11. Serena
11
SERENA
W hat did he just say?
Why did Logan choose right now to say this? Couldn’t he have done it before sex or even tomorrow morning?
” Excuse me?”
” You told me the other day that you weren’t a one-night stand type of woman, and I want to respect that. I didn’t think that I could be in a relationship, but I realize that I want to try it with you.”
” I know that my blow job skills are phenomenal, but you should make this decision when you’re not riding the dopamine wave.”
” What does that even mean?”
” It means that you’re on an incredible high right now, as am I, and we shouldn’t be making critical decisions about anything now. I don’t trust that it’s your truth.”
” Don’t trust it’s my truth?” He chuckles. “So I’m telling you right now that I want to be with you, but you don’t believe it?”
” Correct.”
” Okay, well, I will make sure to show you that your blow job skills aren’t the reason I’m saying this,” he teases. “What’s really going on?”
” Logan, look around you. Look at your house. Look at…your closet, and…we live in two different worlds. I can barely afford to keep the lights on at my apartment and at my shop, and you’re wearing Armani suits on rotation.”
” That doesn’t matter to me.”
” You have looked down your nose at me since the first day we ran into each other.”
” Now that I’ve gotten to know you, I don’t.”
I let out a long sigh. “I just…I don’t know how this will ever work. I don’t know how to be a pretty face on your arm. I don’t know how to smile and nod or keep my mouth shut when someone is rude or wrong.”
” I’m not asking you to do that.”
” You’re not, you’re right. But…”
” Listen, I’ve never really been in a relationship before. My dating history consists of people my parents or family set me up with because they fit the debutante/pedigree profile, and that’s…never worked for me. I need someone who challenges me and holds me accountable. I want you.”
” Logan…”
Why am I arguing with him about this?
I want him too, but…why am I so scared and only focusing on the negatives?
” We don’t have to go fast. We’re still getting to know each other. I only want you, though, and I want to try to make this a relationship.”
I stare back at him as if he has four heads.
Is this real?
What’s wrong with me?
” Okay,” I murmur. “Can we just go to sleep right now and not think about anything else? I’d like to shut my brain off.”
” Absolutely,” he chuckles as he tugs me into him.
He kisses the top of my head as I put my head on his chest and snuggle in before closing my eyes.
The sun is shining, the sky is a perfect shade of blue, and the backyard is transformed into a magical land of unicorns and superheroes. My heart swells with pride as I take in the scene. It’s Abby’s birthday, and everything is just as I imagined it. Actually, no—it’s even better.
Colorful balloons float gently in the breeze, tied to every available surface. Streamers cascade from the gazebo, shimmering in the sunlight, and tables are draped with vibrant tablecloths, each adorned with a centerpiece that features a superhero unicorn wearing a tiny cape and mask.
The real unicorns—yes, real unicorns—are grazing peacefully in the corner, each decked out in their own superhero costume. Abby had insisted on this theme, a fusion of her two great loves, and I was determined to make her dreams come true.
“How did you get unicorns?” Dee giggles as she walks up next to me.
” Magic,” I wink.
” You’ve really outdone yourself with this. Abby will lose her mind with all of it. You captured her perfectly.”
” Where is she?”
” Uncle Logan insisted on her making a grand entrance to give you time to make sure it was all ready to go.”
” They seem to have a really good relationship.”
” They do. It’s quite special, honestly. Since he decided to strike out on his own with the tech company, he switched into the ruthless, asshole, Alpha male, and Abby is the only one who ever gets the old Logan to come back.”
” That’s good,” I smile.
” He’s worked so hard for all of it, but I hate that it’s made him bitter and turned him into an asshole. In our family, he was rare.”
I nod, not really knowing what to say.
I hear Abby squeal behind us, and I turn around to see her with wide eyes and a huge grin. Logan’s face looks similar as he gazes around in awe.
” This is amazing!” Abby shrieks excitedly as she rushes around, not sure where to go first.
” Logan, did you get her that dress?” Dee gasps. “It’s perfect.”
” That’s a Serena original,” he chuckles.
Dee’s eyes go back to me as she engulfs me in a hug. “It’s perfect. I can’t…I will shout your praises from the rooftops. I have never met anyone who captured my daughter’s personality so perfectly in everything.”
” Part of the birthday package,” I shrug casually.
“Mommy! Unicorns!” Abby squeals again.
Dee jogs to catch up with her daughter as Logan comes over to me. He engulfs me in a hug and kisses the top of my hair.
“You’re incredible, do you know that?”
“I may have heard it a time or two before,” I grin.
“Seriously, Serena, this is incredible. It’s more than I expected, that’s for damn sure.”
“Which is good, considering our deal.”
“Well, the deal wasn’t to impress me. It was to impress Abby and make certain she loves it.”
“I think I’ve got that locked.”
Abby is a whirlwind of excitement, her laughter ringing out as she races from one activity to the next. She’s currently dragging her mom towards the cake.
“Serena, come on! You have to see the cake! It’s so awesome!”
We follow along, my smile widening as I watch her bouncing curls and the way her eyes sparkle with joy. The cake is indeed a masterpiece—a three-tiered confection that’s almost too beautiful to eat.
The bottom layer is a deep, midnight blue, with tiny stars twinkling against it. The middle layer is a swirl of rainbow colors, like a watercolor painting come to life, and the top layer is a cloud of fluffy white, with a fondant unicorn perched on top, wearing a superhero cape.
“It’s perfect!” Abby gushes, clapping her hands together. “This is the best birthday ever!”
“I’m so glad you love it, sweetie. You deserve the best.”
“I want to live here forever!” she declares, her eyes wide with wonder. “Can we have another party tomorrow?”
I laugh, reaching out to ruffle her hair. “Maybe not tomorrow, but we can definitely plan something fun soon.”
She beams up at me, her face lit with pure happiness. “You’re the best! Can we go play with the unicorns now?”
“Of course we can,” I say, letting her lead us toward the majestic creatures.
The unicorns, white horses adorned with spiraled horns, are gentle and patient as the kids take turns petting them and posing for pictures. Abby’s excitement is infectious, and I find myself caught up in the magic of it all.
Logan is standing off to the side, watching us with a soft smile that makes my heart do a little flip. He’s been watching me all afternoon, his gaze steady and warm, and it’s taking every ounce of my willpower not to get lost in those deep blue eyes. I can feel the connection between us, the unspoken pull that seems to grow stronger every time we’re near each other.
“What’s going on with you two?” Dee gasps as Logan walks over and wraps his arms around my waist.
“Serena’s my girlfriend,” he grins back at her as he slips his hand into mine.
“Oh my goodness!” she exclaims as she hugs both of us. “Best news ever. I don’t know you well, Serena, but you’re perfect for him.”
“Thanks,” I laugh.
“I’m so happy for you, Logan.”
“Thanks, sis, I appreciate that.”
Logan leans forward and kisses my neck before pulling away to smile back at me. He brushes his lips against mine just as more people arrive for the party. I feel someone glaring at me and notice a woman with dark black hair watching me carefully.
Who is that?
I pull away from Logan quickly.
“I should probably make sure everything is running smoothly,” I tell him.
“Can I help with anything?”
“No, this is my job, remember? Enjoy your time with your niece and family.”
“I’d rather help you,” he chuckles as he tugs me into him.
“Go,” I smile before I walk away.
I can still feel the woman glaring at me, so much so that the hair on the back of my neck is standing up. I go to check on the cotton candy machine and see Logan and Dee hugging the woman.
“Abby, come say hi to grandma,” Dee calls out.
I find Abby and see that she has wide, terrified eyes as she shakes her head slowly.
“Well then, I guess you don’t get your birthday present,” the woman says.
I hate that.
“You can go right back to playing in a minute,” Dee sighs. “Come say hi to Grandma and Grandpa.”
“I hate when you call me Grandma.”
“Well that’s what you are,” Logan laughs.
“I’m not that old.”
“Okay,” he says, holding his hand up dismissively.
“Serena!” a male voice calls out behind me.
I turn to see Brant walking toward me.
“Hey, how are you?”
He gives me a quick hug as he looks around the party.
“I’m great. Would rather be anywhere but here at a four-year-old’s birthday party, but this actually seems pretty cool. You did all this?”
“I did,” I laugh. “Why are you here?”
“Logan has been my best friend forever. His family is like mine. Well, honestly, I really only claim Dee, the rest of them are assholes.”
“Good to know,” I laugh.
I glance around, and my eyes lock onto Logan’s.
“I see things are going well between the two of you.”
“They are.”
“Good. You’re really good for him. I haven’t seen this side of Logan in a long time.”
“I keep hearing that.”
“Trust me, it’s a good thing.”
Logan is grinning goofily back at me. I notice his mother gripping his arm, so I turn around and busy myself, making sure everything is running smoothly with the party.
Sometime later, I feel a hand on my arm. I turn to find Logan’s mother, her expression cool and composed. “Can I have a word with you?”
There’s a hint of steel in her voice, and I nod, following her to a quieter corner of the yard. She glances around, ensuring no one is within earshot, before turning her sharp gaze on me.
“They tell me you’re the party planner?”
“Yes, ma’am, Serena Mitchell.”
“I don’t need to know your name,” she laughs as she looks me up and down. “This is not a party fit for a little girl of Abby’s pedigree.”
“This is what she wanted.”
“She’s four. She doesn’t know what she wants. This is childish, immature, and confusing. Why are there unicorns here? Why are they dressed as superheroes? She’s a little girl, not a boy.”
“Wow, that’s a lot to unpack,” I breathe out. “This is all what Abby wanted. It’s her party and she loves Unicorns and superheroes, that’s what she got. I won’t apologize for allowing a child to convey her personality on her big day. She deserves at least that.”
“How dare you tell me what my granddaughter deserves.”
I take a deep breath and nod. “If you’ll excuse me, there are things that I need to tend to.”
“I’ve noticed the way you look at Logan,” she calls after me. “And the way you interact with him. It’s inappropriate.”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
She arches an eyebrow, her lips thinning. “Don’t play coy with me, Serena. You’re the help. Logan is out of your league, and it would be best for everyone if you remembered your place. You don’t have a chance with him, so I suggest you stop looking at him, stop talking to him, and certainly stop thinking that anything could ever happen between you two.”
Her words sting, but I refuse to let her see that. Instead, I take a deep breath, straightening my spine as I meet her gaze. “With all due respect, my relationship with Logan is none of your concern. I’m here because I care about Abby, and my focus is on making sure she has the best birthday possible. I won’t stop being who I am or doing my job because you’re uncomfortable with it.”
Her eyes narrow, and for a moment, I think she will lash out, but then she simply nods, her expression turning icy. “Just remember what I said.”
She turns on her heel and walks away, leaving me standing there with my heart racing. I close my eyes, taking a moment to collect myself. The last thing I want is to let her words affect me, but they do. They hit a little too close to home.
We’re from two different worlds.
This is what I was afraid of.
I’m still calming myself when I feel a presence beside me. I open my eyes to find Logan standing there, concern etched on his face.
“Hey,” he says softly. “Are you okay?”
I force a smile, shaking my head lightly. “It’s inappropriate for the help to be talking to the guests. I’m not sure you should be touching me.”
“What does that mean?”
“Ask your mother.”
He closes his eyes and sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m sorry about her, Serena. She’s… She’s a lot.”
I shrug, trying to brush it off, but it’s hard to ignore the ache in my chest. “It’s fine. I’ve dealt with worse.”
“Still,” he says, his voice low, “she had no right to say that to you. I’ll talk to her.”
“Please don’t,” I reply quickly, my hand lightly brushing his arm. “It’ll only make things more awkward. Let’s just focus on Abby today, okay?”
He looks at me for a long moment, something unreadable in his eyes, before he nods. “Okay. But if she says anything else…”
“I can handle it, Logan,” I assure him, even though part of me is screaming that I want him to protect me, to stand up for me.
His gaze softens, and the tension between us crackles. For a second, I think he might lean in and kiss me, but then Abby comes running over, breaking the spell.
“Aunt Serena! Come on, you have to see this!” she exclaims, grabbing my hand and pulling me away.
Aunt Serena? Oh, Logan’s mom is going to love that.
I glance back at Logan, catching the wistful smile on his face before Abby tugs me toward a group of kids gathered around the unicorns.
I let myself be swept up in the bedlam, playing along with the kids and laughing as Abby proudly shows off every detail of the party to her friends. She’s in her element and seeing her so happy makes everything worth it.
“Aunt Serena, can you be my partner in the sack race?” Abby asks, her eyes wide and pleading.
“Of course I can, sweetie,” I reply, bending down to give her a hug. “But I warn you, I’m pretty fast.”
She giggles, hugging me back. “I know! That’s why I want you!”
The sack race is a riot of laughter and friendly competition, with Abby and me narrowly missing first place, but we don’t care. The whole time, I can feel Logan’s eyes on me, and it’s hard not to glance his way every few seconds.
He’s so hot.
“I really am so thrilled that you and Logan are together,” Dee sighs as she walks up beside me.
“He’s a good guy,” I smile before Abby races toward me.
“This is the best day ever!”
I smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m so glad you’re happy, Abby. That’s all that matters to me.”
She grins up at me, her face smeared with frosting. “You’re like my real aunt, you know? I’m going to call you Aunt Serena from now on.”
Her words make my heart swell, but they also make me acutely aware of Logan’s mother, who is watching us with a displeased frown. I can practically feel her disapproval radiating off her, but I refuse to let it ruin this moment.
“Aunt Serena, it is, then,” I say, giving Abby a wink. “Now, who wants another slice of cake?”
The kids cheer, and I dive back into party mode, slicing the cake and ensuring everyone gets a piece. But even as I’m serving the cake, I can’t shake the feeling of Logan’s mother’s eyes on me, judging me, waiting for me to slip up.
Finally, as the party starts to wind down, I see her motioning to Dee. They exchange a few words, and then Dee comes over to where Abby and I are sitting on the grass, surrounded by wrapping paper and new toys.
“Abby, sweetheart,” she says, her voice overly sweet, “why don’t we go wash up? You’ve got a bit of frosting on your dress.”
Abby looks down at her dress and then back at me, a pout forming on her lips. “But I want to stay with Aunt Serena.”
Dee’s smile falters, and she shoots a glance at her mother, who is standing a few feet away, arms crossed. “Abby, it’s time to clean up, okay? Aunt Serena will be right here when you’re done.”
Abby’s bottom lip quivers, but she reluctantly nods and lets Dee lead her away. I watch them go, my heart heavy. I know what’s coming next.
Logan’s mother strides over, her expression pinched. “I don’t know what you think you’re doing, Serena, but this needs to stop. You’re filling that child’s head with ridiculousness.”
“I don’t know what you mean. Also, it doesn’t matter if you have a problem with me. Abby’s party is not the place to make a scene.”
“You’re the only person making a scene.”
“If you’ll excuse me, there are gift bags that need to go out.”
“You will stay away from my son,” she hisses icily. “He’s engaged to…”
“I’m engaged to Serena,” I hear Logan say from behind me as he wraps his arms around me.
Say what?
I didn’t hear him right, did I?