Page 3 of Soulmates and Slapshots (Love in Maple Falls #6)

Hmm…that’s a good question. My plan was to stay for a we ek or two, and as of now that hasn’t changed. I quickly type a reply.

Only a few weeks. But you could come out for a long weekend.

It’s probably unlikely she’ll take me up on my offer, which is fine.

Maybe. But you’ll be ready to come back before I get there. I know you.

She has a point. But she knows the energetic, workaholic, social Fiona. That version of me feels miles away. Suddenly I’m reminded I have nothing to do in this moment, which is kind of terrifying.

Anyway, my aunt is right—I should go out and explore. I’m interested to see everything Maple Falls has to offer and a little curious about the scandal she mentioned. I jump up and head inside to get ready. City girl in the small town, day one.

The downtown area of Maple Falls is adorable.

As I stroll through the heart of town, I listen to the satisfying crunch of leaves under my boots while the crisp early autumn air touches my skin.

The storefronts have already started getting ready for the season, with festive displays of pumpkins, hay bales, and twinkling lights giving everything a warm, welcoming glow.

Shops and restaurants line the main street, each one more inviting than the last.

But as an editor I’m instantly drawn to Falling For Books, the quaint little bookstore with its hand-painted sign and ivy-draped windows.

I make a beeline for the door without a second thought.

After all, there’s no better place to unwind and recharge than with the comforting embrace of books, and since relaxation is the only thing on my agenda today, I couldn’t be happier.

The moment I step inside, I’m greeted by the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the warm, familiar aroma of old paper and books.

It’s the perfect combination, instantly putting me at ease.

The shop is even more charming than I imagined.

It’s cozy, with shelves crammed from floor to ceiling and soft lighting that makes every corner feel like an invitation to curl up and read. Every town needs a local bookstore.

Drawn by the smell of coffee, I wander toward the small café tucked into the back of the store. I already see myself spending a lot of my time in this very spot.

“Hi there. I’ll be right with you,” a voice calls from somewhere behind the tall espresso machine.

“No problem,” I reply, taking a few steps closer to the counter. While I wait, I let my gaze wander over the cute, handwritten chalkboard menu on the wall. Everything listed sounds so yummy. I’m suddenly tempted to try one of everything.

A moment later, a woman appears at the counter. “Sorry about the wait. I promise we’re usually quicker.”

“It’s totally fine,” I assure her. “I’m still trying to decide if I should be sensible and order one thing or just go all in and start my vacation. I’m open to all suggestions.”

“Honestly, everything is great, but the cupcakes are my favorite.”

I grin. “You can’t go wrong with cupcakes. Is this your place?”

A flicker of something crosses her face as she shakes her head. “No, not yet. But someday, I hope to own my own bakery. That’s the dream anyway. ”

I offer her an encouraging smile. “Well, it sounds like a wonderful dream. I say go for it.”

Ugh. This poor girl didn’t ask for my unsolicited advice.

She brightens a little, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Thanks. I’m working on it. So what about you? You said you’re here on vacation?”

I nod. “Yes. I’m staying with my aunt for a few weeks. I’m Fiona.”

“Neesha,” she replies, reaching across the counter to shake my hand. “Nice to meet you, Fiona. Welcome to Maple Falls. Where are you visiting from?”

“New York City,” I answer, bracing myself for the inevitable reaction.

Neesha lets out a dreamy sigh. “Oh wow. I’ve always wanted to visit New York. It’s on my bucket list.”

I smile, feeling a familiar mix of pride and exhaustion. “It’s an experience everyone should try. There’s nothing like it, but it’s not all glitz and glamour. Sometimes it’s loud and chaotic and overwhelming.”

She nods, surprisingly understanding. “That makes perfect sense. I love Maple Falls, but I still daydream about big cities, new places, fresh starts. A place where something new happens every five seconds.” She stops and shakes her head. “Sorry. I’m totally rambling.”

“Not at all.” I glance back up at the chalkboard menu. “I’ll take an iced hazelnut espresso and…that cinnamon coffee cake looks impossible to pass up. Oh, and I’ll take one of those cupcakes to go. I’m on vacation, so why not?”

Neesha beams as she begins prepping my order. “Excellent choices.”

I lean casually against the counter. “Since we’re bonding over pastries and coffee, maybe you can tell me what Maple Falls is really like. My aunt gave me a brief overview, but I think she left out all the juicy stuff.”

She grins over her shoulder. “Oh, there’s plenty of gossip in this town. It’s practically a local sport. Naturally there’s a group of locals who love to come in here and discuss all the latest news.”

I nod. “My aunt mentioned some drama going on lately. She promised to give me the scoop later.”

“Who’s your aunt?” she asks, sliding the espresso across the counter and setting a slice of coffee cake on a small white plate.

“Denise Hale. She works at the lodge—I can’t remember the name of it.”

Her eyebrows shoot up. “Denise is your aunt? Oh wow. She’s a character.”

I laugh. “That’s one way to put it.”

“She’s funny. And she really loves the Ice Breakers,” Neesha adds.

“Oh yes. The hockey team.”

“Yep. The hockey team .”

Hmm…I get the feeling Neesha isn’t a superfan like Aunt Dee.

“Anyway, things in New York have been a bit hectic, so she invited me to visit. I think she’s hoping I’ll fall in love with the place like she did and never leave.”

Neesha shrugs playfully. “Wouldn’t be the first time. Maple Falls does that to people.”

I sip my espresso. “I heard there’s even a town slogan?”

She rolls her eyes. “‘You’ll never want to leave.’ Cute, right?”

“Super cute,” I reply with a grin.

As she hands me a small pink bakery box with my cupcake, I lean in a little, lowering my voice. “So, back to this mysterious drama. Do you have any intel?”

She shakes her head. “I really don’t know the whole story. But knowing Maple Falls, I’m sure we’ll get the scoop very soon.”

Before I can prod further, a group approaches the counter.

“Duty calls. But come back soon—I still want to hear all about New York.”

“I’ll definitely be back,” I say, genuinely meaning it. “It was nice meeting you.”

“You too,” she replies with a warm smile. “See you soon, Fiona.”

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.