Page 29 of Exile

“I’m sure Serena appreciates your offer, but that won’t be necessary. We’ve got it covered.” Serena steps out from behind Dominick, her brows furrowed in confusion. She doesn’t know about his plan to send her mom away, and I don’t think she’s going to like it. It’s on the tip of my tongue to speak up and say something. To warn her, but before I can, Serena shoots me a small smile, soothing some of the anger that is threatening to boil over.

“Thanks for stopping by, Kai. I’ll call you if I have any questions. Tell Grace and Luther I said hi. They’re more than welcome to stop by when they get settled in.”

I look at my best friend. Really look at her. I see the quiet pleading in her eyes and the stiffness in her posture. She’s uncomfortable, and she doesn’t know how to handle it. I can see her pulse fluttering in her neck and the way she’s nervously biting her lower lip. The tension between me and Dominick is causing her distress, and I refuse to be the reason for her discomfort, so I nod and back towards the door.

“Sure thing, ReRe. I’ll see you in class.” I leave without another word but with the undeniable feeling that I am losing my best friend.

Later that night after helping Mom and Dad unload their RV and get unpacked, I’m sitting in the living room staring into space when my mom plops down on the couch next to me, pulling me to her, forcing me to lay my head on her shoulder like I used to as a kid.

“What’s going on Kai, baby?” I don’t know how she knows, but somehow, like always, she does. I’ve never been able to hide from my mom, and any time something is weighing on me, she is there—with a hug and comforting words—ready to ease my burden.

“Nothin’, Ma. Nothing at all.”

Mom tuts her disapproval at my response. “It doesn’t sound like nothing to me, baby. Come on, talk to me. Is it about that handsome new boyfriend Serena has?” I let out an involuntary groan at the mention of Dominick, and Ma’s face lights up like she hit the jackpot. “I knew you’d figure it out eventually. I had a feeling it would take having some other man show some interest to finally light a fire under your ass.”

“Ma, what? No. It’s not like that.” My protest is halfhearted at best, and my mom quirks an eyebrow at me, giving me her “don’t bullshit me” look.

“Okay, maybe it’s like that. But it can’t be. Serena is really into this dude, even if he’s a complete douche-nugget.”

“Douche-nugget?” Mom lets out a chuckle as she echoes me.

“Such a douche-nugget. He won’t leave Serena alone with me—he told me to stay away from her! Can you fucking believe that shit? She’s my best fucking friend. Who is he? Some asshole getting his dick wet.”

“Malakai Demetrious Roberts! Watch your mouth.” Mom smacks the back of my head, and I give her a contrite look.

“Sorry, Ma.”

“You’re right though, he does sound like a douche-nugget. Have you talked to Serena about your feelings?”

“No. How can I when I’m not even sure what my feelings are? I just…I just want the best for her, and I don’t think he’s it. She deserves the world…”

“And you want to be the one to give it to her.” Mom chimes in, and I can’t bring myself to deny it.

I do want to be the one to give it to her. It’s been her and I for so long, and I just assumed it always would be, even if I didn’t recognize the feelings I had buried for her.

“Yeah, Ma, I want to be the one to give it to her. But now she’s with?—”

“The douche-nugget,” Mom interjects.

“Yeah, the douche-nugget, and I’m too late. I overheard him talking to Ms. Laura today, and he’s planning on proposing to her. They’ve only been dating for a couple of months. Who does he think he is?”

“It sounds like he’s a man who knows what he has and doesn’t want to let it go. Now the question is, what are you going to do about it?” Mom never minces her words, and I wince at her no-nonsense question.

“What can I do about it? She doesn’t feel that way about me.” Dejected, I lean back, dropping my head on the couch, closing my eyes. All I can see is Serena. Serena’s bright smile. Serena’s golden honey-colored eyes. Serena’s halo of curls. All I can see is her.

“Are you sure about that?” With that final question she gives me a hug before leaving me to wallow in my self-pity.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

SERENA

It’s nearing the end of my Friday night shift at Maverick’s. Thanks to Kai’s parents’ generosity, I’ve been able to get to both my jobs and class today. Mrs. G is still in the hospital waiting for surgery on her shoulder and clavicle, and after she’s healed from that, she will need physical therapy. I’ve been calling around looking to hire someone to stay with Mom, but it’s been impossible to find someone to fit within my budget.

Being out of work for the better part of the week has me stressing about money. So much so, I can’t even bring myself to be pissed that Brad and his frat bros are back in Maverick’s. I had hoped after their run-in with Dominick they’d steer clear of the place, but clearly, they do more of their thinking with their dicks than their brains. Fortunately, they’re sitting in Stacey’s section, and I’ve been able to avoid their table.

Dominick hasn’t stopped by yet. He’s been a constant presence during my evening shifts at Mav’s since I refused to quit, but they were going out for dinner tonight for Eric’s birthday, and he wasn’t sure what time he would be here.

“Hey, Serena, can you take out the ladies’ room trash? It’s overflowing, and a couple of Karens complained about the mess.” I look up at Adam and see him jerk his head to a couple of older women sitting at one of the high-top tables, both dressed like cougars on the prowl for some young stud to take for a ride.