Page 7 of Soulmates and Slapshots (Love in Maple Falls #6)

FIONA

W ait until I tell Hayley what I’m doing tonight.

On second thought, maybe I shouldn’t tell her.

As soon as I mention anything about civic duty or small-town politics, she’ll insist I hop on the next flight back to New York.

She already thinks I’ve lost my mind coming here instead of some secluded beach in the islands.

But here I am, sitting next to Aunt Dee in the Maple Falls Town Council Meeting, waiting for it to begin.

And there’s no way I’m telling Hayley about throwing a bucket of water at a professional hockey player to raise money for the town. If she hears that, she might fly here and drag me back to New York herself.

The room is buzzing with quiet chatter as we wait for the meeting to begin. Neighbors greet each other while a few kids tap away on their phones. There’s an energy here—a mixture of routine and anticipation.

“This is kind of exciting,” I whisper to Aunt Dee, leaning in.

She lets out a warm laugh. “Just wait until things heat up. We’re an outspoken bunch around here. ”

She’s not kidding.

A few minutes later, the meeting is called to order.

The council begins with a basic agenda including public safety reports, updates on education, and budget reviews.

I try to pay attention, but my mind starts to wander.

It’s all necessary stuff, but where’s the drama and the town gossip?

I’m ready to hear speeches from the outspoken town residents.

I don’t have to wait long.

A tall, intimidating man steps up to the microphone.

He has a commanding presence and a voice that fills the room like thunder.

He introduces himself as the representative of Alexander MacDonald, heir to the MacDonald property—an area that encompasses a huge part of Maple Falls land.

The way he talks, it’s clear he’s used to winning arguments.

He presents a thorough, polished case for “development,” outlining plans that sound more like something I’m used to seeing back in Manhattan.

I know his type all too well. My ex-boyfriend Joshua was power driven and all business.

I have no doubt this guy, Jeremy Hunt gets paid quite well to come to these meetings and be the bad guy.

Reactions ripple through the room. A few people mutter under their breath. Then one of the councilmen suggests that change might bring “much-needed growth” to the town.

Aunt Dee scoffs. “Councilman Mitchell needs to be fired,” she mutters under her breath. Then, she shouts, “Mitchell, you need to retire.”

A few people clap in agreement. This is the Aunt Denise I remember. Bold and outspoken.

A pretty girl named Bailey gets up and walks to the front of the room. She delivers a touching message about keeping Maple Falls quaint and unique. It’s obvious how much this town means to her and her family .

Before I can stop myself, I’m on my feet cheering her on. “Yes, go girl.”

My outburst is met with silence.

Several people turn around to stare at me—clearly wondering who this random woman is chiming in like she lives here. I feel my cheeks burn, but Aunt Dee just beams at me proudly.

Councilman Mitchell looks like he’s irritated, but he ignores me. He goes on and responds to Bailey about someone matching the cash offer they’ve been presented.

Just then, a tall guy stands up. He introduces himself as Carson Crane—a player for the Ice Breakers. Naturally, my brain immediately flashes to Weston. I mean they are teammates so…

Carson speaks with a quiet kind of confidence. He says Maple Falls doesn’t need to become a metropolitan area and it already has a lot to offer.

“Exactly,” I say a little too loudly. And there I go again, adding my two cents.

This time, more heads nod than turn. Aunt Dee pats my arm and gives me a wink. “Keep it up.”

As the meeting continues, something shifts in me. I feel a strange but unmistakable desire to do more than just sit in the audience. I overheard someone mention fundraising, and I start to wonder…maybe I could help. At least while I’m here.

I know I came here to take a break and clear my head. But maybe giving back to a good cause could be exactly what I need.

“I’m going to find a way to help,” I whisper to Aunt Dee.

She raises an eyebrow, amused. “Really? That’s very sweet of you. ”

Sweet? I guess. Or maybe I’m just growing more comfortable in Maple Falls.

Just then I hear Bailey say that not everyone has to be born here to care.

She’s so right. I’m not from Maple Falls, but I still care.

The debating continues, and I listen intently. Now I just need to find a way to contribute.

I’m deep in thought when the meeting is adjourned. The discussion has been extended to the next meeting as several people presented fundraising efforts.

“Are you worried?” I ask Aunt Dee.

She sighs. “I wish I could say no.”

“There has to be a way to stop this from happening,” I exclaim.

“Let’s hope so.”

I watch as the residents exit the room. It’s wild how invested in this situation I suddenly feel.

I’m sure Aunt Dee will use this as a tool to convince me to extend my stay in Maple Falls.

But this is only temporary because I have a life to get back to—I just don’t know what that life looks like yet.

I’m awake bright and early because I have real plans today and they don’t include binge watching TV or reading.

I was beyond excited to get a text from Mabel inviting me to meet for coffee at Falling for Books.

I even leave the house early so I can enjoy a leisurely morning stroll down Main Street.

It’s a gorgeous sunny autumn day, the kind of weather that makes everyone fall in love with this season .

As soon as I turn the corner, I see Mabel in front of the store typing something on her phone.

“Hi, Mabel,” I call.

“Hey, girl,” she exclaims. “I’m so glad you could meet up today.”

“Of course. My calendar is wide open these days.”

We hug each other before entering the shop. Mabel heads back to the café while I stop to peek at the rows of books. There’s something that comes over me every time I step into a bookstore. I could literally stay here all day.

When I finally join Mabel, she’s talking to Neesha.

“Hi, Fiona. Are you enjoying small town life?” Neesha asks.

“I am. I love New York, but I don’t miss the traffic jams or long commutes. And everyone here has been so nice, friendly, and down to earth. Even the professional hockey players.”

“Hmm…well I try to stay away from those guys,” Neesha replies. “A broken heart will do that.”

I cringe. “I’m sorry. But if it makes you feel better, I’ve only met one of them, and he’s new in town so I can’t speak for the entire team.”

“No worries,” Neesha says, straightening the cupcake display. “I’m just speaking from personal experience.”

“You know what we should do?” Mabel exclaims. “Let’s plan a girls’ night. Just the three of us, no hockey players allowed.”

I grin. “That sounds fun. I’d love to.” I can’t remember the last time I went out with friends. I’m probably way overdue.

“You in, Neesha?” Mabel asks.

She shrugs. “I’ll let you know. I’ve been swamped with cupcake orders. ”

“It’s only one evening,” Mabel reminds her. “You can take a break from cupcakes for a few hours. It’s probably good for you to step away and clear your mind. It might even help you be more creative.”

Neesha gives a doubtful look.

I totally understand how she feels. I can remember working a lot of extra hours when I was trying to grow in my career. It’s hard to rest when you’re so focused on achieving a goal. I thought if I worked harder, I’d have more opportunities.

“Okay, I’m in,” Neesha agrees finally. “Emmy was just giving me a lecture on working too much also.”

“She’s right,” Mabel exclaims.

I order a latte and listen to Mabel and Neesha chat about a business grant competition and how it could help Neesha open her own bakery in Maple Falls.

“It’s a great idea, but I can’t apply for it,” Neesha says. “Maple Falls wouldn’t be able to support a cupcake business long term. Besides I really want to branch out and experience a big city, you know—try out adventurous, single life.”

“Been there, done that,” I interject. “Believe it or not, the city isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

And there’s a lot of competition when it comes to starting and building a business.

I live in New York because of the publishing industry, but I’d consider other places if it was an option. Maybe somewhere with a slower pace...”

I know things always seem more glamorous from the outside looking in. And while I love New York, sometimes I wonder if I’d be there if it weren’t for my job. Although right now who knows what’s happening with that.

Mabel and Neesha are still chatting, and then the conversation shifts to the dreaded topic of dating. Naturally, I brace myself. This is my least favorite subject lately. Just the mention of it makes me want to crawl under the nearest table and hide with a few cupcakes.

“Well, a year is a long time,” Mabel says, dragging me out of my thoughts.

“It’s not like I’ve forgotten how to talk to a man,” Neesha says, crossing her arms defensively.

Mabel leans in, eyes gleaming with mischief. “In that case, I dare you to flirt with the next guy who walks through the door. No exceptions.”

Neesha makes a face. “Come on, what if he’s ninety years old with bad teeth?”

Mabel grins. “Then he’ll appreciate the attention. And your dental hygiene.”

“I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this,” Neesha mutters. “Fine. Just this once. And only because I’m trying to prove a point.”

As if the universe has a great sense of timing—the door opens and we all glance over.

And, well, he’s not ninety. He’s actually…kind of cute.

Neesha visibly straightens her shoulders, flips her hair, and plasters a smile on her face.

Mabel and I watch in silence for a few moments as Neesha starts chatting with the new customer.

She’s keeping it simple with a little playful banter about coffee preferences and cupcake flavors.

Still, it’s clear she’s holding her own.

After a few minutes of listening, we quietly slip away, giving her some privacy to get acquainted with her new friend.

As we wander through the books, Mabel turns to me. “So, what have you been up to? I imagine you’ve already discovered Maple Falls isn’t exactly the nightlife capital of the Pacific Northwest.”

I laugh. “Yeah, that’s putting it mildly. But I did go to the town council meeting with my aunt. ”

Her eyebrows shoot up. “Really? Wow, you must be really bored. We need to hang out more.”

“Actually—I wanted to go after hearing about the situation with the MacDonald guy. I wish I could do something. He sounds just like my ex-boyfriend. He was one of those polished, smooth-talking corporate types, and when they want something, nothing stands in their way. They send their people to come in and make demands without even making an appearance.”

Mabel’s expression shifts. “Yeah, I know the type. And even though I try to escape from Maple Falls every chance I get, it’s still my hometown. I don’t like seeing it be threatened by greed.”

I nod, chewing on my lower lip as thoughts swirl in my head.

“You must know the town really well,” I say slowly. “Do you think there’s any way to stop him?”

Mabel lets out a slow breath, tapping her coffee cup. “I’ve been thinking about that. And there might be one thing…but I’m not sure if it would make any difference.”

“What is it?” I ask eagerly.

She eyes me curiously. “You’re really invested in this, aren’t you? You don’t even live here.”

“I know,” I say. “But my aunt does. And there’s something about this place…maybe it’s because of its simplicity and community. I don’t know, but the thought of someone coming in here and steamrolling it makes me furious.”

Mabel studies me for a long moment. “Anger isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes it’s the only thing strong enough to make people stand up and fight back.”

“You’re right,” I say, and a flicker of determination sparks between us .

In the distance, I hear Neesha laughing. She’s obviously succeeding in proving her point.

“Well, there’s a bird,” Mabel says.

I frown. “A bird?”

She nods. “Yes. I don’t know much about it, but I think it’s endangered.”

“Okay…” I say slowly.

“So maybe the land has some kind of environmental protection. Something that would prevent development.”

“Because of the bird?”

“Exactly.”

I shrug. “Why not? Maybe saving the bird means saving Maple Falls.”

“Stranger things have happened.”

“I can do some research,” I tell her. “It’s not like I don’t have the time.”

“Are you sure?” she asks. “Aren’t you technically on vacation?”

“You sound like my aunt.”

She winces. “Yikes. Although Denise Hale is a firecracker, so maybe it’s not a bad thing.”

I giggle. “She keeps pushing this whole ‘relaxation’ thing. I can only lounge around for so long before I lose my mind. It’s totally out of character for me not having stuff to do.”

“I get it,” Mabel says with a knowing nod. “Anyway, if you’re serious, it’s called the Blue Rock or something. I’ll ask my friend Willa for more info. She knows a lot about it.”

“Perfect.”

I have zero knowledge about birds—but hey, it’s never too late to start.