“I know you can, just let me do it.”
Serena doesn’t fight with me buckling her in, but before I can step over to the driver side, she takes my wrist. “You didn’t drink, right?”
I hold her hand in mine, reassuringly. “No, I didn’t drink. I’m driving.”
Serena nods quietly and releases my hand, allowing me to hop over to the other side. I start the car and head to Liberty’s for her chicken nuggets. Knowing she had way too much to drink (jungle juice is the official blame), I can’t just take her home without food.
As we drive, Serena’s laughter occasionally bursts out, likely fueled by the jungle juice. She’s not drunk, but she’s not sober either. Her temporary chaotic energy adds an extra layer of bubbliness to our after party adventure. I can’t help but smile ather carefree spirit, appreciating the way she embraces the joy of the night.
We arrive at Liberty’s and order via drive-thru since Serena is still giggling uncontrollably to get out of the car. I ordered a twenty piece nugget meal with fries and water to share. We decided to eat the nuggets in a local park’s parking lot. It’s almost midnight, and the only sounds in the air are the nearby stream from the pond.
The golden streetlights peek through the car windows, casting a warm glow behind Serena. If looks could kill, I’d have dropped dead on the spot.
“Cheers!” Serena exclaims, waving a nugget in the air.
I chuckle at her, waving my nugget in return. “Cheers.”
“You know, you’re pretty cute when you’re jealous,” Serena says, matter-of-factly.
I scoff and choke at the same time. Stupid nugget. “I wasn’t jealous.”
“You were annoyed with me.”
“I was not.”
“You cornered me in the hallway.”
I take another bite of my nugget before turning to face her fully. With a chuckle, I confess, “Okay, I was jealous.”
“Ah-ha! I knew it.” Serena points to me, “But why?”
Because I really like you.“I like it when I make you laugh like that. Not when someone else does it.”
“Why?”
“What do you mean why?”
“Why do you like to make me laugh? Why can’t Travis do that?”
“Do you like him?”
“Nope.” Serena answers, popping the ‘p’ in her one-word response. “But I think you like meee.” The confession bubbles out of her. God, she must be out of it that she inversely confessed my feelings.
“Serena–”
“Admit it,” Serena demands in a cute commanding way while also waving a nugget in my direction. “You like me.”
Serena’s challenge hangs in the air, her eyes sparkling under the night skies as she takes small bites out of the nugget. Her legs are tucked underneath her, showing off her smooth skin, and the flutter of her lashes sends a shiver down my spine. Without overthinking or second guessing myself, I reach out and brush her cheek with my thumb, a simple yet powerful move that speaks volumes.
Something shifts. Everything changes at this moment. We’re stuck in time, caught in a weird moment of anticipation. I confess, “I do, Serena.”
Chapter 22
Serena
I’m hungover.
My head is pounding like a jackhammer, and the sunlight creeps through my “blackout” curtains, which doesn’t quite get the job done. Blackout curtains my ass. Groaning, I try to bury myself deeper into my pillows, but the hangover is here and staying. I admit defeat and lay there silently, recalling my night with Tyler.
