Page 69 of Serena
“Baby, look at me,” he repeats in a sterner voice. “Serena, look at me now. Breathe. They are going to love you.” I nod and try to control my breathing. Taking my hand, he leads me to the front door. As we approach, the door opens.
Today's visit with Serena's parents was a disaster, to say the least. There were numerous times when I wished Anthony were not Serena’s father so I could beat him within an inch of his life. At the end of the day, they are her parents, but fuck, are they assholes. I’ll just have someone vandalize their perfectly manicured lawn. The more I learn about Serena, the more I know she needs someone to protect her. To take care of her. As much as I hate to admit it, I have a better understanding of why she’s so close to the Lobos, but she needs more people on her side.
After we boarded the plane, I sent my family a message that we would be coming over for an impromptu dinner and that Serena would be joining us. Of course, my mother went into hostess mode. So here we are. My mother and father are standing in front of the entrance. My mother welcomes Serena with open arms, and my father, well, he’s his usual self, all business.
My father and I don’t always see eye to eye in business, but I know he wants his children to be happy. I don’t miss the spark in his eye when he sees me hold Serena close. We enter the house and find my sister, Vee, rushing to greet us. Gabe is out of the country for a couple of weeks, so he was unable to attend. He seems to be doing a lot of that lately.
Vee barrels toward us.
“You’re a real person! Serena! It’s so great to meet you.” I scowl at my sister. “What? I thought you were making her up. There is no way someone this attractive and smart would be into you.” I hear Serena giggle. I don’t care if it’s at my expense. My sister gives Serena and me a hug. Vee grabs Serena and leads her into the kitchen. My mother smiles and follows two of the most infuriating women in my life.
I turn to my father. “Dad, I need your help.” He leads me to his office, and I close the door behind us. He holds out his hand before I speak.
“I need to ask you something, and don’t you fucking lie to me, Ian.” He continues, “So now you’re sleeping with my Vice President of Finance? What are you thinking? Do you see the liability in that?”
I don’t want him to have a negative impression of Serena. This is my father; he isn't one to sugarcoat things. I look him in the eyes so he can see I'm not bullshitting him. “This is as real as you and Mom,” I admit. That’s all it takes. He looks at me with a mutual understanding because if anyone understands the length someone will go to protect the woman he loves, it’s my father.
“Tell me what you need from me.”
I joinSerena and my mother outside on the balcony. Vee is sitting on the kitchen island watching my father cook dinner.
“Since when does Dad cook?” I ask my mother, who’s sitting in her favorite chair.
“Your father has many talents, but he started taking cooking classes a couple of months ago. All it took was my complimenting the chef on his tiramisu. The next day, we had a new chef who was teaching your father.”
Sounds about right. My father is a very jealous man. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. My mother places one hand on my arm while I grab Serena’s with the other to lead them inside. My sister helps set the table. She places sealed water bottles in the center of the table and opens a glass of wine in front of Serena. No one acknowledges it. I don’t want Serena to feel embarrassed about it. She looks around the table and gives my family a warm smile as a silent thank you.
The evening is pleasant, and I see Serena relax and enjoy the company.
“So, Serena, tell me more about yourself,” my father asks. She tells my family about her friends, hobbies, and job.
“Uncle Isaac and Auntie Liliana are going to love you,” Veronica tells Serena. “Especially Uncle—he loves guns and could be at the range all day if Auntie didn’t drag him away.”
My mother laughs. “Yes, my younger sister tends to be imperious when it comes to her husband.”
“I won’t hold it against you that your best friend is Yuri Lobo,” my sister says loud enough for the entire table to hear.
“Excuse me?” Serena's response is offended.
Vee looks apologetic. “I’m sorry, Serena, but I’m not the biggest Yuri Lobo fan, well, not anymore.” My sister continues to rant. “Not since she broke Gabe’s heart.”
“It’s not the time or the place, Veronica,” my mother scolds.
“Veronica Kayde, control yourself,” my father calls out from across the table.
“What? I never knew that,” Serena informs my family.
“He doesn’t like to talk about it, and apparently neither does she,” Vee says bitterly. “But like I said, I won’t hold it against you.”
“Are you done, Veronica?” I see her wince at my tone. “This isn’t the time nor the place.
“Serena, would you like to help me cut the dessert?” My mother interrupts our sibling squabble.
“I would love to.” Both women leave the table.
The moment they leave, I turn to my sister. “What the fuck was that, Vee?” I all but shout.
“What? I needed to know if she knew what a real bitch her friend is.” I know my sister did this on purpose. “Ian, I really like her. Love looks good on you.”
