Page 195 of No Need to Run

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“At some point, you have to stop pretending something isn’t a big deal.”

I look up.

“And she feels like a big deal.”

The words hang there.

Too real.

Too honest.

Too late to take back.

Sebastian studies me.

Then leans back again, satisfied. “Yeah. You’re screwed.”

I shake my head, pushing my glass away. “I’m not screwed.”

“You’re thinking about her this much,” Sebastian says. “You’re already there.”

I don’t respond.

Because he’s not wrong.

The bartender returns, asking if we need anything else.

Sebastian slides off the stool. “I’m good.”

I blink. “You’re leaving?”

“Yup.”

“What? Why?”

Sebastian claps a hand on my shoulder. “Because you need to figure your shit out.”

“I am figuring it out.”

“Are you?” he asks.

I hesitate.

“…No.”

“Exactly.” He nods toward my drink. “Don’t do anything too stupid.”

“I won’t.”

He gives me a look that says he doesn’t believe me. “Need me to call you an Uber?”

I wave a hand. “I’m fine. I’m not drunk.”

Just pleasantly buzzed.

Very buzzed.

“Okay. Give me a call later.”

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