She knew what she was going to do for dinner—a fajita bar with homemade guacamole, salsa, and tortilla chips. Going into the kitchen, she checked her ingredients and made a list on her phone’s note app. Another text popped up as she typed.

Terri: Ugh! Just started a shift, so can’t make it. All I know is it better not be those waffles!

Serenity chuckled and responded as she walked back to her bedroom: No waffles. Promise.

Terri: Whew! Gotta run. Have fun.

After putting on her shoes and grabbing her purse and keys, she retraced her steps to the kitchen and out to the garage. When she got to the grocery store, she went directly to the meat department. She usually sliced her own meat but opted to have the butcher do the chicken and steak to save time. While waiting, she picked up all the other things she needed, then circled back to get the meat. On her way to the checkout, she saw a couple of people she knew and threw up a wave. One of the women rushed down the aisle toward Serenity.

“I saw you and Ms. Della’s grandson at Ms. Ida’s last night,” she gushed. “How long have you two been dating?”

“We’re just neighbors and friends. I have to run. Have a good evening,” Serenity called over her shoulder as she hustled toward the cashier. Great. Just freaking great! This was exactly what she’d wanted to avoid. Thankfully, she made it out of the store before anyone else said anything.

As soon as she arrived home and started cooking, her tension started to melt away. Before long, the sweet and smoky smells of the chicken, steak, and shrimp filled the kitchen. Once they were done, she made the condiments and fried the chips. Serenity sampled the guacamole to see if it needed more salt or lime juice. “Mmm, perfect.” She had to push the bowl away to keep from eating it all. For dessert, she decided to chop strawberries to fill the chocolate cups she had left over from the last supper club. Automatically, an image of Gabriel’s expression when he ate one of the desserts floated through her mind, which opened the floodgates to everything else that had happened, from the dance to the fiery kisses.

Stop thinking about him! Cook for your girls. That. Is. All. The doorbell rang, interrupting her trip down fantasy lane. Thank goodness.

“We’re here!” Dana said, holding up a large tote bag.

Natasha hugged Serenity. “Hey, girl.”

“Come on in.” Serenity hugged Dana, and the trio walked back to the kitchen.

“Oh, my goodness, fajitas.” Natasha inhaled deeply. “Those margaritas are going to be perfect.”

A smile played around Serenity’s mouth. “That’s what made me think of it. Everything’s ready, so we can eat as soon as Dana makes the drinks.”

Dana unloaded the bag. “You have a choice of mango, pineapple, or strawberry.”