Page 47 of The Close-Up

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My phone buzzes from the coffee table.

“Let me guess. A text from Simon?” Harper winks.

Simon: I owe you an apology.

Me: And egg tarts.

Simon: Of course. That goes without saying.

Despite my frustration at him, I can’t help but grin. We’ve gone on two egg tart runs since coming back from Tahoe. It’s become an unofficial tradition of ours and one of my favorite things we do together while working. He doesn’t make fun of me when I make sex noises while eating. And he always knows that six is the perfect number to order. Enough for me to eat my fill at the bakery and for him to have some, with one leftover for me to enjoy later on in the day.

Simon: But seriously. I want to tell you how sorry I am.

Simon: It wasn’t cool how I talked to you after Landon left.

And just like that, the last little bit of my irritation at Simon evaporates. He clearly knows how to apologize when he messes up, a quality I appreciate in a person.

Me: Apology accepted. Thank you. Although it took you long enough LOL

Simon: Ha yeah, sorry about that. I was busy.

Me: Work stuff?

Simon: Yeah. And a date last night.

Me: !!!!

Me: Ooohhh was it the Margot Robbie look-alike who was all over you at that bakery in Lake Tahoe??

Simon: Yeah actually.

Me: I want to hear all about it!

Simon: What are you up to tonight?

Me: Sheet masks and Netflix with Harper at her place. We had Thai takeout. Waaayyy too many leftovers. Very exciting night.

Simon: Sounds like a blast.

Me: Doing anything tonight?

Simon: Headed to Bangerz. My set’s in 20.

I let out a laugh.

“You two made up. Yay.”

Harper gets up and walks over to the kitchen.

Me: Nooo! You can’t perform without me there cheering you on!

“Do you care if Simon comes over?” I ask Harper. With her head in the fridge, she sticks out her arm and flashes a thumbs-up.

Me: If you feel like trekking all the way to Harper’s apartment, come hang with us. We have plenty of leftovers. You can help us finish them off.

Simon: Whoa, hold on...you’re offering to share leftovers with me??

I send an eye roll emoji.

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