Page 167 of Closer

“Why?”

“Well, it was our sophomore year, and we were bored out of our minds.” She chuckles, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Your mom had this crazy idea to go skinny dipping in the pool.”

“So you did?”

“Oh, yeah. We waited until the coast was clear and snuck in through the back entrance. We stripped down to our birthday suits and jumped in.”

“And then what?”

“We were having the best time, splashing around and being silly. But then, we heard voices coming from the locker room.” Sloan’s eyes widen, her hands gesturing animatedly. “We panicked. Your mom grabbed our clothes, and we hightailed it out of there, stark naked and dripping wet.”

I cover my mouth to stifle my laughter. “Did you get caught?”

“Almost.” Her cheeks turn red. “We rushed back into the dorms, and that’s the end of it.”

I struggle to swallow, my throat thick with emotion. “I wish I could have known her better.”

She reaches out, patting my hand. “She loved you so much. You were her whole world. And I see so much of her in you. That same spark, that same fire.”

“Thank you.”

“Anytime.” Her thumb brushes over my knuckles.

“If you were such good friends, why do our families hate each other?”

“I don’t think I should be the one telling you about it. Your uncle should, and maybe you can change his mind.”

Fantastic. As if I could do that.

“Don’t you want to ask me something else?”

“Is Sebastian okay?”

“He’s holding up.”

“Can I see him?”

“Thought you’d never asked.” A knowing smile spreads across her face. “Your brothers and your uncle should be away for a few hours, and I… will get some snacks now.” She winks at me, throwing the cards back into her bag.

“Is he here?”

“He never left.”

Chapter 49

Sebastian

I’m sitting in the waiting room, my leg bouncing up and down when my mother emerges. I shoot to my feet. “How is she?”

“Why don’t you ask her yourself?”

“What about the Edmunds?”

“They’re not here.” She shrugs, waving a dismissive hand. “Won’t be for a few hours.”

Holy shit. Is this really happening?

I don’t wait for her to change her mind. I rush past her, bursting into Lil’s room like a man possessed.

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