“I don't know if she's met me somewhere else before, I totally did not understand the kind of attitude she was projecting towards me,” two glasses of wine later, Serena threw up all that happened on the shoot day at work to Hadley. She was in a pink and white striped button down pajamas shirt and white cotton shorts. Her feet were covered in pink socks that had white medium-sized polka dots. She felt like a cute Barbie, the colors helped her calm down.“I think it's the Phoebe girl, she probably told her something bad about you just so she could met out her frustration on you.” Hadley pointed out.She was on the settee, while Serena was on the bed. “That girl is just a bitch and I don't look forward to working with her, ever,” Serena said with another swig of wine down her throat.“She's just jealous of you,” Hadley said as she sat up and walked to the bed where Serena sat down. “You really look tired, you've had enough wine. Hadley took the wine glass from her and switched on the d
“Have you been checking for me? I didn't know you'd miss me this much,” Noah's voice had laughter clinging to the end of every word.Serena rolled her eyes, she knew he was going to take it up from there. “There’s obviously no way I'd go around looking for you when I know you can't be here.”“I'll be coming next week. I miss you too,” there was an extra calmness with which he had said it, like a reassuring one that felt deep. She didn't miss him that much, she missed working with him, the company he provided, but she didn't miss his person; like the way she missed Jaxon.She had not heard from him and she did not reach out to him as well. She had started rethinking, why would she agree to someone ghosting her. That was exactly what she did. He had said he wouldn't be available, and he would be away without giving her a call. Not even once, and she stupidly agreed to that.She wasn't even in a relationship with him, that was the craziest part. She had no right to scold him for behavin
“What does a club have to do with anything?” Serena's eyes widened in bewilderment.“You just wait and see, you're going to have the time of your life,” Sarah gave her a mischievous look.Serena was curious so she agreed to go. They both walked back to the office together. Serena listened to Sarah as she whined about some of her club escapades.After work, Serena closed her laptop, her heart expectant and her body giddy. Sarah made jokes about it as they went down in the elevator.“Are we going to the club looks liking this?” Serena realized they'd be out of place if they went to a club in their office clothes.“I know a thrift shop,” Sarah grinned and jumped in excitement as they got off the elevator. She always had a solution. She was used to this lifestyle.There was an Uber already waiting outside the company's premises. Serena wasn't surprised to find out that Sarah knew him well. “Is he one of your…” she caught herself bef6she could even complete the question.“I might be bisex
After spending almost thirty minutes dancing around the thrift store in different outfits while Old Jane gave them some amazing moves, they finally walked out of the store in their new outfits. Old Jane had given them discounts for “helping an old lady relieve herself from the burdens of the world”. It was fun for both parties after all. Serena got added to her email list.They had to wait for some minutes because they had ordered an Uber driver late. Serena shook her head, “I'm shaking off the thought of coming here every other weekend to shop and dance.”Sarah laughed, she tucked the strand of her hair that came loose back behind her ears. “This is actually the first time I'm experiencing this. I don't shop from just here, so I guess I come on the wrong days. She's always lively though, God bless her soul.”Serena nodded, yes, God bless her soul.The Uber driver came and they both hopped in immediately. Serena did not know the club they were heading to, but she tried to clear her
As Sarah and Serena enjoyed their tequila shots, the pulsating beat of the music enveloped them. The dance floor started to fill up, and the energy in the club intensified. The DJ mixed tracks seamlessly, creating an atmosphere of euphoria.After downing the shots, Sarah grabbed Serena's hand, pulling her toward the dance floor. The vibrant lights danced along with the music, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the eclectic crowd. Serena hesitated for a moment but surrendered to the rhythm, letting the music guide her movements.As they danced, Serena noticed a mysterious figure observing them from a secluded corner. A man in a sharp suit, his eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses, seemed to be studying their every move. Sarah caught Serena's gaze, and they exchanged a curious look.The music shifted, transitioning to a hypnotic trance beat. The crowd responded with heightened enthusiasm, moving in unison. Sarah whispered to Serena, “let's move away from here.”They held each other's han
Serena walked away from the dance floor, the beats of the music fading as she entered a dimly lit corridor leading to the bathrooms. The pulsating energy of the club echoed around her, but her mind was in a different space, a mix of exhilaration and a sudden realization of why she had embarked on this adventure in the first place.As she reached the bathroom, she took a moment to compose herself. The mirrors reflected a flushed and animated version of herself, her eyes filled with the remnants of the wild dance and the encounter on the floor. She took a deep breath, reminding herself of the purpose of the night—to break free from the routine and find a temporary escape.Splashing some water on her face, Serena felt a renewed sense of clarity. The throbbing music outside the bathroom door served as a constant reminder of the vibrant world waiting for her return. She reapplied a touch of lipstick, deciding to embrace the night with a newfound awareness.As she stepped out, the DJ had sw
Hadley would always make light issues seem big, she was totally freaking out when Serena searched for the influencers Instagram and showed him to her.“He wanted to kiss you?” Hadley grabbed the phone from her, “Daniel Shaper, who wouldn't want to go out with him.”“It was just a random dance and you know, stop making a thing out of it.” Serena paused, “he doesn't even know my name.” The realization hit her even more, “he didn't want anything serious out of it, he just wanted to fuck around.”“You can't be so sure, you know he's a sort of a…celebrity, he wouldn't want to have gossip blogs carrying that about him.”“Not everyone cares about what people say about them.” Serena collected her phone from Hadley. “So, that was how your night went, you're not going to work today then.” Hadley asked.“Yeah, I'll work from home today, I might spend the whole day dozing at my desk if I attempt going to work.” Serena replied.“Jaxon is really no good, how can he be like that?” Hadley said as sh
Serena picked a white dress with a pattern of red petals. The dress was simple and short, and she liked it's flay so much. She assured Hadley that she would be fine and she she waited patiently in the elevator, anxious to see Jaxon until she got to the lobby of the building. She braced herself and stepped outside. He was now standing outside his car waiting for her. He hadn't changed, it had seemed like they hadn't seen each other for a long time so she had been expecting significant changes.She missed his smile though, his shoulders seemed broader, maybe working from home gave him enough time to go to the gym and build all that muscle.She was only five feers away from him when he opened his arms and she died into it. He wrapped his strong arms around her and she felt at home; she felt warm. She has her jacket and a handbag in hand. Jaxon took them from her, while maintaining eye contact. He did not take his eyes from her.“I'm sorry,” he smiled shyly, with reproach. Serena could
Serena managed to get through the event without feeling intimidated. Jaxon made sure he didn't leave her side for too long. He introduced her to his parents as his girlfriend, he was so proud of it.They had received her warmly, contrary to what she had expected. She was surprised to see his brother, he was calm, handsome and soft spoken. She had imagined him to be a viscous, stubborn, shorter man.He smiled at her when she put her hand forward for a handshake. It wasn't the best of smiles, but for someone who was in some sort of rivalry with his brother who happened to be her boyfriend, he gave her a warm reception.Jaxon's father was just as she imagined, like the clips from the news, he was funny, but he still had that wall around him, like he was a small god and unapproachable. He had complimented her dress and told her he'd heard of her wonders and he was happy to see her.His mother on the hand was the sweetest soul, she hugged her and was surprised to hear the college she gradu
He had seen her on the dress before but it didn't look as elegant as this, he wiped his face with a handkerchief to be sure he wasn't getting teary. She had curled her hair into magnificent waves that dropped to her shoulders.Her shoulders gleamed under the bright chandelier that hung on the ceilings of the stairs. She flashed her radiant smile at him, his heart melted again. She was wearing the emerald green version of the blue heart necklace which was paired with complementary earrings.It seemed like she was taking forever to come down the stairs. He resisted the urge to meet her where she was and lift her in his arms down the stairs.It felt like prom night again, but with someone he actually loved. She finally met him at the foot of the stairs and placed her manicured hands on his jacket and straightened the collar. They heard a gentle cough from behind and separated. Uncle Jeff came from the living room and handed her her coat. “I expect that you won't catch a cold with him,
“I'd like for us to have an official date, not just reconciling in the middle of a launch like this, it's so busy around here, but first I'd like to invite you to my inauguration party this weekend” Jaxon leaned in to whisper to Serena.Serena's eyes darted from left to right and she looked up at him. She didn't expect him to say that. “Inauguration party?” “Yes, you know, corporate stuff, I'm sorry it's going to be a lot bigger than this and all of that formal shit, but I'll be by your side. I want you by my side.”“I…I don't know, I'd love to…but,” she began but he hushed her before she made any excuse.“I'm desperate right now to be honest and I can go on my knees for you not to refuse me. Did I forget to tell you or has Hadley told you?”“Told me what?” Serena asked confused.Jaxon’s mood shifted to a more solemn one, “I heard you found out who your…real mum is.” Serena nodded and kept on paying attention to him, the information wasn't something to bother her again. “And she happ
Serena loved her experience in Florida, the person she had stayed with was the most hospitable person ever. She showed her around herself, she made sure she always had something to eat. She even waited for her at the airport during her arrival in Florida.She took her to the most exciting places, met new sane people. She fell in love with the most mundane things and she had a lot of fun.It was quite sad that everything had to come to an end but she was excited for what was coming. Hadley was going to launch her restaurant in the coming week so she left Florida during the weekend.Uncle Jeff and Aunt Mabel were so happy to see her. They had celebrated New Year without her. She immediately went to Hadley's house to see her, her brother and mum had come to Rhode Island for the launch too.Serena remembered when she used to crush on Hadley's brother. Hadley had been so against it, that they almost fought. He had more tattoos now and Serena already heard he had a girlfriend, so there was
“Serena, Hadley is here!” Mabel called Serena from the front door. Serena screamed with joy like she'd been for her since forever. She wore her indoor slippers and ran down the stairs.“Oh my God, Hadley,” she hugged her until they both fell on their knees and were lying on the floor of the front door. Mabel looked at the hilarious sight, it felt good to see them like this again. It was like they were sixteen and about to resume high school again.“Come on girls, you're making fools of yourselves in front of the neighbors.”“Hey, the neighbors,” Hadley jumped to her feet and gave Serena a helping hand, “is Gavin still around?” She grinned.Serena tapped he arm lightly, “all you know how to do is ask after your men, you wouldn't ask how I'm doing before you move into your men.” She joked.Serena carried Hadley's small travel bag inside the house. Hadley came behind her and shut the door. She took off her shoes at the small passageway just before she entered the living room. Mabel gave
Jaxon wondered why she demanded to meet him in person. She'd been trying to contact him for days and the assistant he assigned to her had been bugging him.He finally decided to spare some time for her. He arranged a meeting with her at a cafe close to his office. He made sure it was during busy hours when people would be around in case she wanted to try something funny.She had the effrontery to be late, he kept on checking his wristwatch for the time. He ordered coffee and sipped it bit by bit as he watched the people walking into the cafe through his shades.A few people still managed to recognize him, some of them pointed at him discreetly. It was amusing how he had turned from nobody to somebody and everyone wanted to identify with him. He didn't like having bodyguards around him, so he still had to deal with pushing some people off by himself.Anybody would rush at him, for business proposals, for food, money, assistance. He didn't know how to explain to them that he wasn't a wa
Serena chose to ignore her presence and sat down beside her Uncle who was seated alone at the breadth of the rectangular table. Aunt Mabel sat opposite her, next to him while Amora sat beside her sister. They were having fried turkey with rice and salad. Serena allowed Aunt Mabel to dish her food and she began eating. She expected them to say something about why this woman was with them. They didn't say anything until they finished eating.The normal tradition was to watch sitcoms together anytime they had a meal at the dinning room. Aunt Mabel would be the first to sit in the sitting room, Serena would join her while Uncle Jeff would come in last.Aunt Mabel always slept halfway into movies, Serena and Jeff would binge watch movies together until Uncle Jeff was tired he'd take her aunt into the room while she either continued watching more shows or she'd retired to her room.That was when they ate together, but on other nights when she had her meal in her room, she'd just watch stu
Serena began speaking after the waiter left. She had given the restaurant a four star review for both of them.“I know my place, Jaxon. Our worlds are totally different and you have a lot going on. I should be the least of your worries. Whatever you have going on with your brother, you should resolve it. Family is more important, focus on that. You might regret it so much if you lose any of them. It can happen at anytime, any minute, so please, take care of yourself. I'll always remain grateful to you for getting my uncle out and giving us our house back, but you see, it makes us even more indebted to you. I don't think any further affiliation with you would be good.”Jaxon sighed, “I'm not asking you for anything. It's just..”“My uncle still has to work for your company to make sure everything is returned, doesn't he?” Serena asked him, he sighed, they both knew the answer.“It's not like he's working for the replacement of the funds, I'll figure it out, but it's not like you're s
She wore a teardrop pearl necklace that sitted well on her chest suiting the V-neck blouse she'd chosen to wear her black mini skirt with. It was nothing grand, she reminded herself.She had picked the venue and made sure to come twenty minutes late. She walked into the cafe and didn't have to look around too much to find him. He was punctual, all these things he was doing to repent.He had shades on, but she could tell him apart even if there were several men wearing the same suit he wore. He looked nice in a suit. She laughed in her head, he still became the corporate guy he dreaded so much - because of her, she was reminded by another of her thoughts. Shut Up- she told it back.Lemons - he had started using that bath wash again or he intentionally used it to remind her of the first time she met him. She maintained her stoic expression. He wasn't exactly smiling at her as well, but he looked good, seductive as always in whatever he wore. He would be the center of attraction in his