Yes, it’s a beautiful photo.
I’m happy to take it for my wall.
He’s right, it belongs on my wall. So many residents will look at it lovingly, especially after the bridge is gone. Yet, it feels like it’s so much more than a photo of a bridge. Something special happened between us on the bridge. Though we’re content to dance around it, this is exactly the kind of gift that would melt any woman’s heart.
My pulse hammers as I pick up the frame and trace the edges with my thumb, feeling so deeply the tenderness behind the gift. On the bottom of the photo, he’s scribbled in black ink a caption: I’llalways remember our icicle for two.Out of my peripheral Ican tell he watches me with a softness that catches me off guard. I force the next words out with an even tone, “Thank you. This means more than I can say.”
The pressure is on to say something to keep the moment light, butthat almost kisspulses sharply in my chest. Is this a way for him to nod to that moment? I can’t help but think the photo has a bit of double intention. Of course, I’ll remember that moment forever, especially when I look at this photo. I set the photo back on the counter. “You’re right. It belongs on my wall where all the residents can remember it.”
“Order up,” Margie’s voice blares from behind me, and I startle, warmth heating my cheeks. I turn and grab Bill’s stack. Grateful to have something else to do, I slide it in front of him and return my best professional smile. “Enjoy.”
I sense a bit of hesitation as his gaze drops to the pancakes and then back to me. “Oh, I will. Thank you.”
Nodding, I head toward the farthest booth and commence my rewashing the tabletop, feeling it best to be busy away from him so he can eat, and my heart rate can normalize. I’ve never had some instant chemistry with someone like I feel with him. It would be wonderful if I was looking for romance, but I’m clearly not.
eleven
Bill
(Three Months Later)
I step through the arena doors, which are wide open, welcoming the entire community of Mapleton to unveil the new facility just a week ahead of training camp. There were a couple of weeks when I didn’t think we’d open in time, but it’s amazing the sense of urgency people have when you throw enough money at it.
Today, we’re hosting a carnival with booths, games, and concession stands. My Granite Ice players mingle with the crowd for their first official team meet and greet. It’s festive, and I love it. It’s exactly how I envisioned the place when I thought of our ribbon-cutting event. Mapleton has received this great team with open arms.
I stand near the plexiglass with my hands on my hips, trying to act calm and not like I’m holding back a tidal wave of emotions. I cannot wait to see this place packed for our first home game. The arena smells so clean and new. Now my team is home, and as I glance around, I still can’t believe it’s all real.
“Bill Baker?” a female voice cuts in from my right.
I blink and turn. It’s a reporter with aMapleton Timeslogo on her jacket. She’s holding a camera and smiles politely enough. “Would you mind if I get a team photo for the front page?”
“We’d be honored.” I turn back to my guys and call out in a loud voice, “All right, players! The paper needs a press shot. Everyone line up in front of the glass.” They move, most of them being silly at first, striking a few dramatic poses. A couple try to look tough but ultimately ruin it by grinning too large. Taking my spot on the far end, I cross my arms and stare forward with my best game face on.
Because of course, I’m going to look tough.
The woman centers herself and takes a few shots, but that’s not the only person with a camera aimed at us. A line forms of locals all holding their phones up, taking the same shot. I certainly didn’t expect this, but it feels good. Pride fills my chest, and I stand still as people file through, all grabbing their photos.
And then I see someone I know.
Ruth steps forward, lifting an old-school, clunky camera with a strap around her neck and a giant flash attached to the top. It instantly reminds me of her love for vintage things, and I smile as her gaze meets mine for a split second before she raises the camera in front of her face. The click of her camera is audible, and my breath hitches.
Months have passed since I last saw her. Yet seeing her now feels like a punch to the heart. We went on that one casual date. It shouldn’t seem like much, but our conversation was easy, and that spark was darn-near electric.
I never stopped thinking about her, but when I went to visit her at the diner the next day, she was polite and then almost ignored me. I got a vibe that she was giving me the brush-off. Taking the hint, I kept myself distracted in the bustle of getting my team started.
Now she is here, and I can’t take my eyes off her.
The photos are done, and the team breaks formation as everyone heads into their own clusters. I step forward, closing the gap between Ruth and me until I’m a mere arm’s length away. While she adjusts something on her camera, I clear my throat. “It’s great seeing you here.”
She slowly lowers the camera then offers me a toothy smile. “I couldn’t miss the big opening. It’s the most exciting thing to happen to Mapleton in years.”
And just like that, the noise of the arena fades, and it’s just the two of us.
It’s crazy how that happens.
The chemistry between us is pulsing. Knowing I only have a few moments with her before I’ll get pulled off in another direction, I rush to say something, “You look… great.”
Then I cringe.
