Page 32 of The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay (Blitzen Bay)

Chapter Sixteen

NOELLE

December 22

Blitzen Bay, California

“Well, now that outfit is a little less conspicuous.”

Gabi looks up as I come back through the door into the bar. I have on a pair of Izzy’s jeans, an off-white fisherman’s sweater, and hot pink fuzzy socks.

Nash looks down at my feet as I walk over.

“Her shoes are too little for me,” I say as I slide onto the barstool next to him. “At least these are warmer than my flip-flops.”

“We have a general store here. They sell everything from boots to bird food. We’ll get you fixed up when they open tomorrow,” he says and then looks up at me. “I mean if you end up staying tonight.”

I smile at him as Gabi walks over to us. “I bet the bride could use a large glass of liquor. What’s your drink?”

“Vodka soda,” I say, exhaling slowly. “Please.”

“Absolutely not. That’s a stupid drink.”

“Gabi! Be nice. Give her what she wants,” Nash says.

“Nope. Noelle, have you ever tried a Madras? Izzy and I drank those on our honeymoon.”

“She’s not on her honeymoon, Gabi—”

I grab Nash’s arm. “It’s fine. Whatever you want to serve me just give me a double shot.”

“I’ve got you covered,” Gabi says, turning her back to us as she grabs a glass and fills it with ice.

Nash is staring at me. His eyes are seriously the prettiest green color I’ve ever seen. My knee touches his as I turn to face him. I don’t move it.

“I called Steve. He’s on his way up here.”

He jumps a little bit and moves his knee away from mine.

“That’s good,” he says, looking back at Gabi. “Did you change your mind about the wedding?”

“I don’t know that I changed my mind, but you were right. I need to talk to him. And I don’t want my family worrying about me.”

“That’s sensible. I’m glad you called him. Is he mad?”

“Uh, I’m not sure, but my mom is. She was screaming in the background. I told Steve he had to come alone. I can’t deal with her right now.”

“Moms have a way of taking over, don’t they?” he says, laughing. “My mom’s the only reason I went to your wedding. She bullied me into it.”

“Thank God for her or I never would have had a getaway driver.”

Gabi slides a drink over to me that looks like a sunset—oranges and reds swirling around the white liquor. “It’s a double shot of vodka with a splash of OJ, cranberry, and lime. You want anything to eat?”

“I’m starving. I haven’t eaten anything since early this morning. But I won’t have any money until Steve gets here—”

“Stop,” Nash says, finally turning back to me. “I’m paying. I’m hungry, too. They have the best cheeseburgers if you eat that.”

“Yes, please, with a mound of fries.” I take a long drink and look at Nash. “Hey. Do you mind if we grab a table? I need to lean on something. I feel exhausted all of a sudden.”

---