Page 85 of The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay (Blitzen Bay)

Chapter Thirty-Seven

NASH

December 25

Blitzen Bay, California

“What time do you want me to take you back tomorrow?”

My tone’s unintentionally harsh. I’m distracted. My body’s settled down, but my mind’s still on Mikey. Hearing Sam talk about his buddy who died in Vietnam brought it all back up for me with a ferocity that I haven’t felt for a while.

Elle’s head snaps up to look at me.

“Uh, maybe you shouldn’t take me back,” she says slowly. “I can call a car service or something.”

“No, Elle. I’m sorry. My mind’s on something else. That came out wrong.”

She puts her hand on my arm. “I know. It’s fine, but really, maybe it’s not a good idea.”

“What?” I stop walking. “No, I’m taking you back.”

“It’s just—you know—if Steve’s still in the apartment, it’s going to be weird—”

“He’ll get over it.” I put my hands on her shoulders and pull her closer. “I don’t want you alone with him after what I witnessed last night.”

She looks down. “He won’t hurt me—not physically. I mean, he might yell at me a little bit more, but I can handle that.”

“Elle, please just let me protect you from that.” My voice sounds tense. I try to even it out. “You shouldn’t have to deal with it alone.”

“Okay.” She smiles and nods, but she still doesn’t look convinced.

I take her hand and start walking again. We walk for a few more minutes in silence.

“What was his name?” She’s looking up at me—her eyes wide and glassy.

“Whose name?”

“The friend you lost in the army,” she whispers.

My body freezes. “Did Sam tell you that?”

“No. I could just tell. When he started talking about his friend who died, your whole body tensed up.”

I nod but don’t say anything. I take her hand and start walking. I’m waiting for my body to start panicking again. Nothing happens.

“Mikey,” I say, finally. “Mike Anders.”

“I’m sorry, Nash.” She squeezes my hand.

“So am I. He was a good guy.” I motion to a bench in front of the hardware store. “Do you mind if we sit for a second?”

She sits next to me and lays her head on my shoulder.

“What was he like?”

My body still feels calm. “Uh, he was quiet. You know, one of those guys who doesn’t have much to say, but when he says something, you know you better listen because it’s important.”

Amazingly, my mind feels calm, too. It hasn’t felt this way once when I’ve thought about him. I feel a sudden urge to talk about him more.

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