“Work?”
“Kind of already know that. Uhm, food?”
“You change depending on mood. Currently on hummus and pretzels,” I answer.
“And you love a chicken burger with a side of honey mustard sauce, but it has to be in those little dish things and never from a packet.”
I chuckle. “Hmm, it seems we already know a few things about one another.”
She raises her finger in the air. “I got it. Travel. Where do you want to go? It can’t be any place where hockey games take place.”
“Huh, that makes it kind of difficult. I love it up in Calgary and near Banff, but warm weather wins every single time. I’m kind of sad to have left Florida simply for that, but summer here is the right temperature. So I think anywhere in Mexico or the Caribbean—wait, actually, I’ve never been to Italy.”
Excitement hits her. “Yes, the Amalfi coast or more up north near Cinque de Terre. I bet the food is amazing. I actually went to France, and that’s the only place I’ve been in Europe. Briggs and I were planning an Iceland trip, but well… he found a girlfriend, and I became occupied with a tiny human.”
I bite my bottom lip, appreciating that we align on interests, but I have to ask. “How did your brother take the news when you told him?”
Isla scoffs a laugh. “Surprisingly well. He wanted to know who to kill, but I told him not to ask, so he didn’t. Instead, he supported me in every single way, no questions asked. We are kind of one another’s ride-or-die, ya know?”
“Yeah, I know. Stone is the same way for me.”
She grabs a piece of fresh baguette. “Your brother seems really sweet. Funny and kind too.”
My eyes grow large. “Uh-oh, are you doubting if you picked the right brother?” I tease.
Isla throws a piece of bread at me. “Nah, he doesn’t have dimples like you.”
Bringing my long finger to slide along my chin, I point out something. “We didn’t grow up in big families, in fact we lacked the essential parents in some ways. However, maybe all it takes is one person to be your family, just like we had our brothers.”
Her eyes dart to the candle while she gets lost in thought. “I believe that, but it’s extra special when you can create, I don’t know… more family.”
I nod in understanding and agreement. “We established our proven theory.”
Her soft smile returns. “We have. Now tell me something else… what is your ideal Saturday? Ours have been kind of scheduled around a certain person. Wait… I already know your answer, actually.”
“What? I enjoy grabbing a coffee then a walk. In the evening, go out for a drink or concert. The whole club scene is done, now that I’m past my prime. It's the same for you, no?” My fingers trace the edge of the table while I listen intently.
“Exactly. Coffee, leisurely walks. Concerts are great. We have a summer festival in Lake Spark, and they get quite a few good acts visiting.”
It sounds quaint and calm. It’s appealing, if I’m being honest.
“We should go.”
“We missed it, but there is a big market next weekend.”
“Ah, that’s why I’ve seen signs everywhere, and Declan mentioned something about maple syrup as a sponsor or something.” I grab a few fried pieces of eggplant while I hear Isla laugh.
It’s a solid hearty laugh too. “Vaughn, how can you have forgotten? First…” She holds up one finger. “Everyone in town has been talking about our weekend events; didn’t any of the old ladies from the knitting club stop you on the street to remind you of their bake sale? And two…” She adds a finger. “Declan’s family owns Grizzly Dash, you know that maple syrup with a dancing bear on it. That’s one of the reasons he has more money than we can count. His parents sponsor almost all Lake Spark events. Did you forget about his syrup connection?”
I scratch the back of my neck because I’m playing her completely as, of course, I’m familiar with my team owner’s family brand. “Sorry if I’ve been distracted. Those coffees from Jolly Joe’s, with the jellybeans, might have distracted me. Who the hell adds a jellybean to coffee?” I humorously sound frustrated.
“The wizard of happiness, that’s who. It’s supposed to bring luck,” she states matter-of-factly before her demeanor changes to a hint of seriousness. “Admit it, Lake Spark has grown on you, even if your job wasn’t in the picture.”
You’ve grown on me.
“You completely caught me. I’m now a man who abides to signs of deer and duck crossings and patiently waits for the fresh eggs to arrive at the general store,” I say in jest. Yet, I owe her an honest truth. “But you’re right, I do like it here.”
Isla gets comfortable on her chair, holding the wine glass close to her chest. The candlelight highlights her jubilant face and a twinkle in her eyes. “Uhm, you know, I’m kind of aware that the whole hockey-life thing means that eventually you could end up at a different location. I know you have a four-year contract, but I just want you to know that it is in my head, and that if things… flow between us.” Her crooked look is priceless. “Then I’m aware that we would kind of follow you, for Nora… and me.”
