I lean back, trying to gauge her emotions. “It’s okay to have moments where things don’t go perfectly,” I reassure her. “It doesn’t define who you are or make you any different. And your family, they love you for who you are, not just your achievements.”
Serena exhales heavily, “I know… I need to remind myself of that more often. Thanks, Ty.”
I stand up and retrieve a glass container from the counter, placing it in front of her.
“What’s this?”
“Apology cookies.”
“Wait, we both made each other apology food?” Serena looks at me, a mixture of appreciation and confusion then she lets out a melodic laugh. “This is unreal.”
“As real as it gets,” I say with a grin.
Serena’s laughter fills the room, a sound I love to hear any chance I get. “What do you have to be sorry about? I snapped at you.”
I settle back next to her, our knees touching, creating a cozy closeness. “I thought I was crossing the line,” I admit.
Serena raises a brow. “What do you mean?”
Running a hand through my hair, I try to voice out my feelings. “I don’t know, I thought I was being too clingy.”
“You weren’t being clingy, Tyler. It’s far from that. It’s complicated,” she trails off, her gaze momentarily shifting. “It’s just that... I don’t usually open up about these things, about anything, especially to someone like you.”
“Someone like me?”
“Someone who listens without judging me,” Serena explains, a hint of vulnerability in her voice. “I’ve only had my family and Alli. My therapist doesn’t really count.” Her brown eyes lock with mine. “And then you walked into my life. It’s like I found you without even trying.”
I pause, feeling a warmth spread through me. “Sunshine,” I say, “I need to tell you that I–”
“Titi!” Harper calls, running into the kitchen with her iPad. “Fix it, pleaaase.”
I smile warmly at Harper. “In a second, let me finish talking to–”
Serena interrupts, standing up from her chair. “It’s cool, I need to head home anyway.”
“Who is she?” Harper asks, tugging on my sweats.
Bending down to meet Harper at eye level, I reply, “This is Serena.”
“You like her!” Harper shouts.
I glance at Harper, my cheeks reddening. “Harper, you can’t just say that–”
Serena chuckles lightly, bending down to Harper’s level. “Hi Harper, I’m Serena.”
Harper gives a toothy grin. “Serena, Serena, Serena,” Harper says in a sing-song voice as she smiles at the both of us.
My cheeks burn hotter as I shoot a glance at Serena. She looks amused, a knowing glint in her eyes. “You’re a cutie pie.”
“Titi talks about you all the time.”
Serena rises and gives me a knowing look at my nickname. “Titi?”
“She can’t say Tyler for some reason.”
“Well,Titi, I should head home,” Serena says, shooting me a quick look before addressing Harper. “Nice meeting you, pretty girl.”
As Serena heads for the door, I hastily follow. “I’ll walk you out,” I mutter, trying to catch up to her.
