Page 30 of A Table for Two
They seemed to be talking about everything except the kiss. He wanted to bring it up, find out how she felt about it, but decided it should be something done face-to-face, so he’d table it for now. “I’ll let you get back to yourme time, and don’t forget to send me the information.”
“I won’t. You guys be careful, and have a good time.”
“We will. Good night.”
“Sweet dreams.”
Smiling, Gabriel went inside.
The next morning, Gabriel, Brent, and Darius strolled around Crystalwood Lake. It was located about fifteen miles outside of town in an undeveloped area, and though they saw a handful of boats in the lake, they didn’t see one other person. At a far end, they spotted a partially hidden archway and went to explore.
“Talk about being out in the boonies,” Darius cracked. A minute later, they passed through another archway. A small, almost invisible sign readBROOKSHAW COVE.“I take it back. Wow.”
Gabriel just stared. They had entered a small inlet with crystal-clear blue-green water and a path of golden sand. A smile curved his lips. He’d just found the perfect date spot.
***
A few days later, Serenity dropped her desserts off at the donation table and went to meet her friends. They had decided to come early to the Fourth of July celebration to make sure they were able to purchase their choice of desserts. For the past two years, they didn’t arrive until almost time for the fireworks, and by that time just about everything was gone. She spotted her friends on a blanket under a large shade tree and headed in that direction.
“Hi, Serenity. Did you make another peach cobbler this year?” a woman asked as Serenity passed.
“Not this year, but I did a couple of cakes.”
“Aw, I was waiting all year to get a piece of that cobbler. That’s the only reason I’m out here in this heat this early,” she added with a laugh.
“Maybe next year.” She waved and continued to her destination. Only she got stopped four more times by people asking her what she’d made and wanting her to give them advice about one ailment or another.
“For a minute I thought I was going to have to come and rescue you,” Natasha said when Serenity finally made it. “That’s what happens when everybody loves you.”
“Or something. I don’t know why people always ask me about diagnosing some issue. I keep reminding them I’m not a doctor.”
“Maybe not, but your bedside manner is way better than any of those doctors you work with,” Dana said.
“Whatever. Where’s Terri?”
Natasha gestured. “With Jon.”
“I’m so glad he came. They look like they’re having a good time.” She had been worried about her friend’s marriage and hoped this meant they were back on track.
Dana stood. “Now that you’re here, you can save our spot while we load up on your desserts. What kind of container did you use? I don’t want to end up with one of those dry cakes somebody else made. Did you make the strawberries, too?”
Serenity shoved her playfully. “Quit talking about folks’ cakes. And yes.” Thanks to Gabriel, she had enough chocolate to last for a while. She described her containers and told them where she had placed them.
“You want me to bring you something back?”
“No. I left a couple of pieces at home for later.”
“Okay. We’ll be back.”
Serenity made herself comfortable and surveyed the large crowd. People stood around talking and children ran and played. On the far edge of the park, several grills were being manned and held everything from ribs and chicken to corn and vegetable kabobs. She waved at a few people, then stifled a groan when she saw Cole Richards heading her way. She’d made the mistake of going out with him once two years ago, and every couple of months he came up with a new reason they would make the perfect couple. He reminded her too much of Lloyd, so nothing he said would move her or change her position.
“Well, if it isn’t the most beautiful woman in town.” Whereas everyone else had worn shorts, tees, and tennis shoes or sandals, Cole had on dress slacks, a polo, and expensive loafers.
As hard as she tried, she couldn’t stop the eye roll.
“I can’t let you sit here all alone,” he continued as if she’d invited him to stay.
“She’s not alone,” Dana said, eyeing him, hand on her hip. “You mind?”
