Page 25 of A Table for Two
Giving him a soft smile, she said, “You need to live yours, too, baby.”
“I am.” He paused to look at her. “Speaking of that, what do you think about moving to Atlanta with me?”
“My life is here, Gabriel. My friends, my church family, everything. I know you and your sister think you need to watch over me, but I’m fine. When the Good Lord decides it’s time for me to see Him, it’ll be time, and I’m going to be buried here right next to your grandfather. I understand that you want to go back to Atlanta—it’s your home—and you’re free to do that. I just want you and your sister to come and visit every now and again.”
Gabriel bowed his head and listened to her words, torn between going back to the life he had and his obligation to his family. Andrea was enjoying her job, and he couldn’t ask her to give up her newfound freedom. She’d earned it. Then there was Serenity. Did he really want to leave without getting to know her?
***
Almost a week later, Serenity still couldn’t get the near kiss out of her mind. More than once, she fantasized about what might’ve happened if Ms. Della hadn’t been there.No, I know exactly what would have happened. A kiss would have happened.
“Earth to Serenity.” Terri snapped her fingers in front of Serenity’s face.
She jumped. “Huh?”
Terri frowned. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” she said, waving her off. “Just thinking about something. It’s nothing. What did you say?” Natasha and Dana also wore concerned expressions.
“I asked if you were baking again for the Fourth.”
“Yes, but I haven’t decided what to make yet.” Serenity liked to change her offerings, instead of making the same thing year after year.
Dana tapped on the table. “I know what you should make—more of those boozed-up berries.”
“I second that,” Natasha said. “Your grandmother’s pound cake is a good option, too. But after you give people a taste of that, they’re going to be hounding you day in and day out for more.”
Serenity shook her head. “In that case, I might skip it. I don’t have time to do baking full-time.”
“Nois a complete answer,” Dana said emphatically. “I say make the cake and don’t worry about the requests. There are always so many cakes, people probably won’t even know who baked what.”
“True.” So far she’d done apple pies and peach cobblers. “What about three different desserts—berries, pound cake, and brownies?” Immediately, her thoughts went back to the look of pure pleasure on Gabriel’s face as he ate the brownies. The soft kiss on her hand and the resulting sensations.
“Ooh, yes. I think that’s perfect. For the first time, I have that day off, and I’ll be buying some of each,” Terri said.
“Is Jonathan coming with you?”
Her smile faltered. “I don’t know. Lately he’s been working more hours, and we haven’t done anything fun in the past month.” She tilted the wineglass to her lips and drained the contents.
Serenity grasped her hand. “I’m so sorry. Hopefully, it’s just temporary.”
“I hope so. I didn’t mean to drag the party down.”
“Girl, please,” Natasha said. “We’re all having men problems. At least you’ve found your Prince Charming and didn’t let him get away. Everything will work out.”
Dana lifted her glass and touched the side of Natasha’s. “At least you don’t have to worry about brothers being mad because I can fix a car better than they can and accuse you of not beingladylike.” She rolled her eyes.
Serenity shook her head. Dana was probably the most refined in the group. A classically trained pianist, she’d played in concerts all over the country while in college and for a while after. Although she no longer played professionally, she still offered private lessons. “I say forget all those losers. You’ll find the one who’ll appreciate the diamond you are.”
“See, that’s why I come over here. I can get the best cooking in town and the encouragement I need.” Dana gave Serenity’s hand a gentle squeeze. “You’re the jewel. I say we toast Natasha for convincing Serenity to relocate here.”
They touched glasses and broke out in a fit of laughter. The mood lifted, and the women continued to converse, interspersed with moments of singing and dancing. Usually, her friends stayed around to help clean up after their dinners, but tonight, for one reason or another, they all had to leave a little early. Serenity hugged each woman at the door and, with promises to talk early the next week, they said good night.
She went back outside to make sure they’d brought in all the dishes. Seeing none, she doused the candles and locked the sliding glass door. In the middle of putting away the leftover food, her cell chimed with a text. She wiped her hands and read the message from Gabriel:Are you up for company? Just for a little while?Her heart rate sped up. She did a full minute of “should I or should I not?” before replying:Come on over.She nervously ran a hand over her loose braids and checked her top to make sure she hadn’t spilled anything on it. Two minutes later, the doorbell rang.
Taking a deep breath, she let Gabriel in. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
