Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 77120 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77120 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
They’re all beautiful, and they’re all filthy rich.
I’m pretty and have a couple grand in the bank.
Plus I owe a lot in student loans.
We are not the same.
We all take a seat at a rectangular table that’s covered in yet another checkered tablecloth. In the center, of course, is an old Chianti bottle in a basket being used as a candle. A red taper sits inside, already lit.
A pretty blond girl wearing denim cutoffs and a T-shirt with the restaurant name underneath her apron walks to our table, a huge smile on her face.
“Hi, Nora,” Angie says.
“Angie,” Nora, apparently, greets her. “It’s so exciting to be here today to help you guys celebrate. I can’t wait for the wedding on Saturday.”
“I hope it lives up to your expectations,” Angie says.
“Well, the last Steel wedding I went to was a quadruple one,” Nora says, “but knowing your family, it will be a lavish affair.”
“Oh, it will be,” Brianna chimes in. “I’ll never forgive my sister for getting married in Denver without me. But at least we had a big party when she and Dragon came back to the Slope.”
“How’s Henry doing?” Nora asks Angie.
My ears perk up at that.
Were Nora and Henry an item at some time?
“He’s good,” Angie replies. “I don’t know if you know this, but he’s staying at our parents’ house for a while. He got a bug up his butt to completely redo his house, a huge undertaking. They’re busting out walls and everything, so he can’t live there while the work is going on.”
“What about the guesthouse?” Nora asks.
“Dave and I are living there,” Maddie pipes in. “Though our house is almost done. We’ll move in probably a week or so after the wedding.”
“Well,” Nora says. “You be sure to tell Henry I said hi.”
I stiffen. It’s only hi. But it’s clear from the look on Nora’s face and the tone of her voice that she’s interested in more than just saying hi to Henry.
Ugh. Why should I even be worrying about this? Henry was an ass to me last night. Nora can have him for all I care.
Except…I don’t want that.
“So,” Nora continues, “what would you all like to drink with your lunch today? Chianti?”
“Maybe one glass,” Angie says. “What’s Italian food without Chianti? But I can’t overindulge. We have the rehearsal dinner this evening at my parents’ place. And then of course the wedding tomorrow.”
“How about I bring a bottle?” Nora says. “Then whoever wants some can have some.”
“Sound okay to you guys?” Angie asks the rest of us.
Murmurs of yes. I wasn’t planning to have any alcohol until this evening, but I’m so on edge. A drink might help.
“I’ll bring some water too,” Nora says. “Would any of you like anything else? A soft drink or some other kind of wine?”
“I’d love a Diet Coke,” Brianna says.
“Make that two.” Maddie smiles.
“Three.” From Gina.
She looks at me. “And you…”
“Oh my gosh, I’m sorry,” Angie says. “Nora, this is Tabitha. My best friend from med school.”
“Great to meet you, Tabitha.” She beams at me. “How do you like Snow Creek so far?”
“I was here for a little while at the end of January,” I tell her. “But I didn’t get to spend too much time in town.”
“You should take a walk after lunch,” Nora says. “We have a great little antique shop. And, if you’re into it, our tattoo parlor is one of the best in the state.”
Hmm… A tattoo…
I’ve never had a tattoo. I’ve kind of always wanted one, but I could never decide on the right design.
“You can stop at Rita’s too,” Maddie says. “She makes the best cookies.”
“I’m sure I’ll have time for that after the wedding. I’m not sure what Angie has—”
“Oh, stay in town if you’d like to, Tabs.” Angie smiles. “I have to get back and help, but we have a pretty good rideshare community in town. You can pick one up at any time and have them drive you back.”
Hanging out in town. It doesn’t sound like such a bad idea. I could use some alone time, just to decompress from last night. Reading Persuasion and ruminating on that love letter sure didn’t help.
“Maybe I will.”
“I could stay with you,” Maddie says. “It’s been a while since I perused the antique shop, and with David and me moving into our house soon, I’d love to see what they have.”
Not exactly what I had in mind… Maddie seems nice and all, but I hardly know her.
But I paste on a smile. “Sure, I’d love to have your company.”
“It’s a date, then,” Maddie says. “I’m glad to be able to get to know you better.”
Nora brings the wine and pours glasses for Angie, Maddie, and me.
“Where’s your mom?” Nora asks. “I thought she was coming with you.”
“She decided to stay home at the last minute,” Angie says. “She said I needed some girl time. I think she’s right.”