Page 27 of A Perfect Pairing
“Is that the guy you were kissing in Ms. Ida’s?” Gabriel asked with a smile.
Natasha pointed her fork toward Gabriel. “Don’t start. I’m still mad about that foolishness.”
“What? Nana mentioned him and wanted to know if we’d met yet.”
“Mm-hmm. But to answer your question, it’s going okay. We’re trying to take it one day at a time. We’re still not ready to go public yet, though.” They’d been very careful to remain somewhat distant while in public, but she didn’t know how much longer she’d be able to keep up the facade. She’d experienced a few bouts of jealousy seeing other couples strolling hand in hand and wanted them to be able to do the same.
“Girl, you know I understand. Ms. Adele’s nosy behind was enough to keep me incognito forever,” Serenity said.
Terri laughed. “I am so glad I was already married when I moved here. Even after being here for three years, I still have a hard time getting used to the way people are all in other folks’ business. In LA, you could go days without someone even speaking to you, much less taking time to be knee-deep in your private life.”
“Well, I for one can’t wait,” Dana said. “These crazy women are going to lose their minds knowing Antonio chose you, not once but twice.”
Natasha smiled. It would be interesting to see how everything played out.
“I’m surprised you didn’t invite him,” Gabriel said around a bite of food.
“He’s working today. With all the rain, they’ve gotten behind.”
“You should take him and his crew some food. There’s plenty. How many are working with him?”
Serenity’s offer mirrored Natasha’s earlier thoughts of stopping by Ms. Ida’s to pick up something and dropping it off before heading home. “I think he told me three, but I can text and ask.”
“Working with tools, they can’t have mimosas, but I can do a little mocktail using lemon-lime soda, instead,” Dana offered.
This was why Natasha loved her friends. “That’s a great idea. Y’all are so sweet. I’ll take it over after I finish eating.”
Serenity never did anything by half and decided to do individual brunch boxes that included generous portions of everything.
“Oh, wait, I forgot to text him.” She dug out her phone and sent the message.
A moment later, he responded:Hey, baby. It’s only me, Todd, and Gerald. Why?
Natasha:Just wondering. How long are you guys working today?
Antonio:I can leave right now if it means spending time with you, but we’d planned to knock off around 4.
She smiled and wished he could leave now. It had been so long since she’d dated someone, she’d almost forgotten how it felt to be in a relationship.
“Stop all that smiling,” Dana said, sidling up to Natasha and bumping her shoulder playfully. “You used to do the same thing back in the day, only then you two were sending those sappy notes.”
Natasha laughed. “Oh, hush. Serenity, it’s only three of them.”
She helped put the boxes together, and Gabriel loaded everything into her car.
Serenity hugged Natasha. “Let me know how it goes.”
“I’ll call you later. Thanks again.”
“You helped me get my forever love, and I want you to have the same.”
Natasha had encouraged Serenity to take a chance on Gabriel and had even plotted with Gabriel for the marriage proposal. She got into her car and drove off. Still thinking about Serenity’s last statement, she didn’t realize Gabriel was behind her for a moment. Initially she thought he might have been taking some food to Ms. Della, but he matched her turn for turn until she pulled into the Wards’ driveway.
“What are you doing here, Gabriel?”
“You need help carrying that heavy box.”
She shook her head. “I could’ve had Antonio or one of the other guys help me.”
