Page 24 of Once Upon A Christmas Kiss
Fuck!
“Fuck Ella, I’m going to beat your ass,” Bria says, bopping to the music blaring from the big speakers, walking around the pool table. She leans down, resting her hand on the table, setting up for the shot.
I continue to look over at the bar at the man, forgetting about my cousin's sisterly teasing.
Is it Nicola?
Nah, I’m just crazy.
But fuck, it looks like him.
I look at the man; he’s talking to the Bartender. He moves his face, and I can see his profile.
Fuck!
It’s him!
I can’t fucking believe it!
What in the hell is Nicola doing in Sacramento on Christmas eve?
This is too much, too painful.
It’s been a year, for God's sake!
Is he looking for me?
No, I think that this is just a coincidence.
He’s turning to look over here!
Oh, my God!
I look away, and the spell is broken when I hear Bria.
“Oh yeah, I won,” Bria yells, jumping and bopping.
“Yes, now it’s my turn to kick your ass,” I say, sliding off the stool. I walk over to grab a pool stick, glancing at Nic.
I know it’s him.
I can feel him.
Let’s see if Nicola is looking for me or not.
Seven
Nicola
“Fuck, fucking hell,” I murmur, walking down the dark street in the old downtown Sacramento.
The night is cold since it’s December; it gets frigid. I need a drink, and that place looks to be open. That pub looks interesting, different. The large green flashing sign calls me.
Huh, the Storybook Pub? What an odd name for a pub.
The vintage neon sign above the front door beckons, the Storybook Pub flashes, promising to be a place to warm up and get some whiskey.
I walk into the pub, which looks like something from the past, and the jukebox is loud. Christmas music blares from the big speakers mounted at each corner of the room. The pub looks like a dive, but it’s quaint at the same time.
