Grounded for Love: A Reunion Romance Novella by Rebecca Talley Page B

recommendations?”
    “The Durango Burger is a favorite. Lots of cheese and onions with two strips of bacon.”
    That didn’t sound appealing, especially since Serena’s boyfriend suggested it. “I think I need a few more minutes.”
    “If you’re interested, they’re about to start a karaoke contest. Part of the Snow Festival. We host it here every year. It’s pretty entertaining.” She laughed. In a whisper she said, “Some of the people are really terrible.”
    “Might as well. Can’t dance.”
    “Huh?”
    “Something my dad always said when I was growing up. It means I don’t have anything else to do and nowhere else to go. At least not now.”
    “Well, I’ll be back by to take your order.” She set down a glass of water.
    “Thanks.”
    If this karaoke contest was anything like past ones he’d seen, it might be entertaining enough to take his mind off Serena. He pocketed his phone and looked over the menu again.
     
     

 
    “What’s going on?” Serena’s mom said as she walked out into the living room.
    Serena whirled around. “I’m sorry. Did I wake you?”
    “It’s okay,” her mom said with bleary eyes. “What time is it?”
    “Almost nine o’clock.”
    “I didn’t mean to sleep this long.” She yawned. “Guess I’m exhausted.”
    “What can I do to help?” Serena wanted to be a good daughter, but she hoped her mom wouldn’t ask her to do anything, so she could figure out what to do about Graham being in Durango. Because I have to do something .
    “I don’t think we need anything right now.”
    Serena mentally let out a sigh of relief. “How’s Daddy?”
    “He’s resting.” Her mom studied her. “What are you doing?”
    Serena licked her lips. “I need to leave, if that’s okay.”
    “Sure, but where are you going?”
    “To set things right. I hope.”
    Serena kissed her mom on the cheek then rushed out the door. She drove back over to Jake’s and sat in the car attempting to calm her raging nerves. She hoped Graham was still in the restaurant. Even more, she hoped he’d come to Durango to see her .
    For the first time in a long time, Serena felt like her life might get back on track. Maybe she’d have the man she loved in her life again—if he could forgive her. She needed to do something that would tell him how she felt.
    Nothing came to her, so she practiced a speech in her head. I was stupid to think you were cheating. I was wrong and I am so sorry. I love you. You are the only one I want. It needed some work, but she had the basic idea.
    As she walked toward the restaurant in the icy air, a brightly colored poster in a shop window caught her eye. She studied it and an idea sparked. It was crazy and would be so embarrassing—probably humiliating—but it might be what she needed to grab his attention.
    If he was still there.
    She crossed her fingers then slowly went into Jake’s. It didn’t take long to spot Graham. For this to work, though, he couldn’t see her, so she stealthily made her way to the back of the restaurant.
     

     
    Graham listened to a few of the karaoke contestants. They were bad. Even worse than bad. One of the women sounded like a wounded cow. Put her out of her misery. Please! When the waitress was near his table, he said, “I think I’d like Jake’s Special Burger.”
    “With the works?’
    “Yeah. And the steak fries to go with it.” He’d need a full stomach if he was going to drive back home tonight. He’d lose money on his hotel room, but there was no reason to stay in town. Obviously, Serena wasn’t even thinking about him anymore. He’d finish his burger then get on the road. That way he could spend more time with his family before he flew back to Phoenix.
    He pulled out his phone again. This time he dialed Dana’s number. He was sure he could talk her into dating again. She didn’t answer, so he ended the call before leaving a message.
    The waitress brought his burger and he took a juicy bite as the music started