"For now."
"So . . . when are you thinking of wearing this striptease costume again?" The image on the screen changes, and I realize Serena is shifting the computer until the webcam no longer shows me the wall with the empty shelves, but the front door and the numerous boxes around it. Only one of the boxes is open, and by the way its contents are threatening to spill out—I know it's one of the boxes I packed before leaving. Right on top of it is a short black . . . dress. My God, it does look like a striptease costume. I know exactly what that box and the other three belonging to me contain. Almost my entire party wardrobe.
"Well," Serena asks, "what do you think? You'll still need this?"
"I don't understand. How can any place you'd donate this stuff to use it?"
"They can sell it and use the money for other things."
"Okay . . . let me think."
At that precise moment James's voice booms, "Serena, do we really need to take all of your DVDs? I already have all your movies."
"But you don't have them as DVDs," Serena says over her shoulder.
"Aha," I say. "So you don't want to get rid of your DVDs, but my stuff has to go?"
Serena goes bright red, but doesn't say anything. James enters the visual field of my laptop, holding a few DVDs in his hand. I swallow hard. He looks so much like Parker; he's almost his carbon copy except for the hair, which is just as dark as Dani's.
"Oh, hello, Jessica," he greets me. "Long time no see."
I grin. But not such a long time since we heard from each other.
Ever since I moved to London, I swear I've spoken to James more often than to Serena. James and I did an awful lot of scheming before I moved here in his attempt to win over Serena. Talking to him was always good fun. Since I moved, the fun factor has shrunk to zero. His phone calls are nothing more than poorly disguised attempts to spy on Dani. I almost expect him to ask how Dani is any second now, but he stays quiet. In spite of his nagging, James will always have a soft spot in my heart. Immensely rich and powerful, James seems to give equal importance to his businesses and to ensuring those he cares about are safe and happy.
He takes time from his horrendously busy schedule as one of Silicon Valley's best known entrepreneurs to talk almost every day to his sister (and often to me about her). He seems to adore her more than anyone in this world, except for Serena, perhaps. Remembering the lengths he went to in order to prove his love for Serena still melts my heart.
"Let's make a deal," I say. "I let you donate my clothes, if you donate your DVDs."
"Excellent negotiation skills," James says, pumping a fist in the air.
Serena nods gloomily and James disappears from the screen, back to her room.
"So how are things on your side?" she asks. "Other than work?"
I wonder what my good friend would say if I told her the truth. Oh, you know, Serena . . . I'm finally done avoiding Parker—on whom I've had a crush for months, by the way. Last night I let him give me the most amazing orgasm.
At the opera. Surrounded by people. And then we held hands.
No, I don't think Serena needs to know this. At least not until I figure some things out. So I just say, "Not much going on. Keeping my promise and being a good girl."
"You don't seem unhappy about it anymore."
I laugh. "It's not as bad as I thought."
Especially when it involves shattering orgasms.
"How do you feel about moving in with James? More time for your hot sexcapades?"
"Jess," Serena hisses in a low voice, turning bright red and looking over her shoulder, as if afraid James might have heard me. This is one battle I won't win. I have a hard time convincing Serena to spill anything naughty when I'm face to face with her. With a screen between us, I have a better shot at an answer if I ask James about it.
I spend the next twenty minutes chatting with Serena about the plans she and James have for their upcoming holiday—a much-needed time off from her demanding job. It warms me to see her this happy and fulfilled. God knows she deserves this—a happily ever after with the man she loves. Funny thing is, I was always convinced Serena would get a happily ever after. I thought it'd be just a matter of time until she found the right guy to be the Prince Charming in her fairy tale, despite not believing in
happily-ever-afters. My parents' marriage proved to me time and again that happily-ever-afters were nothing more than wishful thinking. The men I've dated only confirmed that opinion.
I never really dreamed of or yearned for a fairy tale ending for myself.
Until now.