Page 15

“Eww, that’s disgusting.” I gag, looking at the pile of pizza, chicken balls, and rice piled up on his box.
Logan laughs and sits back in the chair, shrugging. When he’s comfy, I lean over Allie to flick the light off before sitting back on the sofa and pressing play.
I’ve been dying to see this movie for what feels like forever. The last one ended epically, with Peeta strapped into a white jacket going wild in a chair.
“I hope she chooses Peeta.” Allie smiles as the film begins, Katniss’ bruised neck coming into view.
“No talking,” Logan shouts far too loud, coughing when food gets stuck down the wrong pipe.
“Serves you right,” I scold, not bothering to help him.
“Didn’t mean to say it that loud.” He clears his throat before shovelling more food into his trap.
“Me too,” I whisper to Allie, earning myself a poke in the ribs from Logan. “Hey,” I snap playfully. “Watch the movie.”
We’re at the part where Katniss and her group of rebels are walking through the sewers when Jamie snatches the remote from the coffee table, pressing pause on the movie.
“I’ll get us some refills,” he announces, his eyes flicking to Logan for a brief second, as if to ask for permission.
“Yeah, mate. I’ll have another,” Logan answers, downing the rest of his bottle and passing the empty to Jamie.
“I’m okay,” Allie answers, but he takes her half full glass anyway like she didn’t answer.
“I’m okay too,” I tell him, amused when he picks up my empty glass.
“Just one more drink to toast you guys finally being here. You’re game,right, Allie?”
Allie looks to me before shrugging uncomfortably. I smile gently before turning back to Logan. “One more,” I tell him, emphasising each word. “I don’t want to suffer with a hangover when I’m job hunting tomorrow.”
“That’s the spirit,” he laughs. Jamie walks back in, handing Allie and I our glasses. She puts hers straight on the coffee table, untouched, while I raise mine to my lips, my throat feeling parched.
I’m just about to take a sip, when someone knocks on the door, causing me to spill wine down my hoody.
“Crap!” I cry, wiping the wine away. “It must be one of the neighbours. I’ll get it,” I mumble, putting the glass of wine down next to Allie’s. I hear Logan ask why one of the neighbours would be knocking, but I don’t hear Allie’s reply. I don’t know if it is a neighbour, but it’s the only explanation I’ve got. No one can get into the building without a key fob or without being buzzed in by a resident.
Opening the door, expecting it to be a stranger, I’m surprised to find Alec on the other side, his hair and coat soaking wet.
“Alec,” I greet, surprised, moving forward and kissing his cheek.
“Can we talk?” he asks, looking sadly at me.
Please don’t break up with me. Please don’t break up with me, I chant over and over again as I invite him inside.
When we’re inside, I begin to feel awkward. My palms begin to sweat when I realise the cause for our argument is sitting in the front room.
I shuffle on my feet, wondering how I can explain Logan being here so late. “Yeah, of course we can talk. How did you get into the building?” I ask, shutting the door behind him.
“Someone who lives in the building let me in.”
“Come on, Willow. I want to finish the movie and I need my cuddle buddy back,” Logan shouts, and I fight the urge to groan. We’ve not cuddled once.
Alec turns to me accusingly, his lips thinned, his eyebrows pulled down together. He’s full of fury.
“Cuddle buddy?” he barks out, frustration marking his face. “I thought you were just friends.”
“We are,” I rush out, realising how bad this must look. If he just took the time to get to know Logan, he’d know how harmless his comments and actions are and that he has nothing to worry about. “Let me just get rid of them. Go sit in my room and get comfy.”
“I’ll wait here,” he replies sarcastically, moving into the kitchen. Once his gaze sweeps over the front room through the opening, his jaw hardens and his eyes narrow.