Serenity had seen it, too. Felt it as if he were touching her. Each moment they spent together chipped away at the layers over her heart and challenged her resolve, and she had no idea how to make it stop. Or even if she wanted to at this point.

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Wednesday, Serenity rushed down the hallway to the next examination room. They’d been back-to-back with patients since the doors opened that morning, most of them children and teens needing physical exams and vaccinations for the upcoming school year. She heard the crying before she turned the knob.

“Good morning, Mrs. Martin. Hello, Danielle.” She smiled at the little girl cuddled into her mother’s side. The girl’s wary gaze met Serenity’s, and she burrowed deeper. It was going to be a long day. Serenity spent more than ten minutes administering the vaccines Danielle would need to enter kindergarten. It might have taken less time if she hadn’t had to calm the mother first.

When she finished, Serenity dated and marked the vaccination card and dropped the chart off. She made her way to the staff room and found Starr leaning back in a chair with her eyes closed. “Is everything okay, Starr?”

Starr rotated the chair in Serenity’s direction. “I’m worn out and it’s only noon. Did I miss the sign that said today was kinder vaccination day or something? Because I can’t believe how many of these kids have come in today. Shoot, I didn’t even know we had that many kids living in this little town.”

Serenity laughed and retrieved her purse from her locker. “I have to admit, I wondered the same thing a time or two this morning. I’m glad to be getting out of this office for a little while.”

“Lunch date?”

“I’m meeting Natasha and Dana at Ms. Ida’s.”

“I haven’t seen them in a few weeks. Tell them I said hello.” Like Natasha and Dana, Starr had grown up in Firefly Lake.

“I will. Do you want me to bring you something back?”

“No, thanks. My husband is coming to have lunch with me.”

“That’s so sweet. He’s still working at the hospital?” Serenity recalled Starr mentioning her husband being a respiratory therapist.

Starr smiled and nodded. “I have to admit he’s a great guy, and I couldn’t be happier.”

“I’m sure you’ll enjoy your lunch. See you in a while.” Starr threw up a wave, and Serenity left. During her short walk, she thought about her co-worker’s words. Hearing the love in Starr’s voice, Serenity felt a pang of envy. She’d told herself she’d be okay going at it alone, that she didn’t want a committed relationship or love, but now she wasn’t so sure.

“Hi, Serenity.” The hostess greeted her with a wide smile. “Table for one?”