seen in a coffee…table book about architecture。
“It’s a Frank Lloyd Wright house； one of his early； Prairie…style ones。 It’s one of the first ones he created；” Serena said proudly； as if she’d built the house herself。 “And it’s ours。 Just outside Iowa City！”
Dan looked around so he wouldn’t have to gaze into Serena’s eyes。 The coffee shop was almost empty； except for two couples cozily leaning over their lattes。 The events of last night came rushing back to him in a flash of jet…black hair strewn over his bare chest。 Vanessa。
He bed his hand through his messy hair。 “Um； I’ve been thinking…”
“Do you like it？” Serena asked； biting her bottom lip。
Large concrete…pool empty eyes。
Dive in…。
Dan realized just then that he’d never imagined Serena joining him in Iowa。 He’d imagined himself； alone； scribbling poems。 Driving past endless cornfields。 Mingling with other students at poetry readings while drinking warm white wine in paper cups。 In all of his visions； he was by himself。
“But what would you do in Iowa？” The words were out of Dan’s mouth before he could stop them。
“You don’t want me there？” Serena asked in a small voice。 She began chewing on her thumbnail。 It was one of her worst habits； one the makeup artist at Breakfast at Fred’s had desperately tried to stop； but Serena couldn’t help it。 She couldn’t believe Dan didn’t want her。 It was so unexpected that she didn’t know what to think。
“No。 I mean…” Dan trailed off。 “I need to just write； and you need to…” What did Serena need to do？ For the past couple years； it had felt as though her whole life revolved around him。 And it had been kind of nice； to be such a central part of her world； to be her world pletely。 But Serena deserved to have her own t