Lust Next Door - S01 E70

4 months ago

Lust Next Door - S01 E70

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 70

Serena could think any way she liked, but when she woke up the following day, the first thing he did was check her phone.

Her heart leaped into her throat when she saw a message. Serena squinted her eyes until the name focused, and when she saw Melody's contact instead of Connors, a groan mumbled from her lips, and she felt like an idiot.

Melody: Good luck today! I'll have a car pick you up at 12 sharp!

Serena shut her phone off and rolled out of bed. She walked over to her closet and looked through it for a few minutes before finally deciding to wear a pair of sleek black slacks and an airy cream-colored blouse.

She did minimal makeup and tied her hair into a slicked-back ponytail. She heard the car pull up outside her house when she stepped into some closed-toe, black kitten heels. Serena grabbed her mini purse filled with Sharpie markers and left her home.

She sat in anxious silence the whole ride there with the severe-looking driver. She bounced her knee and drove her thumb repeatedly over her palm, twiddling her fingers while the panic piled high. Breathing became more complicated the closer she got, and she started to doubt if she could do this.

As they approached the building, she could take in the sight of people out front waiting. It wasn't a massive crowd like Melody had promised, but the mere company of it took her breath away. She gripped the edges of the seat and tried her best to release the knot in her throat. The car pulled around the back of the building, where she saw Melody standing by the door. The older woman caught sight of the vehicle parking and waved.

She made her way up to Serena as she exited the car. The second Serena's feet hit the floor, she noticed the subtle shake purring down her legs, making her unsteady.

"I half expected this car to be empty."

Serena widened her eyes and let out a breath. She was surprised she hadn't abandoned this idea yet, either.

"You look gorgeous, professional but sexy. You'll introduce yourself first, state your case, and explain your reasons for staying anonymous. Then it's smooth sailing after that, sit at the table and sign books."

She nodded while she followed closely behind Melody's long strides. They entered through the back into the quaint little bookstore. The smell of coffee beans hit her nose, making her look up at the small cafe area off to her right. Next to the coffee bar was a small stage (more like an elevated slab of wood) tucked away. Guests were already filtering into the bookstore and taking seats before the stage. The place filled up with all the whispered conversation, which made it sound like they were screaming in her ear.

Serena placed her palm over her hysterical heart and nodded, "I can't get through this introduction fast enough. Is this everyone?"

Melody looked past the curtain further, doing a quick head count before shaking her head no, "Handful more, then we can get rolling." Mel turned to her and offered a gentle smile. Serena no doubt looked like she was going to vomit. "You got this, Serena. I've never met anyone who accomplished the things you have. You have so much to be proud of, all of this. This is all your hard work. Now you gotta get out there and own it."

Serena nodded and honestly tried her best to digest those words. She closed her eyes and took a coffee-hinted breath, momentarily pushing out all the noise in her body and environment. She just sat in the fleeting silence.

She had worked for this life, fought for it, she could do this.

"Alright, Jason just signaled to me that the reporters started recording. That's our cue, darling. Are you ready?"

"Yes." Serena breathed those words out with conviction and strength. She felt ready to face the uncomfortable for the first time in a while.

Melody nodded and smiled, "Take the stage, Skylyn." She handed her a microphone and gestured towards the stool, stepping up by a mic stand.

Serena took it and didn't waste another second. She left from behind the curtain and walked over to the chair. The minute fans and reporters saw her, they started clapping and cheering. Their applause filled the small space and surrounded her. Serena felt her chest swell, and her eyes widened gently in pure wonder.

All these people were here for her, to see her. She felt all the air leave her lungs, and a surreal smile filled her uneasy lips. A warm feeling bloomed in her chest next to the shaky anxiety. It was pride.

"Hello, everyone," She pulled the microphone to her lips and spoke. Her voice echoed off the speakers, and through the whole room, the applause quieted down, and the silence settled over everyone.

Serena much preferred the noise because, with all these silent eyes placed expectantly on her, along with the glare of the cameras seeming closer to her than they were, her hands began to shake.

She gripped the shaking microphone with both hands and swallowed the fear.

"I'm glad everyone here was able to make it out today. I...I wanted to start by saying thank you to all my readers for understanding and respecting my privacy for so long. Even though my identity was revealed...earlier than I had thought I would go public. I think this was perfect timing. I've learned more about myself, Serena, this past month than I ever learned hiding behind Skylyn. Figuring out how to merge my identities is the next step, and that's what I'm here to do."

A round of applause made a large smile break out over her face. She lowered the microphone from her mouth and took this moment to release a deep breath.

Her hands felt steadier as she sat on the stool and continued, "I've realized recently, with the help of some special people and kick-ass friends," She looked at Melody from behind the curtain and shot her a wink. The older woman was beaming with pride, practically jumping up and down as she gave her a thumbs up.

"That life is the best when you live it. You're rewarded with the good when you embrace the heartbreak, fear, and uncertainty of it all. Right now, this feels like a reward: facing my biggest fear and standing up in front of you all as myself. For so long, I didn't want to let the world see me. I was terrified that the bad people littering the earth might look upon me first. Unfortunately, that also stopped the good, kind-hearted people from seeing me too." Serena tried not to think of Connor as she spoke, but she was only human. A love-sick human. Tears burned her eyes and pooled in her vision, but she smiled nonetheless.

"I want to let people see me, especially all those good people, before it's too late." Serena took a deep breath and wiped her eyes quickly. Her smile didn't feel forced or fake. It sat comfortably on her face as she looked out at the adoring looks on everyone's face.