All right, so not exactly cordial, but the woman pushed all the buttons.
“I am a licensed massage therapist,” Amber snarled.
Noel sipped her water before holding a hand over her heart in feigned concern. “Damn, did I strike a nerve? So sorry, but you know, you start something and us drabs will finish it.”
“You think you’re so funny. Is that how you two got together? He was hurting and you swooped in with your jokes? Seduced him with your charming personality.”
“How about you concentrate on your own man and leave my relationship alone.”
“Relationship?” Amber scoffed. “You’ve been hooking up for a minute, while he and I were together for years. You could barely call what you two have a relationship.”
I should just keep my mouth shut until Gabby gets here.
Sound advice, but she was too riled up to listen. “Admit it, Amber. Nick was always a backup plan. You could have your cake and still flit around town gobbling up all the snacks you wanted behind his back, but once he came home, you had to break up with him or the truth about you would come out.”
Amber’s hand covered her décolletage like a turn of the century heroine who’d been unjustly insulted. “I never cheated on Nick. I had friends, but eight years is a long time. People grow apart. That doesn’t mean I don’t want the best for him.”
Noel snorted. “Girl, who are you kidding? I’ve been his friend since we were in diapers and you dumped him the minute he got back from defending our country.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about, bitch.”
“I’m simply calling it like I see it.”
Amber seemed to regain her composure and her glossy lips spread in a wicked smile. “And I’m just looking out for you, hon. Wouldn’t want you to think this was something serious.”
Noel’s jaw clenched and she ground out. “What makes you think it isn’t?”
“’Cause any man who jumps into something that quick is looking for rebound sex. Plain and simple. Although, come to think of it, I’m pretty sure I heard you were really good at that kind of thing. Bed buddies is what you like best, right, sweetie?”
Noel picked up her fork, debating on which psych defense she could use if she stabbed Amber with it. If she described the condescending sweetness in Amber’s tone to a jury, would they really blame her?
Gabby saved Amber’s life when she burst into the restaurant with a pink folder in one arm and a Coach purse hanging off the other. Her curly brown hair flowed around the top of her blue jacket as she waved excitedly, coming dangerously close to clobbering several patrons with her bag.
“Maybe for Gabby’s sake we only speak when absolutely necessary.”
Amber looked down at her glittery talons. “Fine by me.”
Gabby came tapping across the wood floor and flopped into the chair next to Noel.
“Hey, sorry I’m late!” She slid her sunglasses up her forehead and into her hair. Her golden-brown eyes sparkled with excitement and Noel couldn’t help returning her joy. Gabby’s enthusiasm was infectious. “I have a new student I’m working with and the adjustment’s been hard for him. What were you two yakking about?”
“Just celebrating new relationships,” Amber said, cheerfully.
“Is the kid okay?” Noel asked.
“He will be. I’m awesome at what I do.”
Gabby wasn’t exaggerating. Gabby’s older brother had autism and after watching the struggles and frustrations her parents and Edward went through with the education system, Gabby decided to get her teaching degree. As the IEP teacher for Mistletoe Elementary, Gabby worked hard on her enrichment lesson plans and was beloved by her students and their parents. Just another thing that made her an amazing person who deserved a fantastic, drama-free wedding.
Amber waved her hand in the center of the table. “Before we do anything else, I want to see that ring.”
Gabby held out her hand with a giggle, Amber oohing and ahhhing over the princess-cut diamond. Noel really wasn’t into big, sparkly jewels and what she did wear was small and sentimental. Noel inspected the ring with the proper amount of awe, before grabbing a honey scone from the basket their waitress set down.
“So, who is in a new relationship?” Gabby asked, stealing Noel’s scone.
Noel grabbed another with a glare, but Amber jumped in before Noel could open her mouth. “Oh, well, you already know since Nick and I broke up, I’m officially with Guy.”