Page 50 of A Table for Two
“I’ve given it all the thought I plan to, and my answer is still the same. So you can stop bringing it up. You still coming back on Sunday?” she asked, changing the subject.
“That’s the plan.”
“Okay, well, I won’t hold you. My show is about to come on.”
He didn’t bother to ask which one of the many television dramas it was this time. “I’ll see you when I get back.”
“Love you, baby.”
“Love you, too.” He ended the call and placed the cell on the nightstand. Gabriel scrubbed a hand down his face. This was not going the way he’d anticipated. He’d naively believed it wouldn’t take much persuasion to get Nana on board with his plan. The finality in her voice made him speculate on whether he’d ever be able to change her mind, and when he returned to Atlanta permanently, if he’d be going alone. Would he have to extend his time in Firefly Lake? Could he change his plans and relocate? Gabriel didn’t have a clue as to what he should do.
***
Wednesday evening, Serenity stood at the counter dipping strawberries and talking to Natasha. It took longer than necessary because her friend kept snagging the berries. “Natasha Baldwin, if you eat one more of these strawberries, you can forget about taking those boozy ones for your clients.”
Natasha froze with a berry halfway to her mouth. “Okay, okay. Last one. I’ve only eaten four regular ones and one champagne-infused strawberry. That’s not a lot.”
She skewered Natasha with a look. “Mm-hmm, keep talking and eating my berries. I’m supposed to be delivering two dozen to the Women’s Society for their luncheon tomorrow.” The women’s group did lots of philanthropic work in the town and had been around almost since its founding. “I could’ve been finished by now ifsomebodywasn’t sitting over there messing with my process.”
“It’s your fault. If they didn’t taste so good, I wouldn’t be stuffing my face.” She popped the last piece in her mouth and groaned. “So, so good. I know my clients are going to love them.”
She’d been only too happy to help when Natasha mentioned wanting to give the dipped berries as a gift to her clients when they closed on a property. Of course, for Serenity, presentation was everything, and she’d purchased silver boxes with a clear top that could hold four of the sweet treats and added a matching silver ribbon.
Natasha picked up one of the boxes. “I think this is going to be my signature from now on. I just received the custom gift tags withthank youwritten on one side and a replica of my business card on the other.” She reached into a tote sitting on the empty stool beside her and retrieved a small box. “Aren’t they gorgeous?” she asked, handing one of the cards to Serenity.
Serenity smiled. “Oh my goodness, yes.” She ran her hand over the thick, matte velvet black card and flipped it one way, then another. “I love how they feel. You went for the top-of-the-line, girlfriend. The other three real estate agents are going to be so jealous.”
“Hey, I’m trying to make a good impression with my clients. I’ve been thinking more and more about stepping out on my own, and I’m going to need every referral I can get. I’m also considering doing a little interior decorating on the side and finally putting that degree to good use. Being my own boss will allow me time to do both.”
“I’m so glad you’re finally deciding to follow your dream.”
In college, Natasha had spent hours with her head buried in one design catalog after another and talked about moving to Los Angeles to become a designer to the stars. Serenity had been more than a little shocked when her friend decided less than a year after graduation to return to her hometown. Natasha had never shared the full details but mentioned a painful breakup and needing to get away as her reasons. She definitely understood.
“If you need help with anything, let me know.”
“Oh, girl, you know I will.” Natasha reached for a champagne-infused strawberry that had yet to be dipped and popped it into her mouth. “I know I said I wasn’t going to eat another one, but it was sitting there on the plate looking so lonely. When word gets out about how good these are, people all over town are going to be lined up at your door. With the way you cook and bake, maybe you’re the one who should be considering a career change.” She held up a hand. “Wait. Strike that. If you start cooking for everybody else, that’ll mess up our supper club, and Ican’thave that.”
She laughed. “Agreed. I love our get-togethers, and I’m not letting anything interfere with that.”
“Whew. So…have you talked to Gabriel lately?” Natasha asked, changing the subject abruptly.
“Not since Sunday when he called to let me know he’d made it to Atlanta.”
Natasha’s eyes widened. “It’s been three days. I thought for sure he would’ve at least called.”
Serenity shrugged. “Nope.” Even though they’d agreed to keep the relationship light, she found herself missing their talks and quaint dinners, and had been tempted to call more than once. However, she didn’t want him to think things were more serious or that she was chasing after him.
“What are you going to do when he leaves permanently? The two of you have grown pretty close.”
She shrugged. “Nothing to do. What we have ends when he leaves. It’s what we both want—no commitments, no ties.” Gabriel leaving had been on her mind a lot lately, and she didn’t want to examine why the thought bothered her. “You’re into my business, but what about you? When are you going to find your Prince Charming?” Serenity dipped another strawberry into the melted milk chocolate, then set it on the tray with the others.
A wistful smile curved Natasha’s lips. “I found him once but let him go.” Natasha had confided in Serenity about the breakup with her high school sweetheart.
“Who knows, you just might find another one.” Serenity walked over to the refrigerator and removed the tray holding the already finished fruit and set it in front of Natasha. “Since these are yours, you can fill the boxes.” She’d covered half in milk chocolate with white chocolate drizzled in thin ribbons over the top, then did the opposite to the other half. She gestured to the shredded black paper that would fill the bottom of the box and several paper liner cups similar to those that surround Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Natasha hopped down from her stool. “Okay. Let me wash my hands first.”
They were laughing and boxing up the berries when Serenity’s doorbell rang. She glanced over at the stove clock. “Who’s ringing my bell this late?” It was nearly ten o’clock.
