Page 63 of A Table for Two
“Andrea. How are you, baby?”
“I’m good. A little salty right now because I’m missing all that good food. And I know you made dessert, too.”
Nana’s tinkling laughter floated through the room. “Just my pound cake.”
Andrea groaned. “See. I knew it. Gabriel, don’t eat it all.”
“It’s not like you’re here to get it,” Gabriel said.
“True. But Nana can send me some of it.”
“I sure will, honey. I’ll make you another one on Sunday and mail it on Monday, so it doesn’t sit at the post office over the weekend.”
“Thanks, Nana. I love you!”
“You’re welcome.”
Gabriel shook his head, but he couldn’t blame her. He planned to have a large slice of that cake and, hopefully, take a couple of pieces home. He finished the last bit of food on his plate.
“Between yours and Serenity’s food, I feel like I’m missing out on everything. Have you two been going to the supper club dinners?”
He froze and met Nana’s widening smile.So much for shifting the conversation.
“I’ve only gone to a couple lately, but Gabriel’s gone to quite a few,” Nana answered. “As a matter of fact, they’re dating.”
“What?Oh my goodness! That’s great, Gabe. I’m so happy for you. She’s such a sweet person.”
“Yes, she is.” On that they agreed.
Nana sat back in her chair with a pleased expression on her face.
“But before you get all excited, it’s not that serious. We’re just hanging out.”
“Whatever you say, big brother. I’ll—”
“How’s the job going?” Gabriel asked, cutting her off.
Andrea laughed knowingly. “It’s going well. A lot of work some days, but nothing I can’t handle. I have some great managers, so it makes things a lot easier.”
“Good to hear.”
Nana leaned closer to the phone lying on the table. “When are you coming to visit?”
“Hopefully, within the next month or so. I’m thinking I’ll come for a weekend, now that everything has calmed down from the move. I kind of miss that small-town living.”
Gabriel could honestly admit the town had some merits—the homemade ice cream, the ability to see the stars without lots of buildings, and of course, meeting Serenity topped the list—but he hoped to be back in Atlanta by then. However, the thought of not seeing Serenity, not being able to kiss or touch her, not sitting with her to watch the sunset while enjoying their favorite foods, somehow brought on an entire set of emotions, and he refused to analyze the reasons. “Sounds like a plan,” he told his sister.
“Well, I’ll let you get back to dinner. I know Gabriel is anxiously awaiting that pound cake.”
“Yes, I am,” he said with a little laugh. “I’m going to take a piece home to go with my ice cream from Splendid Scoops, too.”
“It’s really time for me to hang up now. A double scoop of strawberry would besooogood right now.”
“Guess you’ll have to wait until you get here.”
“Yeah.”
Her dejected voice made Gabriel laugh even harder. “We’ll talk to you later. Love you, Sis.”
