Backstage Romance: An Austen-Inspired Romantic Comedy Box Set by Gigi Blume (ebook reader with highlighter txt) 📕

well under way inside the cafe. It was already packed before we walked in, but somehow everyone shifted around and we were a comfortable crowd.

A stout woman served the hot apple cider from behind the bar. We later learned her name was Hannah, the original owner of the cafe. She still ran the place as before but now had the financial backing of Hope Church.

The cider was crazy good.

“Wow. What did they put in this stuff?” said Georgia. “Unicorn tears?”

Pastor Kevin and Teresa arrived soon after. Their daughter, Joy, had changed out of her Mary costume and found a corner of the cafe to bury herself in her cell phone.

Hannah set out trays of hot mini donuts on every table and counter. They were amazing morsels of fried dough and powdered sugar. I must have eaten a dozen.

Upbeat Christmas hits played from the speaker system and those not engaged in lively conversation were dancing. At one point, Lois snagged me by the arm for a dance. I hadn’t even seen her walk in; then again the place was pretty packed. Georgia’s smiling face disappeared through the crowd of dancers as I was pulled away. She laughed and gave an encouraging clap.

I couldn’t find her for ten or fifteen minutes, and when I did, she was under the threshold that led to the restrooms. She was smiling, but there was a hint of worry on her features.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

She leaned against the frame and sighed. “Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve. And we have no way of getting to California.”

“I know.” In an effort to comfort her, I caressed her arms. “But we’ll get there somehow.”

She shifted under the weight of my hands and focused on me. “There’s something I didn’t tell you. I don’t just need to get home in time for Christmas. My brother’s getting married and he’s trying to keep it low key. I really need to be there.”

I parted my lips, wanting to say something in response. But I was afraid my features would betray me. I already knew about the wedding. If I were to act surprised, she’d see right through me. Instead, I drew her into my arms and nuzzled my nose in her hair, inhaling her shampoo. It still held a trace of that strawberry scent but it was now mixed with a hint of pine and ash.

“I’ll do everything in my power to get you home on time,” I whispered into her soft locks. “I promise.”

She broke away from the hug just enough to see my eyes. Her warm, lovely face was only an inch away and the cinnamon in her sweet breath brushed against my senses. My heart hammered in my chest as she curled up the corners of her lips in a honey-laden smile. Her eyes danced. They met my gaze in wonder and then flickered up to a sprig of mistletoe dangling above our heads.

I may have read somewhere that it was bad luck not to kiss if you find yourselves under mistletoe. Or maybe I made that up. Either way, I wasn’t about to tempt the Christmas fairies.

I lowered my lips, just a millimeter, as if asking permission. She quivered under my touch. Her breath snagged in response—in anticipation. And as I closed the gap, a wish hung between us as though, through the magic of a mistletoe kiss, every worry would melt away and our Christmas dreams would come true.

A loud pop ricocheted through the cafe followed by gasps and complete darkness. Georgia jolted back. The music cut off and was replaced by murmurs and various voices rumbling, “What happened?”

“The power went out.”

A strong, male voice said, “Everybody remain calm. I’ll check the breaker box.”

Cell phones fired up in a blue hue and in a matter of minutes, candles illuminated the cafe in a soft, warm glow.

I glanced back to see Georgia biting her bottom lip, her features cast in darkness but still betraying a hint of disappointment. I shouldn’t have hesitated. And now the moment was gone.

17

Georgia

A few people freaked out when the power went out. I was too dazed by Wyatt’s lips almost touching mine to notice much of anything for several minutes.

I had to get it together. I didn’t do hookups with guys I barely knew. But why did Wyatt feel so familiar? Two days ago he didn’t exist. Now he was just there, taking residence in my life like it’s the most natural thing in the world. And I liked it.

Pastor Kevin announced in his booming voice, “There’s a downed power line just outside the cafe. Also the storm is coming in pretty strong right now. I recommend everyone stay put for now.”

This was followed by some groans and some talking all at once. Kevin held up his hands to quiet the racket.

“I called Eric at the fire station. He’s sending some guys, don’t worry. In the mean time, Hanna and Teresa are putting out sandwiches. On the house.”

Everyone went back to mumbling amongst themselves, making the most of the situation. It was still a party—just a mellow one. And maybe a tad drab. So I sprang into action.

I’d noticed an upright piano when we first walked in. As a musician, my eyes can’t help but latch on to instruments, even through a crowd of people. What this party needed was music. Luckily, I knew a tune or two.

Wyatt followed me over.

“Where are you going?”

I grinned, scrunching my nose at him. “Just over here to liven things up a bit.”

My fingers flew over the keys playing Große Sonate für das Hammerklavier as effortlessly as some people excel at typing or making piecrust. Wyatt gaped at me incredulously.

“What is that?”

I kept playing. “Beethoven.”

He laughed, shaking his head.

I narrowed my eyes. “What?”

“I may be Charlie Brown, but you’re Schroeder.”

I hitched one shoulder up and played on. The party guests turned and stared like they weren’t sure what to make of me. I spotted Reeses on top of a high-top table, ears at attention.

“Reeses likes it,” I said.