Old Bonds

BECCA

When Logan and I walked into the living room, Kate and Tim were still on the couch. As soon as Tim noticed us, he stood up and took a few steps in our direction. Logan didn’t let go of my hand, but I felt him gradually start to relax.

“Hey.”

“Hey Logan. Nice to see you, man.” Tim stepped closer to us and extended his hand for a handshake. I raised my eyebrow, surprised, and glanced at Kate. She was watching the two men, almost in awe.

“Are we really going to be that polite?” Logan laughed and took a step closer to Tim. The next moment, he hugged his friend tight, and I instantly understood that this dinner would be more than just okay. It would be perfect.

I had a feeling that we had been talking and laughing for no more than a few minutes. But when I glanced at my phone screen, I realized that we had been sitting at the table for almost two hours. The conversation flowed effortlessly since we started dinner. The food was delicious, as were the drinks. I was thoroughly enjoying myself in this company.

Logan was genuinely happy for Tim and Kate. He even jumped from his seat, just to hug Tim and give Kate a kiss on the cheek.

He asked a lot of questions about Kate’s pregnancy: when they found out, how the first ultrasound went, did they know the gender. I was more surprised than anyone at the table. I never expected such a reaction from him.

We discussed Logan’s career, Tim’s work at the local newspaper, and my plans for work. Tim knew Justin Wilson, and he was surprised to hear that I landed the job in his agency.

“Rebecca, don’t get me wrong, he’s a real pro and the success of his business speaks for itself, but he’s a womanizer. That’s something that everyone in this business knows.”

“What’s your point?” Logan took a sip of his beer and looked between Tim and me.

“I am sure that Becca is very good at her job. But receiving a job offer from him? That he called her himself? From Stockholm? He wants something more than just for her to be his assistant.”

“I am going to contact him, Tim. First thing when I get back to my hometown. I won’t be working for him.”

“Because I told you all that?” Tim’s brow furrowed, he stared at me, confused.

“No. Because I am going to start looking for jobs in Philadelphia.”

“You’re going to move to Philly? Will you two be living together?!” Tim was smiling radiantly. He shook his head at us. “Damn, Logan, you’re going full throttle. Finally.”

“What does that mean?” Kate gulped her apple juice, and with a smile on her lips, she turned her head to look at Logan and me.

“It means that thanks to Lil’s friendship with Becca and her wedding to John, her big brother is going to be the happiest man in the world. Even Logan can’t hold his liquor all the time. Sometimes he gets wasted, and he talks… a lot.”

“Dude, shut up.” Did I imagine it or was Logan blushing? Oh god, it was too cute!

“Sorry, Jones, I have kept this to myself for a very long time.”

Tim started laughing, and soon Logan joined him.

“Rebecca, this idiot might have acted as if he forgot about you… But there were nights when he was wasted, and he started talking. You always were the subject of these talks. It always started with Drew talking about you, and the next thing I know—Logan is drunk as hell, reminiscing.”

“Is Drew aware that the two of you are together?” Kate asked an innocent question, which was more than evident. But I felt an intense shiver run down my spine. I glanced at Logan and met his gaze. “Okay. I take that as ‘no’.”

“Becca, Logan, I am not here to judge or to lecture you, but you need to tell him. Becca was the only girl who was able to capture his heart, and as I talked to him a little at the wedding… It’s still the same.” The atmosphere at the table changed. Logan and I were both lost for words.

“I know, Tim,” Logan said in a low voice.

“He always knew that if you decided to step in—he wouldn’t stand a chance against you. Not after he screwed up, cheating on Becca. Drew is a smart guy, and he’s your best friend. He will understand.”

“Will he? I don’t know… When he made a move on Becca, I wasn’t so good at accepting it even if I was single at that moment.

All because he knew that I started liking her and still… He loved you, Rebecca, and I think he still loves you…” Logan turned his head away from me, and I frowned. No. I know what I feel. I am sure of my feelings for both of them.

“I agreed to have dinner with him tomorrow.” All of them stared at me. “He asked me at the wedding, and I agreed. I will tell him tomorrow.”

“No.” Logan cut me off, stood up from the table, walked to the hallway, and then outside the house.

I could understand his reaction. It was a very uneasy situation, but I didn’t like his behavior, not even a little bit. I felt angry and nervous. Tim stood up as well and motioned for me to stay here. He followed Logan outside and closed the door behind him, leaving Kate and me alone.

“Don’t you think that’s a good idea? Not telling him is making this whole situation more complicated…” I turned my head and looked at Kate. She was very thoughtful. “I talked to him. He has been flirting with me, telling me that he wants to fuck me, and you know Drew…”

“I know, Becca… It’s just… I think that it would be better if it came from Logan. Or even from both of you.” Kate was smiling, trying to reassure me. “Logan’s reaction doesn’t mean that he doesn’t want to be with you. You understand that, right?”

“Uh-huh.” I bit my inner cheek and looked away from Kate.

“Becca, if you want to leave with Logan tonight, it’s okay. But you need to promise to come to me tomorrow morning. I want to spend some time with you before you leave for our hometown. Deal?”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Of course! Who am I to stand in the way of your happiness?” Kate winked at me, and my smile grew bigger. “Logan and you need to talk.”

“Thank you, Kitty Kate.”

“Oh, please. It’s the least I can do after my fiasco. I was a terrible friend to you for the last couple of years, and I want to fix this.”

“I love you, Kate. No matter what.”

“I love you too, Becca.”

“Oh… We left you two for a few minutes, and you already confessed your feelings for each other?”

Tim’s voice sounded teasing. I turned my head and instantly became trapped by Logan’s eyes. His gaze was intense, but there was nothing bad about it. Logan was smiling; even his dimples were showing. I smiled back at him.

We spent a little more time together, talking and reminiscing about our college days. It was perfect. I hadn’t laughed that much in months. It was almost midnight when I saw Kate stifling a yawn. I shook my head, looked at her, and stood up.

“I think that’s our cue to leave.”

“Something was telling me that you won’t stay at our place… Someone is going to be very naughty.” Tim and his jokes were back. Logan and I locked eyes and started laughing.

I helped Kate take all the dishes back into the kitchen and washed them. Only when I was sure that she didn’t need to do anything more, I was ready to go home with Logan.

Strange. That thought “home with Logan” came so naturally to my mind. Not to “Logan’s house.” A goofy smile appeared on my lips.

I left my suitcase at Kate and Tim’s place. We said goodbye to them and left the house. As we stepped onto the sidewalk, Logan took my hand in his and pulled me to him. He wound his arm around my shoulders, hauling me to his side.

It felt amazing, and I had no desire to move away from him, pressing my body even closer to his. He saw it and looked down at me. There was so much tenderness in his eyes that my heart was ready to burst with happiness.