Page 6

When Logan leaves, Alec’s jaw tightens. He turns and slams the door shut, then rakes his fingers through his chestnut hair. He takes a few deep breaths before turning back to me. I don’t know what to say. His anger is warranted, but it’s not like I’m happy about Logan seeing my tatas either.
“What?” I ask, throwing my top on the bed, not caring about my nudity in front of him. Kneeling on the floor, I rummage through my cases until I come across a fresh pair of underwear and an outfit. I keep it simple, knowing after breakfast, Allie and I need to grab some things from the supermarket and unpack all our boxes.
Alec stands by the door, watching me change into a simple T-shirt and leggings. He continues to stand there silently whilst I brush my hair and put on minimal makeup.
“Do I need to be worried?” he asks once I’m finished. It’s not the first time he’s stressed out over this. No matter how many times I explain that Logan and I are just friends, he doesn’t buy it.
I scoff. “No. I told you, we’re just friends.” I smile and walk up to him. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I lean up on my tiptoes and kiss him good morning, loving the feel of his soft lips. “Hmmmm,” I mumble dreamily, a small smile on my face as I pull away.
“I don’t like it. I don’t like him. But for you, I’ll try, Willow,” he says, leaning in to kiss me back. It’s all I can ask for really. He’s always had a hard time with my close friendship with Logan, always getting annoyed with the millions of texts Logan would send. I did explain that Logan was just excited about me starting university this term, because until I came to the open evening, Logan and I only texted a few times a week, but then it turned into every day. But being a typical boy, Alec would just grunt and make me put my phone on silent.
“Thank you, Al.” I smile, genuinely thankful to him for being willing to try. I’m also happy to avoid the headache that would form if they argued constantly. “Let me go and see if Allie’s ready and we’ll go out for breakfast.”
He nods, looking back at the bedroom door, his jaw set. He’s thinking about having to go out there and play nice. It’s written across his face.
“Don’t be long,” he warns, kissing me once more before leaving the room.
Grabbing my warm cardigan, I spritz on some perfume before stepping into my boots. When I’m done, I lean down beside my bed and grab my phone off charge. Next, I search for my handbag amongst the mess I’ve made on the floor.
I don’t bother knocking on Allie’s door when I leave my room. I just walk right in, shocked when I find her sitting in her bed reading a book, still wearing her pyjamas.
“Why aren’t you ready?” I squeak, hating the thought of having to sit with Alec and Logan alone while we wait for her to get ready.
She glances up from her book, giving me a dry look before answering. “As much as I love my food, I’m going to have to pass.”
“There’s no food in,” I remind her, looking at her quizzically. She loves her food, so I hope my bait works and she decides to come. She won’t go long without something to eat anyway, so I have high hopes.
“Do I have to come?” she moans, sulking.
“Yep,” I say, popping the P. “Alec and Logan haven’t gotten off to a great start.” I wince. “I need you there, please.”
She scoffs, but when she sees me giving her my puppy dog eyes, her shoulders slump, which means she’s already given in. When she notices me grinning, she scowls unhappily, knowing she just got played.
“Give me ten minutes,” she says, getting out of bed. I rush over to her excitedly and jump into her arms, hugging her.
“Thank you, thank you. Love you, roomie,” I gush happily, kissing her face.
“Gooo,” she orders, pushing me out the door.
*** *** ***
Logan wraps his arm around my shoulders as we walk towards the car park. “I’ll drive. That way, you can sit up front with me and tell me everything I’ve missed back home,” Logan declares. The movement pushes Alec out of the way, and I notice him glare at Logan from the corner of my eye.
Ready to decline Logan’s offer, not wanting Alec to feel pushed out, I’m stopped when Allie asks Alec something about practise, easing the tension. That is why I love my best friend. She knows Alec well enough to know that anything to do with football takes up all of his attention.
Taking advantage of Allie’s diversion, I elbow Logan in the stomach. He grunts in pain but still manages to give me a dirty-looking smirk.
“Pack it in. Right now, Logan,” I hiss, and don’t wait around for an answer.
We all jump in the car. Alec’s not happy about sitting in the back with Allie while I’m up front with Logan, but there’s no way Allie will sit next to Logan and the two lads need separating. We fill the car with conversation about life back home, not that I have much to share.
When we finally arrive at our destination, I do a happy dance in my head. The tension in the car is stifling. I’m a girl who can ease the awkwardness of most situations, but even I have to admit the tension in the car is strained, making me feel uncomfortable.
Needing air, I jump out of the car, ready to make my way over to Alec. Logan intervenes before I can reach him, pulling me into his chest with a smirk on his face.
“Um,” I begin, worried about Alec flying off the handle. He has a short fuse. Logan’s actions are friendly, but I know it may not seem like that to Alec. I’m not naive.
“Alec? It’s okay, isn’t it, if I sit by my girl? I haven’t seen her for so long. We’ve got so much shit to catch up on.”