Page 88 of Off the Wall

“Ladies and gentlemen!” the DJ’s voice booms. “The bride and groom are about to join us for their first dance. So everybody, please line up along the edge of the dance floor to give it up for the new Mr. and Mrs. Perkins!”

“That’s my cue,” Nori says. “Back to maid of honor duty.”

We’re just starting for the tent when my phone chirps. Loudly. I’ve got the volume all the way up in case one of my hospitals needs me for a case.

“Not now,” I groan. Another chirp. Two texts back-to-back.

“Do you have to leave?” Nori’s face falls.

“I don’t know.” I check my phone, but the texts aren’t from a doctor, a PA, or a scheduling nurse. They’re from my sister-in-law.

Lauren

I’m in labor, and your brother is driving me nuts. He’s the love of my life, so you’d better get here before I kill him!

Lauren

PS: Time to meet your niece, Uncle Cash.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Nori

“Well, don’t you look beautiful.”Violet bends down to hug me as the servers move around the tent delivering salads. I’m seated at the head table next to the bride, and the best man just finished his toast. Meanwhile, Hayden just finished two glasses of champagne.

On an empty stomach.

“You look pretty snazzy yourself,” I tell Violet. She’s wearing a purple tank dress with a matching jacket. Larry’s lurking behind her in an oversized three-piece suit. He offers me a little wave. “Hi, Larry.” I arch a brow. “You know, you don’t have to hide back there. I’ve already forgiven you for dragging Violet to Montana.”

“He’s doing no such thing,” Violet protests. “I’m the one who insisted we move.”

“It’s true,” Larry sputters, looking sheepish.

“I was just teasing,” I say, letting the poor guy off the hook. “I couldn’t be happier for you two. And you did a great job with the ring.” I flash him a grin. “I just hope your friend Glen isn’t too disappointed that I’m swooping in to buy the shop instead of him and his son.”

“Oh. Is the loan official now?” Violet asks. “I didn’t know you got your second payment from Swipe Rite.”

“Not yet, but soon. I just have one more date to go.”

Beside me, Hayden turns in her seat, finally realizing who I’m talking to. “Violet!” she gushes, draping her body over mine to squeeze Violet’s hand. “I’msoglad you came!”

“I’m glad our salads are finally coming,” I say.

The bride really needs some food.

“Were you two talking about Swipe Rite?” Hayden’s grin is bright but sloppy. “Wait. Don’t answer that. Iknowyou were because Iheardyou. So, Violet. Which guy doyouthink Nori should choose?”

“Sorry.” Violet offers Hayden an amused smile. “I’m not on social media, so I haven’t been tracking her dates.”

“Well, that’s okay.” Hayden bounces her eyebrows, glancing at me. “Because therealaction has been happeningoffthe app these days, right, Nori? Totally off-the-wall stuff.”

“Why don’t you have a bite of that Caesar in front of you?” I suggest. “Or at least a crouton or two.”

“Did Nori tell you about the mirror thing?” Hayden squawks, swinging her gaze back up to Violet.

Violet darts a glance at me, her brow pinching. “What mirror thing?”

“Actually, it’s not justonemirror,” Hayden hoots. “It’s allll the mirrors.” She braces herself against the table. “For, like, weeks now, Nori’s been seeing visions of Cash with her in all the mirrors in the building.”

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