“I cannot come, Serena.” “Why?” He takes slow, long breaths. Collects himself. “Is it because if you don’t come, we can pretend that this is not sexual? That it’s a favor you’re doing for a…friend?” He snorts. Opens his eyes. They are pitch black. “It’s been sexual since the second I saw you, and…I have friends, Serena, and you’re not one of them. But yes. It’s easier to forgive myself if we make this about you.”




