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.”
Noel’s chest squeezed. “Thank you, Mrs. Montoya.”
“Anytime, kiddo.”
“I’ll get back out there.”
“Hang tough.”
“I don’t know what that means.”
“New Kids on the Block!”
“Oh, I forgot. Sorry.”
“Now that you’ve made me feel old…” Eleanor trailed off with a laugh. “I’m kidding. Go.”
Noel came back into the room and sat down next to Gabby. “Your mom’s snack tray looks excellent.”
“Thank God, I’m starving. If I sneak anymore M&M’s, we won’t have enough for favors.”
“Speaking of favors.” Amber closed her pouch with a snap. “Do you have the location yet, Noel?”
Noel shifted in her seat. She’d known this was coming, but even the expensive rentals were booked up. There was nothing left in Mistletoe for the holiday season, but she didn’t want to tell Amber that.
“No, but I contacted the mobile spa and they’re available and Sweetie Pies has agreed to provide breakfast for us. I’m going to grab the champagne and orange juice—”
“And what? We’ll enjoy getting facials in our cars?” Amber broke in.
“No…” Noel gritted. “I have a call in to a couple of places. I am sure something will become available.”
“Of course it will for Little Miss Perfect.”
“What is your problem?” Noel exploded.
“What’s going on in here?” Eleanor came out of the kitchen and set a plate of finger foods in the center of the table. Gabby’s mother glanced between them, as though sensing the tension. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, Mom. We were talking.”
Eleanor looked to Noel for reassurance and Noel smiled faintly. “I’m fine, Mrs. Montoya. Just a little disagreement.”
“All right. You think you girls can fend for yourselves? I’m going to my book club.”
“Code for margaritas and man bashing?” Gabby teased.
“I do not bash your father,” Eleanor muttered.
Noel snagged a mozzarella stick from the tray, grinning. “Notice she didn’t argue with you about the margaritas.”
Eleanor wagged her finger at them. “Mind your own business and clean up after yourselves.”
“Yes, Mom,” Gabby said.
When Eleanor walked out the door, Amber leaned her forearms on the table. “My problem is you have a free location and you don’t want to use it.”
“We could just go back to my place, since Drew won’t be there.”
Amber shot Gabby a withering look. “You know I’m allergic to cats, Gabby.”
“What about my apartment?” Noel said.
“It’s what, one bedroom? So two in the bed and the rest in sleeping bags on the floor. Sounds uber fun.”
“If it means that much to you, Amber, you can take my bed.”
“Ew, no thank you. I know where you’ve been.”