Page 77 of Closer

Lilian

I drop my purse on the floor and kick off my heels, wincing. My feet are full of blisters. Shouldn’t have walked home from the date in high heels.

The date—if it could be called that—was a disaster. 1 star in Mary’s words.

It’s a desperate attempt to forget him, but even my best efforts are futile. Why did I think that would work? All I could think about was Sebastian. Comparing them. No other guy measures up to him.

“Figures.” I pick up my purse, flick on the lights, and head to the fridge. A note in Gemma’s loopy handwriting is stuck to the front.

Don’t forget to eat! xoxo Gem.

Before she left, she placed some sticky notes around the apartment so I’m not feeling alone because Mary finally moved in with Connor last week, and Gemma left two days ago for her honeymoon with Elijah.

Her stuff is still here, but it’s only a matter of time. Probably sometime after their return. This means they both will be living in the same building, except me.

Sebastian’s words linger in the back of my mind.It could be real, you know. If you wanted it to be.

As if. Although he lives there, too. So…

No. I can do this. It’s okay. I’ve always been introverted and more comfortable with my own company. But lately, I actually grew to enjoy having people around me all the time or our late-night movie and ice cream sessions. I’m gonna miss it.

Everyone is moving on with their lives, and I can’t even get through one date without thinking about Sebastian.

Pathetic.

Maybe it’s time I go back to Uncle Marc’s. I still haven’t made up with him.

I grab my phone and check my messages. Mary sent a photo of herself surrounded by boxes, showing off her bicep.

Mary: Unpacking the last boxes. How are my girls doing?

Gemma replies with a stunning sunset pic, the sky a vibrant orange melting into deep purple.

Gemma: It’s beautiful where I am *heart-eye emoji*

Lil: Just got home from my date.

Mary: How’d it go?

I hesitate, my thumbs hovering over the screen. The truth is, the guy was nice, a real gentleman, but…

Lil: He was nice.

Mary: Nice?

With the question mark, nice sounds like it was super boring, which it was.

Lil: We had a good time.

Gemma: So, it was boring?

My fingers hover over the keyboard while I head into the bathroom.

Lil: He was a perfect gentleman. Opened doors, pulled out my chair, and showed interest.

What else did he do?

Lil: And he paid.

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