Page 5 of Dear Southern Belle
She gives me a curious look that doesn’t look like I’ve convinced her that I didn’t just declare my love for her out loud.
“Do you have a name, or should I just call you Hank Morgan?” she asks, referring to the main character in the Twain novel.
I chuckle. “Braden Holt.”
“Magnolia Nolan.”
“Your order is ready.” The woman behind the counter announces as she pushes out the swinging door that leads to the kitchen.
I stand and pull out my wallet. “What do I owe you?”
“It’s already paid for.”
“Okay, thanks.” I drop a five-dollar bill on the counter to cover the tea and take the bag from her.
I glance over at Magnolia and find her blue eyes studying me. I’d love to stay and keep talking to her, but I really need to get back to the house and find out if I’m going to be staying there or if I need to find a room for the night.
“It was nice meeting you,” I tell her.
She nods. “Welcome to Oak View.”
I don’t say anything else before walking away, but I’m already thinking about the next time I will get to see her. I know that she will be performing at the Peach Festival. I just have to hope that my grandfather won’t have run me out of town by then.
