Page 76 of A Table for Two
She sighed in pleasure. “I so needed this.”
“So did I,” Terri said. “The ER has been crazy these past three weeks. A couple of nurses called out, and I had to put in far more hours than I wanted.”
“That’s exactly why I’m glad to be out of the hospital.”
“If it keeps going this way, I may look into something similar. Between my erratic shifts and Jon working on this big case at the law firm, I doubt we’ve seen each other more than three hours thisweek.”
“That’s not good,” Dana said. “How long have you guys been married?”
“Four years.”
Natasha leaned forward. “You two are still newlyweds.”
“Close. I just hope our schedules level out. I miss spending time with my husband.”
“Terri, I’ll keep an eye out in the office and let you know if something opens up.”
“Thanks, Serenity.”
The conversation turned to the changing season and them taking a trip up to Apple Hill. The area had several orchards—some where you could pick your own apples—and wineries. Serenity said, “I can’t wait. Those apples are so good, and I’m looking forward to making pies and apple bread and stocking up on my cider.”
“Oh, that apple bread is so good,” Dana said. “Last year, I ate that entire loaf in less than a week, and I think I gained five pounds.”
Natasha waved a hand. “Same, girl. Oh, I almost forgot—Terri, the next supper club is going to be brunch for dinner. Serenity’s making waffles.”
Terri whipped her head in Serenity’s direction. “From scratch?”
“Of course.”
“If I’m on the schedule for next weekend, I might have to be the one calling out.” They all laughed, and she said, “Y’all think I’m playing. I love waffles, and I’m not missing out on those.”
“You do know we’ll plan it around your schedule,” Serenity said.
“Mm-hmm, and my schedule says I need those waffles sooner rather than later.”
Serenity shook her head. “Well, since it won’t be today, are we going to get a late lunch somewhere around here or wait until we get home?”
“Since it’s already close to two, I vote for eating here,” Dana said.
“Ditto,” Terri said.
Serenity looked at Natasha.
“You already know my vote. I’m not in a hurry to go back.”
“Napa it is.” They finished their treatments, dressed, and sat in the locker room to Google nearby restaurants.
“I’ve been eating good all week, and I really want a juicy hamburger,” Natasha said.
Serenity scrolled to one of the listed spots. “This place serves burgers. They also have salads and sandwiches.”
“Sold.”
They drove the short distance to the restaurant and were seated almost immediately. While Natasha and Terri got their burgers, Serenity and Dana opted for the crispy teriyaki chicken sandwich.
“Are you and Gabriel hanging out tonight?” Dana asked Serenity.
“We’re probably just going to have a movie night at home.” She enjoyed those times with just the two of them snuggled close and stuffing their faces with popcorn. She’d never been able to do that with her ex because he saw it as a waste of time. He’d preferred being surrounded by people. Even when they did dine out, somehow he always saw someone he knew and had occasionally invited the person to join them, not caring about the fact that it was supposed to be a date. Gabriel was so different, and in a good way. She had finally been able to experience all the things she’d seen her parents and Chandra and Mark do.
