Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 35957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“I know how that goes. It seems Serena is busier than ever now, too. Between her neighbor across the street and working for the firm, by the time she’s home, well, she’s more into staying home.” I cover my smirk with the back of my hand and clear my throat.
“It tends to happen that way. It’s why I try to make time for my parents on Saturdays.” Last weekend was the exception. I had every intention of keeping our day together and bringing Serena with me. Then Mom texted to tell me they were going out of town for the weekend with a few of their friends from the Moose Lodge.
“Yeah, it does. I won’t keep you. Thanks again for talking to HR about Serena’s check.” Todd knocks on the wooden door. He’s unable to stand or sit still for longer than a few minutes today.
“No problem. See you tomorrow.” I pick up my things, he takes his leave, and I do the same shortly after, making sure to close my door on the way out. Jude was here first thing Monday morning, supervising, so to speak, how maintenance was replacing the lock. Todd’s office even got the same upgrade to keep everything looking normal. Jude made a few comments, and when I walked him out of the building, he got a look at Serena, let out a whistle under his breath, and commented that kismet didn’t need to work for us. Not with the way we can’t keep our eyes off one another.
Serena: See you soon. I’ll wait to walk to Luke and Shae’s with you once you’re home.
Me: Walking out the door now. You’ll probably beat me there.
Serena is meeting everyone at Luke’s tonight. She hasn’t met any of them yet, not even Luke, Shae, and Coralynn. Only talked to the girls on the phone or by email for clarification purposes. As for Jude, she saw him but didn’t get the chance to be formally introduced. After tonight, I know one thing for certain: we’re done hiding this relationship. I feel too damn much for the blonde bombshell to keep her in the dark. The thought of being unable to take her to dinner, go for a walk around her block, or anything else out in public is weighing heavily. And I don’t fucking like it. Neither does she.
“I’m not sure why my nerves are setting in. I feel like I already know your friends from you talking about them. Plus, you met Talia, and she’s a tough nut to crack.” Serena holds my bicep as we walk to Luke and Shae’s place. They’re on the other side of our building. Close enough yet far enough, too.
“Sweetheart, you’ve got nothing to worry about. These people on the other side of the door already love you, and it’s purely because you make me a better person.” It’s on the tip of my tongue to spill my guts to her, but I clamp my mouth shut and leave the subject for a later time.
“Damn it, Crew. I did not expect that, and now I’m nearly in tears, happy tears. Meeting your friends looking like a raccoon isn’t helping matters, you know.” She stops a few paces away from Luke’s, and I stand with her, no matter what. Usually, everyone would bring something to a dinner of this size, but with most of the women having children, being pregnant, and working long hours, catering our dinner is the only option. We’re all more than okay with this, we each chip in some money, and a company will deliver the food and set it up. All we have to do is pick everything up at the end of the day.
“Tears, smiles, laughter, they wouldn’t mind either way.” Serena takes a few deep breaths to gather herself, and while I’d like to say fuck it, take her back home, and keep her to myself, I know that’s not an option.
“Okay, I’m good.” The smile she sends my way, it’s full and bright, and her worries have disappeared. Thank fuck. The last thing I want to do is have her be a bundle of nerves and feel like she has to fake it till she makes it.
“Alright.” I place my hand in hers, give it a reassuring squeeze, and we finish our trek to Luke’s place. We’re barely at the door when Briar, Kennedy and Trent’s daughter, opens it for us.
“Finally, you’re here.” The sass is in full force, a lot like her mother.
“Briar, my girl.” She flings her arms up in a dramatic flair, expecting a hug and getting it the minute I’m able. “I want you to meet someone really special to me.” While Briar is getting closer and closer to double digits, she’ll always be the baby of the group. The first kiddo we all had a hand in helping raise in some sort of way, and it’s not easy watching her gain more independence every time I see her.