Page 33 of Sit, Stay, Love
Sera’s mother patted the seat beside her. ‘Ethan. Come and tell me all about yourself. How did you meet our gorgeous daughter?’
He sat and wiggled back onto the cushions. ‘She rescued me from a vicious hound.’
‘It wasn’t vicious, only scared.’ Sera dropped into a chair opposite them.
‘Either way, I had no idea what to do, and Sera saved me.’ He looked up and gave her a soft smile.
A thousand butterflies fluttered in her stomach.
‘My daughter the hero,’ her mother said as her gaze flicked between Ethan and Sera.
‘Now she’s helping me prep for a new movie role,’ he said. ‘I’m failing miserably, but she won’t give up on me.’
‘Sera never gives up on anyone or anything,’ her father said, returning to the balcony. ‘She was always bringing home some broken creature and trying to fix them up.’
‘Dad!’ She stared at him, horrified.
He handed Ethan a light beer. ‘I didn’t mean you, Ethan. I meant birds, and lizards.’
Sera dropped her head into her hands.
‘It’s okay, sir,’ Ethan said. ‘She’s giving it a good shot with me too. I’m not great with dogs, and she’s trying to get me to where I at least look comfortable, so I don’t get fired.’
‘If anyone can do it, it’s our Ser-Ser,’ her father said, pride shining in his face.
‘And you live on the Northern Beaches?’ her mother asked.
‘Up on the headland overlooking Turimetta Beach.’
‘The movie business must be paying well.’
‘Mum!’ Sera shook her head.
He held up a hand. ‘It’s fine. The pay is pretty good, Mrs Madden. But I was lucky enough to buy my house from my grandparents. I didn’t exactly pay market value.’
‘Like Sera and her property. That belonged to her grandparents too.’
He nodded. ‘She told me. It’s a gorgeous spot.’
‘You’ve been there?’ Sera watched as her mother sat up a little straighter.
‘I sure have. I’ve even seen Rose’s chair in the park.’
Sera’s mother put her hand to her heart. ‘My mother loved it there. And, of course, she loved Sera. We lost my parents far too soon. They’d be so happy to see their granddaughter flourishing in their old home. We’re so proud of her.’
‘We should go,’ Sera said, shooting her mother an exasperated look.
‘Do you mind if I use the bathroom before I leave, Mrs Madden?’ Ethan asked as he stood, straightening out the legs of his jeans.
‘Of course not. John will show you where it is.’
As the men disappeared out of sight, her mother’s face lit up. ‘He’s veeery impressive.’
‘Yes, Mum. He’s nice.’
‘Nice? He’s gorgeous. Those eyes. And so tall. Even taller than Toby.’ She took a sip of wine. ‘Have they met?’
Sera’s eyes narrowed. ‘Briefly.’
