Page 117 of Closer

“Hmm,” she says. “So, how are things with your roommate?”

My smile falters, and I stare down at my napkin. “It’s complicated.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Actually, I’d like to not think about it if that’s fine?”

“Of course, it’s fine. Let me distract you for tonight.”

She orders us cocktails and some small plates to share. I sip my drink, the tart sweetness of pomegranate and vodka hitting my tongue.

“You know my sister’s douchebag boyfriend, Trent?” she asks.

“I think you mentioned him once or twice, yes.”

“Well, apparently, he’s been talking shit about me behind my back.”

“What’s he saying?”

“That I’m a bad influence on Ella.” She rolls her eyes. “Like, hello? She’s a grown-ass woman.”

“Wow.” I pop a stuffed mushroom in my mouth, savoring the creamy filling melting in my mouth. “Isn’t he the one making Ella miserable?”

“Right? And get this—he told her not to invite me to their housewarming party. How do I know? From another friend. Can you believe that?”

“Seriously? That’s… wow.”

Mary nods vigorously. “I know! And Ella goes along with it. After she exploded at dinner with our parents, I thought she’d break up with him, but apparently, it wasn’t enough.”

“Has she always been like this with him?”

“Pretty much. It’s like she loses all sense of self when she’s around him.” Her shoulders slump, then her eyes shoot up, her head tilting to the side. “Is that?”

I follow her gaze.

Brandon and Naomi are seated at a table quite close to us. She gazes up at him, admiration clear in her eyes, and his arm draped casually over her shoulders. They seem happy and carefree together, unlike Sebastian and me. And there’s another person accompanying them, too. Elliot.

“We should invite them to join us,” Mary says.

“Sure? I don’t want to interrupt their—”

“Hey Naomi, Bran!” She waves them over excitedly,

Naomi’s face falls before her smile reappears, bright as ever. She nudges Brandon, who looks over at us, his eyebrows raising in recognition.

“Hey, Mary! Lil!” Brandon waves. “Fancy seeing you here.”

They make their way over, Elliot trailing behind them.

“So, what brings you all here tonight?” Mary asks.

“Grabbing a bite. Checking out the competition.” Brandon’s arm is still draped around Naomi. “Didn’t expect to run into you ladies.”

“Mind if we join you?” Naomi already pulls up a chair.

“Not at all!” Mary scoots over to make room. “The more the merrier, right?”

I nod.

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