“We were talking after the supper club dinner once everyone had gone. And as you so rudely pointed out, it’s not like we have a lot of options. But I did ask if we could go someplace with a little privacy. You know how people talk, and the last thing I want is for anyone to start thinking there’s more to our relationship than there is.” She told her about the two incidents with Adele. “The last time nearly killed me, and my self-confidence took a nosedive. I started to question not only my cooking skills but also my competency as a nurse. I can’t go through that again.” Just the thought made Serenity shudder.

“Good for Gabriel. Had it been me, I might’ve marched down to her house and told her to mind her own business. As far as what happened with he who shall remain nameless, you survived and are stronger because of it. But you can’t lock yourself away, Sis. You deserve to have the love of a good man, and deep down inside I know you still want it.”

Serenity opened her mouth to refute her sister’s statement, then closed it. Chandra was right. A small part of Serenity wanted what her sister, parents, and grandparents had, but a larger part of her was afraid to put her heart on the line again.

“It’s okay to be afraid,” Chandra said perceptively. “Love always carries a risk, but trust me when I tell you it’s the most beautiful thing with the right person. Whether that’s Gabriel or someone else, time will tell.”

“I hate it when you’re so wise.”

Chandra laughed. “Older, wiser…yep, that’s me.” She bumped Serenity’s shoulder playfully. “Now, back to this date tomorrow, I’m curious about where he’s going to find a spot with any level of privacy unless you leave town.”

“I have no idea, but he said we’d save the Napa trip for later.” The moment the words left her mouth, Serenity wanted to call them back.

“Hold up. Napa trip?”

She told Chandra all about the competition and how Gabriel had won by cheating.

“What’s he going to get as his prize? Because, technically, you both won.”

Why do I have such a nosy sister? “He already got his prize at the dinner.”

Chandra lifted a brow. “Which was?”

Serenity squirmed in her seat and gazed out onto the water. “A kiss,” she mumbled.

“Aw, sookie sookie. Gabriel came to win.”

Serenity snapped her head around. “Win what?”

Chandra hugged Serenity’s shoulders. “Your heart, dear sister.”

Her gaze went back to the water. “My heart is not part of the bargain.”

Chapter 11

Chapter 11