Loving Lizzy (The Serenity Mountain Series Book 6)

Chapter Twenty Three

Kassie sat down at the table and watched Michael’s face as Lizzy took the seat next to her, leaving Michael to sit alone on his side of the table. She frowned in Michael’s direction letting him know she picked up the disconnection between him and Lizzy.

“We invited you for dessert because of your schedule, but if you have time, we can eat an early dinner,” Lizzy informed her as she picked up her menu.

Kassie pulled the phone from her purse and texted Chase. “I didn’t plan on coming this late. My new admission took a bit longer than usual. I’ll see if Chase can make his way down. He came home earlier to take Em out for a ride, and they picked up Melody to go on the nature walk so Catherine didn’t have to go far from the house. She volunteered to help the girls put their projects together on poster board. Chase might be back at the house by now.”

Lizzy elbowed her friend and nodded toward the opposite side of the restaurant. Carol and Frank Benson chatted with their heads leaning over the menus. Michael turned to see what the women seemed preoccupied with when Joe and Jake walked into the restaurant.

“Hey Little Bit.” Joe leaned over and kissed his goddaughter.

“Hi, where’s Maddie? Hi Jake.” Kassie beamed at the men as Joe made his greetings to Lizzy and Michael. Jake, however, seemed distracted by the sight across the room.

“Maddie stopped at Bryanna’s to share a recipe and will be joining us in a moment.” Joe nodded as the hostess sat them at the table next to the trio.

“I thought Carol said she was busy today,” Jake grumped.

Joe glanced at Jake and over to Kassie, who seemed suddenly engrossed in her menu.

“She seems busy visiting with Frank Benson.” Joe put his napkin in his lap. Maddie opened the door to the restaurant and immediately went to greet her friend.

Jake’s eyes narrowed as Carol and Frank laughed at something Maddie said. Maddie walked across the restaurant and Joe stood to pull out her chair before taking his place beside her.

“I didn’t realize how funny Frank can be. Kassie, can you be a dear and watch Melody for Catherine on Wednesday? Frank wants to take Carol to a movie and dinner in Seattle. She already volunteered to watch Melody and Catherine and Leo want to attend a birthing class Leo found.”

“Why does he need to take a birthing class? He does know she does all the work and she’s done it before,” Jake grumbled as he watched Carol lean forward intently listening to something Frank told her.

“Of course, Melody’s welcome to join us. Jake, Leo missed Melody’s birth. They want to experience everything they missed the first time.” Kassie ordered water and checked her phone as the server took Michael and Lizzy’s order.

“Chase can drive down for an early dinner. He says he’ll need to return to the hospital afterward to finish some paperwork.” Kassie stuffed her phone back in her pocket.

“The hospital seems to be growing a great reputation, you must be thrilled,” Lizzy stated as she squeezed her hand.

“Yeah. We’ve accepted thirty-two patients between the two wings. The veterans and kids help each other. It’s fun watching them share their experiences and wisdom with the younger generation.

“I don’t see why she needs to lean over the table to hear what he’s saying. He’s not even paying attention to what she’s saying, he’s leering down her chest,” Jake blurted out.

Kassie’s voice came out sternly. “Jake, Mr. Benson seems like a very nice man and a real gentleman. Carol says, he walks her home after each date, gives her a goodnight kiss, and waits by the door until she’s safely inside before he leaves.”

“She’s seen him more than once?” Jake’s voice boomed through the restaurant garnering the attention of the customers.

“Of course, she’s dated him a few times. Word has it Mr. Henderson is working up the courage to ask her out,” Kassie whispered loudly enough for both tables to hear.

“I don’t believe it.” Jake scrubbed his hand across his face and sat back in his chair stunned.

Maddie turned her concerned face to Jake. “What’s the matter, Jake? Did you hear something about Mr. Henderson? As a concerned friend, you might want to mention it because he already asked her and she’s attending the book club meeting on Friday with him and out for pie afterward.”

Jake’s eyes grew round as his cheeks puffed out. “She’s dating two men at the same time?”

Lizzy placed her hand over her mouth to stifle the giggle threatening to escape. Michael even smirked.

“She’s not getting any younger. I think she’s considering settling down again. Carol told me she misses the companionship of coming home to a spouse.” Maddie put down her menu, “I’m starved, does everyone know what they want to eat?”

Jake sat his menu on the table. “I…ugh…forgot I needed to tend to the Keller’s cat. I believe I’ll skip dinner after all.” Jake rose from the table and glanced in Carol’s direction. “I’ll catch up with you in the morning.”

The women watched Jake exit the restaurant as Chase walked in. He glanced at Kassie and frowned when he realized the seating arrangement. He bent to kiss her.

“We decided to order, your timing is perfect,” Kassie murmured as Chase took the seat next to Michael.

“I saw Jake as I came in. Is everything all right?”

“He found something not to his liking. He went home to brood,” Maddie announced.

“I think you’re hanging around Victoria a little too much,” Kassie sighed. “I don’t like to see Jake hurt.”

“Neither do I. Life’s too short to remain separated from the one you care about. Hopefully, he’ll wake up and realize love is worth fighting for,” Chase answered as his gaze stayed on Kassie.

Lizzy stared into Michael’s eyes and wondered if she’d have the strength to fight for them.