Page 3 of Serena
I know a bit about Gabriel from Yuri; their families have known each other for years. So long that they vacationedtogether before Mrs. Abigail Kayde became ill. According to Yuri, he loves challenges, hence why he has an economics degree and a law degree from not one but two Ivy League schools. He is one of three children, the middle child, and the most extroverted of the brothers. He enjoys attending parties and social gatherings. He loves strawberry everything. Based on that, I assume they were close friends at one time. I can see he’s very handsome, with shoulder-length light-brown hair, a square jaw, and blue eyes.
The second screen’s camera remains off. Is there anyone even there? I find myself focusing on that square on the screen more than I should. Gabriel then directs his attention at me. “Ms. Nerva.” I can feel all eyes on me. “Congratulations on being part of the team. You’ve been with the company for a long time. You were highly recommended, and we can’t wait to see what your expertise brings to the table.”
“Thank you. I'm happy to be here,” I reply with a smile.
The meeting goes quickly. We go over projections for this upcoming quarter and information about the third-party marketing firm that will oversee the transition for the next couple of months. As the meeting wraps up, Gabriel announces, “A reminder that the gala is this Saturday. This is a celebration of a new era here at Kayde Investments.” He leaves the meeting, but the screen is still on. I go to leave when Jacob turns to me. “My offer still stands.”
God, this guy gives me the creeps. In my most polite fuck-off face, I acknowledge what he said and walk away. I head back into my office and text Yuri.
Serena
You still my date for the gala this Saturday?
Yuri
Of course! Can’t wait to dress up.
Serena
Dress shopping tomorrow?
Yuri
I already have some ideas. I will have the boutique set some things aside for us.
Serena
You are the best!
Yuri
I know. Also, we need an outfit for the upcoming concert, but we will have Theo come with us for that. Since it’s for his birthday.
Serena
Sounds good!
I’m about to exit the room when I look at the black screen behind me. It’s still on.
There are two versions of Serena Nerva. The one staring back at me in the mirror right now is the one I present to the world. A confident woman who takes no shit from anyone. Who is respected by her colleagues. Who walks into a room with her head held high, knowing she is smarter than half the people in the room, if not all of them. Always in control. The problem solver people rely on.
The other version is a ticking time bomb. Always looking over her shoulder when she walks down the street. Who feels shattered beyond repair. Whose past reckless decision has caused permanent scars.Respira. I chant to myself.Respira.
I’m standing in front of my full-length mirror, admiring the beautiful dress the stylist at the boutique picked out. I’ve hated dress shopping ever since college, but I make exceptions for work. It took me a couple of changes to find the right one. The dress is mid-length, dark blue, which stands out against my tan skin. It’s not too tight, but it still shows off my curves in all theright places, yet keeps it modest for a work function. My brown hair is pinned to my left side with curls cascading down.
I look into the mirror to make sure it doesn’t move out of place. For tonight, I’m sticking with neutrals when it comes to my makeup but applying my favorite red lipstick. I’m on the shorter side, so the heels give me some additional height. I smile in the mirror, sliding on the mask I present to the world. My phone vibrates.
Yuri
Downstairs, want me to come up?
Serena
No need, I’m coming.
I exit my building and hear a whistle coming from a black sedan that’s parked right in front of the entrance. I look up and laugh at Yuri's attempts to catcall me. “That’s very anti-feminist of you.” I give her a flirty wink.
She’s wearing the green dress from the boutique; it was the first one she tried on. It looks gorgeous on her beautiful olive skin. My best friend radiates sunshine. Even when the sun isn't shining, she always is. I honestly don’t know what I would do without her. I take a deep breath and get in the car. I’ve been feeling anxious all day, and I can’t seem to shake off the uneasy feeling.
