing’s final, yet.”
Maybe there’s still hope?Now is my chance to talk to her and tell her how I’m feeling. I’d rather do it in person, but the clock is ticking.
“I was talking to my friend Mac earlier,” I start slowly, the words catching in my throat. “He gave me some advice and said I shouldn’t wait any longer to do something.”
“Okay…”
