Page 22 of Closer

“It’s not like that, man. I’m not some lovesick puppy pining after her.”

“Could’ve fooled me.” Brandon’s tone drips with sarcasm.

I throw a punch, but he dodges easily. “Look, it was just sex, alright? A one-time thing. A final farewell fuck, if you will.”

“Uh-huh.”

I aim a kick at his midsection, and he blocks it.

“Face it. You’re still into her. And from what I heard, she’s single. So, what now? You gonna try to win her back or some shit?”

“Win her back? After everything that’s happened? Nah, man. That ship has sailed.”

Brandon shrugs. “If you don’t, someone else will. And then you’ll really be kicking yourself.”

The thought of Lil with another man makes my blood boil. I know I have no right to feel this way, but I can’t help it.

“Is she worth it?” he asks.

I pause. “Fuck.”

“Exactly.” Brandon lands a punch to my shoulder. “Now, are we done here? Because I’ve got a hot date tonight, and I need to shower off all this feelings bullshit.”

“Yeah, yeah. Naomi?”

“The woman’s got me wrapped around her little finger.” He grins, but there’s a hint of something more in his eyes. Something I recognize all too well. “And I’m not afraid to admit I’m the lovesick puppy for her.”

“Be careful, man.”

“Relax. I know what I’m doing. Besides, Naomi’s different. She’s not like Lil.”

“Yeah, well, that’s what I thought too. And look how that turned out.”

“You really loved her, didn’t you?”

Loved?

I busy myself with unwrapping my hands. The truth is, I still do. More than I ever thought possible. Being with Lil again was like coming home and being sucker-punched all at once. The way she felt in my arms, the way she responded to my touch… it was everything I remembered and more.

“Look, man.” He sighs. “It’s time to move on. What about Serena?”

“She’s not my type,” I say. “Besides, she has her eyes on someone else.”

“You’re gonna spend the rest of your life alone? Drowning in work and whiskey?”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” And tonight, I’ll start at the gala.

Brandon rolls his eyes, grabbing his towel. “Whatever, man. But remember, life’s too short to be miserable. And you, my friend, are the king of misery.”

I need a fucking cold shower.

Chapter 9

Lilian

Don’t look up. Don’t do it.

I’m plucking apart the napkin in my lap, trying to keep myself from spotting him.

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