Page 7 of Serena

“Serena, have you been having nightmares again?”

“No,” I lie. “Why do you ask?”

“I just worry about you.”

“Yuri, please don’t. I’m fine.”

She nods. “You’ll tell me, right?”

“Of course,” I lie again.

My nightmares started years ago. There’s always a trigger—it can be from stress, sometimes my overthinking, but I hadn’t had one in months, not until this weekend. But I keep that last part to myself.

“Serena, I’ve been thinking. Don’t get mad, okay?”

“Okay,” I say hesitantly.

She pauses and picks at her nails, which is her nervous tic. “Well, do you think visiting would help?”

I’m stunned by her question. “Visiting? Where?”

“Well, home,” she whispers.

“The place where it happened? Seriously?” My tone is defensive, but I don’t try to hide it.

“Yes, it burned down. Maybe that can help you with closure? I’m just trying to help.” Her cheery persona is replaced by my worrisome friend.

“I know you mean well, Yuri, but I don’t think that’s a good idea. I can’t.”

“I just want you to be happy.”

“I know you do, and I love you for it.”

Sensing that the topic is too heavy for me, we move on to other things. I tell her about my upcoming business trip. She reminds me that we have to go shopping for the concert. It's in honor of Theo’s birthday. Elias isn't joining us but is financing the whole thing versus participating. He “doesn't want to be around intoxicated adults who act like teenagers.” We rolled our eyes and laughed. For someone who’s only five years older than us, he sure acts like a grump. Far from the playboy he used to be.

“Oh, I met Ian Kayde.”

“And?” She perks up.

“And nothing. He’s intense and bossy.” My voice is full of annoyance. Because I wasn’t the only one he barked orders at today. Jacob and other executives were moved to different floors in the building. He also complained about the drinks in the office. Selma, his assistant, has to find a new catering company.

“You're the only woman I’ve ever heard complain about him.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, he is very easy on the eyes and probably easy all around. Women throw themselves at him,” she whispers. “I’ve heard he has a list of women he regularly calls to fuck. Of course, nothing serious because no one is good enough for Ian Kayde.”

“Well, he doesn’t have to worry about me throwing myself at him.”

Bang.Bang. Bang.

I needed this. It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve been to the range. This is a hobby that few know of. I turn and see my friend finish her round. After she’s done, she looks at my target.

“That’s pretty good,” she compliments.

“Not pretty good, that’s great.”

Annie looks at me like a proud parent. She may as well be. She's almost my mother’s age, but unlike my mother, Annie is a badass, independent, and nurturing.