Page 4 of Soulmates and Slapshots (Love in Maple Falls #6)

WESTON

W ell, 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’m expecting 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.

“Work,” I reply. This is the truth. I just leave out the hockey part, and I’m not sure why.

She flashes a slight smile. “That’s a good reason. ”

I’m trying not to stare, but this woman is stunning. So flawless it can’t be ignored. And it’s obvious she has a confidence and openness that instantly draws people in.

“And while we’re on the subject, what made you come to this booming metropolis?” I ask, before she catches me staring.

A flash of amusement spreads across her face. “I’m visiting my aunt, and I actually left a booming metropolis to come here.”

“Really? Where?”

“New York.”

Now it all makes sense—she has a city girl vibe. She’s confident, polished, and a little bit mysterious.

“Ah, the city that never sleeps. It’s a great place,” I say. “One of my favorites for sure.”

She nods slowly. “It is. But there’s something special about this little town too.”

“I agree,” I say. “I moved here from Tennessee. Not quite as fast-paced as New York, but more thrilling than Maple Falls.”

She lifts an eyebrow. “I don’t know…I’ve heard Maple Falls isn’t as sleepy as people think.”

“Really?” I ask, leaning in a little.

She lowers her voice dramatically, even though the only other people nearby are across the street. “I heard there might be a town scandal happening right now.”

“Ooh, now that’s interesting.”

“Yes, it is,” she says with a playful smirk. “And they even have their own professional hockey team.”

I laugh. “Yes, I’m familiar with the Ice Breakers.”

She tilts her head, narrowing her eyes at me with curiosity. “Hockey fan? ”

I shrug, unable to hide the grin pulling at my lips. “More than a fan. I play on the team.”

Her eyes widen. “Wait—seriously?”

“Weston Smith, defense,” I say, offering my hand. I’m not sure why I added my player position, but it doesn’t matter now. Maybe she likes hockey?

She takes my hand and grins. “Fiona Hale. And wait until I tell my aunt. She’s going to lose her mind when she hears this—she’s a die-hard fangirl of your team.”

I chuckle. “We love our fans. I’m sure I’ll meet her sooner or later.”

She studies me for a moment, clearly still processing. “So, you’re a hockey player.”

“Yes, I am,” I say. “Hopefully you only know good things. There are varying reports floating around out there.”

She gives a shrug. “Honestly, I don’t really follow the sport. But isn’t there a lot of fighting?”

I smile because that’s what a lot of people think of when it comes to hockey. “It happens.”

“Well, maybe I’ll catch a game while I’m in town. I’m supposed to be relaxing, but there’s no way I can sit still day after day. My best friend begged me to book a cruise or a beach getaway. But for some reason coming here felt like a good idea.”

“Hmm…who’d want to go on a cruise over all of this?” I hold out my arms.

“Exactly,” she exclaims, pulling off her sunglasses. I’m finally able to see her face for the first time. She’s striking with delicate features, full lips, and big brown eyes I could get lost in. I suddenly realize I’ve been staring a bit too long and force myself to look away, clearing my throat.

“Well,” I say. “I’m sure I’ll see you around town. And you should come to one of our games. ”

She smiles, and for a second the small-town street seems to fade away. “I will. Nice meeting you, Weston.”

“And you, Fiona.”

She turns and takes off down the road while I stand in the same spot. What am I doing? Why can’t I stop staring? I flip around and head back in the opposite direction. Needless to say, meeting Fiona was a pleasant surprise, and hopefully I’ll run into her again while she’s visiting Maple Falls.

There are plenty of dining options in town—cafés, a pizza place, and more.

But Shirley May’s Diner has been at the top of my list since I arrived.

Is there anything better than diner food?

All-day breakfast, burgers and fries, homemade milkshakes.

I’ll take it all. I think I’ve earned it—especially after the unexpected internet dance I performed earlier.

As soon as I walk inside, the scents of burgers and grease fill the air. I instantly feel right at home, and I’m pretty sure this will be a regular spot for me moving forward.

“Welcome to Shirley May’s,” a woman calls, waving me inside. “Sit anywhere you’d like.”

I slide into one of the open booths and scan the menu. It doesn’t take long to decide on a classic cheeseburger and fries.

“You’re new here,” the server says as she approaches with a coffee pot.

“Yes,” I reply. “I’m Weston Smith, I play?—”

“You’re one of the new hockey players. I figured that,” she interrupts. “It’s not hard to guess. ”

I laugh. “Hopefully that’s a good thing.”

“It sure is. We’re very glad to have you in our town,” she adds. “I’m Shirley May.”

“Well, thank you,” I say. “I’m happy to be here.”

“What can I get you?” she asks. I give her my order, and then she hurries away.

I settle into the bench and scroll through my tentative schedule for the next few months.

Besides practices and the start of the season, we have a team inaugural bash, meet and greet events, and Maple Fest, which is the town’s seasonal festival.

Through it all the Ice Breakers are going to be front and center.

I’m really looking forward to that because I’ve always enjoyed interacting with the fans and meeting people.

And since Maple Falls will be my home for the foreseeable future, it’ll be nice to make some connections.

The diner isn’t too busy, aside from a few people at the counter chatting with a server named Peggy, according to her name tag.

“He’s just some corporate guy who already has billions in the bank. Now he’s claiming all this land belongs to him because he’s the long-lost heir to the MacDonald property,” one of the customers exclaims. “Those types always think they are entitled to anything and everything they want.”

“There’s no way he will get away with it,” Peggy says doubtfully.

“I don’t know, but what happens if he does?

” the woman says in a loud whisper. If she’s trying to be quiet, she’s failing miserably.

“How can we stop some entitled uptight city guy from turning our precious town into a tourist trap? We already get enough traffic this time of year. But at least those people truly care about Maple Falls.”

I’m not usually someone who pays attention to gossip, but I’ve heard bits and pieces about this situation.

It affects a lot of the land, several buildings and businesses, including the arena where our team plays.

Because of this, the Ice Breakers organization has been recruited to join and help in any way possible.

I continue to scroll on my phone while I eavesdrop on the conversation.

“I wonder when he’s going to show his face here,” Shirley May chimes in. “I hope he’s not expecting us to roll out the red carpet for him because he says he’s a MacDonald.”

“What’s his first name again?” the shorter woman asks. “I’ll have my nephew gather every bit of information he can find about him on the internet. You know all these young people are computer geniuses.”

“Here you go, honey,” Shirley May says. She places the plate in front of me, and my mouth immediately begins to water. “Is there anything else I can get for you?”

“I don’t think so, thanks.”

“Of course. Anything for one of our new town celebrities.”

I grin. “I don’t know about that, but I appreciate it.”

“Save room for a piece of pie—on the house,” she whispers. “Just don’t tell anyone else.”

“I would love a piece of pie, but I’ll purchase it like all your customers.”

She shakes her head. “Nonsense.”

I give her a warm smile. I’m even tempted to ask about the conversation they are all having, but I don’t want her to know I was eavesdropping. I have a feeling Shirley May is someone I want on my side now that I’m a resident of this town.

“I’m guessing I shouldn’t argue with you,” I offer .

“You’re a smart man.”

“Okay. Do you have apple?” I ask.

“Extra-large piece of apple pie coming right up,” she exclaims.

A free piece of pie and being welcomed with open arms. I don’t think this will be my last visit to Shirley May’s.