Page 72 of Since Always

"Well, then, since we're doing this, there is something I have to tell you about me working at Sloane..."

She does not go back to the table to say goodbye to everyone before she leaves. I know it is because she doesn't want to confront Owen. She's struggling to reconcile it all, and I appreciate her so much for trying. I kiss her goodbye at the elevator and head back to my friends. I want to find Owen to tell him everything she just said, but I need a beat before I do. For a little while, I just want to enjoy this night.

"Let's dance. You game, Sloane?" Riley Walter asks, flashing a magnificent smile at me. He's been trying to dance with me all night. In fact, he's been trying to hook up with me since we were fifteen, but I have never been into him that way.

I give in now, though, and follow him into a large group. I let myself move in time to the music, feeling freer than I have done in a while. It's like telling my mom everything has lifted a weight off my chest.

When Chris pulls me off the floor to say goodbye, I am sweaty and smiling. I wrap him in a big hug, turning to Stephanie to do the same.

"Thank you guys for coming, really."

"Love you, Little C," he says, and turns to leave. I think about my mom's words. Is there a world in which my brother's love for both Owen and I would get us through?

Is our story still being written?

"Cass, come take a shot with us," Becca calls to me and then stumbles as Max tries to hold her up. He glances at me to roll his eyes at her.

"I'm good," I say. "I think you might be too."

"I have a fun idea!" Lexi says. "Let's all go drink water together!"

"Oh! Great idea!” Sam says, laughing.

"You guys suck," Becca mumbles, but we grab her from Max and drag her to the bar.

"Your boyfriend is all alone," Becca says, nodding towards the edge of the rooftop.

“Quiet,” I scold her, but turn to look.

Owen is standing, staring out across the city view.

“I think I need to go talk to him."

"Tonight? Here?" Lexi asks.

"Yeah. I have to do it before I lose the nerve."

"How drunk are you?" Samantha says over her shoulder. "Are you sober enough to make this decision right now?"

"Yes. I promise. This is clear-minded me. I just have to talk to him."

They exchange a glance. "Okay," Lexi says. "Good luck."

"We should all do an early dinner tomorrow night, before you leave," I say to them and turn to Becca. "You and Max too."

"You're going to have to remind me of that in the morning," she says.

"Hey," I say, walking up behind him. Owen spins around to face me and smiles.

"Hey, you."

"What are you doing over here, all by yourself?"

"I don't know. Everyone else just left. I was about to come find you to say goodbye. I was just standing here thinking."

"About what?"

He shakes his head. "Nothing."

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