Someone Else’s Life(27)

Serena’s brows rose. “My mother said the same thing too. She always said, if you commit to something, you have to stick it out.” Her mouth turned down, as if the thought were an unpleasant one.

Annie shook her head. “Mothers.”

“Right.” Serena blinked a few times in rapid succession.

Annie peered at her, wondering if she was okay before continuing. “She was so much more outgoing than my father. She would have had a party for the whole neighborhood within a week of moving in.” She looked off into the distance.

“She sounds great.” There was a look of longing on Serena’s face.

“She was. She loved to talk to people. Always wanted to know their story, what they’re doing in life, their aspirations. She cared about people and loved gathering them together. Organizing parties, planning the food.” Annie paused, thinking about the parties Finn had missed. Her mom had loved planning birthday parties for Jeannie’s children, as well as Cam.

“What was her name?” Serena asked.

“Well, I think I told you she was half-Chinese and half-Hawaiian. She had a Chinese name but went by her American name, Chrissy.”

“And what’s your father’s name?”

Annie grinned. “His American name is Jack.”

There was a pause as Serena thought. “Wait. Jack and Chrissy? Like on Three’s Company?”

Annie broke out in a big smile. “Yup. Exactly like that. It was their favorite show.”

“And you have one sister named Samantha and another named Jeannie?” Serena raised her eyebrows, understanding dawning in her eyes. “Like I Dream of Jeannie and Samantha from Bewitched?”

Annie couldn’t help the snort of laughter that escaped. “Exactly like that. I thought you’d be too young to get the reference. But yes, our whole family is named for American sitcoms. Except me—I’m named for the redheaded orphan. And my parents gave themselves American names when they got married. I guess they got tired of telling people how to pronounce their Chinese names.”

Serena laughed right along with her. “So is your real name Anne?”

“Nope. Just Annie. My mom was obsessed with the movie. The one with Carol Burnett and Albert Finney. I think I learned how to sing ‘Tomorrow’ before I learned English.”

Serena choked on her laughter, and Annie thumped her on the back, even as she herself gasped for air. Once Serena had caught her breath, she looked over at Annie, and it set them off again. Annie actually rolled off the couch, landing on Marley, who looked at her with displeasure. Which just set her off on another gale of laughter until, finally, she quieted. Looking up, she saw Serena catching her breath before reaching out a hand to haul Annie back on the couch.

“I haven’t laughed like that in so long,” Annie said, wiping the tears out of the corners of her eyes.

“Me too,” Serena said. “I totally needed that.”

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Annie said, when she could finally talk again without choking. “Let’s take a selfie to remember this day.” She gestured to Serena, who came to her side, and Annie snapped a picture.

Serena looked over her shoulder as Annie zoomed in on the photo. They both looked so happy in it.

“Have you been to Kauai before? Is that why you came here this time?” Annie asked, putting her phone down next to her.

“No. I’ve never been. But I wanted to be somewhere warm, to get away from the snow and freezing-cold weather. I didn’t want to be in New York; plus, I lost my job, so there was no reason to stay. I figured I could start over somewhere new.”

“So it was random?” Annie tucked her legs up under her, getting more comfortable. “You just pointed to a place on the map?”

Serena gave a small laugh. “Something like that.” A light flickered in her eyes, making them glow like an animal’s in the dark. “It was more . . . a feeling that I should be here. It’s warm, and everyone always says how beautiful it is.”

“I’m glad you picked it. Otherwise we wouldn’t have met.” Marley made a small snoring sound and Annie looked down, surprised he’d fallen asleep despite all the commotion.

“I’m glad I’m here too.” Serena reached down and petted Marley. He opened an eye and looked at her but then closed it again. She straightened up. “I do miss New York City, though. All that hustle and bustle, the energy. It’s gorgeous here, but sometimes at night, I get a little creeped out, all by myself.”

“I miss the food in the city,” Annie said. “Food here is good, but the diversity back in New York was great. You can get anything you’re craving.”

“Yeah.” Serena nodded. “When I used to work there, on my days off, I would take the subway and just get off at any stop, then walk around until a restaurant caught my eye. I miss that, eating my way through New York City.”

“Well, we’ll just have to eat our way through Kauai together.” Annie shot her a grin.

“I’m down for that.” Serena leaned back. “Are you glad you moved here?”

Annie rocked her head from side to side. “Yes and no. I wish we could have brought our lake house here. It was so perfect for us and really hard to let go of.”

“Why’d you sell it if you loved it so much?” Serena leaned forward, her face curious and her lips slightly parted.