Authors' note: THANK YOU! Thank you for the great response we got to the last chapter! You guys are the best and it's because of you that we keep writing and posting chapters each week! We cannot begin to tell you how much it meant to us to read your kind words! Tonight's chapter is a little longer this week, too! Thanks again!
RJ Weasley looked down at the four-year old girl and shook his head.
"Ellie, I love you, but I am not wearing a tiara and that feather thing," RJ said firmly.
He and Audrey were babysitting Ellie and Edward for Andrew and Saffy. RJ loved his godchildren, but there were certain things he just would not do.
Audrey laughed. "Come on, RJ. You'd look cute with a tiara and a boa. Wouldn't he, Edward?"
Edward nodded. "Wear."
Ellie folded her arms. "We can't have a tea party without them, Uncle RJ."
"Then I say we don't have a tea party," RJ replied.
"Daddy wears them for me," Ellie argued.
RJ laughed. "Have you got a picture of Andrew Kirke in a boa and tiara?"
Ellie nodded. "Mummy does."
"Where?" RJ asked.
Audrey looked at RJ. "RJ, come on. Just put the crown and boa on so we can have a proper tea party. Edward's wearing his hat and being a perfect little gentleman."
"All right," RJ relented. "But no one takes a picture or breathes a word of this."
Ellie clapped her hands. "Yay!"
RJ reluctantly donned the tiara and wrapped the boa around his neck. "How do I look?"
"Smashing," Audrey said with a grin.
"Beautiful!" Ellie exclaimed.
"Saffron is going to hate that she's missing this," Audrey said.
"Which is why she'll never know," RJ responded.
Ellie set up the cups and dishes on her small table.
"We made some real tea," Audrey said. "Let it cool down a little."
Ellie nodded. "Kay."
"I'll go grab it," RJ said. "And some scones?"
"Yes, please," Ellie replied.
"Be back in a jiffy," RJ said.
Edward bounced in Audrey's arms and she smiled down at the little boy. "Are you hungry?" she asked him.
"Yes," Edward answered, sending her a grin.
Ellie tossed her hair over her shoulder. "This is going to be best tea party ever."
"It's certainly the most fun tea party I've ever been to," Audrey assured the little girl.
Ellie beamed at her. "Olivia and me have the best ones."
"Do Kiera and Gwyn ever join you?" Audrey asked.
Ellie nodded.
"How fun," Audrey said with a grin.
"Did you have tea parties when you were little?" Ellie asked. Before Audrey could answer,
Ellie continued. "My mummy had tea parties with Greta and she'd make Uncle Ethan come too!"
Audrey laughed. "I think I heard about those."
"Princess RJ is back!" Ellie announced as RJ came back into the room.
RJ groaned. "Let's not make that a nickname to stick..."
"Sit down," Audrey told him. "You look very pretty."
RJ sent her a glare as he put the teapot and plate of scones on the small table. Audrey set
Edward in his little seat.
"You're the exact image of your dad, mate," RJ said to Edward.
"Except for his eyes," Audrey said. "He's got Saffy's eyes."
RJ nodded. "And luckily for him, his dad's personality."
Audrey laughed. "Both of them."
RJ grinned at her. "You look lovely tonight, Princess Audrey."
Audrey straightened her own tiara. "Why thank you. It's my special tea party crown."
RJ reached for a scone, but Ellie swatted at his hand. "What? What was that for?"
"The hostess passes them out." Ellie told him.
RJ held up his hands in defeat. "Sorry. A thousand apologies."
"Edward only gets a little," Ellie said. "Mummy breaks up his scones but he has to have his bottle."
Audrey nodded. Saffron had told them this before leaving.
"I'll take care of that," RJ said. "May I take a scone for him?"
Ellie thought about this. "Yes," she finally replied. "You may."
RJ grinned at her. "Thank you, Princess Ellie."
Audrey watched her boyfriend as he broke up the scone for Edward. They had been dating for a few years now, but he had not mentioned marriage. Audrey wanted nothing more than to be married to him, but he seemed completely content with things the way they were.
"Have---have Liam and Darla set a date yet?" she asked.
"A few months from now," RJ said. "End of summer I think."
"Livvie's going to be a flower girl," Ellie said.
"I bet she'll look so pretty," Audrey said as she poured some tea into Ellie's little cup.
"Thank you," Ellie said smiling at her.
"You are most welcome," Audrey said. "Such lovely manners..."
"Mummy taught me," Ellie said with a grin.
RJ guffawed. "Saffron taught you to be polite-- ow!" he said as Audrey poked him.
Edward and Ellie laughed.
"That's not funny," RJ rubbed his side.
Audrey stifled her own laughter. "But back to what I was saying about Liam and Darla...it's
really great that your sister and Liam are getting married. Don't you think so?"
"Sure," RJ said. "Makes her happy."
Audrey nodded. "And they've been together awhile..."
RJ gave her a strange look.
"How long?" Ellie asked before taking a bite of her scone.
"What?" RJ looked at her.
"How long have they been together?" Ellie asked. "Years and years?"
RJ chuckled. "Liam and Darla have been together about three years."
Audrey traced her finger along the lip of her cup. "Three years. That's a long time."
"We've been together longer," RJ pointed out. "What has it been... five years?"
Audrey resisted the urge to roll her eyes. He could not be this thick, could he? "Yes, five years."
RJ grinned at her. "And it's still going great."
"Some people get married after being together a short amount of time. I mean, take a look at my cousin. Becca and David were together for about four months before they got married."
RJ shook his head. "That poor bloke."
"RJ," Audrey shook her head. "I don't know what you have against Becca. She never did
anything to you."
RJ had never told Audrey about the advances Becca had made toward him. "She's just a
little too high-maintenance for my taste. That's all."
"What's that mean?" Ellie asked, reaching for her teacup.
"She's a little too much for a bloke to deal with," RJ told her.
Ellie studied him curiously. "Why?"
RJ thought about this for a moment. "Well, she takes a really long time to get ready and
she's always needing someone to tell her how pretty she is."
"Daddy tells me I'm pretty every day," Ellie said.
"That's because you are," RJ said grinning at her.
"You're the most gorgeous Princess Ellie there ever was," Audrey told her.
Ellie grinned. "And you are pretty, Princess Audrey."
"She's more like the queen," RJ said. "For me at least."
"Thanks, RJ," Audrey said reaching across the table for his hand.
"Daddy said Mummy's his queen," Ellie told them.
"Smooth," RJ laughed.
"More," Edward looked at Audrey.
Audrey reached for another scone and started breaking it up for him. "RJ can you go and get his bottle?"
"Sure," RJ said, pushing himself up. "Anything else?"
"Kiss?" Audrey asked.
"I always have that," RJ said, leaning over.
Ellie giggled as RJ gave his girlfriend a quick kiss.
"What about me?" the little girl asked.
RJ leaned down and pecked Ellie on the cheek. "There you are."
Audrey smiled as RJ went into the kitchen. He might be insufferable at times, but when he was like this... she didn't know how she could love him more.
Downstairs, RJ was heating Edward's bottle when he heard snickering behind him. He turned to see Saffron and Andrew looking at him. "Nice crown," Saffron said dryly.
"Damn it," RJ cursed. "You two weren't supposed to be home yet."
"We finished dinner earlier than expected," Andrew said, putting his hand over his mouth to stifle his own laughter.
RJ yanked the tiara off and pulled the fluffy boa from around his neck.
"Not one word, Kirke," RJ said. "Ellie told me you do this for her all the time."
"Yeah but he's her father," Saffron replied. "He's kind of obligated to."
"Well, I am her godfather," RJ said. "And she asked."
"It's very sweet," Saffron said.
"Uncle RJ!" Ellie called out from upstairs. "Move your bum!"
All three of them laughed. "Elinore Granger Kirke," Andrew called upstairs.
"Daddy!" Ellie squealed. They heard her footsteps on the stairs.
Ellie ran into the kitchen and propelled herself at her father, who scooped her up.
Audrey entered the kitchen carrying Edward. Edward reached for Saffron.
"Hi baby," Saffron kissed Edward's cheek. "I missed you so much."
"We were having a tea party," Ellie told Andrew.
"And you didn't invite me?" Andrew asked his daughter.
"You weren't here," Ellie pointed out. "Silly Daddy."
"And it's close to your bedtime," Andrew kissed her cheek. "So we'll have to do a tea party tomorrow."
Saffron took the bottle from RJ and sat down with Edward. "So, did the two of them behave?"
"Always," Audrey said. "Perfect angels."
"They went easy on you," Saffron said.
"I love Uncle RJ and Aunt Audrey," Ellie said. "They're fun."
RJ put his arm around Audrey. "That's us."
"Thanks again," Andrew said. "We really appreciate you helping us out."
"If RJ and I ever have any children, you can return the favour," Audrey said.
"That's a deal," Saffron said with a grin.
"By the time that happens, Ellie will be old enough to baby-sit," RJ joked.
RJ missed Audrey roll her eyes, but Saffron didn't.
"Aud, would you mind going upstairs with me to put Edward down?" Saffron asked.
"Sure," Audrey replied. "Anything to spend a little more time with that cute face."
Saffron nodded and looked at her daughter. "You are next little miss."
"I want to stay with Daddy," Ellie replied.
"I'll put her to bed," Andrew told Saffron.
"Okay," Saffron kissed her daughter's cheek. "No sleeping in your tiara."
"Kay, Mummy," Ellie said. "Night-night, Edward."
"Bye," Edward waved to them. "Bye!"
Saffron carried Edward upstairs with Audrey in tow. "That's such a cute outfit he has on,"
Audrey commented.
"Alexa bought it for him," Saffron replied.
"How is Alexa?" Audrey said. "It's been ages since I've seen her."
"That makes two of us," Saffron said. "Since she graduated from University, she's been
writing freelance and traveling all over the world. Right now, she's on assignment."
"How glamorous," Audrey said. "Much more so than teaching."
"If I wasn't playing Quidditch, I would have gone into teaching," Saffron said.
"I love it most of the time," Audrey said.
"That's what RJ tells us," Saffron said.
"RJ does a lot of talking," Audrey said as Saffron changed Edward.
"But not about what you want him to?" Saffron guessed. "I saw your face when he made that comment downstairs."
"I'm wondering if I should take matters into my own hands and ask HIM to marry me," Audrey said.
"He is a complete moron when it comes to these things," Saffron said shaking her head.
"He is a little thick," Audrey admitted.
"You guys have been together for ages,' Saffron said.
"Exactly," Audrey said. "I tried to drop a few hints tonight about Darla and Liam becoming engaged and he didn't even get it."
"Well, we know that he loves you," Saffron said giving her son a kiss on the cheek. "Right, Edward?"
"Hi," Edward grinned at her.
Audrey grinned back at him. "Hi, Edward."
The little boy reached for her and Audrey took him into her arms. "He is so sweet, Saffy."
"He is," Saffron said proudly.
Audrey gave Edward a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you soon, little guy."
"Night-night, Edward," Saffron said, taking him back from Audrey and putting him in his crib.
"Sweet dreams."
Edward blinked up at her for a few moments before closing his eyes.
"And he usually goes to sleep fairly quickly," Saffron whispered.
"He's the perfect baby," Audrey said with a grin.
Saffron motioned for Audrey to follow her out of the room.
The two women crept out of the nursery and headed back downstairs.
"How was it with Ellie?" Saffron asked.
"She's so funny," Audrey replied. "Kept at RJ until he put that crown on."
"That doesn't leave this house, okay?" RJ told them.
"I don't know," Saffron mused. "The blokes on the team might like to hear about this.
Especially Scanlon..."
RJ looked at her. "Saf..."
"I'm just kidding," Saffron replied. "You're the best babysitter we have."
"And cheap," Andrew said.
"Only cause you feed me well," RJ replied.
"The way to his heart is definitely through his stomach," Audrey said patting RJ
affectionately.
"Or through her," RJ said, sliding his arms around Audrey.
"You guys really make a cute couple," Saffron said pointedly. "Like you were always meant to be together."
"I think so too," Audrey said with a grin at Saffron.
"Having two babies must have softened you up," RJ joked.
Saffron gave him a poke. "I can't wait until YOU have kids."
RJ laughed. "That's going to be awhile from now, Saf."
"What are you waiting for?" Saffron asked bluntly.
RJ raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"What are you waiting for?" Saffron asked. "You're not getting any younger."
"Aud and I are perfectly fine like we are, aren't we, Aud?" RJ asked looking properly at his girlfriend.
"I love being with you," Audrey replied truthfully.
"See?" RJ said to Saffron.
Saffron cast a look at Audrey and then held her arms out for her daughter. "Come on El," she said. "It's your bedtime."
"Kay, Mummy," Ellie said hugging Saffron.
"Let's get going," RJ said to Audrey as he tossed the tiara at Andrew.
"Thanks again, you guys," Andrew told them.
"Anytime," Audrey replied.
"Night, Aud!" Ellie called out. "Night, Princess RJ."
Saffron laughter carried back. "Good one, baby girl."
"She's lucky she's cute," RJ said to Audrey as they were leaving.
"Who, Saffy?" Audrey joked.
"Ellie," RJ said, shaking his head.
"She's so sweet," Audrey replied.
"Almost as sweet as you," RJ said grinning at her.
Audrey suppressed a grin. "You are charming, you know."
"Little old me?" RJ asked dramatically.
Audrey bumped his shoulder with hers. "I love you."
"Love you too, Aud," RJ said.
"It so funny how everyone we know that's our age is married or engaged," Audrey said.
RJ shrugged. "And a few are even on their second marriages."
"I don't want to get married twice," Audrey looked over at him. "Once is enough for me."
RJ nodded. "I know."
Audrey sighed. Was he really THIS thick?
RJ yawned. "I'm knackered."
"Yeah," she muttered. "Me too."
She was silent the rest of the way home, absolutely seething at how completely clueless he was. Saffron was right, what on earth was he waiting for?
"RJ," she said before they got back to their house.
"Yeah?" he asked.
"Marry me," she said in a rush.
RJ blinked. "What?"
"I want you to marry me," Audrey felt like a fool but she went on. "I love you, and I want to be married to you."
RJ was speechless.
Audrey shook her head.
"You---you want to get married?" RJ finally managed.
"Is that so hard to believe?" she asked, sighing.
RJ shook his head. "No, but--I thought you liked things the way they were."
"I do," she said quietly. "But I want more."
"Marriage?" RJ asked.
"Wouldn't you like to start a family?" Audrey asked him.
RJ looked at her. "Yeah, of course."
She smiled tentatively at him.
A slow smile spread across RJ's face. "Aud..."
"You really want to?" she asked hopefully.
RJ shook his head. "This is all wrong..."
"Why?" Audrey asked.
RJ chuckled. "Well for one thing, I'm the one who is supposed to be asking and for another
I don't have a ring..."
"We can go get one," Audrey replied. "Tomorrow."
RJ grinned and got done on one knee. "Well, then, Audrey, would you marry me?"
Audrey laughed. "Yes!"
"Sorry it took me so long to catch on," RJ said. "But it's not because I didn't love you, Aud. I
love you more than anything."
"I love you too," she said as he got up and enveloped her in his arms. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," RJ said swinging her around.
Audrey grinned at him. "And here I was thinking you were just thick..."
RJ laughed. "Well, I am..."
"Saffron said you were a moron..." Audrey continued.
"I'm a lot smarter than you guys give me credit for," RJ said.
"I would agree," Audrey kissed him.
"Audrey Weasley," RJ said smiling at her.
She laughed. "That's an interesting name."
"It's got a ring to it," RJ said taking her hand and leading her to their home.
Audrey leaned against him. "I'm so happy, RJ."
"Me too, Aud," RJ said, holding her close. "Me too."
"We don't have to have a long engagement," Audrey said. "I'm happy with a wedding with
just our families there."
RJ nodded. "Whatever you want."
"It's what you want too," Audrey said as he turned on the lights with his wand. "We're only getting married once you know."
"Once," RJ said.
"That's it," she said, winding her arms around him. "I'm not letting you go."
RJ gave her a kiss.
She laughed. "I'm so glad tomorrow's Saturday."
RJ grinned. "No work."
"All play," Audrey returned.
RJ picked her up. "I think I like being engaged."
"I already do," she said, circling her arms around him.
"This will be preparation for carrying you over the threshold," RJ said opening the door with his free hand.
Audrey laughed. "You already do have tons of practice."
RJ grinned. He certainly had not expected that the day would end with him being engaged.
He did feel stupid for not realizing this was what Audrey had wanted. But, he loved her with all his heart and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
"Hey RJ," Audrey said as he lay down next to her.
"Yes?" RJ asked.
"I want to get you a ring too," she said. "It unconventional, but since I asked you..."
"Aud, you don't have to do that," RJ started.
"I want to," Audrey reassured him. "No diamonds..." she added with a grin.
"Oh, come on," RJ laughed.
"One big one?" she joked.
"If you really loved me," RJ said.
Audrey laughed. "I'm the one who gets the big diamond."
"Someone's very confident," RJ said.
"Well I got you tamed down, didn't I?" Audrey reached for him.
"Tamed?" RJ asked.
"You were sort of wild when I first met you," Audrey replied.
"I still have a bit of a wild side," RJ said huskily.
"Yes you do," she said. "Especially in here with me."
RJ grinned. "You haven't seen anything yet."
*** *** ***
Gabriel had agreed to meet his father and stepmother for a quick dinner that night. It had been ages since he'd had a real meal- med school kept him so busy that most nights he grabbed something from a vending machine while he studied or took his shift at the local hospital.
Since he and Alexa had ended things, he had pretty much thrown himself into his studies. Looking back on it now, it was probably for the best. He had little time for anything other than school at the moment. He and Alexa were still good friends though and she sent him emails letting him know what she was doing.
"I don't care if you didn't see it last time," Lavender's voice preceded her and Seamus into the diner. "I know I saw a grey hair, and I want you to fix it. Tonight."
"Well, you know, we are approaching our si---" Seamus started to say.
"Forties," Lavender interjected.
Seamus laughed and shook his head. "Whatever you say, Lav."
Lavender shook her head. "Gabriel!" she exclaimed. "I hope you haven't been waiting long!"
Gabriel shook his head. "Not too long." He stood up and gave her a hug.
"It's so good to see you," she kissed his cheek. "We've missed having you in London."
Gabriel gave his father a hug. "I'm an old workaholic like my dad."
"How very true," Seamus replied with a grin.
Gabriel sat back down and closed his book. He did not imagine his stepmother would like looking pictures of the spleen while she ate.
"I hope this place makes a good salad," Lavender sat down.
"Don't know about that, but they have great club sandwiches," Gabriel said.
"I'll have one with extra bacon," Seamus said.
Gabriel knew the menu for this place like the back of his hand. He had spent most of his time here, given its proximity to the hospital. The diner was open twenty-four hours and after midnight it was actually a great place to study. Gabriel motioned for one of the waitresses, Stephanie, to come over.
She smiled at him as she approached. "Hi Gabe..."
"Hi, Steph," Gabriel replied smiling back at her. "Can I get my usual?"
"Of course," she said with a grin. "These your folks?"
"This is my dad, Seamus," Gabriel said. "And my stepmother, Lavender."
"It's nice to meet you both," Stephanie said conversationally. "I see Gabriel in here by himself so much I was beginning to wonder if he had anyone to go home to."
"Nice to meet you," Seamus said looking up at the girl. She had shoulder-length brown hair and a nice smile. "Gabe raves about this place so we thought we'd try it out."
"I may be biased but I think it's pretty good," Stephanie laughed. "I'll get you all some water."
"Not from the tap," Lavender said to her. "Sparkling."
"They don't have sparkling water here," Gabriel told his stepmother.
"Whatever you have is fine," Seamus answered for his wife.
"I can put some lemon in it if you'd like," Stephanie offered.
Lavender nodded. "Thank you."
"Coming right up," Stephanie hurried away.
"They have a chef salad," Gabriel told his stepmother.
"I just hope they have fat free dressing," Lavender replied.
Gabriel and Seamus shared an amused look.
"What?" Lavender asked.
"Nothing," Gabriel said as Stephanie came with their drinks.
"We had some bottled water in the back," Stephanie said to Lavender. "I hope you like it."
"You didn't have to go that trouble," Lavender said. "But, thank you."
"Sure," the younger woman said cheerfully. "What can I get everyone then?"
"I'll take the chef salad," Lavender said. "But without ham, cheese, turkey or eggs. Just lettuce and tomato. And I'll have the dressing on the side."
"Lav..." Seamus shook his head.
"You know," Stephanie said. "We actually have a veggie wrap that you might like. "
"What's in it?" Lavender asked.
"Carrots, tomato, lettuce, sprouts and this low-cal sauce," Stephanie replied.
"All right," Lavender nodded. "I'll try that. Thank you."
"No problem," Stephanie said. "And what about you, Mr. Finnegan?"
"I'll have the club, with extra bacon and extra turkey," Seamus told her. "Chips-- I mean fries too, please."
Stephanie nodded and looked over at Gabe. "And the usual for you."
"Thanks," he grinned at her.
Stephanie excused herself to place their orders and the three of them returned to catching
up. "How are your grandparents?" Seamus asked.
"They're fine," Gabriel said. "Getting up there, you know?"
Lavender reached across the table and patted Gabriel's hand. "Their health is okay, isn't it?"
"Yes," he said. "No strokes, thankfully."
"You know I could help you if you wanted to get a place of your own," Seamus commented.
"I don't mind living with them," Gabriel replied. "I'd like to enjoy it while I can."
Seamus nodded. "Well, the offer stands."
"Thanks," Gabriel replied. "One of these days I'll wind up taking it."
"Saffy keeps asking us when you'll make it back to England," Lavender told him.
"I hope soon," Gabriel replied. "I really want to visit with everyone. School just keeps me so
busy. This the first time I've stopped studying for more than five minutes in three weeks."
"Well, Lav and I are honoured," Seamus joked.
Gabriel laughed. "It feels nice to put the books away for a bit."
"Good to stop and smell the roses every now and then," Lavender said.
"Speaking of roses," Seamus nodded his head in Stephanie's direction. "She's got the eye for you."
Gabriel followed his father's gaze and shook his head. "No, Dad. She's just a friend. Gives
me free coffee after midnight."
"Gabriel," Lavender said. "If there's one thing I know about, aside from fashion, is when a girl fancies a bloke."
Gabriel laughed. "Things have changed since your day, Lavender."
Lavender glared at him. "Are you saying I'm old?"
Gabriel held up his hands. "Only teasing."
"Those are fighting words, Gabe." Seamus shook his head.
"Never, ever tease a woman about her age," Lavender told him. "Or her weight."
"Got it," Gabriel replied. "And Steph's really just a friend.
"What about at school then?" Lavender asked. "Any prospects?"
"I haven't had time for dating," Gabriel answered. "What do you think this is, Grey's
Anatomy?"
"Who's anatomy?" Lavender wrinkled her nose.
"Muggle show on the telly," Seamus told her.
"I never have a chance to watch the telly," Lavender said.
"Me either," Gabriel admitted.
"Let's forget about schoolwork for tonight," Seamus told him.
"Absolutely," Lavender agreed. "This is a family night."
Gabriel grinned. "Tell me what else is going on with everyone in England."
"Well, I have some new photographs of Ethan and Maddie's babies," Lavender said reaching for her bag.
"I can't believe they have six kids now," Gabriel said taking the pictures.
"It should have been seven," Lavender said quietly.
"Yeah," Gabriel nodded. "That was terrible."
Lavender nodded. "Last time I saw Ethan he said Maddie was doing better."
"That's good," Gabriel said. "I've seen some of the women who have been in this situation. It's really hard."
"We're all trying to help her," Lavender said. "I can't imagine what this must have been like for her."
Gabriel nodded. "Which one is which?" he asked.
Lavender moved her chair closer to Gabe. "That's Christian on the end. There's
Natasha...she's the little flirt..."
Gabriel grinned. "She's cute. Look at that smile."
"And there's Erik and Arielle," Lavender said. "Erik's the little troublemaker."
"I can't wait to see them next time I'm over," Gabriel replied.
"They'll be starting school by the time you get over there," Seamus joked.
"I promise to come over before then," Gabriel returned with a grin.
Lavender looked up to see Stephanie approaching them with their food."
"Here you go," she put the wrap in front of Lavender. "If you don't like it, let me know and I'll bring you the salad you wanted."
Lavender smiled. "Thanks. It looks really nice actually."
"Good," Stephanie said as Gabriel and Seamus dug into their sandwiches. "Can I get you guys anything else?"
"No, thanks, Steph," Gabriel smiled at her.
She grinned at him then headed back to the kitchen.
"Who is that out there with your boy?" one of the cooks asked her, causing Stephanie to
blush.
"He's not my boy," Stephanie said. "And that's his father and stepmother."
"Uh-huh," the cook said, shaking his head.
"Don't even start," Stephanie said, her smile slipping away. "If Tony hears about you making jokes he'll get mad at me."
"You're too good for that joker," the cook said.
"He takes care of me," Stephanie replied.
"Here's your order for table six," the cook said handing her a plate.
"Thanks," she replied, putting it on a tray and carrying it back out to the dining room.
She could not resist looking in Gabriel's direction. He was quite handsome and had always been nice to her.
"She's looking at you again," Lavender reported.
Gabriel rolled his eyes and looked over at his father. "Dad, a little help here."
"She is looking over at you," Seamus said sheepishly.
Gabriel shook his head. "And the two of you wonder why we don't get together more often."
"I'm just being honest," Lavender said. "And she knows her food. This is delicious."
"Want some of my chips?" Seamus asked her, holding one up.
"No," Lavender said. "Deep fried?"
"Just the way I like it," Seamus said before eating one. Lavender wrinkled her nose.
"You know," Gabriel said. "Saffy told me that you and her mom go for ice cream sundaes every Sunday."
"I do not," Lavender denied.
"Every Sunday without fail," Seamus said. "And she thinks I don't know."
"Hermione has ice cream," Lavender said. "I have yoghurt."
"With hot fudge, nuts and whipped cream," Gabriel recalled.
Lavender glared at them both. "I do NOT eat all that."
"Sure," Gabriel grinned.
"You will not find an ounce of fat on my body," Lavender informed them.
"We're only having a go, love," Seamus reassured her.
"Hmmmmph," Lavender replied.
"How is everything?" Stephanie asked them.
"Very good," Seamus said.
"Gabe, you'll be happy to know that we have apple pie today," Stephanie said, knowing full well that it was his favourite.
He grinned. "I'll take an extra big slice then."
"Me too," Seamus agreed.
"I'll just have an iced tea," Lavender told her. "Sugar free, please."
"Sure," Stephanie replied.
"Splurge a little," Seamus told his wife.
"You won't regret it," Stephanie told her. "It's the best."
"A very small piece then," Lavender relented. "No ice cream, though."
"Good job, Steph," Gabriel said to her. "You've done the impossible."
Stephanie laughed. "Everyone has to treat themselves once in awhile."
"That's what I keep trying to tell her, but she never listens," Seamus said.
Stephanie smiled. "I'll be right back with your pie."
Seamus and Lavender enjoyed the rest of their meal with Gabriel and Lavender did in fact eat all of her pie. They left with promises to see Gabriel later that week for dinner. Gabriel
was gathering up his books when Stephanie came over. "I like your parents," she told him.
"They seem like nice people."
"Yeah they're pretty cool," Gabriel said.
"I think this is the first time you've been in here without your nose stuck in a book," she commented as she started gathering up the dishes.
"Even us nerds need a break once in awhile," Gabriel joked.
Stephanie laughed. "I'm going to remind you of that next time you're in here at two in the morning."
"Why do you work late so often?" Gabriel asked. "Most girls your age are there during the day shift."
"I'm trying to save up money," Stephanie replied. "I'd like to go to school someday."
"What are you interested in studying?" he asked.
Stephanie smiled. "Nothing as glamorous as a doctor, of course. I'm not that smart."
"Come on," he said. "You're smart."
Stephanie blushed. "Well, I was hoping to one day have my own business."
"What sort of business?" he asked curiously.
"A restaurant of my own," Stephanie said. "Or maybe a chain of them. I know it's just a dream..."
"It doesn't have to be," Gabriel said. "You'd do a great job."
"Thanks," Stephanie said softly. She was not used to someone believing in her.
"My mom used to want to manage her own chain of restaurants," Gabriel said. "Then I
came along..."
"Oh, yeah?" Stephanie asked.
"It's how she met my dad," Gabriel explained.
Stephanie smiled. "What does she do now?"
"She passed away awhile ago," Gabriel said. "She had cancer."
"Oh," Stephanie said quietly. "I'm so sorry..."
"Thanks," Gabriel said. "I still miss her, but it doesn't hurt as much as it used to."
Stephanie guessed that was one of the reasons he wanted to be a doctor.
"Anyway," Gabriel said. "She was an amazing mom. And I always wanted to make her proud of me."
"I'm sure she would be," Stephanie commented. "You're amazing."
"Thanks," he grinned at her.
Stephanie found herself grinning back at him. It was hard not to.
"I'll see you later," Gabriel said. "I'm sure I'll need some coffee."
"I'll be here," Stephanie said.
"Cool," Gabriel replied.
"Don't work too hard," Stephanie called out after him.
"Like that will stop me," he returned.
Stephanie laughed before turning for the kitchen.
Gabriel headed back to the hospital for his rounds. He could get in an extra fifteen minutes of studying before they began if he hurried.
"Well, if it isn't the superstar," Gabriel heard one of his colleagues call out when he entered
the locker room. Some of his co-workers had given him a hard time about having a famous father.
Gabriel nodded to him, refusing to act up. "How's it going?"
"Not too bad," Tom replied. "You ready for the Biochem exam Friday?"
"Yeah," he nodded. "It's going to be a tough one."
"We're all going out afterwards," Tom said. "You should go."
Gabriel was about to decline but reconsidered. "That sounds like fun," he agreed. "Count me in."
Tom clapped him on the back. "See you out front."
Gabriel nodded as he changed into his scrubs and his coat.
He was looking forward to blowing off some steam with his friends. He smiled as he thought of his father and stepmother telling him about stopping to smell the roses.
Perhaps if Stephanie wasn't working he'd ask her to join them after the exam.
Things were definitely turning around, Gabriel thought.