Page 25 of The Friend Situation

He gives me a wide, mischievous grin and a wave goodbye. “Whatever you say, Calloway.”

Am I that transparent?Fuck.

5

WESTON

I’m dropped off in front of Park Towers—the high-rise where Easton and I have property. I returned to my penthouse at The Park after my divorce was officially filed, seeking proximity to my brother. My ex was a professional at isolating me from everyone who cared about me—something I willneverallow to happen again.

The elevator soars upward like a speeding bullet. Soon, the doors are opening to the foyer of his home, nicknamedthe diamond in the skyfor its dazzling blue windows that sparkle at night.

As I enter, I spot Carlee perched on the small couch with a glass of wine, radiating allure in her skintight blue dress. I open my mouth, then close it again, momentarily taken aback.

“Weston. Nice seeing you again,” she says, knowing we spent the last hour together.

“The pleasure isalwaysmine.” A devilish smirk plays on my lips at the thought of her changing clothes for me.

She thinks she’s so fucking sly, and I love it.

“Rizzing me up, Weston,” she says as I walk past her. “Appreciated.”

I glance at Lexi, who’s grinning wide. “Sorry it took me so long. Time slipped away, as it always does.”

“That’s why I sent you. I wanted to give Carlee time to arrive,” Lexi replies, glancing between us and nodding.

I find it adorable that she believes I need assistance with Carlee. I don’t.

Easton grabs the bags from my hands, raising an eyebrow as we engage in a silent conversation. I wonder if he can detect the alcohol on my breath or catch the lingering scent of The Marquee on my clothes. It’s distinct. Maybe that’s why Carlee changed clothes.

He opens his mouth to speak, but I shake my head, cutting him off. Has he already guessed that we were together?

“You’re confirmingthatfor me later,” he says, his voice low enough for only me to hear.

“No, I’m not,” I murmur.

There’s no way I’ll tell him where I was. It’s my business, and while I typically share most things with him, I don’t discuss Carlee with anyone. It’s also why I’m still puzzled by that blind item. No one knows.

“You will tell me.”

“It’s not up for discussion,” I assert firmly.

I’m not ready to share whateverthisis. I don’t have an explanation.

I pass Carlee as I move toward the kitchen. “How was your date?”

“The end was my favorite part,” she replies with a wink.

“I bet it was.” A current zips between us. “Too bad it didn’t work out.”

Easton studies us, and I maintain a neutral expression. Mirroring his calm demeanor always throws him off. I become unreadable.

WWED?(What would Easton do?)

She shrugs. “It’s fine. I have another date scheduled after I leave here. It’s not a huge loss.”

“Moving on so quickly?” Lexi probes, sounding almost concerned that Carlee might find the love of her life after this. “Maybe you should reschedule,” Lexi suggests, not realizing she’s literally workingagainstme right now.

“I don’t ditch my dates,” she reminds her confidently.

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