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“Ev,” she panted “You’re back”

The guy finally liberated his face

“Nathan?” I asked, stupefied I cocked my head just to be sure, narroweddown Lauren’s shirt with the other “How are you?”

“Fine, yeah,” I said “Sam, this is my friend Lauren and my brother Nate Guys, this is Sa “Can I do anything else for you, Mrs Ferris?”

“No, Sa me home”

“You’re very welcome” He looked to the door then back at me, a small wrinkle between his brows I couldn’t be certain, but I think it was as close as Saot to an actual frown His facial expressions seemed limited Restrained was probably a better word He reached out and gavethe door behind hi tears I blinked like crazy, holding it in His kindness nearly cracked the numb, damn it I couldn’t afford that yet

“So, you two?” I asked

“We’re together Yes,” said Lauren, reaching behind her Nate took her hand and held on tight They actually looked good together Though, seriously, how ed It felt different, though the ss were pretty much where I’d left them Lauren’s collection of de dust Our cheap or second-hand furniture and turquoise blue walls hadn’t altered Though Iwhat I’d seen Lord knehat else they’d been up to on there

I flexed ht you two hated each other?”

“We did,” confirly uncomplicated story, actually It just kind of happened while you were away”

“Wow”

“Nice dress,” said Lauren, looking me over

“Thanks”

“Valentino?”

I smoothed the blue fabric overit with the sneakers,” Lauren said Then she gave Nate a look They apparently already had the silent co down because he tippy-toed off toward her bedroo …

My best friend and my brother And she’d never said a word But then, there were plenty of things I hadn’t told her either Maybe ere past the age of sharing every last little detail of our lives How sad