Page 96 of Close

But I want him close. I can’t even imagine how it would be without him. Without him cuddling me to sleep or tracing soothing circles over my skin. Is it wrong to want that, to need that?

After dinner, Gemma and I drive over to Mary’s. As we pull up the long driveway, lined with stately oak trees, I’m struck by the sheer size and elegance of the place. The colonial-style mansion, with its red brick facade and towering white columns, sprawls across a beautifully landscaped property just outside the city.

Mary greets us at the door with her signature bear hugs. “Welcome, ladies!”

We follow her through the grand foyer, with its marble floors and crystal chandelier. My eyes wander over the elegant furnishings—ornate side tables displaying expensive vases and a sweeping staircase with an intricately carved banister.

“I’ve got everything set up for a fun girls’ night in my room.” Mary leads us down a hallway lined with paintings and antique mirrors. It almost looks like Uncle Marc’s.

We step into her bedroom, which is about the size of my entire dorm suite. At the center is a massive four-poster bed, draped in a velvet canopy and embroidered linens, fit for royalty. One wall is made entirely of floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a stunning view of the backyard.

Mary leads us to a cozy movie nook she’s set up. A projector casts a soft glow against the far wall, and the floor is covered in plush pillows and fuzzy blankets, all in soft shades of blush and cream. It looks irresistibly cozy, like sinking into a fluffy cloud.

“I’ve got all the essentials!” Mary gestures excitedly to a table laden with bowls of popcorn and various candies. “Salty, sweet, buttery goodness. Margaritas. And, of course, a nice selection of rom-coms to swoon and laugh over.”

Always above and beyond to make things special. It’s one of the things I love most about her.

“This is perfect.” Gemma plops down onto a cushy pillow.

Mary grins, tossing a handful of popcorn into her mouth. “Everything for my besties. Now, Lil, get your cute ass over here and help me pick a movie.”

I plop down beside her on another pillow.

Gemma reaches for the bowl of M&Ms. “Seriously, Mar, this is like a Pinterest dream come to life.”

Mary grabs the remote and starts scrolling through the movie options. “Alright, ladies, what’s first on our viewing list? Something classic like Sleepless in Seattle? Or maybe a new one?”

As they debate the merits of various films, I let myself sink further into the plush pillows. Is Sebastian back home? It’s 10 p.m. How long does such a business dinner go? I wish he were here, his strong arms holding me tight as we cuddle and watch a movie together.

Gemma waves a hand in front of my face. “What do you think, rom-com or horror?”

“Definitely rom-com.” This is girl time. I can deal with the rest later.

Mary selects a movie with a woman and a man glaring at each other. The opening credits start to roll, and I reach for a handful of popcorn.

“Okay, so I’ve got something to share.” Gemma hands us all a margarita. “You know that guy I’ve been hooking up with, Oliver?”

“Yes.” Mary and I nod eagerly.

A dreamy smile curves her lips. “I can’t stop thinking about him.”

“Did you sleep with him again?” Mary asks.

Gemma blushes. “Maybe.”

“Promise not to tell anyone, but… I think it’s turning into something more than casual,” Gemma says.

“Really?” I ask. “What makes you think that?”

“I don’t know. We’ve been hanging out more, not only hooking up, and he’s just been really sweet and attentive lately. It’s different. I think he could be more than a hookup. Maybe even boyfriend material.”

Mary’s eyes widen. “Seriously? I don’t know. He feels off.”

Gemma twirls a strand of hair around her finger. “I really like him. He makes me feel special, you know?”

“Has he said anything about wanting more?” I ask.

Gemma shrugs, averting her gaze. “Not in so many words, but it already feels like we’re a couple.”

---