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“No. He was still in prison then. Now, a teaspoon of oregano and a little pepper.”
“Then?”
“He’s just been paroled.” I didn’t have the stomach to say more.
“That sucks.” She ignored the spice jar and took me into a long, tight hug. “I’m so sorry.”
I shuddered into her. “I was really scared,” I admitted before pulling free and straightening. “But I survived, and now I have the best team around me. Oregano?”
She measured and added it. “You better have more thanhim.” She nodded toward the other room, derision in her tone.
I broke a clove off the garlic and handed it to her. “What happened with Terry?”
She shook her head. “Another time.”
Terry poked his head in. “What are we having?”
“Something appropriate for you,” Grace snapped. “Dog food.”
“Be nice,” I whispered.
“Stuffed chicken breast,” she said with sugary sweetness. “I hope you like it.”
Duke walked in with two grocery bags and stopped. “Hi, Grace.”
“Hi.”
He quietly unloaded his haul and put things away while we discussed the next steps.
“You like him,” Grace teased after Duke left.
I nodded. “Duh. He’s my boyfriend.”
“I can tell it’s more than a little.”
“Where are the toothpicks?”
As we finished the prep, she brought out a surprise. “My asshole landlord is having the building tented for termites so he can sell it. Can I stay with you for a few days when that happens?”
For my best friend, there was only one possible answer. “Of course. When?”
“He hasn’t told me yet, but soon.”
“This is delicious,”Duke said again as the four of us sat at the table eating.
We’d stuffed and closed the chicken with toothpicks, pan-fried it on both sides, and finished it in the oven. It looked similar enough to the picture in the recipe book to be called a success. Rice pilaf and a salad completed the meal, and I was proud of it.
“I agree,” Terry added. “Thank you, Serena…and Grace.”
She nodded, but after a moment, Grace checked her watch. “Sorry to run, but I have to go.” She stood before I could protest.
Duke turned to Terry. “Walk her to her car.”
Grace glared. “That’s not necessary.”
“Terry will walk you to your car,” Duke said in a tone that didn’t invite argument. “There are dangerous people after Serena, and one of them could be out there.”
Grace’s mouth dropped open. “Is it that serious?”
