Serena
I didn't even notice Damien walk into the bar at first.
I was too busy laughing at something Leo said. He always had this ridiculous way of explaining things.
The dramatic hand gestures, exaggerated facial expressions, and somehow he made even the most boring story sound like a comedy skit.
"Serena, I swear," Leo said, sipping his drink, "if you move to another country without telling me first, I'm going to throw myself into the ocean."
"You can't even swim," I told him.
"That's what makes the threat emotional."
I burst out laughing again, and for a moment, I actually felt okay. Being around him always helped. We'd known each other since college. We were in the same group project, same campus job, same friend group. He was loud, dramatic, and completely unserious. Exactly the energy I needed.
I curled a strand of hair behind my ear and shook my head.
