Page 28 of Serena
“Can we talk about something else?
“No, answer the questions.”
“You can be, but you're also demanding, controlling, and very presumptuous."
“True.” To stop her from overthinking, I change the conversation. “So, why a finance degree?”
“Oh, um, well, it's a stable career.” She sighs. “The truth?”
“That’s all I want.”
“Well, my dad works as an accountant, and he always wanted me to have a career that would offer stability. I figured if I went into a career that he supports, he'd be proud of me. But along the way, things changed. I’m really good with numbers and make a lot of money, but lately, though, I don't know. I want more, but I don’t know what that more is. How about you? Did you always see yourself being the head of the Kayde Empire?”
“Yes. It’s all I've ever known. Gabe knew he was going to be part of it, but I’d be the one to take over for my father. It just came quicker than we thought.”
“What about your sister?”
“Oh, Veronica is still trying to find herself. She’s struggling at the moment.”
“Because of your mom?”
Talking about my mom is hard, so I just nod.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”
I take a deep breath. “No, it’s okay. Yes, Mom is doing well, but Vee, she just can’t face it. So, she runs away.”
“I know what that’s like. But she’s lucky to have you and your brother.” She pauses, trying to find her next words. “I don’t have siblings or much family, actually. That’s why I gravitated towardYuri and hers. They’ve been there for me, even when my own parents couldn't.”
I see the hurt in her eyes when she talks about her parents. Ruby stops by and drops off what looks like potatoes.
“Here, I brought you some jícama.”
Serena’s face lights up. “Ohhh, thank you! Do you have chili powder and lime?” A moment later, the ingredients are delivered to our table.
“Pomegranate, please,” I tell Ruby when she asks what flavor I want my next mojito to be. I look at Ian, who’s staring at me like I grew a third head. I’m more relaxed than when we got into the car earlier.
“Are you eating a potato?” he asks with a disgusted look on his face.
I roll my eyes, which I seem to do a lot with this man. “No, well, yes kinda. It’s a Mexican turnip. Want to try?”
“No thanks.”
“I grew up eating them; they remind me of my grandmother. She had a garden and grew pomegranates and jícama. It’s nostalgic.” His smiles melt my insides.
“Did you know that when you smile, your eyes turn a lighter shade of green?” I blush because I can’t believe I said that out loud.
“Do you look at my eyes often?”
“Well, I can’t help it; you have pretty eyes.”Oh my god, what the fuck, Serena?How much did I drink? Looking at my drink, I see that I finished the second mojito. Okay, no more drinking until I eat.
“Are you and Caleb close?” I ask, trying to change the subject.
“Why are you interested in him?”
“I’m not. I’m just trying to have a conversation.”
“About my charming cousin?”
