Chapter 5
Tyler
I wasn’t planning on going to that party. In addition to my dating hiatus, I’m pausing parties. It’s all about my plan to focus on school, getting ready for college applications, and taking care of Harper when Dad’s busy working. I had my whole night mapped out: play restaurant with Harper till Dad came home, do a bit of gaming, and just relax for once.
Come on man, it’s the annual lake party. Just this one time and then you keep on keeping on .
Parties aren’t my scene anymore. At least I convinced myself of it. Yet there I was, standing outside that lake house, surrounded by chaos and loud music because Beckham talked me into it. Then I saw Serena out on the deck.
She was admiring the lake. I caught her side profile from where she stood, she looked so peaceful and out of this world gorgeous. It’s weird how someone’s side profile could draw me like a magnet and make me forget my plans .
The conversation we had was unexpected. Comfortable, we opened up, talked about feelings and whatnot. It’s not often I open up to strangers, let alone in the middle of a party. But Serena felt different. There was something genuine about her, something that made me want to linger in that conversation a little longer.
You just find a way to live without them .
Do you ever feel the need to be perfect ?
I hate making mistakes .
But just as quickly as it started, it ended. When I left Serena on the deck, word got out that police were showing up and we had to bounce fast. I wasn’t able to ask her more about her. I wanted to know more. Hell, I would’ve gotten her number too. But thanks to the police, I lost my chance.
I don’t even know what school she goes to. The lake party has people from different high schools all around the area. For all I know, she could live maybe an hour or two away. Talk about a missed opportunity.
And just when I wonder too much, I remind myself of the hiatus: no girls, no distractions. Just focus on school, lacrosse, and family. Serena should stay as a pleasant distraction at best. Should. Yet I can’t help but question my rules. It’s silly to dwell on it, but our chance meeting makes me want to see her again .
Maybe I’m thinking with my heart and not my brain. Maybe I’m not thinking at all.
And I let it get the best of me.
I’ve shown up at Boba Republic three times this week. Each visit, I half-expected her to be there, serving up Thai green tea with that infectious smile. Instead, my childhood friend, Jared, greets me each time, raising an eyebrow as he takes my order. He probably thinks I’m obsessed with Thai green tea or with him that I come in this often. But he doesn’t know the real reason why I keep dropping in.
“You got this, dude. Just be normal. She’ll be there. This is it.” I mutter to myself, summoning every ounce of self-assurance. I step out of the car and make my way to the entrance, trying to act as nonchalant as possible.
I keep hyping myself up. I’ll get her number. I’ll get to know her. I want to know her.
I don’t look up as I walk in, half hoping and praying that Serena will be there at the counter to say hi and take my order. I lift my eyes to see my buddy handling the counter. Disappointment washes over me again not seeing Serena here. I sigh inwardly, realizing I’ve spent over $20 on boba this week alone.
“Dude, if you love me, just say so.” Jared chuckles, already reaching for the Thai green tea ingredients .
“Hey, man,” I reply, trying to play it cool. “Yeah, can’t get enough of it.”
“Love it that much you come in for the fifth time this week?” Jared raises an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eye.
I laugh it off, but inside, my nerves are on high alert. I scan the room nonchalantly while hoping Serena will magically show up. Minutes pass, and my hopes start to waver.
“Thai green tea, again ,” Jared says, sliding the drink on the counter towards me.
I sigh inwardly, disappointment diminishing all the hype I gave myself. “Thanks, dude.”
My eyes scan the café one last time, hoping against hope to see a flash of a familiar face. But not even her shadow was in sight. I shake my head. She was just a girl, it couldn’t be that serious. Still, with a sigh, I drive off.
There’s no way I’ll run into her again.