I look at her in the eyes, and her shy and unsure grin lets me know she’s being genuine. I smile back.
“It’s okay,” I say softly, a new sense of understanding blossoming between us. “It all is, really. Thanks for that. I appreciate it.”
She stands up and dusts her jacket off.
“Oh,” I say, “and I’m sorry about flicking you off.”
She chuckles. “I deserved it.” She offers a small, tentative smile. “I’ll leave you to it, then. Take care, Serena.”
I’m left with my own thoughts once Cassie walks away.
I always thought what I had with Tyler was a crush. I thought it would just fade away like the other meaningless crushes I’ve had. But he feels like home.
Crystal clear, Serena, you’re in deep for him. Just admit it.
It would be a big leap, and maybe, just maybe, a big leap is exactly what I need in my life.
Chapter 37
Tyler
Part of me wants to knock out Jared for sending me out on a goose chase, but the conscious side of me knows I can’t really do that since our friendship is rocky at the moment.
When Jared told me Serena was meeting her mom at a diner downtown, I rushed over to see her, hoping I could catch her to settle everything between us. But she wasn’t there and I missed the chance once again.
Life hates me.
I’ve already gone to Boba Republic, texted her friends, no sign of her.
The sun dipped low, casting an amber hue through the blinds of my room. I sat at the edge of my bed, phone in hand, my gaze fixed on the screen, begging for it to light up with a message from Serena. But as the hours passed, silence came.
I toss my phone onto the bed and run a hand through my hair in frustration. I fucking blew it, I scared her away with myemotions. I should’ve known better, should’ve handled things differently. I said we could take it slow, but I pressed on the accelerator too goddamn early.
“She’s probably done with me,” I mutter to the empty room, a pang of regret tugging at my chest.
Glancing at the clock, I realize how late it has gotten. The idea of reaching out to her again flickers in my mind. Then again, I doubt myself, would she even want to hear from me after everything?
“I can’t leave it like this,” I say to myself, standing up with the pride I have left and shaking the uncomfortable sensations off to feel bold as hell. I grab my jacket and keys, sliding my phone into my pocket. Maybe face-to-face is what we need. Maybe actions are better than my words at this point.
Communication is key, I repeat in my head.
Just as I brace myself to head out, my phone pings.
Jared:if you want to earn my forgiveness, come help me roll these egg rolls.
I pause, feeling so much relief at this sign. It’s not just about helping out a friend anymore; it’s about the chance to run into Serena and actually have a real conversation with her. I shoot Jared a quick reply,Only if you sneak me 10 egg rolls to take home.
I run to my dad’s office and let him know I’m stepping out for a while so he can watch Harper in case she wakes up. I go to her room, give her a soft kiss on the forehead and leave the house, locking the door behind me. The cool night air hits my face, and it only helps me feel confident that this is going to work out.
I park outside their house, and I walk up to the front door.
“Oh? Hey, Tyler.” Ralph greets me.
“Honey, who is that?” Lina pops her head behind Ralph’s shoulder, “Oh, Tyler!”
I shove my hands into my pockets, unsure of what to do with them. “Hi Mr. and Mrs. Collins. I’m here to help Jared out.”
“Sure, son, come on in,” Ralph says, widening the door for me to step in. “You don’t have to call me Mr. Collins, by the way, it makes me feel like aboomer.”
