Page 37 of Closer

“What do you mean?”

He shrugs, picking up a canapé from the tray and popping it into his mouth. “Just a hunch.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“But I know about food, and comfort food always helps.”

I hesitate before taking a small bite of the crab cake. It’s a perfect blend of buttery crab and a hint of lemon. “This is amazing.”

He looks pleased with himself. “Told you. I never lie about food. I’m Elliot, by the way, in case you forgot.”

“I’m sorry. I’m… not in the best headspace right now.”

“No worries. We all have our moments.” He gestures to the plate. “But seriously, eat. It’ll help.”

I take another bite, savoring the flavors. “Thanks.”

We stand there in comfortable silence for a few minutes, sharing the plate.

“You know.” He gives me a rueful smile. “Sometimes, the timing isn’t right. Or the person isn’t ready.”

“Talking from experience?” I take another bite of the crab cake.

“Maybe.”

“So, what’s your story?”

“My story?” He hums. “You sure you want to open that can of worms?”

“Why not? We’re both out here, hiding from the party. Might as well make the most of it.”

“Fair enough. Let’s see… I met her when we were teenagers, fell in love, and now she’s too famous to notice me.”

I raise an eyebrow at Elliot’s confession. “Too famous to notice you?”

He leans against the railing, his gaze distant. “She’s in a different world now. And that’s okay. Sometimes, you have to let go. Even when it hurts like hell.”

I choke down the emotion threatening to rise. “And if you can’t let go?”

“If we’re lucky, we get a second chance and are brave enough to take it.”

A second chance. Isn’t that what I’ve been given with Sebastian?

“And if we’re not?” I whisper.

“Then we live with regret about what could have been.”

“Shouldn’t you be working?”

I jerk around to find Sebastian glowering at Elliot, arms crossed over his chest. My heart leaps at the sight of him, then squeezes tight.

“Actually, I’m on break.” Elliot lowers his voice so that only I can hear. “Watch this.”

What?

“You know, Lil, if you’re not busy later, I’d love to show you around my kitchen. Give you a private tour,” Elliot says.

Sebastian’s eyes narrow. “She’s not available.”

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