Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 224(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 224(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
I look up to find Logan removing his black jacket. He puts it on the chair back. “Sorry about making you wait, but there was a small issue I had to deal with.” He sits across from me, and I notice his knuckles are bloody and raw.
“What happened?”
He lets out a low growl. “Let’s just say I found Carter and leave it at that.”
“You found him and got into a fight?”
“I’d rather not talk about it,” Logan says sternly.
“Okay, but I hope you gave him a good thumping on my behalf.” Fucking jerk.
“A good thumping, yes. But sadly it was for another reason.” Logan still looks pissed off. “Let’s not ruin what’s going to be the most amazing meal of your life.”
“I’m fine if you want to talk about it. Looks like you might need a little venting,” I say.
“No. I prefer not to air our dirty laundry to strangers.”
“I’m practically your brother’s girlfriend,” I joke. “That almost makes me family.”
He unbuttons one cuff and starts rolling up the sleeve. “If you really want to know, Carter was at the hospital with Bob. It’s the same hospital where my mother is at. Carter refused to see her. Couldn’t be bothered.”
That’s strange. This Bob guy and their mother are at the same hospital? Here in Dallas? I sense I’m about to uncover more of Carter’s ridiculous lies, but I stay on topic for Logan’s sake.
“Why’s he refusing to see her?” I ask.
“Because he’s a coward. That’s why.”
I’m guessing that means Carter doesn’t want to confront reality. Somehow, I’m not surprised.
“I’m really sorry, Logan. That’s pretty terrible, having to go through all this with your mother on your own.”
“I’m fine. We actually have a lot of family, so they’re helping out and spending time with her when I can’t be there. Soon we’ll be moving her to a private hospice she picked out. It’s by a lake up north with a view of the water. I honestly thought hearing that would change Carter’s mind about seeing her, that it might make him understand this is really happening.”
I don’t know what to say. On one hand, what a selfish dick. Carter should put aside whatever feelings he has and just be there for his mom. On the other hand, I really don’t know Carter. Everyone deals with this sort of stuff in different ways.
“I had a goldfish when I was ten,” I say. “It died, as all goldfish do when left to the devices of a child.”
“And?”
“Well, Mr. Potato Chip stayed floating in his bowl for five days because I refused to let my mom bury him. I kept telling myself he was just sleeping and would wake up any second. Then, on the sixth day, the smell got really bad, so I flushed him down the toilet.”
Logan looks at me with a stone-cold expression. “I hope there is a point to this terrible story.”
“Some people avoid the difficult things in their lives until they can’t handle the stink any longer. Maybe Carter won’t react until it’s unbearable.”
“Perhaps.” He rolls up his other sleeve and then places his napkin on his lap. I like how Logan’s going through the motions of a man unwinding after a long, hard day, getting comfortable and ready for a good meal.
With genuine conversation. I like that he’s doing it with me.
“So,” he asks, “would you say you’re one of those people who lets the ugly things in your life fester before you take action?”
I give it some thought. “Yeah, sadly, I guess I am.” I’m still working for Dick though I know I’m unhappy there. Even with the raise, it doesn’t make a difference. “There are definitely things in my life I should’ve changed a long time ago. But I’m working on it now.”
“Good for you.”
I straighten my back. “Yes. Good for me.”
He stares across the table, a sincere expression in his sharp blue eyes. “Thanks.”
“For what?”
“For waiting.”
We lock eyes. Somehow, I get the feeling he means something other than this dinner we’re about to have. Maybe it’s hopefulness on my part, but I sense he’s thanking me for waiting for him to come into my life.
No. That’s just my silly romantic fantasy leaking through into my thoughts.
“Anytime, Logan,” I reply sincerely. Because I’m feeling a connection with him that wasn’t there with Carter.
“So, you ready to eat?” he asks. “Because Chef Jean is preparing a very special meal for us.”
“Pig in a blanket?” I ask.
“You know about his orchid-covered braised pork?”
I wink. “I know a lot of things.” Why did I say that? I was trying to be flirty, but it came out cheap.
He smiles and nods slowly. “I bet you do.”
I try to smile back and not look nervous. Oh great. Now he thinks I’m kinky.
Oh no! I forgot all about Mr. Sticky Nuts. Shit. Is Logan the porn star? Or is it Carter?