Free Catering to Love by Carolyn Hughey Page B

Nell’s. It seemed like everyone in town was related to her. But for Gabi, that was a good thing. It gave her a host of people from whom she could seek assistance. “Are you ready to have my guys carry in the boxes?” he asked.
    “I am. Just one thing I should mention, though. All the rooms have guests in them, so please ask your men to be as quiet as church mice.”
    “Not to worry. We’re accustomed to working here when there are guests.”
    “Oh, good. Then I don’t have to worry.”
    “No, you don’t.” He turned and headed back down the stairs. “We’ll bring in your bed first,” he said, stopping on the bottom step. “I’m pretty sure you won’t have all your boxes unpacked today, and having your bed made so you can fall right into it when you’re tired will be a blessing.”
    “Excellent idea, Jimmy. I’m glad you thought of it.”
    “I’ve been doing this for a long time.”
    “It sounds like it.” She grinned. “Okay, I’ll leave this door open for you guys.”
    After tucking in the last corner of the sheet under her mattress, Gabi plopped down on the bed. “Ahh,” she exclaimed and patted the mattress. “Boy, how I’ve missed you.” She laughed, knowing she was in for a good night’s sleep when she finished for the day. Bouncing back up, she pushed a box close to the dresser and began to fill the drawers with her belongings when she heard a familiar voice call out her name. Rushing to the window, she saw Stephanie standing in the driveway. Gabi leaned out the window and gestured for Stephanie to come to the door. “I thought that voice sounded familiar,” she said, when she opened the door. The women hugged. “Good to see you.”
    “So what are you doing with hired movers?” she asked, her hands resting on her hips. “I told you my brothers would do this for you.”
    “I know you did, but I just thought it would make things easier. They were available and, as a matter of fact, they’re almost done. C’mon upstairs.”
    Stephanie walked inside and noticed the pile of boxes. “Want some help unpacking these?”
    “That’s okay. I have all day tomorrow to unpack. But thanks for offering.”
    “This is really nice,” she said, checking out the suite. “A lot more room than where you slept last night, huh?”
    “Yeah, I’ll say.” Gabi led her into the small kitchen. “How about a cold drink?”
    “Sure. Whatcha got?”
    Gabi rummaged around in the refrigerator. “Let’s see, juice, milk, soda, and wine.”
    “Too early for wine. How about a soda?”
    Gabi blew out an exhausted breath of air. “I haven’t stopped since I got up this morning, so having you here gives me a good excuse to take a break. Besides, I’ve really missed seeing you. It’s been very difficult trying to balance friends and working in a kitchen, and now as the owner, I have bigger responsibilities.”
    “I know. And I can appreciate that. Don’t worry. I know you like me.” Stephanie laughed. “I’ll just come over when I can and bug the heck out of you. How does that sound?”
    Gabi leaned in and gave her a tight hug. “That sounds wonderful. I’d like having you just show up. But listen, I might have a better idea, a way we can see each other on a regular basis.”
    “I’m listening.”
    “How about playing hostess at the restaurant on your nights off?”
    “I don’t always have the same nights off. They’re typically in the middle of the week. I could request they be Friday and Saturday, but I don’t know if they’ll give them to me. But I’ll ask.”
    “Please do. I could really use the help too.”
    “Okay, let me see what I can work out.” She looked around the suite. “This is bigger than I thought it would be.” She pointed to the fireplace. “You’ll love having thatfireplace during Pennsylvania’s cold spell.” She grinned. “You missed it this year, but you’ll feel it next time around.”
    “You mean it gets colder than it’s been?”
    “Oh yeah. The