Page 142 of Closer

I take another sip, buying time. “I-I think I never stopped.” I pause. “I really tried with Jason. I wanted to make Marc happy and move on. But Sebastian…”

“We never liked Jason much anyway.” Levi shrugs. “At least not how he turned out.”

Landon’s expression darkens. “It’s no secret that we aren’t thrilled about you and Sebastian, especially considering how things ended last time.”

“I know,” I say. “But he makes me happy. Can’t you forget that stupid rivalry?”

My brothers exchange a look.

“Ask again when you’re marrying the guy,” Landon says.

My jaw nearly drops. Did he just say what I think he did? “So, you’re okay with us being a couple?”

“We’ll tolerate it,” Landon grumbles.

“Did Anne force you to say this?” I ask.

Levi chuckles, and Landon shoots him a glare. “Maybe.”

“Thank you,” I say. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”

“Don’t let him fuck it up this time,” Levi says.

I can’t help but laugh. “I’ll make sure he behaves himself.”

“Lan.” Levi elbows Landon, who looks at him, annoyed. “Give it to her.”

“You’re too nice to him.” Landon reaches into his jacket pocket, hesitating, before pulling out a small USB drive. He slides it across the table. “It’s a peace offering. For Sebastian.”

I pick it up. “What is it?”

“Do you trust us?” Levi asks.

I nod.

“It’s an offer to work together,” Landon says. “If he’s willing to let the past go, we will too. Even if Marc disagrees.”

“He’ll come around eventually,” Levi says.

They’re serious. I tuck the drive into my purse. Maybe this is the olive branch we needed to put the past behind us. But what if Sebastian doesn’t want to let it go? What if this opens up old wounds? “Thanks. This means a lot.”

The waitress arrives with our burgers, momentarily halting the conversation.

Levi picks up his. “Dig in, guys.”

I take a big bite of my burger and notice Landon and Levi watching me. “What?”

“You really okay?” Levi asks.

I avert my eyes. “Yeah, why?”

“We just want you to be happy. Even if it’s with him,” Landon says.

“Why now?” I ask. “Why are you guys really here?”

They exchange a loaded glance.

“Come on, guys,” I say. “What aren’t you telling me?”

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