Page 36 of Closer

I down my champagne, the bubbles uncomfortably tickling my nose. “It’s complicated. He’s here with Serena, and I’m… I’m trying to move on, too.”

“Are you sure they’re really together? Didn’t he tell you they’re friends?”

“He did. But what if…” If he’s playing me again.

“If you still want him, if you think there’s a chance… don’t let it slip away,” Mary says. “And I won’t let Connor get away.”

I envy her for being so confident in what she wants. She’s right. If there’s a chance for something real with Sebastian, I shouldn’t let it go without a fight. But the thought of putting myself out there again, of risking my heart… it’s terrifying. Yet it could be the chance to get my heart back.

She links her arm with mine. “Hey, why don’t we do something this weekend? Take your mind off things.”

“Like what?”

“Well, with Gemma gone on her beach house trip, maybe we could hit up a wellness hotel? You know, spa treatments, yoga classes, the works.” She grins. “A little self-care never hurt anyone.”

“That does sound nice.”

“Right? We can relax and recharge.” She winks. “Who knows, you might find someone who makes you forget all about Sebastian.”

I snort. “Doubtful. But I’m in.”

We clink our glasses, sealing the deal. I let my gaze wander back to Sebastian. He throws his head back, amused by something Serena said, his arm comfortably around her waist.

My stomach twists. I hate how seeing them together affects me. I hate that I still care.

“I need some air.” I set my empty glass on a nearby table. “I’ll be back.”

“Lil, wait—”

But I’m already walking away, rushing out onto the balcony. The cool night air embraces me, and I inhale deeply, the metal of the railing searing against my palms. The city skyline twinkles before me, a sea of lights stretching to the horizon.

It’s beautiful. Peaceful. Quiet.

“Here.” A deep voice startles me, and I whip my head to see a strikingly handsome man holding out a plate piled high with food. His dark hair falls carelessly over his forehead, and his eyes sparkle with warmth.

“Um, for me?”

“You look like you could use this.”

“Oh, no, thank you. I was…” Hiding?

“Refusing the food the head chef brought you?” He holds up the plate closer to me. “Go on, try it. I promise it’s not poisoned.”

“How do I know that’s true?” I narrow my eyes at the stranger, trying to place his face. There’s something familiar about the way he smirks at me like he knows a secret I don’t. “Have we met before?”

“I’m hurt. You don’t remember me?” He raises an eyebrow, a teasing edge to his voice. “We met at a Halloween party years ago. You were with your friend Gemma. I offered you a drink, but she intervened, telling me to back off.”

“I-I’m sorry.” I remember Gemma pulling me away from a guy, but… “I’m not sure I remember.”

“No worries. It was a long time ago.” His gaze travels over me. “Sebastian made quite a scene, telling me to stop flirting with you.”

“What? No way. You’re makingthat up.”

He crosses his fingers. “Scout’s honor. He was ready to throw down right there in the middle of the party.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore. He’s certainly moved on now.” I tilt my head towards the party inside, where Sebastian probably is still cozied up with Serena.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”

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