(Serena's POV).
After a few days had passed, I was still making it difficult for Evan to see me. And I was doing it on purpose because I wanted to see how far he would go for me and Gracie—his daughter.
And maybe because he felt I was hard to meet, he always ended up calling me.
"Hi," I said after exhaling.
"When are you available, Serena? I've tried to meet you several times, but your employees say you're always busy, out meeting your clients."
I hope Evan didn't recognize the lie in my voice. "I have more free time when the boutique is closed, Evan. I'm sorry I've been so busy lately."
"I understand. I just miss you and Gracie."
I smiled to myself when I heard that. It felt like the first time Evan had ever said that to me. For some reason, I always remembered him being cold and indifferent towards me.
"I'm sorry."
"So, can I see you tonight?" He asked.
"Maybe. I'll call you if it's not too late."
"Serena," he called, and it made me tremble, melt, and go limp.
Since we met again, the way he called me was like magic that makes me melt anytime. But this was also a reminder that I must not be weak just because he treated me so well.
"Don't avoid me. Please," he said.
"I... am not avoiding you, Evan."
"Yeah, you could say that. But don't forget, even though I used to be very indifferent towards you, I know when you're lying. Remember that I really want you back."
I was silent at that moment and sighed. "I haven't forgotten."
"Well then, I'll hang up now. Call me when you have time, otherwise I'll come find you myself. I love you, Serena."
Evan immediately hung up without waiting for my reply. He knew I needed time, and I also realized that no matter how long I avoided him, the truth was that I had to give him a definite answer.
I quickly made myself some coffee in the boutique pantry and returned to my office to relax my thought. The fact that I actually had a lot of free time made me feel guilty towards Evan.
And to make up for this guilt, I just need to give him time to see me later.
***
I went home early and let my employees close the boutique today. But before going home, I went to the salon. For some reason, I really wanted to make myself look beautiful for... Evan.
But actually, I used to get treatments often, it's just that since I met Evan, I haven't been doing it anymore.
"Oh my gosh, Serena!" exclaimed the salon owner, Davy, when I walked into his salon. "It's been so long since I've seen you!"
He was so enthusiastic every time he saw me because I used to come there often to pamper myself.
"Well, now you see me."
"How are you?! Wow, you're still beautiful even though you haven't been here in a long time. Did you go to another salon, huh?"
I laughed, and he felt as if I had betrayed him. "Of course not, Davy. I've just been too busy, and now I want to pamper myself. Can you make me even more beautiful than I am now?"
"Oh, dear... Of course. Don't doubt me. Sit down, and I'll make you like the Queen of England, even better than her!"
I could only laugh and then sit quietly on the sofa where customers are pampered.
This time, I let Davy do whatever he wanted so that I would look more beautiful than usual.
"You look more radiant, Serena. Would you like to tell me what you're experiencing?" asked Davy from the salon mirror in front of me.
"I feel the same way," I replied, still evasive.
Oh, come on... You think I just met you today, huh?
I smiled but felt embarrassed at the same time. Apparently, there was still someone who could see the difference in my expression, even though I thought he wouldn't pay that much attention to me.
"Spill the tea, Darling," he said.
I took a deep breath before starting my story. "I met my daughter's father. He wants me back, and I asked him to prove that he means what he says."
Davy, with his gray eyes, was shocked. His mouth gaped in surprise.
"And tonight you're going to meet him?"
I nodded. "He's wanted to meet me several times, but I've always deliberately avoided him. So now I'm making time for him."
"And you want to look pretty in front of him. I see."
My cheeks turned red and trembled because I didn't know what else to say.
"Alright then. Let's see the results after this, okay?"
I nodded and enjoyed the treatment provided by Davy and his employees.
Four hours later, I finished the treatment. Actually, nothing was different, but as some people saw me, I clearly looked different to them.
"Gorgeous! I managed to make you look different. Your new hairstyle with a slightly lighter color makes you look brighter, Serena!"
I do see myself as Davy described. Especially with my fingernails painted a natural yet elegant color, making my fingers look even prettier.
"Thank you, I am very satisfied with your salon service, Dav. Always."
"Of course! You are my priority and I have to give you the best, Darling."
I immediately paid the bills, and after it was completely finished, I said goodbye and left the salon to go home and get ready.
When I got home, I called Evan. It didn't ring for long before he picked up, as if to show me that he was waiting to hear from me.
"You finally called me," she said. "So, what's up?"
"You can come to my house if you still want to meet up, Evan."
Then I heard Evan chuckle. "You think I'm bored waiting for you, Serena? I'll be there in thirty minutes."
"See you later."
"See you, Love."
I ended the call, but my heart was beating so fast after hearing Evan's last words, it felt like it was stinging me so much that I had trouble breathing.
"Easy, Serena. You can't appear weak in front of him, or be charmed by his charm," I told to myself.
I started getting ready, putting on appropriate clothes and playing with Gracie for a while, slowly mentioning Evan to her.
"Mommy, you look pretty. I want to be like you," she praised.
I smiled and was touched. "Well, Honey... the truth is, you're prettier and I'm jealous of you."
"I'm beautiful because you're beautiful, Mommy. You were born first," she said with her small lips.
I could only laugh because she was too cute. And I guess this was the right time to talk about Evan.
"Dear... You know Uncle Evan, right?" I asked cautiously.
It felt really strange to call Evan "Uncle" in front of my daughter. I'm just not used to it yet. But I couldn't just tell Gracie to call him "Daddy" unless she wants it herself.
"Is Uncle Evan coming to play here?"
It would be great if she still remembered. I nodded. "He will. Are you happy with him?"
"i'm happy, Mommy. Can I call him Daddy?"
"May I know why you want to call him that, dear?"
Her expression looked cheerful, and I was happy to see her cute little expression.
"Because he's nice and because you don't have any male friends other than Uncle Evan that I know, so I want to call him that, Mommy. My friends also think that he is my father because he picked me up with you the other day, Mommy."
"In that case, you may call him that, dear."
Gracie looked happy and just then the doorbell rang. It must be Evan and I'm sure he'll be happy with what Gracie is about to do to him... call him "Daddy."