Page 92 of Nick and Noel's Christmas Playlist

“Oh, that sucks.”

“Yeah. It’s a bitch!” Amber hissed.

“Language!” Eleanor yelled.

Noel scooted back from the table and stood. “I’m going to head into the kitchen and check in with your mom. See if she needs some help.”

“You’re so sweet, Noel,” Amber cooed.

“I know, Amber.”

Noel kissed the top of Gabby’s head and heard her friend hiss as she left the room.

“What was that all about? I told you to be nice!”

Amber scoffed. “Believe me, that was nice.”

Noel’s hackles spiked as she went into the kitchen, eyeballing every sharp object she passed. She needed to stop letting Amber get to her. Every time they ended up in the same room together, they were sixteen again. Passive aggressive. Nasty.

Even Noel knew her behavior was far from perfect, but she had the hardest time not rising to the bait.

“Noel, hey. You need something?”

Noel met Eleanor’s concerned gaze and smiled. “Nope, I was just coming in to check on you.”

Eleanor ate a mozzarella stick from the tray she was preparing, watching her thoughtfully. “Is Amber here?”

“She just walked through the door.”

“I assumed as much.”

She cocked her head to the side, puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“Gabby’s mentioned a time or two you don’t care for Amber.”

Noel released a shaky breath. “I don’t. At all. But I am trying for Gabby’s sake.”

“Me too,” Eleanor whispered with a wink.

Noel smothered a laugh. “Really?”

Eleanor shrugged. “Gabby adores her, so I don’t say much, but there have been a few times she’s hurt my baby’s feelings and you know me. Mama bear.”

“I know. Gabby says she’s got a good heart, but I’m having a hard time seeing it.”

Eleanor wiped her hands off on her apron, smiling warmly. “Well, you can hang in here for as long as you need. I noticed some tension yesterday while we were dress shopping. I can’t imagine she’s too happy about you dating her ex-boyfriend.”

“No, but to be fair, she dumped him.”

“Gabby mentioned that too. I was actually surprised when those two got together. Nick is so down to Earth. And cute.”

“Yes, he is.”

“Anyway, I’m glad to see you two working it out. I always thought you would be good together.”

Noel blushed. “I have…issues with relationships. So, we’re taking it slow.”

“I think that’s very smart.” Eleanor came around the island and hugged Noel. “If you ever want to talk about these issues, I’m here. I know you have Victoria, but Gabby likes to refer to you as her sister from another mister.” Eleanor grinned. “Since I’m married to the mister, I guess that makes you my daughter too.”

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