Page 28 of A Match Made In Fall

“Oh, this is good,” he says. “What does she do? Is she local?”

How do I explain Isabella’s current situation?

“She’s staying with her family for a while,” I tell him. “She’s on leave from her job.”

This is all true.

“Nice. So you will be able to spend time together,” he says. “I know that can be an issue with how crazy your career is.”

“Exactly,” I agree. “And on that note, I need to get ready for my evening out.”

“I’m sure it will go well. Women love hockey players,” he teases.

I snort. “Not all of them. But we’ll see.”

“I’ll expect a full report on my desk in the morning,” he adds.

“You wish,” I reply.

“Have fun.”

I disconnect the call and smile to myself. A fun night out sounds good to me.

When I arrive at the Coffee Corner Café, the storefront is completely decorated for the season with pumpkins, gourds, and garlands of leaves framing the windows. As soon as I reach the door, I smell espresso, cinnamon, and freshly baked pastries drifting from inside.

Almost immediately, I spot Isabella seated at one of the corner tables. She’s deep in conversation with Abby, the café owner Eloise, and her husband, Brad. Isabella laughs at something, and the sound instantly draws my attention. For a moment, I stand still watching her smile.

“Hi, everyone,” I call as I walk in, my attention locking onto Isabella.

She looks beautiful as always. Tonight she’s wearing a white sweater dress that falls just above her knees, one brown boot, and the bulky gray medical boot covering her injured foot. Even with that, she looks stunning.

“Hi, Austin,” she says warmly, her smile lighting up her face.

“Hey.” I step closer to her, already feeling the anticipation of the night ahead. “How are you doing?”

“We’re just waiting on Nick,” Abby says.

I laugh under my breath. “Why does that not surprise me?”

“I heard that,” Nick calls as he pushes through the front door.

Abby bursts out laughing. “He only says that because he knows you.”

I nod. “Exactly. Listen to your fiancée.

Nick shrugs. “I’m not late. I’m right on time.”

“Anyway,” Abby continues before he can defend himself, “now that everyone’s arrived, here’s the plan. I made reservations at the Nova Table, and after dinner we’re doing an escape room adventure.”

Nick groans loudly enough that Eloise laughs from behind the counter.

“That was my reaction when Abby told me about the escape room,” she says.

“Oh, stop complaining,” Abby says, nudging Nick with her elbow. “And you, too.” She points at Eloise. “Nick thinks escape rooms are too much work, but I love them.”

“They are,” Nick mutters. “Trying to solve puzzles under pressure? That’s work labeled as entertainment.”

“I’m in if you are,” I tell Isabella, mostly because I enjoy irritating Nick whenever I have a chance.