Becomes

Chapter 0139

Serena’s POV

Three days after the interview with Taylor

“So, when do you think Taylor’s going to release the interview?” Stevie asks, her voice breaking the silence. She’s leaning over the counter, peering at a tray of sparkling earrings.

I glance up from the bracelet and meet her eyes. “I’m not sure,” I reply. “But she said she’d update me when they’re finished editing it.”

I look around the shop. There are a few customers browsing, their quiet conversations mixing with the soft background music. It’s not like a ghost town like a week ago, but still not as busy as before the incident with Max and Eden.

To keep myself busy, I focus on the bracelets for my upcoming summer collection. I set up a small workstation on one of the display tables near the back of the shop, where the light is perfect for detailed work.

I carefully select vibrant beads and delicate charms, arranging them in intricate patterns. The soft clinking of the materials is oddly soothing. I thread a thin, sturdy wire through a series of turquoise stones, adding tiny silver seashells and starfish between them. The design is meant to evoke a sense of the ocean and carefree summer days.

As I work, I glance at a Polaroid photo propped up against a small jewelry stand. It’s a picture of a stunning sunset over Malibu Beach, the sky awash with hues of pink, orange, and gold. The waves gently lap against the shore, and the silhouettes of palm trees frame the scene.

I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about this photo that inspires me to create this piece I’m working on now. Bill’s a genius for taking Polaroid photos during our beach trip.

When Stevie finishes assisting the customers, she approaches me. She watches intently as I thread the beads and charms together, her head tilted slightly to the side.

“What are you working on?” she asks.

J look up from my work and smile at Stevie. “I’m working on a new bracelet for the

summer collection,” I say, holding up the piece for her to see.

1/3

+25 BONUS

Stevie takes the bracelet from my hand, her eyes widening as she examines it closely. “Wow, this is gorgeous,” she says, turning it over to admire the intricate details. “The colors and charms are perfect. It really feels like summer at the beach.”

“Glad you like it.”

Stevie glances around my workstation, her eyes landing on the Polaroid photo of the sunset. “Hey, this is a nice photo,” she says, picking it up for a closer look.

As a photographer, she has a keen eye for detail, and I can see her appreciating the composition and lighting. “Who took this?”

“I did,” I lie, knowing full well it was Bill who took it. I remember him being fond of taking pictures when he’s not busy running his company, which is rare.

“Hm, I see,” Stevie says, raising an eyebrow slightly. Her eyes narrow just a bit, and a small, knowing smile tugs at the corner of her mouth. By the look on her face, she seems to sense that I’m hiding something from her. “Thought Calvin took it when you went on a date last Sunday.”

I laugh nervously. Stevie’s going to press me if I deny it. “Well, you got me,” I say.” He’s the one who took it.”

“Ha! I knew it,” Stevie says, pointing at me with a teasing grin. “You’re not much of a photographer. You can’t even take a decent photo to save your life!”

I put on a mock–offended face and place a hand over my heart. “Hey, that’s harsh! I could totally take a decent photo if I tried.”

Stevie rolls her eyes dramatically and smirks. “Sure, Serena. And next you’ll be telling me you can paint like Picasso and cook like Gordon Ramsay,” she says. “Anyway, you didn’t fill me in on how the date went. What gives?”

I reply coyly, “You know I’m not one to kiss and tell, Stevie. Some things are better left to the imagination.”

“Ah, so something did happen!” Stevie says with a wink. “That explains why you’re glowing.”

I blush, realizing Stevie might be thinking we had sex. “It’s not what you think,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Whatever you say,” Stevie teases, giving me a sly grin. “Just don’t forget to send me an invite to the wedding!”

Chapter 31:30

+25 BONUS

As I’m thinking of a good comeback to Stevie, my phone dings. It’s a text from Taylor.

The text reads, “Hey Serena, I just posted the interview on my YouTube channel! Let me know what you think.

XoXo.

Taylor

P.S. Check my I* too. I have a surprise for you.”

“Who’s that?” Stevie asks, raising an eyebrow with a curious glint in her eyes. She leans in slightly, trying to get a peek at my phone screen.

“It’s Taylor,” I say, glancing up at Stevie. “She says our interview is up on her channel and she has a surprise for me on her I***a. Can you check it out?”

Stevie’s eyes light up with excitement. “Of course! Let’s see what she’s got.” She quickly pulls out her phone and taps away, navigating to Taylor’s I*******m.

After a moment, Stevie’s face breaks into a wide grin. “Serena, you have to see this!” She turns the phone towards me, revealing a beautiful photo of us from the

interview, captioned with an announcement that she and I will be collaborating on the summer collection.

“Oh my God!” Stevie exclaims. “I think I’m having a panic attack… but in a good way!”