Page 8 of A Table for Two
Natasha glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to get back. There are a couple of houses coming up for sale, so I need to do a walk-through, then schedule a photographer for the listing.”
“So do I. We’re back-to-back this afternoon.” There were four doctors in the practice, and when they all worked, it made for a hectic pace. They left money for the bill and a tip on the table and waved to Ms. Bernice and a few of the patrons they passed on the way out. Outside, she gave her friend a strong hug. “Thanks for keeping me on the straight and narrow. You’re absolutely right about Gabriel, and I’m going to apologize.”
“I’m glad. Since we did lunch today, how about we meet for ice cream on Friday during lunch?”
“I can always make time for homemade ice cream from Splendid Scoops.” Laughing, the two women went their separate ways.
The waiting room was already half-full when Serenity got back to the doctor’s office. She washed her hands, stashed her salad in the staff refrigerator, and pulled the first chart. Two hours later, she called back her final patient for the day. “How are you, Mrs. Satterfield?” she asked, closing the examination room door.
“Can’t complain. The Good Lord let me see another day, so I’m blessed.” She took a seat in one of the chairs.
Serenity took the woman’s vitals and input them into the digital file.
“How’s Andrea liking her new job?”
“She said she’s enjoying it so far.”
“That’s good. Della’s sure gonna miss that girl, but she’s glad to have her grandson here. Have you met him yet?”
“Yes.”
Mrs. Satterfield chuckled. “Della said every time he comes to visit, he’s gone before she can blink good.”
“Mrs. Satterfield, have you had any problems with your medication, or do you have any other concerns since your last visit?” Serenity had to cut the woman off; otherwise, she’d be there for the next hour, telling everybody’s business.
“Oh, no. Everything’s going fine. As much as I like my fried chicken, I’ve been baking it like Dr. Jacobs said.”
Serenity smiled and finished typing the information, then logged off. “Dr. Jacobs will be in shortly.”
“Thanks, baby.”
Serenity closed the door behind herself and laughed softly.
“Mrs. Satterfield spilling tea again?” Starr, her fellow nurse, asked.
“How did you guess?”
“It takes only two minutes to do vitals and get updated health information. You were in there for more than five minutes. Must be the arrival of Ms. Della’s grandson, like everyone else has been talking about today.”
Serenity whirled around and lifted a brow. “I didn’t realize he was such a hot topic.”
Starr shrugged. “From what I understand, he’s a fine chocolate specimen, and that definitely makes for news in this little town.” She winked and sashayed off down the hall.
The mention of Gabriel made her think about what she would do to apologize. Putting him out of her mind for now, Serenity finished her tasks and prepared to leave. By the time she got home, she decided she’d make some of her special brownies and take them over.
She changed clothes, cranked up the music, and headed to the kitchen. Twenty minutes later, the rich scent of chocolate filled the space. While the brownies baked, she sat at the table, ate the rest of her salad from lunch, and read a few pages from her favorite author’s latest mystery novel.
Serenity had just gotten into the story when the timer went off. She replaced her bookmark, took out the brownies, and placed them on a rack to cool. She inhaled.Perfect. It would take an hour or so before she could package them, so that gave her more time to read.
Once the brownies reached room temperature, she cut four generous portions and put them into a plastic container. “Just apologize, give him the peace offering, and leave. Simple.” Steeling herself, Serenity left to make the delivery. She found him on his knees in the yard with his back to her.
“Her name is Serenity, but I haven’t seen one thingsereneabout her,” he was saying, obviously talking to someone on the phone. “More like uptight and irritating. And I don’t even know what I—”
“Is that right?” She placed her hand on her hip and glared at him.
Gabriel spun around and came to his feet. “Serenity. Hey.”
“Uptight and irritating? Well, I don’t know why your mother named youGabrielbecause you’renoangel!” She was so angry, she threw the container at him.
