Page 17

17

LOGAN

G age narrowed his gaze at the space where Quentin’s body molded against mine before he focused on my face, and it was utter heartbreak there. He blinked away pain, ran a hand over his jaw, opened his mouth to speak but then shut it. A part of me wanted to yell at him for looking so upset.

He’d cheated, not me. Sure, I’d learned that maybe he wasn’t the best boyfriend the more I spent time away from him, but it was unfair of him to act like I was upsetting him.

“Logan? Is that you?” Ramon frowned, his thick, dark brows furrowing as he stood, glancing between Gage and me.

“Hi, Mr. Fortuna.” I couldn’t muster a smile. My insides were twisted like a box full of string, no end in sight and pure knots. This was awkward as hell.

“You know Logan? How?” Quentin’s mom sat next to Ramon, her sharp gaze on me like I was an enemy. Discontent and distrust was all over her face, causing me to stand up straighter.

Gage’s father winced before staring at his son with suspicion. “Logan and my son were together for years.”

Quentin pulled out my chair directly across from Gage and sat down next to me. The silence was painful enough to make a robot cry. It worsened when Quentin pulled the leg of my chair closer toward him, the loud, creaky screech echoing in the small room as our thighs pressed together. I never realized how much I needed physical touch to provide strength until I was with Quentin.

“Gage made some poor choices, which benefited me.” Quentin played with the ends of my hair, his green eyes boring into the side of my face. “Because now I’m with her.”

“This is unexpected.” Quentin’s mom cleared her throat, patting Ramon’s arm. “Should we have her leave?”

My gut twisted at how cruelly she said the words. Would she actually have me leave but not her son?

“No,” Ramon replied, frowning at Quentin’s mom. “Not at all.”

“Right, I was just asking. I wanted to make sure you and your son weren’t uncomfortable.”

“Logan,” Gage whispered, his eyes widening as he gripped the edge of the table. “I didn’t know you were coming. I promise this isn’t what it looks like.”

I didn’t get a chance to ask what he was referencing because just then, none other than Rat Queen walked into the room, sliding her hand over Gage’s shoulder. Rebecca kissed his cheek, leaving her red lipstick on his skin before arching a brow at me. “Hello, Logan.”

My throat seized up. This was unreal. What were the odds that this happened? Should I go buy a lotto ticket? Like, the chances of Quentin’s mom dating Gage’s dad were so slim, yet that was my life. My former close friend and ex sat across from my fake boyfriend.

The knots in my gut doubled in size, ensuring that eating anything was off the table.

“Well, isn’t this an interesting group.” Quentin’s mom purred as she leaned onto Ramon. But he didn’t look pleased. If anything, he seemed annoyed at both Quentin’s mom and his son.

I kept my head down, staring at my plate as Quentin slid his hand over my thigh and squeezed. He leaned closer, his lips brushing my ear in a whisper.

“Want to leave?”

I shook my head. It would look weak, and I was not weak. I was learning to stick up for myself and speak up, even if it meant it upset someone. I met his gaze, running my fingers over his chin as I gave him another quick peck on the lips. It was invigorating to be able to do that at will. “We stay.”

He smiled, his dimples popping out and his eyes lightening, and it was a magnificent moment. I loved his soft, lazy smiles that he saved for me. “You’re amazing, Log.”

I winked, ignoring the small army of butterflies in my stomach. Quentin’s compliment and warmth battled the knots in my gut, and it was a coin toss to see what would win: the confidence or worry.

“So, Mr. Fortuna, how has your business been doing since you lost your VP in the spring?” I asked, taking charge of the conversation since the silence and awkward glances were too damn awkward. “I always wondered how you fared.”

He chuckled. “Worked out well, actually. We hired an up-and-coming woman who has really changed the culture in the office.”

“Love that,” I replied, smiling. He’d always been kind to me. “So, my new boyfriend’s mom. What are the chances? How did you two meet?”

Rebecca kissed Gage’s face again, the sounds of their PDA carrying over the table, but I refused to look at them. It was strange how weeks ago this would’ve hurt me. Made me break down in pain from seeing someone I loved for years and a former close friend do this to hurt me. Now, they were annoying. Like houseflies. Wouldn’t ruin my day unless I focused on it.

Quentin showed me what a considerate partner would feel like, something Gage really hadn’t been. He never held doors for me or talked out issues or made me come twice. Okay, stop that. Blushing at the table wasn’t a good sign.

“I saw this beauty sitting at a bar at a hotel an hour away from here.” Ramon smiled kindly at Quentin’s mom. “She caught my eye, and we chatted all night. Been together ever since.”

“It was magical. Couldn’t believe my job brought me there the same time his did.” She snuggled into him, her eyes flashing with warning. I wasn’t sure if she was directing that at Quentin or the table.

I had no idea what to make of her expression, so I continued the conversation as Quentin’s hand remained on my thigh. “So what do you do for work?”

She glared at me. “Oh, hospitality. It’s not that exciting. Now, Quentin, Ramon has connections to some sports agencies. Tell him what you want, and he can make it happen.”

“Tiffany.” Ramon frowned. “That’s not exactly true. I do know a few people, and I wanted to speak to both of you, Gage and Quentin, about what your options are. Tiffany told me a little about you, Quentin, how you missed your chance at the draft and need the numbers to sign with a team. It’s not impossible if you work hard for it.”

Quentin’s face gave nothing away to the table, but I read the small signs. The lines around his lips, the stiff shoulders. He hated this conversation. “I’m working hard for it.”

“Do you have time to date then? I’m just saying, if you keep putting all your energy into hockey and scoring a good deal, then dating seems foolish.” His mom sipped a martini and glared at me over the rim. “Aren’t I right, Ramon?”

Gage’s dad shook his head slightly, like he was shocked at how Tiffany behaved. He recovered quickly. “I think you can be intentional. Gage was with Logan for years, and it never affected his game.”

I flushed and immediately stared at the dinner fork on the table. The reminder of dating Gage felt like a quick punch to the gut. Quentin removed his hand from my thigh, drawing distance between us. I didn’t blame him. This was awkward as hell.

“Sure, but that didn’t work out. She’s with Quentin now, and he can’t mess up this shot. Hell, his damn sister’s fiancé messed up his future with that dirty play. Can you believe my daughter is now engaged to the guy who ruined Quentin’s future? I would sue if I had the time.”

Quentin’s pulse raced at the base of his neck, yet he remained quiet. He didn’t stick up for me to his mom, nor his sister or Theo. This was so unlike him. So different than anything I knew, and it worried me. I missed the weight and heat of his hand, so I reached out and intertwined our fingers, holding on tight when he tried pulling away. He liked Theo, a lot, so her comment had to hurt him.

“Gage has had great numbers. I haven’t been any distraction to him,” Rebecca said, her words sharp and vile. “Honestly, this is the best season ever.”

“I’m really proud of him for it.” His dad spoke to everyone else, but his attention was on me. “Logan, how is your family doing?”

“My parents are good, thank you. My sister is a spitfire per usual, but it’s weird not living at home anymore.”

“Did you find an apartment?”

My chest tightened. I always liked Gage’s dad. He was kind. He was a super-rich widow, which messed with Gage, but I liked when we had dinner at his house. “I’m living with Jordan, who you met, and this guy.”

“You’re living with him?” Gage asked, his voice cracking. “How did that happen? That was pretty fast, Logan.”

“Mm, I’m seeing a trend here, it seems.” His mom clicked her tongue. “Where is the waitress? I need another drink. Should we split a bottle of Dom Perrier?”

Quentin tensed and stared straight ahead, not reacting to the conversation whatsoever. His mom clearly hated me, which, whatever. It stung, but I wasn’t gonna obsess over it.

“Sure, then we can order.”

I went with an iced tea for my drink, Quentin getting water, and we placed some appetizers and dinner orders. Ramon took charge of the conversation, asking the four of us about our classes and studies. Gage stared at me the entire time, a wounded puppy look on his face before he’d lean into Rebecca.

I wanted to ask them why. Why did they act hurt about losing me but then do this? It didn’t make sense to me, and it might be something I’d never learn. My heart was healing, but the closure of why remained a mystery. Why look upset when they hurt me first? Why cheat on me instead of breaking up with me? Not once had Gage explained their relationship, just that it happened one time and that was it.

They weren’t worth my energy, but I did want answers. My feelings and leftover resentment were complicated. His mom and Gage chatted about Ramon’s last trip abroad while I stared at Quentin’s forearm.

It was strange how mute Quentin became. He didn’t speak. He nodded or said one-word answers the entire time.

It caused a root of despair to grow in my gut, like maybe he was embarrassed by me? Or the fact I’d been with Gage? That wasn’t a good look to his mom or Ramon, but we were fake, so that couldn’t really bother him. He had told me he was worried about what I’d think of him after this, so I leaned into him and put my hand on his thigh. He clenched his muscles, the thick width of his legs causing heat to spread down my skin.

He released a small sigh and didn’t push me away. Small win.

Yet the conversation didn’t help. Rebecca jumped in every chance she had, talking about her library clinicals and internship.

“Logan, weren’t you supposed to start yours soon too? “Ramon addressed me.

I nodded, grateful that Ramon spoke to me at all. “Yes, I’ve been doing one at a local school, and it’s been so much fun.”

“She also works at the library help center and is going to tutor some of the guys on the team,” Quentin added, his voice level and intense. “Logan is brilliant.”

“Stop.” I blushed and leaned my head on his shoulder, shielding my face from attention. “I’m just doing what’s required of me.”

“My clinicals are at the high school, which is even farther from campus,” Rebecca said, her voice loud. “It's super demanding, and the librarian there is a total b-word, so I have to spend hours there listening to her.”

Quentin’s mom engaged in her conversation, not mine, which was fine. I preferred to stare at the fork and knife, detailing the intricate designs. Rebecca had to one-up everything I had said, and a gross, filthy feeling of betrayal hit me. If she wanted what I had, she thought tearing me down was the answer.

Damn. This was just too much. Nerves and jitters and unknowns. I almost sighed in relief when my phone went off just to have a distraction. It was my dad, which was weird. It was seven at night—bedtime and jammies for my sister. “Excuse me,” I said to whoever heard me. I grabbed my phone and escaped the confines of the table and went toward the welcome mat. “Hi, Dad, what’s up?”

“Honey, it’s your sister.” His voice cracked.

In those few words, the world spun beneath me. I fell onto the waiting bench, bile coming up my throat. My legs legit gave out in fear. “What…what happened? Is she okay?”

“She got a fever so high she had a seizure. It just kept… going. We called the ambulance, and they went in it. Your mom and her. They told me to follow. I’m losing my mind, Logan.” He sniffed, and a door shut. “She was unconscious when they took her.”

My heart shattered. “What hospital? Where?”

“Children’s one. I’m driving there. I wanted to hear your voice and to tell you.”

“I’m coming. I can’t… I need to see her.” I sniffed just as Gage came into view, eyes wide.

“I’ll text you what room, okay? I love you. Thank you.”

“What happened? You fell.” Gage crouched down; his eyes worried as he scanned my face.

“It’s my sister. She’s… in the hospital. I don’t know.” I gulped for air, my hand trembling as I imagined my poor little sister on a stretcher, scared and terrified. “I need to get to the hospital right now.”

He put a hand on my shoulder, rubbing small circles. “Shit. Do you need a ride?”

Almost on cue, Quentin appeared, his gaze moving toward my shoulder before landing on my face. He sucked in a breath and crouched, cupping my face in his large hands. “You’re crying. Why?”

“It’s my sister,” I began, but a sob escaped. Gage frowned as his grip tightened, but Quentin physically removed Gage’s hand from me.

“Do not touch her.”

“Dude, she needs to go to the hospital. She almost passed out, alright? I can drive her.”

Quentin pulled me into his arms, his familiar scent surrounding me as he held me up gently. There was never any force with him, all careful and kind. “Baby, can he drive us to the hospital?”

“I don’t have room for both of you in my truck.”

“Then she’ll sit with me,” Quentin snapped, his tone opposite of the gentle touches on my back. “Let’s go now.”

“I don’t want?—”

“You either give me the keys to your truck, or you drive both of us. Logan needs to be with her sister, and you’re preventing that for her.”

Gage glared before a hiccup escaped me.

“Please, Gage. It’s Carly Jean…” I begged.

He sighed and nodded, his hand flexing before he jutted his chin toward the front door. “Come on.”

“Thank you. I owe you.” I sniffed and reached out to squeeze his hand. We had years together, and he still offered a sense of comfort. A small one, but it was true. He squeezed back, and we made our way out the front door.

“I’ll call my dad once we’re en route.” Gage opened the passenger side door, his jaw twitching as Quentin and I slid in. Quentin sat me on his lap and buckled us in. We were tight, my back to his chest, and his arms came around me in a warm, comforting way.

He traced lines up and down my back, the thin material of the dress letting me feel the rough calloused fingertips, and while his touch was a nice distraction, it did nothing to ease the worry inside me.

“We’re about fifteen minutes from the hospital, okay, Logan?”

“Alright,” I said, resting my head on Quentin’s shoulder as tears hit me. My mascara had to be everywhere at this point, but I didn’t care.

“Do you want me to call my sister or Theo? They can probably explain or ease your mind.”

“Really?” I glanced up and saw his tortured green eyes staring at me. It was like he hurt because I was hurting. “Yeah. Can we?”

“Of course.” He kissed my temple, lingering for a moment before he had his phone in his hand, the line ringing. Audrey didn’t answer. “Damn. I’ll try Theo.”

The ringtone filled the silence in the car, the familiar trills ending with a deep hello.

“Theo, it’s Quentin.”

“You good?”

“Yeah, question for you. I’m with Logan. Her sister was taken to the ER because…” Quentin trailed off, nodding at me to continue.

“My dad said she had a fever that got super high and then she had a seizure. She didn’t regain consciousness,” I paused and sniffed. “My mom and her were in the ambulance, and that’s all I know.”

“She’s young, yeah?”

“Five.”

“Okay, she probably had a febrile seizure, which can happen when her body gets too hot. They are actually harmless and don’t lead to long-term issues or epilepsy, but they can be terrifying. Getting her checked out is the best thing for right now and staying calm around her.”

I took a shaky breath. “So she’s probably okay?”

“Yeah. It’s normal for them to pass out or be super stiff. She’s more shocked, I imagine, than in pain.”

A tiny bubble of relief rolled over me. “She’s just so little.”

“I remember seeing a child’s eyes roll back into their head when I was at the ICU. I almost fell over with how much it freaked me out. But the kid was totally fine. Bodies are weird, and honestly, it’s how they protect themselves. It can be a good thing.”

“Thank you, Theo.”

“You’re welcome. Let me know how she is, okay?”

“I will.”

Quentin took the phone from my hands and put it in his pocket before he ran his hand through my hair, massaging my scalp. His expression was so tender and gentle, and my eyes watered again. “Thank you,” I whispered against his neck. “He made me feel better.”

“There’s literally nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Log, so I’m warning you. Don’t tell me to leave you alone at the hospital. I’m with you, and I’ll stay with you until we get back home.”