Page 11 of Serena

“Do you speak Spanish often?” I ask.

“I try to, mostly with Yuri. My parents speak English and Spanish, but we don’t talk often. My grandmother would make me read a book in Spanish. She didn’t want me to stop speaking the language. She passed my freshman year of college, but I still read a book. So, back to business.”

And I know that’s all I'm getting from her. We finish our lunch and make it back to the office in silence. All I can think about is ways to inject myself into her life.

My attempt toget into Serena's orbit starts with her friends. I reached out and invited my old friend Elias to dinner. Why tonight? Because I found out through my close monitoring and stalking of Serena that she, Yuri, and Theo are going to a concert tonight.

“It’s been a while,” Elias says to me from across the table.

“I agree, we need to do this more often. Or does your husband keep a tight leash on you?”

There’s a twinkle in his eye, and he gives me a mischievous smile. “It may be the other way around.”

“Is he working an event tonight? I figure the contract we have would allow for him to be home more.”

“It does. Thanks, by the way, but I know you well enough that there are always strings attached.”

“No strings. Just doing my friend a favor.”

“You don’t just do favors, Ian, even for those you consider friends.”

I smile and move on because he’s right. Nothing in life is free.

“And don’t worry about Theo not making it. There is nothing more frustrating than bringing a chef to a new restaurant—the ‘constructive feedback’ can be anything but. At least I get to enjoy my steak without him criticizing the garnish or mashed potato consistency.”

I notice the way he talks about his husband, the way he smiles every time he says his name. I’ve never felt what othersconsider love, but I’ve known Elias long enough to know that this is the happiest he’s ever been.

“Never would I have imagined that you’d be the first to settle down. The way you slept around. The closest thing you got to a monogamous relationship was sleeping with the same person twice.”

“Fuck off, Ian. Rumor in society circles is that you’re engaged? Who has the great misfortune?”

“Well, the rumor mill is wrong. Not engaged, but definitely off the market.”

“Oh, who’s the unlucky girl?” If he only knew.

“I’ve been wanting to ask you. Serena Nerva, your new Vice President of Finance—she’s a friend of mine. How is she doing?”

“Why do you ask?” Already irritated that he’s even bringing her up.

“I’m just checking in on my friend. Plus, I consider her family.”

"Well, I’m your friend, and you don’t check up on me.” I appreciate that he checks on her, but that doesn't mean that I should like it. I know it's ludicrous, but it carries merit. There was a time when Serena would have been his type.

“She’s doing fantastic; she’s very smart and knows her stuff, giving everyone there a run for their money. Pun intended.”

He smiles, like a proud, what? Boyfriend? Brother?

Jesus. He’s married.

I pause and continue. “Always in control of the situation. Has she always been like that?”

“Why are you so interested in Serena?”

“Just curious about her. I want to know I can trust her with my company.”

“Well, your father hired her. Doesn’t that answer your question?”

Hmmmm. “Correct.”