Page 89 of The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay (Blitzen Bay)

Chapter Thirty-Nine

NASH

December 26

Blitzen Bay, California

“Hey, Claire. Is Elle up yet? I swear she sleeps later than anyone I know.”

When I left last night, Elle said she would text me when she woke up. It’s almost eleven.

“Hey, Nash,” Claire says with none of her usual enthusiasm. “She didn’t tell you she was leaving, did she?”

My heart stops beating for a second.

“What? She left? How? She doesn’t have a car.”

“Some woman picked her up—”

“Blue hair?”

“No, not the woman from the other night. This woman had black hair—all in braids. I think she said her name was Lola or Lana. It was early—before I had my coffee.”

My face must reflect the shock that’s surging through my body because Claire walks quickly over to me and throws her arms around me.

“She didn’t tell you,” she says, her voice shaking. “Oh, Nash.”

“Uhh, no, she didn’t tell me.” I barely manage to get the words out. “It’s . . . it’s fine.”

I push Claire back and try to smile. She walks over to the front desk and grabs an envelope.

“She left this for you, but I really thought you knew she was leaving. You two seemed to be getting so close.”

I run my finger across my name on the envelope.

“Thanks, Claire.” I force a smile again.

“I’m so mad at her, Nash—”

“No, she didn’t do anything wrong. It’s my fault. I pushed her too hard.” I turn toward the door. “I need to get going.”

She grabs my hand. “I insist you join us for dinner later. We have some friends in town. Come over around three for drinks. We’re going to eat around five.”

I squeeze her hand. “Thank you, but I have plans. I’ll see you around.”

“Nash—”

She’s saying something as I walk out the door, but I don’t turn around. I look at the big Christmas tree, shake my head hard, and then get quickly into my truck.

I throw the envelope on my dashboard. It hits something and makes a pinging noise as it slides to the windshield. I lift the envelope and see one of Elle’s hairpins. I pick it up and stare at it for a few minutes before I open the envelope.

Nash,

I’m sorry for leaving without saying goodbye. This isn’t a good excuse, but truly, if I looked into your eyes one more time, I don’t think I’d ever be able to leave this place—to leave you. And I have to leave. I have to get back to reality.

I need time. I don’t know how much. I have to find myself again and I have to do it alone.

Thank you for saving me in every way possible. I won’t blame you if you never want to see me again, but you will forever be one of my favorite people on earth.

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