Page 12 of A Table for Two
“Yum. And bacon really does make everything much better,” Natasha said with a laugh.
Her comment brought to mind Gabriel saying the same thing. Automatically, Serenity’s mind went back to what had happened on Wednesday, when he’d accused her of being uptight and irritating. She felt really bad about hitting him with the container, though, especially since she’d never been one to resort to violence for any reason. But how was she going to get through dinner pretending she wasn’t still bothered by what she had overheard? And did he really see her that way? She told herself she didn’t care, but deep down she knew she was lying. Shaking off thoughts of her neighbor, she said, “The potatoes are already in the oven, and I’ll put the rolls in once everybody arrives. What do you think about neutrals for the table setting today?”
Natasha angled her head thoughtfully. “I like it. I brought greenery and a couple of glass candleholders to use with ivory floating candles. Your dark-tan table runner and ivory china with the gold rim would work perfectly—simple and elegant.” She pushed off the counter where she had been leaning and walked toward the cabinet where Serenity kept her table linens.
Serenity went about preparing the rest of the meal and dipping the berries. She made sure to keep them separate just in case someone had a preference for a specific alcohol.
Dana and Terri arrived a short while later, and the kitchen became filled with conversation, laughter, and stories from the week.
“I had a patient ask me out on a date,” Terri started. “When I told him I was married, he said ‘What your husband doesn’t know won’t hurt him. I won’t tell if you don’t.’ I was too done.”
They all laughed.
Dana shook her head. “At least you didn’t have some nut get upset because awomanhad worked on his car and then had the nerve to demand that amanrecheck it to make sure it was done right.” She sipped her wine.
“I would’ve loved to see his face when your dad told him you were the one in charge,” Serenity said, doubled over in laughter.
“Girl, it was priceless, especially when he turned over the engine and it purred like it had just come off the factory line.” She toasted them with her glass, and they howled.
In the midst of the next story, the doorbell rang.
“That must be your fine next-door neighbor,” Terri said. “If I had known he was coming, I would’ve tried to convince Jon to come.” Terri’s husband worked as an attorney and always declined the dinner invitation, citing not wanting to be the only man.
Serenity hopped down from the stool. “If Gabriel comes again, I’ll be sure to let you know.” Although he probably didn’t want to be around a lot of women, either, she thought as she made her way to the front to let him in. That was fine by her. The less she saw of him, the better. By the time she got there, a slight flutter of butterflies danced in her belly. Pasting a smile on her face and hoping it looked genuine, she opened the door. “Hey, Gabriel. Come on in.” She had to give it to him—the man did look good in jeans and a pullover black silk tee.And he smells good, too.The light scent of citrus and wood wafted into her nostrils as he entered.
“Hey.” Gabriel handed her a bouquet of flowers. “These are for you.”
“Thank you. They’re gorgeous. Where’s your grandmother?”
“She and some ladies went to Napa to take one of those wine train tours.”
Serenity smiled. “I need to have her social calendar. We’re all in the kitchen.”
He placed a staying hand on her arm when she turned. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
She looked up at his serious features. “Sure.”
He hesitated a moment before speaking. “I want to apologize for my comments. They were way out of line. Also, I truly didn’t mean anything by what I said in the store. I was only joking and making conversation.”
Serenity sighed inwardly. His sincerity touched her in a way she hadn’t expected. “Apology accepted. And I’m sorry, too…for the incident in the store and for the corn remark at dinner. Oh, and for…you know…throwing the container…” She cleared her throat. That had definitely not been her best moment.
A slow smile made its way across his lips. “No harm done. And since I got to eat every last brownie—which were amazing, by the way—let’s just forget about it and start again. I’d really like to get to know you.” He stuck out his hand. “Friends?”
She grasped his hand and smiled. “Yeah. Friends.” Just like the first time they’d met, he didn’t let go of her hand. And the way he was staring at her made her pulse skip.Ooo-kay. What is that?She smoothly pulled her hand back. “Um…dinner is almost…I just have to cook the meat and stick the rolls in the oven.” Finally, she tore her gaze away from his.
“Lead the way,” he murmured.
In the kitchen, Gabriel greeted her friends, then poured himself a glass of wine. Even as he contributed to the conversation, Serenity could feel his gaze on her when she placed the pan of rolls into the oven.
A couple of minutes later, he wandered over while she heated the olive oil in a skillet and picked up the bottle. “Hmm…buttery and sweet. Does this mean it’s butter flavored?”
“No. The flavor comes from the type of olive. They do have some flavored oils that I love. The lemon and lime are my favorites for seafood and vinaigrettes. The difference with this brand is that the fruit is pressed with the olives instead of being infused later, and it’s delicious.” She placed the lamb in the hot oil and cooked it for a few minutes on each side before placing it on a serving platter.
“This smells great. I can help you take the food out.” Gabriel set his wineglass on the island.
“That would be great. Thanks. You can wash your hands in the bathroom right down the hall.” He walked out, and all three of her friends gave her a thumbs-up as they smothered giggles. She ignored them, took the rolls out, and dumped them into the bread bowl. By the time she finished filling all the serving dishes, Gabriel had returned.
He picked up the platters holding the meat and the potatoes and took them outside.
