Page 60 of Serena
“Yes, I didn’t want to come back to reality.”
“I completely understand,” because I do. Being away helps avoid whatever problems a person is going through. It’s called running away; I’m really good at it. Although I don’t want to be anymore.
“So, you and Ian? I can’t say I saw that coming.”
“Neither did I. I’m taking it slow,” I admit. “One day at a time.”
“You may be, but I know him well enough to know he isn’t.”
“Elias, you and Ian have been friends for a long time. Why didn’t I ever meet him before?”
“Well, he lived overseas and rarely came to the States. He isn’t one to attend parties or big events. That was usually his dad or brother.” I can see him thinking. “Do you trust him?” The question catches me off guard. Do I?
“Yes. I think I do.” I’m honest. Trusting people is hard for me. With Ian, I’ve given him so much of myself already, and all he’s asked in return is for honesty. Still, I know how he feels about Elias and my closeness.
He takes a deep breath. “Then you have to tell him everything.”
“Everything?” There’s panic in my voice.
“Serena, he needs to know everything. If you keep secrets, it will destroy what the two of you are building.” I know he’s right.
“Even…Even what happened between you and me?” Shit.
“Yes, even that. I kn?—.”
He looks at me. No, through me to the person standing behind me. I take a deep breath and know exactly who it is.
“Oh, don’t stop on my account,” Ian says, walking over. “I’d love to hear more about you and Elias.” I can feel the air around us change. He’s not angry, no, this is something dark and destructive. I look up, his light-green eyes from earlier are now dark green, almost black. I instinctively stand between him and Elias. Fuck, I have to tell him. I look back over my shoulder to Elias, and we share an understanding look. He knows I can’t, so he has to do it. This is going to be a disaster.
He looks at his friend. “You have to understand this was a very long time ago.” There is no acknowledgment from Ian. I look down and see his hands balled into fists. I put my hand over his; maybe that will help to ease the blow. The words just come out of my mouth.
“Ian, a couple of years ago, Elias and I, well, we slept together. It didn’t last long.” Everything happens so fast. Ian pushes me to the side and lunges at Elias. Landing a punch straight to his jaw. Elias falls back, making contact with the hard ground. Ian straddles him, attempting to land more punches, but Elias manages to block them.
“I asked you if you were in love with her. You lied. You son of a bitch.” He what?
I attempt to pull Ian off, but he’s too strong. Theo runs out and wrestles Ian off his husband.
“What the fuck are you doing, Ian?” I turn, and Ian’s stare burns right through me. Disregarding Theo’s presence.
“I asked you after the concert. You lied to me.” He sounds hurt.
“No, I didn't answer the question. I didn’t even know you back then.”
Elias is up on his feet. I’m surprised he doesn’t try to return the punch Ian landed. Elias never stands down from a fight. He tries to explain. “It was years ago, before Theo. It didn't mean anything.” He’s right, it didn’t mean anything in the romantic sense. “When I told you I didn’t love her, I wasn’t lying.” He looks at me. “I love her as a sister.”
“A sister? Really? Do you fuck your sister?” Now, he’s just being offensive, and it’s pissing me off. How dare he judge? If this is his reaction to one secret, how will he react to the others?
I stand in front of him. “No, Ian, you don’t get to judge. It was years ago. I’ve known Elias for years. I met you, what? A couple of months ago?” I feel the tears wanting to escape my eyes, but I hold them back. “You don’t get to judge me or him. You have no right.” I look at Theo, and he looks at me with sympathy.
“Theo, are you okay with your husband screwing your best friend?” he yells. Theo looks at his husband with all the love in the world. He takes Elias’s hand. With a heavy sigh.
“He’s not screwing her, you idiot. And for your information, I’ve known about it for years.” Theo and I share a knowing look. No anger, just understanding. I turn to my friend, who is in utter shock.
“You told him? What the hell, Serena?” I wince. Elias never raises his voice at me.
“It’s my fault. I pushed her,” Theo whispers.
“Explain now,” Elias orders Theo.
