to where a black head was bobbing through the crowd. Then Sebastian emerged, a large smile on his face.
He rushed over to where we were, taking us both into his embrace.
“Man, it feels good to see the two of you,” he said, clapping me on the back. “Now, will you help me pick up my bag?”
“Of course,” I said with a smile, following him over to the carousel and keeping a lookout for his luggage.
Sebastian has travelled with the same suitcase ever since he was twenty. It was dark green, a little banged up, and it had a luggage tag on it that Serenity made for him for Christmas one year. It was one of those pieces that was easy to spot and hard to miss, which made it great for travelling.
After we had collected Sebastian’s luggage, the three of us headed to the parking garage and located my car. “I’m afraid you’ll have to take the backseat, my dear,” I said to Serenity, opening up the car door for her.
“That’s fine,” she said, climbing in nonchalantly. Sebastian got into the front seat and then we were off, driving back home.
“What should we do, since you have the evening off?” Sebastian asked. “I want us all to spend some time together.”
“We could hang out at home,” Serenity suggested. “Maybe watch a movie or something like that? Grayson also has some new books.”
Sebastian turned around in his seat to look back at her. “So, you convinced him to buy some? Good job! But I’d really rather go out and do something.”
“Then you’re going to have to be the one to suggest something,” I said, cutting in. “We’ve been so exhausted from work that we’ve been staying in for the most part. I could see that Serenity was suppressing a giggle at my words in the back seat.
“Hmmmm, then what about this? Why don’t we go shopping?” Sebastian suggested.
Serenity and I exchanged a glance in the rear view mirror. That was definitely going to be interesting, especially since the two of us had already gone. “What are we going shopping for?” I asked.
“I was thinking that I should get my girlfriend a gift,” Sebastian explained. “I have a few things for her already, but I would love your suggestions on something, if you don’t mind.”
“We can do that,” I replied. “Is there any particular place that you want to go?”
“Just a mall would be fine; I’m not sure exactly what I want to get yet.”
“We can definitely do that.”
First, I drove the three of us back home and showed Sebastian to his room. While he unpacked, Serenity approached me in the kitchen. “Are you sure it’s a good idea to go shopping with him?” she asked.
“Why wouldn’t it be?” I was brewing some fresh coffee for Sebastian and me, since I was already exhausted. Once the pot was full, I poured myself a cup and took a sip.
“If we’re going to the same mall from before, then won’t that shop clerk be there? You told her we were dating.”
“Serenity, it’s highly unlikely that the same woman will be working there as when we went before. And just to be safe, I promise that I’ll steer us toward some other stores instead.”
She sighed, sitting down on one of the stools in front of the counter. “I guess. I just don’t like keeping secrets from my brother.”
I reached out to cup her cheek with my hand, forcing her look up at me. I smiled at her. “That’s okay. I don’t plan on keeping things a secret for long.”
“Okay, you promise?”
“I promise.”
I withdrew my hand from her cheek just as Sebastian came downstairs, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans with a freshly-shaven face.
“I hope I didn’t take too long,” he said with a smile. “You know how these things are. Flying always makes me feel gross.”
“Hey, didn’t I buy you a first-class ticket?”
He shrugged. “You may have, but that doesn’t take away the grossness of the airport. I swear, every time it’s an ordeal. Now I can understand the appeal of having a private jet.”
I laughed, then held up the pot of fresh coffee. “Coffee?”
“Yes, please.” Sebastian slid onto one of the stools next to Serenity, putting his arm around her shoulders. “You still not drinking coffee?”
She shook her head. “I don’t believe in caffeine.”
“Ah, well, that’s easy for you to say. You’re not running a business,” Sebastian said, accepting the mug I offered to him and taking a long sip.
“That’s true.” Serenity sighed, reaching