Page 143 of Closer

Levi opens his mouth, then closes it again, looking to Landon for guidance.

He sighs heavily. “It’s complicated. There are things, family things, that we’re not sure you’re ready to hear.”

“I’m not a child anymore.” Frustration creeps into my voice. “Whatever it is, I can handle it.”

Levi sets down his burger. “Remember how Lan said Marc wouldn’t accept the invitation?”

I nod.

“Well,” Landon says, “Sloan and Marc have history.”

My brow furrows. “And?”

“Sloan. She was like a mother to us growing up. She helped out a lot when Marc adopted us,” Levi says.

The revelation hits me like a truck. “I had no idea. Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

“You were too young to remember,” Landon says. “And things got complicated between them.”

There’s more to it, but I don’t want to push it. I’ve never heard so much pain in Landon’s voice. So, Sloan, Sebastian’s mother, was like a mom to my brothers? She helped raise me?

“The only reason we’re here.” Levi nods towards my purse. “And that USB stick exists, is because of her.”

I massage my temples, overwhelmed. Why keep all this from me? What else don’t I know about my life? Fan-fucking-tastic.

I peer at the USB drive sitting in my purse. One thing at a time, Lil.

After we finish eating, Levi takes care of the bill, and we head outside.

“Hop in.” Landon juggles with his keys. “We’ll bring you home.”

“Thanks. Let me get the address.”

“No need. I know where you live.”

“You do?”

“Why shouldn’t I?”

“Well, because I moved into Sebastian’s—”

Landon stops in his tracks. “You’re staying at his place?”

“Yes.” My eyes dart between his.

Landon’s eyes narrow at Levi, who opens the door on the passenger side. “I call dibs.”

“You’ll call nothing when I’m done with you, little brother,” Landon mutters.

“What’s wrong?”

Landon doesn’t answer me and motions me to get in the car before he slips into the driver’s seat.

“Do you need the address?” I ask.

“No need, sis. I already plugged it into the navigation,” Levi hums.

Landon still has his eyes narrowed at him. “So, you even have the address. Didn’t care to share that with me?”

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