Chapter 7: Almost Believable

THEO

Nadia was being adorable, and her buzzed state was as innocent as her sober state. She was giggly and carefree but not reckless.

I decided to hold her hand so she wouldn’t wander or get sidetracked, but I liked holding her hand, so I didn’t let go until we made it back to the Inn.

“We have a few hours before dinner. I’m going to use this time to do some writing, but I think you should use this time to relax and get rid of your buzz,” I said.

“Are you trying to treat me like a child?” she asked.

“No, I just figured you would want to make sure the wine doesn’t make you sick since you’re not a drinker,” I replied.

“Oh. Sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

Nadia lay on the bed with her phone and started scrolling while I took a seat on the couch and pulled my laptop onto my lap. I opened up a blank Word document and started writing.

Lover’s Orchard was a quaint local Inn nestled on the coast of Oregon. The owner, Mabel, took pride in her Inn and made sure that every person felt like she took the time to get to know them and their interests.

The town around Lover’s Orchard was a small town with lots of local and romantic attractions, especially if you and your significant other liked wine. I recommended the wine tasting with a cheese platter at the local Hills Winery.

It would bring romantic feelings out of anyone and provide a private moment for you and your loved ones.

I was going to ask Nadia a question about the winery, but when I turned around and looked at the bed, she was asleep. Apparently, she was a sleepy, happy drunk.

I couldn’t help but smile at her sprawled out on the bed. She looked so carefree.

I let Nadia sleep for the next hour before I woke her up for our next activity.

“Did you sleep well?” I asked.

“I did. I needed the nap, apparently.”

“Are you ready for our cooking class?” I asked.

“I’m mostly ready to eat it.”

“Me too.”

***

Our cooking class was held in a small home economics classroom at the local community center. It wasn’t as popular as I thought it would be, but I was right when I thought tourists would like it.

Every couple there was from out of town.

We spent the first five minutes doing introductions.

“So, for tonight, we are going to be cooking Cajun-style salmon. It’s a quick prep and it gives you plenty of time to eat and mingle. Make sure you have all your ingredients. One onion, one bell pepper, a clove of garlic, two salmon fillets, grape tomatoes, and chicken broth, along with the spices. Salt, pepper, onion powder, and Creole seasoning,” the instructor said.

At first, it was kind of awkward working alongside Nadia with other strangers, especially since our relationship wasn’t real.

“How long have you guys been married?” one of the ladies asked us.

I looked at Nadia before speaking. “Just a few days. This is our honeymoon,” I said.

“Oh, that’s just grand. Did you hear that, Howard, they just got married?”

“How did you guys meet?”

Shit. We didn’t discuss this.

“It’s a long story,” I stated.

“We have time.”

Thankfully, the instructor spoke up and told us it was time to put our fish on the skillet.

“I bet it’s romantic,” the lady continued.

Nadia chimed in. “It actually is. We ran into each other at a café and again at a restaurant, but it was the third time we ran into each other that he asked me out. His exact words were, ‘Fate keeps bringing us together, might as well give it what it wants.’”

“Aww, you guys were meant to be together; I just know it.”

I smiled at Nadia and went back to check on the fish.

I was lucky enough to avoid conversation until the end.

“You all did wonderfully. No one burned the salmon or lost a finger,” the instructor joked.

We took our plates and took a seat at a table, and I thought Nadia and I would be eating alone, but the couple that was asking questions sat with us.

“You two are really adorable, both quiet and good-looking,” the woman said.

“Thank you.” I was hoping my thank you would be the end of the conversation.

“I do find it interesting that you haven’t shown your wife affection. You’re newlyweds. When we married twenty years ago, Paul couldn’t keep his hands off me.”

“That’s my fault,” Nadia said. “I get embarrassed by PDA.”

“Honey, you shouldn’t. You need to lay claim on him.”

“Doris, leave them alone. You’re making them uncomfortable,” Paul said.

“Just show some affection, at least sit side by side.”

I got up, moved around the table, and sat next to Nadia. Just to bring it home, I kissed the side of her head before sitting down.

Her cheeks turned pink, and she glanced up at Doris and her husband.

“That’s better. Life is short—show people you love them before it’s too late,” Doris said.

“That’s good advice, and we appreciate you looking out for us,” Nadia said. She leaned over and kissed my cheek after thanking Doris, and now I was the one blushing.

I never blushed. How was it that a simple kiss on the cheek had me blushing and acting shy?

“Look at him blush. That’s so adorable,” Doris said.

I ignored Doris’s comment. “Are you ready to head back to the Inn?” I asked Nadia.

“I am, but do you mind if we make a quick stop? I saw a candy store on the way here, and I wanted to bring something home for Nathan. I don’t usually buy candy for him, so it would be a special treat.”

“The candy shop is a good idea. Places like that usually made them by hand in the shop. It would be nice to include it in our article,” I said.

“I appreciate it.”

“No worries.”

I was glad Nadia changed the subject. I didn’t get embarrassed easily, but for some reason the comments got to me.