Chapter 241

After Jake and Ivy left, Serena found herself a quiet corner seat and started flipping through the sweet messages from Matthew. Her lips curved into an unintentional, bashful smile. That “See you tomorrow” he said last night? Ugh, made her heart flutter and ache at the same time. She let out a long sigh, tangled in the hope and disappointment. She zoned out for a good while until Oliver’s call came through. The usual check-in about the dessert shop — is it busy? Are you tired? — nothing out of the ordinary. Serena replied half-heartedly, distracted. Just before her brother hung up, she threw out a soft little plea: “Come watch a movie with me tonight?” There was a pause, then Oliver answered, “I’ve got dinner plans with someone important tonight. Might not make it.” Serena pouted instantly. “Who’s more important than me? Is it a guy or a girl?” She was clearly trying to guilt-trip him a little — plans canceled already? She really wasn’t in the mood to sit through some boring rom-com wi