UNMISTAKEN: An Elkridge Christmas Novel (Lonely Ridge Collection) by Lyz Kelley

Author:Lyz Kelley [Kelley, Lyz]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Belvitri Services, LLC
Published: 2017-12-19T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Maybe attending the Elkridge Annual Christmas party was a good thing. It was an opportunity to prove to Tom he wasn’t a total anthropophobic. He could handle interpersonal relationships and social interaction. He could. He wasn’t shy.

Then again, there was Noelle, with her endless smile. She distracted him. Her strength was camouflaged and had sneaked up on him. Underneath the silly, bright red Wonder Woman top was a true woman of steel.

He opened the café’s front door and made the effort to plant his feet on the welcome mat when the rowdy sound of “Jingle Bells” made him want to turn around and go home.

He wouldn’t leave her. Thanks to Tom and Noelle, he was learning what was important. For some reason he had the impression she was nervous about tonight, and he was here to make sure nothing went wrong.

A seven-foot nutcracker stood sentry in the corner of the café, a Christmas tree balanced out the room at the opposite end, and small white twinkle lights hung from every booth and table.

A long table pressed against the far wall was jam-packed with potluck meats, salads, and breads, while townspeople gathered in clumps of twos and threes, laughing and talking. The comfortable exchanges appeared normal, as if it was just another ordinary day.

But today wasn't just an average day.

Today reminded him of the bleakest moment of his life, and he didn’t want to celebrate it.

“Ethan, Noelle, you made it.” Maggie’s voice carried over the conversational noise. A couple of people waved, others continued their conversations, and a few, like his uncle, nodded a greeting.

Ethan felt like a pack mule, he was carrying so many packages. Noelle handed her mother the seven-layer Jell-O salad and a plate of gingerbread cookies. Bill Mason lifted the gifts from his arms.

“You two look festive.” Maggie winked. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a sweater, Ethan. Very handsome.”

He fought the urge to scratch at the wool irritating his neck. The only red object in his closet was this sweater, which his mother gave him years ago for Christmas. He only kept it to wear during his annual video call, to please his mom, and then it came right off, to be stored for another year. But this time he got smart and put on a T-shirt first, so only his neck and wrists suffered. At least he didn’t have to dress fancy. Jeans and boots were the best he could do, since not all the roads had been plowed, making the drive a slippery challenge, and he needed to be dressed for possible driving emergencies.

“Hi, Mom.” Noelle pulled the wool scarf from around her neck. “What can I help with?”

“Hang your coats, then find a place to sit. We’re just about ready to open the buffet.” Maggie rushed toward the crowded food table with Noelle’s layered Jell-O salad.

Noelle inspected him like a critical care nurse might examine a patient. “Are you okay? I'll stay with you if you'd like.”

“Noelle, I'm old enough to manage on my own.

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