Page 94 of Bayside Heat
“I know you’re upset about missing Drake’s surprise and his grand opening,” Gavin said as they headed into the parking garage after the KHB event. “But you did well in there. Your clients, and your team, love you.”
“Thank you. You did, too,” she said as they entered the garage. “I can’t believe they do this every month. Don’t you get sick of it? It seems like more of an excuse to eat expensive food, drink, and brag about KHB’s newest design awards than anything else.”
Clients had showed up in droves, and Suzanne gave each and every one of them a good bit of attention, which Serena was actually impressed by. “I can see the value in doing it every once in a while, but every month seems like overkill.”
“Hey, if I were Suzanne, I’d do something once a year, and I’d invite current clients as well as past clients.”
“Yes! Exactly. Fewer events could yield higher returns, bringing back past clients and making everyone want to attend because it’s special. I spent my internship working for a design firm in Dartmouth and learning from my sixty-plus-year-old boss. That man had been around. He’s since retired and sold his company, but he believed grassroots marketing efforts and personalized service went a lot further than putting on airs. And I have to tell you, that shaped my thinking.”
“That’s a good thing. Companies who rely on spending to earn end up having more trouble when economies tank.” Gavin pointed to his car. “That’s mine.”
“Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and I’ll see you Monday.”
“You too. And, Serena, I know it seems like you’re constantly fighting the system, but I want you to know that I appreciate the fact that you stand up for what you believe in. You’re a refreshing change to have around and a good reminder of how much I’ve changed.” The sincerity in his eyes shone in stark contrast to the usual lightheartedness she saw.
“Really? What happened to your small-town roots keeping you grounded?”
He shook his head with a wry smile. “A stubborn chick showed up and unknowingly made me realize that I accept bullshit even when I don’t agree with it. Maybe it’s time for me to change that.”
She took a few steps toward the row her car was in and said, “Why do I have the feeling I’m going to be blamed for something bad in the near future?”
He laughed as he unlocked his car and waved.
She sat in her car and watched the video of Drake again. Elated for him, she sent off a quick text before leaving the garage. More than 11,000 views. I’m dating a rock star! I’m not above kicking the shit out of fangirls, so don’t get any ideas, Mr. Hottie. Xox.
Two and a half hours later, she climbed out of her car at the resort and inhaled the salty sea air. She followed the undercurrent of smoky wood toward the Bayside community center, where Hagen was sitting on Drake’s lap roasting marshmallows beside Mira and Matt. Emery held a stick over the fire, and behind her Dean stood with one hand on her shoulder, talking on his cell phone. Serena’s entire being exhaled, releasing all her stress and disappointment.
Hagen hopped off Drake’s lap, and as Drake took the marshmallow off the stick, Hagen spotted Serena. He dropped the stick, getting sticky marshmallow all over Drake, and sprinted toward her, yelling, “Auntie Serena is here!”
“Don’t touch her—” Mira called out.
She scooped Hagen into her arms. Her eyes met Drake’s as he rose to his feet, pushing away all the shadows in her heart. A bottomless sense of peace came over her, and she knew this was where she was meant to be. This was home. But her life had become complicated, and she had no idea what home really meant anymore.
“Hey, kiddo!” She kissed Hagen’s cheek.
“We’re making s’mores,” he said as he wriggled free. “Uncle Drake is using two pieces of chocolate instead of graham crackers because we ran out. See?” He held up his sticky chocolate fingers.
Mira rushed over. “I’m sorry! I tried to stop him.”
Serena looked down at the forest-green V-neck dress she’d worn to the event. There were little chocolate handprints on her hip and shoulder and a chocolate smear across the three sheer lines of material at her waist. After spending the day doing her best to look and act professional and comfortable, being prim and proper and saying all the right things, careful to sit with her knees together and watch her language, she couldn’t help but laugh.
