Page 72 of A Table for Two
Chandra leaned against the wall in the entryway and scrutinized her like an organism under a microscope. “Hmm. So that was Gabriel. The brother is one good-looking man. And with those hazel eyes and that beard hugging his face like a shadow giving him that sexy, dangerous kind of edge…yummy. I see why you’re having trouble remembering that agreement.”
“I’m not having—” The pointed look on Chandra’s face stopped the lie in its tracks.
She came into the living room, sat on the sofa, and patted the space next to her. “Talk to me, Serenity.”
Sighing, Serenity went over and sat. “He makes it hard not to fall for him.”
“Him helping clean the kitchen wins points in my book any day. Though I’m sure he probably just did that to make a good impression with us.”
“He does it every time we eat together.” Along with doing whatever is needed to assist with the meal, cutting her grass, checking on her when he knew she had long days. All the things she’d wanted when she’d been looking for that kind of special relationship.
Chandra’s eyebrows shot up. “Are you serious? Honey, he might just be a keeper. And don’t forget, he did your yard today.”
She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. “And last week and the week before that. Pretty much every week since he moved here.”
“So help me out, Sis. What’s the problem?”
“The problem is I don’t want to be the only one risking my heart. And what part of he’s not planning to stay here didn’t you understand?”If I can have these and the brownies for the rest of my life, I’m never leaving.Gabriel’s words came back to her. She knew he hadn’t been serious, but her traitorous heart leaped at the prospect anyway.
“If it helps any, I think he’s right there with you. And I think there’s more going on between you than either of you realize. I saw the way he looked at you.”
Serenity had seen it, too. Felt it as if he were touching her. Each moment they spent together chipped away at the layers over her heart and challenged her resolve, and she had no idea how to make it stop. Or even if she wanted to at this point.
Chapter 19
Wednesday, Serenity rushed down the hallway to the next examination room. They’d been back-to-back with patients since the doors opened that morning, most of them children and teens needing physical exams and vaccinations for the upcoming school year. She heard the crying before she turned the knob.
“Good morning, Mrs. Martin. Hello, Danielle.” She smiled at the little girl cuddled into her mother’s side. The girl’s wary gaze met Serenity’s, and she burrowed deeper. It was going to be a long day. Serenity spent more than ten minutes administering the vaccines Danielle would need to enter kindergarten. It might have taken less time if she hadn’t had to calm the mother first.
When she finished, Serenity dated and marked the vaccination card and dropped the chart off. She made her way to the staff room and found Starr leaning back in a chair with her eyes closed. “Is everything okay, Starr?”
Starr rotated the chair in Serenity’s direction. “I’m worn out and it’s only noon. Did I miss the sign that said today was kinder vaccination day or something? Because I can’t believe how many of these kids have come in today. Shoot, I didn’t even know we had that many kids living in this little town.”
Serenity laughed and retrieved her purse from her locker. “I have to admit, I wondered the same thing a time or two this morning. I’m glad to be getting out of this office for a little while.”
“Lunch date?”
“I’m meeting Natasha and Dana at Ms. Ida’s.”
“I haven’t seen them in a few weeks. Tell them I said hello.” Like Natasha and Dana, Starr had grown up in Firefly Lake.
“I will. Do you want me to bring you something back?”
“No, thanks. My husband is coming to have lunch with me.”
“That’s so sweet. He’s still working at the hospital?” Serenity recalled Starr mentioning her husband being a respiratory therapist.
Starr smiled and nodded. “I have to admit he’s a great guy, and I couldn’t be happier.”
“I’m sure you’ll enjoy your lunch. See you in a while.” Starr threw up a wave, and Serenity left. During her short walk, she thought about her co-worker’s words. Hearing the love in Starr’s voice, Serenity felt a pang of envy. She’d told herself she’d be okay going at it alone, that she didn’t want a committed relationship or love, but now she wasn’t so sure.
“Hi, Serenity.” The hostess greeted her with a wide smile. “Table for one?”
“Not today, Norene. I’m meeting Dana and Natasha.” She searched the restaurant and spotted them in the middle of the room. “I see them.” She navigated through the tables, and responded tohellos as she passed. Serenity slid into the empty chair at her friends’ table. “Hey. Have you been here long?”
“No,” Natasha said. “But I went ahead and ordered you a shrimp Caesar salad because I know you’re on a time limit.”
“Thanks. It’s been a madhouse.”
