Page 61 of The Close-Up
His brow lifts slightly. When he doesn’t answer right away, I wonder if he forgot. But the longer I gaze into his eyes, the less I think that’s the case. Because he gives me that same raw look.
“I was just going to say that I’m glad your parents like each other. And love each other.”
“Oh.” It’s all I can manage.
For a few seconds we say nothing.
I force myself to break the awkward moment. “Thanks again for letting me tag along to your family dinner tonight.”
“You’re always welcome,” he says quickly. “I’ll see you later.”
I hop out of the car, shut the door, and he speeds off. And I stand there, watching until his car fades out of sight, wondering the whole time what Simon was really going to say to me.
Chapter Thirteen
Landon waves to me from his seat in the middle row of the Le Méridien Hotel conference room. I smile slightly and wave back, then return to setting up my camera to film Simon’s seminar today.
Ever since we met up for impromptu martinis last Sunday night, we got together at Spud’s Bar the following night, which led to a tipsy makeout in the alley behind the bar.
But since then I haven’t heard from him. I try my hardest not to read too much into the fact that I texted him the day after our hot makeout and he never answered me. This setup is supposed to be casual and not at all serious. The rational part of my brain knows there shouldn’t be any obligations or expectation—like regular calls and texts.
Still, though. It stings to feel like Landon might be ignoring me.
From my spot at the back of the room, I see Simon finish chatting with a client and then approach Landon. His expression is serious, but lacks that annoyance he displayed when Landon and I ran into him at the pub a week and a half ago. I watch as Landon looks up at him, nods, and follows him to the corner of the room.
I can’t hear what Simon says, but judging by his alert posture and the knit of his brow, he’s apologizing to Landon. It’s a few seconds before I realize I’m holding my breath. I shouldn’t be nervous. We’re good—and Simon promised me he’d be civil to Landon. But it’s like a reflex to inwardly cringe when I see two guys who have a hostile history walk off together.
A second later, Landon’s jaw tightens. He nods his head, then shakes his hand. I’m not an expert lip reader, but it looks like he says something like, “It’s okay, man. Thanks,” to Simon before he heads back to his seat. Simon walks back to the front of the room.
Landon turns his head and catches my eye, then offers a sly smile. The air I’ve been holding in my lungs comes out in a slow, quiet stream. They’re good now. Simon’s apologized and now we can all move on.
A minute later my phone buzzes.
Landon: Thanks for the apology.
Me: ???
Landon: Come on. I know you put him up to that.
Landon: I appreciate you doing that. I know the guy doesn’t care for me, but I’m glad that he’s willing to be civil.
Landon: And it’s nice to know I don’t have to endure more death stares from him.
Me: LOL
Me: But seriously, I’m glad to hear that.
Me: Sorry if I overstepped...but I just didn’t want things to be tense anymore.
Landon: I get it.
I shove my phone back in my bag, glad the two buried the hatchet, but still annoyed that Landon hasn’t referenced my flirty text from the other day. Simon begins the session, kicking off with his usual brief greeting and pleasantries, then dives right in.
“I thought we’d start today with a bit of a progress report. Anyone want to give an update on how things are going for you in your relationships?”
A handful of men raise their hands and talk about how things have been improving with their partners. One guy mentions how he feels closer to his fiancée after they started going to couples’ counseling a few months ago. An elderly man talks about how implementing weekly date nights with his wife has given him an excitement he hasn’t felt since he was a newlywed.
A tall man in his late thirties dressed in jeans and a sweater raises his hand.
