Chapter 9
Tyler
I thought after a whole week of downing Thai green tea after Thai green tea, I’d hate it. But all I could think about was exactly the opposite. Or, if I’m being honest, the chance of finding Serena behind the counter again.
I’m nearing the left turn to enter the shopping plaza where Boba Republic is. As I park, I text Jared to see if he’s working and lucky for me, he is. As my best friend since middle school, it’s hard to find time to hang out with the guy, since he’s extremely dedicated to our school’s football team. He’s an all-American football guy. When he’s not playing football, his head is in the books to get into the best schools to fuel his career to make it to the NFL. That’s his end goal after all.
In those rare moments I have to myself, I’m always wondering what do I want after high school? It’s a question that’s always in the back of my mind and something I feel pressured to find the answer to, but I’ve never had the chance to really explore it. My goals were never long-term; they were always about getting through the day, passing the class, and making sure Harper was taken care of.
But watching Jared as we grew up in school together, it’s hard not to feel a pang of envy. He’s driven, focused and knows exactly where he’s headed. Meanwhile, I’m stuck in this cycle of just trying to keep my head above water.
The lot is a ghost town with a few cars scattered throughout. I arrive at the perfect time with an hour before closing, which should give me some time to fuck around and catch up with Jared.
Crossing the threshold, Closer by The Chainsmokers plays and I spot him manning the front register with a grin plastered on his face.
“My man, Tyler.” Jared lets go of my hand and places his hands on the side of the register’s monitor. “You going to Beckham’s party later?”
I let out a sigh while holding onto my chin, considering the open-ended invite from our friend. “You know I’m done with parties for a while.”
Jared eyes me down, waiting for any signs that I’ll give in but eventually, he does. Yeah, I used to go to parties all of junior year. Partly because of Cassie, who had to go to every party because of her girlfriends’ insistence (it’s not like she didn’t want to go either), and I tagged along as the keychain boyfriend .
Jared’s still staring me down like he’s reading my mind. He glances at the register, “What can I get for you?”
“Thai green tea, large. No topping, less ice.”
Jared chuckles as he enters the order and motions for me to stop when he sees me pulling money out. “Nah, it’s on the house today.”
I wink at my friend. “Thanks, baby boy. You’re the best.”
“Call me that again and I’ll double charge you.” Jared spits out before he backs up to make my drink.
“Cassie isn’t going to be there, FYI.” He says as he draws out a straw from the counter and places it on top of the drink. “I don’t know why you’re avoiding her. You guys aren’t together.”
I stab a hole in the cap. “No one is avoiding anyone. I’m not interested in partying all senior year. It’s just not a priority for me.”
Jared shakes his head while crossing his arms over his chest. “Okay…” He clicks his tongue and his brows furrow along, “I don’t get how you like that drink. You’re obsessed.”
I take a long sip before answering, “It gives me life.” I shoot a glare at Jared. “Don’t disrespect the greatness, Mister I-Drink-Strawberry-Slushies. Basic bitch. ”
He places a hand over his chest like my words broke his heart. “One, hurtful. Two, strawberry slushies are refreshing.” He relaxes his stance, hands on his hips. “So, what are you up to–”
“Jared, it’s your turn to clean the bathrooms and take the trash out.” A familiar voice calls behind Jared. “Can you get to it so we can leave?”
Jared tilts his head back. “I’ll catch you later.” With that, he drags himself towards the restroom for his nightly work duties.
I catch a glimpse of her as she stands with a sack of what I assume to be dirty rags slung over her shoulder. Her focus is unwavering as she tends to her tasks. She carries the sack to another counter, and it’s then that our eyes meet.
“Oh, hey. Thai green tea.” Serena chirps, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her eyes trail down to the drink in my hands. “I see you ordered your favorite.”
“Can’t get enough of this, or seeing you.” I smile unintentionally, my head tilting instinctively as I take my first sip.
Serena’s eyes widen slightly, and for a moment, there’s a flicker of surprise before she offers a polite but shy smile in return. “Oh, well, I’m glad you like the tea.” She clears her throat, tucking the same loose strand of hair behind her ear nervously.
“Are you done for the night?” I ask, trying to keep the conversation going .
Serena slaps her hands together like she’s wiping them clean. “Pretty much.” She bends down and grabs a drink carrier from their counter fridge, holding four drinks.
My eyes drift down, I jut my chin towards her drink carrier. “Hot plans tonight or are you drinking all four of those?”
Serena’s laughter echoes through the room, pulling me back to the present. It’s light and melodic, making me wish I could capture her laughter and save it in my back pocket. I steal a glance at her, taking in the way her eyes sparkle like honey catching the sunlight. Her hair falls around her face in soft black waves, held back by a simple blush pink flower clip. Even in an apron, oversized t-shirt and denim shorts, she looks effortlessly beautiful; like it’s her signature style.
She shrugs lazily, and a smile graces her lips. “No hot plans tonight. Just a movie night with friends at my house.”
Placing my drink on the counter, I inch closer, resting my chin on my palm. “No invite?” I tease, forming a playful smirk on my face. “Thought we were besties?”
Serena laughs again. “Well, we don’t really know each other that well for me to invite you.”
I withdraw my hand and tilt my head slightly, keeping a playful smile on. “What do I have to do to receive an invitation?” I ask, sipping my drink, giving her a smirk.
“You could be a serial killer for all I know. ”
“Point taken.” I chuckle, my tone light. I lean forward again, keeping the playful smirk on. “Soooo, let’s get to know each other.”
Serena hesitates before responding. I can see it in her eyes that she’s trying to figure out what to say. Her eyes light up slightly and angles her head, one hand resting on the counter. “Three truths and a lie. You first.”
I cross my arms and rest a finger on my chin, gathering my thoughts to form my get-to-know-me banter. Once I have it in mind, I gesture to the closest booth in the dining area. “Shall we?”
We slip into the booth, Serena settling in across from me. Her gaze flickers to the open window, and her reaction is immediate–a sharp intake of breath. Without a second thought, she snatches her phone from her apron and aims it toward the window.
“What are you doing?”
She shushes me like I’m ruining her train of thoughts.
Less than a minute passes and I repeat the same question.
Serena keeps her eyes glued to her phone before her gaze locks onto mine. “I get a little excited when the sky looks pretty, so I take pictures of it.” She shakes her head briefly like she’s switching the gears in her head. “You ready to play ice breaker? ”
I chuckle, getting lost in her eyes for a second before coming back to reality. “Three truths and a lie.” I tick them off my fingers as I go on, “I used to play baseball. My favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip. I failed my driver’s test three times. When I was nine, I won a baking contest with my grandmother’s cookie recipe.” I lean closer to the table. “Which one is the lie?”
Serena takes a minute or two to consider my random choices. She clears her throat after some time, ready to answer. “The last one sounds like a stretch. I have to guess the baking contest.”
I drum both hands to replicate a drumroll on the table. “Wrong.”
She blinks, then blinks again. I take this as an opportunity to explain myself. “I passed my driver’s test in one try. Have a little faith in me.” I point out with a wink.
“Now I need to know about these cookies,” Serena says, waving a hand.
“How ’bout I bake you a batch?”
The pink hair clip she’s wearing matches her cheeks.
“I spent a summer with my grandmother, and she lives for baking.”
“That sounds sweet.” She clears her throat and repositions her upper body to sit up. She, too, starts ticking her fingers as she goes on. “I can play piano. I’ve never gone to the Fall Fest. I’ve aced every math test. And, I like white chocolate more than milk chocolate.”
I take a moment to spot the lie. Once I have my answer, I sit up. “Everyone’s gone to the Fall Fest, that’s definitely the lie.”
Serena brings her hand up to her mouth, trying to hide her grin. “Wrong.”
I laugh, shaking my head at her trying to mock me from earlier. “Wait a minute, what? Really?”
She nods, her laughter sneaking out of her lips that’s attempting to not curve upwards. “Swear.”
I shake my head, in disbelief. “The Fall Fest is everything here.”
“So I’ve heard.”
Fall Fest is a beloved event and cherished by everyone in Charlotte and surrounding towns. The long lines for deep-fried corn dogs, apple cider scent dances through the air, game booths lined up with stuffed animals and prizes waiting to be earned, and innovative fair foods showcased in the food halls make the magic happen. It’s where families go for a fun day, locals volunteer their time, tourists venture out of state to experience it, preteens parade around with candy apples in hand and couples enjoy their romantic dates. It’s the yearly event that everyone looks forward to .
So, the fact that this girl is telling me she’s never been is upfront unbelievable.
As though she reads my thoughts, she chuckles and stands up for a brief moment to grab her water bottle. I can’t help but keep my eyes glued on her the entire time. I spent the past year improving myself–working out, studying non-stop, investing time with family and friends–all to avoid falling into the familiar rabbit hole of liking someone. Especially someone I just met.
But I can’t play dumb this time, and I want to. I do. But, I don’t know, maybe it’s love at first sight or something.
What the fuck am I saying? I’m not sure if it’s love, maybe it’s some kind of ooey gooey feeling she’s giving me, but I do know, there’s something about Serena. Something that makes me want to spend time getting to know her.
“Hey Serena, can you cash out tips while I finish up inventory?” a voice asks from the front counter just as she’s returning.
Serena turns her head back and comes to a halt, “Yeah.” She returns her attention to me once the person walks back into the kitchen. “I should probably finish closing. It was nice seeing you again.” She says as I nod and slide out of the booth. “See you around?”
As she steps back to tend to her new task, I grab onto her wrist gently, promptly her to look at me. She looks at me with a raised brow, confused, but then a smile reaches her eyes. “What’s up?”
I let go of her wrist, shoving both my hands in my pockets and a sheepish smile overtakes my face. “My offer to bake you cookies still stands.”
“I’ll think about it.” Serena casually responds, and a light giggle escapes her mouth.
And there goes that laugh, the one I want to add to my favorite playlist and keep on repeat.