Gabriel crossed the living room and sat on the love seat. His phone buzzed, and he sighed when he saw a message from Darius: You okay, bro? We’re worried about you. He sent back a short reply and hoped it would be enough to appease him: Fine. Just focused on the program. He breathed a sigh of relief when no other message came through. Serenity returned a minute later, and he swiftly came to his feet. She’d changed into a sleeveless V-neck top, a pair of crop pants, and wedge-heeled sandals.

“I’m ready.”

“Have you seen Brianna?” he asked once they were on the road.

“I went by yesterday, and she is steadily improving and getting back to her old self. Her mom is having a time keeping her from jumping around so much.”

Gabriel laughed. “Yeah, I don’t know any six-year-olds who understand the definition of ‘slow down,’ ‘stop running,’ or ‘be still.’”

Serenity joined his laughter. “Exactly.”

He grasped her hand. “I’m really glad she’s doing well. I know how hard it was on you to see her hurt. I remember you saying you’ve known her from birth.”

“Yes. I’d only been here three weeks and was working in the ER at the hospital. I helped deliver her right in the back seat of her parents’ car. We didn’t even have time to get her in the door before Brianna came into the world.”

“No wonder you’re so close to her family.” It also explained why she always got invited to family gatherings and had been on the call list when Brianna was injured. Gabriel turned onto the street and found parking a few doors down from the restaurant.

“This is rare for a Friday night,” Serenity said. “But it’s past the dinner rush, so hopefully, it won’t be crowded. I’m starving.”

He got out of the car and came around to help her. “You haven’t eaten today? It’s almost eight o’clock.”

“Not since about noon, and I only had a boiled egg and half a banana.”

He shook his head.

“What? I had another long day, and then I got caught up reading this mystery thriller when I came home and forgot to eat.” She rolled her eyes playfully. “Don’t act like you don’t ever skip meals when you’re on that computer working on some video game or program.”

Gabriel didn’t say a word, especially since he’d skipped more meals this past week than he had the entire time he’d been in town. The balance he worked hard to achieve had been thrown out the window, and he’d reverted to his old ways.

“Mm-hmm, that’s what I thought,” she said with a chuckle.

He opened the door and gestured her forward first.

“Table for two?” the hostess asked.