Page 48 of A Grecian Getaway

“Yeah. I was just texting the girls and Niko about tonight. They’re taking me to a comedy club.”

“Oh, that will be fun. How are you feeling?” Noelle’s mom twisted some of Noelle’s curls.

“I’m fine. Nervous about the move. I hope it’ll be okay. It’s so far. I’m going to miss you guys so much.” Noelle hugged her mom.Don’t cry. Don’t cry. DON’T CRY!

“I’m sure you are. But you will do great! And if you get to Florida, and you decide you don’t like it, we’re always here. You know that. There is nothing stopping you from coming home. But I think you are going to love it there! You’ve always hated the cold and loved warm weather and beaches ever since you were a little girl and we took you to see the ocean for the first time.”

“Thanks, mom. You’re right. I just wish…Oh, I don’t know.”

“Are you still thinking about that Greek boy?” Her mom patted Noelle’s leg.

“I miss him. I thought he felt the same way I did, but boy, was I wrong.” Noelle walked over to the window and looked outside.

“If you believe he did, then he probably did. Sometimes some men or women take a little longer to figure out how they feel. And sometimes, they never do. I’m sorry he didn’t figure out his feelings while you were there. It’s his loss, sweetie. You’re an amazing woman and you’re going to do great things!”

“You have to say that because you’re my mom.” Noelle hugged her.

“Nope. If I thought you were a stinker, I would tell you. When you were 13, you were definitely a brat and got a little lazy about your chores. But I still loved you and thought you would go far once you stopped acting like a teenager.”

“I was a teenager!”

“Yes, but you could have acted a little less teenagery.” Noelle and her mom laughed.

“I suppose so. Sorry, mom!”

“Eh. I was teenagery too. Your Sitto had plenty of stories about me, I promise. Now, you finish getting ready and I’ll see you downstairs. I love you, Noelle.”

“Love you too, mom.”

Later that evening, Noelle and Claire met Niko and Caroline at the club. The comedian turned out to be hilarious and, for a few moments here and there, Noelle forgot her aching heart.

The curtain fell, and it was intermission. “This guy is so funny, and he’s pretty easy on the eyes, too.” Caroline said with a wink as she looked at Niko.

I wish my brother would ask Caroline out already. She’s amazing, beautiful, interested, and here, not even a continent away.Niko was tall and muscular, had dark brown hair like Noelle, and, according to Caroline and Claire, wasquite handsome. From the time they were little girls, Caroline had adored her brother. It was all so silly, but Caroline didn’t want Noelle saying anything to her brother. She feared Niko would think them childish. Caroline wanted him to come around on his own, not with the help of Noelle. So Noelle kept her promise and never discussed a word about Caroline with Niko, even though she wanted to tell him to wake up and see what was right under his nose!

“Glad to see everyone opted for clothing tonight. I know there was some question,” teased Caroline. “Ladies, are you feeling nippy at all?”

Noelle threw her napkin at Caroline. Niko rolled his eyes, and Claire snorted.

“I'm going to get some drinks. Anyone want anything?” asked Niko.

“I’ll come with you.” Caroline winked at the girls and turned and walked to the bar, Niko following behind.

Claire smirked at Noelle. “I guess Operation Nikolas is back in motion,” she said when they were out of earshot. “I knew that wouldn’t last long.”

Noelle laughed and nodded in agreement. "Look." She pointed towards them. "Do you see what I see?"

"Oh. Huh. That's new," Claire smiled.

"Right? My brother hasn't taken his eyes off of Caroline since she got up and started walking to the bar. What do you think it means?"

"Whatever it means, we probably shouldn't get involved." Claire shrugged.

"For real! Those two are a puzzle I don't want to try to put together," Noelle giggled.

After a few minutes, Caroline and Niko returned to their table.

“It’s time for some toasts. To Florida and a new job!” Claire raised her glass. They all clinked their glasses and toasted Noelle’s new job.

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