Page 65 of A Table for Two
“Thanks.” She’d chosen a pair of black slacks and paired it with an off-the-shoulder fitted black and white top. “You don’t look so bad yourself.” He was dressed similarly in black slacks but wore a pale-blue button-down silk shirt and expensive loafers.
“Just trying to keep up with you.” Gabriel winked and helped her into the car. After he started the engine and drove off, he asked, “Did you enjoy your cake?”
“You’d better believe it. I called your grandmother to thank her.” She decided not to tell him about Ms. Della’s trying to play matchmaker. She seemed to be more than excited about their dating, and Serenity had quickly ended the call without answering any of the woman’s questions related to the seriousness of the relationship.
“By the way, I talked to Andrea the other night and she said to tell you hello.”
“How is she doing? We spoke a few weeks ago and she was still getting acclimated.”
“She said things have calmed down, and she mentioned maybe visiting for a weekend sometime next month.”
“It’ll be good to see her. I have to make sure everybody’s available for dinner.” She wanted to ask if he still planned to be here by then but changed her mind. Today she only wanted to enjoy some good music and food and the company of a really nice guy.
Gabriel merged onto the freeway. “I checked the traffic and it said we should make it to Oakland in about two hours.”
“That’s not bad, considering it’s a Saturday. But I’ve known it to change in a heartbeat, so I’m going to make myself comfortable and enjoy the ride.” They shared a smile, and he refocused on the road. Soft music flowed through the speakers, and Serenity leaned her head back and closed her eyes.
They’d been on the road for twenty minutes before he said, “I’ve been meaning to ask you this for weeks, but I keep forgetting. What made you decide on a career in nursing?”
She rolled her head in his direction. “I’ve always loved helping people, and nursing is one of the most respected professions around. And because it’s always changing and evolving, I don’t have to be stuck in one area. There’s something rewarding about knowing my voice, my touch, and my care and time can help my patients make it through the tough moments in their lives. It’s those little things, you know?”
“Yeah, I do. I noticed how caring you were at the Fourth of July festivities whenever someone stopped to ask about some ache or pain. You were amazing.”
Her heart did a little flip. “Thanks. Like you, I’ve found my passion.” From the time she entered high school, Serenity knew she wanted to become a nurse. She’d studied hard, earned her bachelor’s degree, then went back for her master’s. Initially, she had thought about working in the field for a few years, then moving into academia. However, more than a decade later, she still loved working with her patients, even more so after moving from the ER to family practice, and had no immediate plans to change her career path.
Gabriel reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “And everyone is the better for it.”
Serenity didn’t know what to say. His sincerity touched her, and she felt the cracks in the wall surrounding her heart widening. They rode in silence for a while, then Gabriel’s phone rang and she saw his friend’s name pop up on the display.
He connected the Bluetooth. “What’s up, D?”
“Nothing much. You busy?”
“I’m on my way to Oakland. Jill Scott is in concert tonight.”
“Sounds interesting. I’m betting you’re not taking this little trip alone.”
“That would be a safe bet.”
“And by these cryptic responses, I guess Serenity is sitting next to you.”
Serenity bit her lip to keep from laughing at Gabriel’s expression, which was a mixture of annoyance and exasperation.At least I’m not the only one with nosy friends.
“That would be a good guess.” Gabriel slanted her a sidelong glance.
“Hey, Serenity. How’s it going?”
“I’m doing fine, Darius.”
“I have no doubts about that,” Darius said with a chuckle. “You kids have fun, and I’ll talk to you later, Gabe.”
“Later.” Gabriel disconnected, and the music started up again. “Sorry about that.”
“No need to be sorry. He reminds me of my friends. They’re the same way.”
“Nosy and always in your business.”
“Exactly.” They both laughed. For the remainder of the drive, they swapped stories about their friends’ antics.
