Page 7 of Nathan
Jolene was quick to follow his lead. “I’ll bet Kit and Saffron are beating Charles and Damian.”
“Are you three coming?” Liv asked as she left the living room with Jolene and Atlas.
“In a minute,” I answered and checked the time on my phone. “Was it at nine?”
“Yes.” River stood up. “ I was trying to tell you. You have to go if you want to make it on time.” The sadness I’d spotted in her earlier now shone from her again.
Lumi, who hadn’t said much in the last twenty minutes, put an arm around River’s shoulder while I asked:
“Are you sure you want me to meet up with Serena? It’s not too late for me to cancel it.”
She straightened her back and tensed her jaw. “Storm lied to me, and for the last nine months, he made my life hell with all the headlines about his love for Serena. The woman is a homewrecker, and for her to have the nerve to ask me to meet her for drinks as if we’re still friends – it’s offensive. She’s trying to mess with my head, so yes, I want you to meet up with Serena and carry out the plan we decided on.”
Lumi had a stern expression on her face. “I’ll go and tell Kit it’s time to leave. Even if you can only get one kiss, Kit will catch it on camera and send it to Storm. Turn on your charm and seduce Serena.”
River looked down. “I really hope a picture like that will crush his lovesick heart and break up their so-calledperfectrelationship. Let’s see how he likes to get cheated on.”
Lumi frowned at me when I remained quiet for a moment. “You’re not backing out now, are you?”
“No, of course not. I promised River that I would have her back, and I meant it.”
“Thank you.” River touched my shoulders. “Keep it simple and use the tricks I taught you.”
“I know how to flirt with a woman.”
“Serena Star isn’t just any woman.”
I was fully aware and tucked my wet palms in the pockets of my trousers.
“If you get nervous, I want you to remember something.” River bit her lip. “It’s in the biggest crowds that you’ll find the loneliest people.”
“What do you mean?”
“Not everything that shines is made of gold.”
I groaned. “Can you quit talking in quotes and say what you mean?”
“It’s just that people look at women like Serena and me and assume that we’re happy because on the outside we have everything. But in most cases, it’s not true. Storm isn’t a perfect boyfriend, and I’ll bet that if you listen to Serena and pay attention, you’ll find a way to charm your way to a kiss. Just don’t forget to fill her up on drinks. Alcohol helps.”
“Thanks.” I fished out my car keys from my pocket. “I’ve got this.”
“Don’t forget that she’s a snake,” River said in a solemn voice. “You hate snakes!”
“Don’t tell him that! If he goes in there with anger, he won’t be able to seduce Serena into kissing him. She’ll be defensive and make an excuse to leave.”
“Lumi has a point. Maybe it’s better if you pretend that you’re excited to be there and that she’s the most beautiful woman you’ve ever met,” River suggested as if flirting with Serena would be a chore.
I kissed my sisters on their cheeks and didn’t tell them that I wouldn’t have to pretend at all.
“Thank you, Nathan.”
“Anytime, sis. Family first.”
