Page 25 of Written in the Stars

SERENITY

Friday comes before I know it, and I hide out in the back of the store all day until I get sent home early. Lissa sends me home at three to get ready. I tried insisting on staying until at least five, but she just wasn’t having it.

Before I make it to the house, I take Lissa’s advice and head to the nail salon. I have never been a fan of fake, long acrylic nails, so I opt for a clean French manicure. My nails aren’t too short and they have always grown nicely on their own. I have to admit that once the nail technician is done, they don’t look half bad.

Once I get to the house, I shower and get all done up. Of course, my sister planned out my outfit for me. She pulled out a black mini-skirt and pink see-through blouse on my bed. I always wear a tight, black tank top underneath it so it’s not distasteful with my bra showing through. I look over the clothes, and even though I would prefer to wear something a little more modest, I decide what the hell, and go do my hair and makeup in the bathroom.

Once I’m done and ready to go, I drive back to L. Darling’s Accessories just in time to be met with Lissa’s disapproving smirk.

“You’re late,” she says as I walk in.

I look up at the clock above her head, panicking. “What? It’s only six thirty. He was already here?”

“No, I was just messing with you.” She snickers.

I give her a smirk of my own. “Not nice, Lis,” I shake my head at her, and let out a sigh of relief.

She waves me off with one hand. “Aww, c’mon. I’m only kidding to take the edge off. You seem nervous, but you look beautiful, by the way.”

I spin around. “You really think so? You don’t think the skirt or heels are too much?”

She shakes her head. “Serenity, it’s a date. It’s not too much at all.”

“Okay,” I say on an exhale.

“Relax, it’ll be fine, and I’m sure he’s going to be here at any moment.”

And, as if on cue, Zander walks in through the door, making me do a double take.

Oh. My. God. If I thought he was handsome before, I wasn’t ready for what my eyes are taking in now. He looks so debonair in his black three-piece suit, hair slicked to the side, and beard neatly trimmed. Jesus Christ.

“Good evening, ladies,” he says, walking in.

“Hi, Zander,” my sister quickly blurts out, smiling from ear to ear. Of course she is.

I roll my eyes playfully and hope no one notices.

He nods his head at her as he walks toward us. “Serenity,” he whispers as he finally reaches me, just a few inches away.

I freeze at the sound of my name.

“You look absolutely beautiful.”

I blush and feel my cheeks redden. “Thank you, Zander. You look very nice too,” I say, slowly dropping my gaze.

“So, where are you kids off to tonight?” Lissa asks.

“I was going to take Serenity to that nice new restaurant, In The Moonlight’s Glow, and then possibly a walk in the park, if she’d like,” he answers.

“Aww, very nice.” Lissa nods her head in approval. “I’ve been there, and the food is divine and—,” she says, then she flashes me a look, catching herself, and changes the subject. “Have a great night, sis.”

Hmm. I wonder what that was all about, and if she’s been there, when? And with who? If it’s a new restaurant, and she hasn’t been with anyone since Michael, then she needs to fill me in on something she has been obviously keeping from me.

“Thanks,” I respond, not dwelling on my thoughts as Zander puts his hand on the small of my back to walk me out. A line of shivers ran down my spine.

He turns to face Lissa on our way out and says, “Good night, I’ll have her home by midnight.”

“I certainly hope not,” she responds, winking at him.

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