Page 16 of Three Holidays and a Wedding
“Not sure how this place stays in business, Don,” said a woman to Anna’s right. She was, somewhat confusingly, wearing a Maple Leafs jerseyanda Senators toque. Just then, Marián Hossa scored for the Senators and the woman said, “Oh, darn!” before letting out a jubilantwhoopand “Go, Hossa!”
The bartender was in front of Anna again. “Mulled wine or apple cider on the house when the Sens score,” he said with a grin.
“Wait a second, weren’t you wearing a Leafs jersey just a second ago...?” Anna asked. The bartender just shrugged, then topped up Anna’s steaming, fragrant mug before making his way down the bar, handing out free drinks.
“They’re twins. That was Ron,” a voice beside her said—a deep voice that was warm and inviting, much like the cider. She turned her head. The man next to her had a chocolatebrown beard, black-rimmed glasses, and a Maple Leafs toque pulled down low over dark hair. His chestnut-brown eyes were warm and kind, and crinkled at the side when he smiled at her—which he was doing now. She had the sudden feeling she knew him, that they had met somewhere before. “The other one is Don.”
“Thanks for clearing that up,” she said. On the screen above, a Senators player came close to scoring, a Leafs player blocked him, they engaged in a wrestling match across the ice, and the bar erupted inoohsandaahs, which Anna joined in on. When the moment passed, she saw her barstool neighbor was looking at her closely.
“You don’t look like you’d be a hockey fan.”
“And why not?” she said, tilting her head. “Leafs fans can’t wear cocktail dresses to sports bars? I’m in blue, after all.”
“True, but didn’t anyone tell you it’s winter out there? The time of year when people wear parkas, boots... hats and mitts? That kind of thing?”
Anna blew on the cider, then took a sip. It was spicy and fortifying. “I’m not supposed to be here,” she said. “I thought I was going to a gala tonight.”
He tilted his head, quizzical. “In Snow Falls?”
“Toronto. But my plane got diverted.” She turned her head and their eyes collided again. Once more, she felt a jolt of recognition. “So now, here I am,” she said, not quite sure why her heart was racing around in her chest as fast as a puck on ice.
“Here you are,” he echoed. “Of all the festive sports bars in all the world—”
“This hasgotto be the only one, right?”
Another smile. “Probably. I saw you outside, catchingsnowflakes on your tongue. I thought I’d imagined it, a woman dressed for a party, in the middle of this town... walking into this bar...” He turned his sweet, crinkly-eyed gaze to the screens above just as Mats Sundin nearly scored on a breakaway.
Anna clapped her hands. “Soclose. Oh, he’s my favorite!”
“Mine, too. Although I think Gary Roberts might end up being a contender for favorite, now that he’s signed.”
“So much character,” Anna agreed, sipping her cider.
“Maybe we’ll finally have a shot at the Stanley Cup, right? Who knows, could happen...”
Anna sighed along with him, a sigh that was familiar to Maple Leafs fans everywhere: the wistfulhey, it could happen... but probably notsigh. “Maybe,” they both said at the same time. Then they exchanged a rueful glance and laughed at themselves. The Leafs hadn’t won a Stanley Cup—or even come close—in thirty-three long years.
“Champions keep playing until they get it right. At least that’s what my dad always used to say.”
A cheer rang out—but it was for the wrong side now. The Sens had scored again.
“Well, the Leafs really seem to be taking a while to get it right, then.”
“Cider refill?” The bartending twin with the Senators jersey was back.
Anna shook her head. “I’ve barely made a dent in my first glass. But I hope it’s not bad luck to say no? Congratulations on the goal.”
The bartender laughed. “My brother’s the superstitious one. I know what really wins hockey games is skill.” He shothis twin a pointed look—and the Leafs fan twin shook his fist in mock anger. Anna turned her attention back to the screen—just in time to see the Leafs take an unfortunate penalty.
“I can’t watch,” said the handsome stranger beside her. “Talk to me. Put me out of my misery.”
“Okay, so... you’re from Toronto?”
“Born and raised.”
“What are you doing here in Snow Falls?”
“I’m here for work,” he said, and suddenly his tone seemed evasive.
