Chapter 13

Hannah

Logan’s resting in his bedroom and I’m downstairs in his living room. I couldn’t get ahold of Lincoln or Eden to take him back home and didn’t want to leave him alone through the night. The morning sun seeps through the living room bay windows, waking me up from my restless sleep, and slowly I get up, stretching my arms over my head.

After sitting for a few moments, I head upstairs to check on Logan and make sure he’s okay. Step by step, I’m carefully walking so I’m not making too much noise. Poor guy needs his sleep after the last few days. The door to his bedroom is still open, from when I put him to bed yesterday, and I peek in to see he’s still sleeping. His muscular arm is over his face and I can hear his calm breathing.

There’s something about him that’s making me fall in like—because I’m not falling in love. I barely know him, but I’m definitely developing strong, passionate feelings for him.

When I’m back downstairs, I reach in my purse for my iPad so I can distract myself with Netflix for a few hours. The front door to Logan’s house opens and for a moment I freeze and wonder who’s here. When I get up from the couch and make my way to the foyer, I’m greeted by a beautiful woman with short, dark hair like Logan’s, and deep, brown eyes. She’s carrying a few bags, so I help her.

“Hello, dear. Good morning.” She smiles and I help her put the bags down on the counter in the kitchen so she can relax. “We haven’t met. I’m Joanne Davis, Logan’s mom.”

I extend my hand to her. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Hannah Harris, your husband’s assistant.”

“I know, dear. He talks so highly of you, and he told me you would be here. I’m sorry we’re meeting like this. How’s Logan doing?”

“He’s asleep in his bedroom.”

“Did you stay with him all night?” I nod “On the couch?” I nod again. “Thank you for staying last night. It means so much to us. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to go to the hospital and meet you yesterday. It’s hard to see Logan in that state,” she whispers, and carefully goes to sit down at the kitchen table. “My heart aches for my son,” she says while keeping her sights outside the window, “my beautiful son is lost, and as a mother I’m lost, as well. We never want to see our children suffering. If I could take his pain and place it on my shoulders, and bare it for all eternity I would without hesitation. He’s a good man with an enormous heart.”

“I know,” I reassure her. “We just met and he’s a really sweet guy. He tries to be scary, but I like being around him.”

Joanne looks over her shoulder and smiles at me, but it doesn't reach her eyes. The hurting is evident by the way her lips faintly tremble and how glassy her eyes look. This poor woman. I get the sorrow she's going through to an extent, but to be a parent and be in her shoes, I don't think I could ever understand the agony of watching your child go through pain. Seeing Joanne makes me think of my own parents and what they must have endured when Michael lost himself to the demons of drugs and alcohol.

“I can tell. Please sit down. Let’s talk. I’d like to get to know you more.”

I do as she says and give her a little background about myself-about college, my internships, my hopes while at the company, and some things I like to do.

“You sound like Logan,” she says. “When Austen retires, which will happen soon, we hope to give the company to Logan and watch him in his element. He’s been working for his father for many years and we’re so proud of him.”

It’s nice to meet her and talk to her. She’s so sweet, and I can tell she loves Logan with her whole heart from the way she’s talking about him. Hearing her talk about him makes me think of how my mom used to talk about Michael.

Oh, Michael, I miss you so much.

While we’re talking, Austen comes into the kitchen and grins at the sight of us talking. I need a little break, so I excuse myself, head down the hall and outside to get some fresh air.

Since his parents are here I should go home to rest, shower, eat, and then come back. Before I make it back inside to let them know I’m going to leave, my phone vibrates in my jeans pocket. I take it out and check to see who the text is from, I let out a groan.

Aaron DICKFACE: Hey. How are you? I’ve been thinking about you…

Me: I rather you didn’t.

Aaron DICKFACE: I don’t know why I can’t get you out of my head. I fucked up and I know this. It took you walking away from me to realize how much I need you. How much I miss you. I’d do anything for another chance. Please. I’m begging you. I don’t want this one mistake to push away all the years we had together. All of our memories, our love… Everything.

It takes me a few minutes to gather my thoughts. Aaron means a lot to me. He was my first serious boyfriend, my first love, but after leaving him, I realized that he’s also my security blanket and someone I thought would give me a good future. In so many ways, I forgive him because without him I wouldn’t know what it’s like to grow outside my bubble. I do forgive him, but it’s time for us both to move on.

Me: I’ll never forget what you did. But I do forgive you. I don’t regret the years we had together because it was amazing. After leaving you I realized that you’re my security. Because of you I’m a little more open and confident. I can stand on my own two feet. I’m not the shy girl you met when I was 17 years old. I’ve grown, and you’re a huge part of my growth. I realized the love I have for you isn’t the passionate and burning love I long for. I do love you and I’ll always love you. Maybe one day we can be friends. For now, I want the best for you.

Those ellipses come up, and instead of waiting for him to respond, I lock my phone and turn it face down on my lap. I need a few minutes to regain my composure.

A warm hand rests on my shoulder, and I glance up to see it’s Joanne. Her eyes are the same as Logan’s. I can see how alike they are, and instantly I miss him.

“How’s he doing?” I ask as Joanne guides me to sit on the wooden rocking chair I didn’t initially notice. The both of us sit down and I discreetly turn off my phone.

“He’s awake. We talked a bit. My son is very stubborn and doesn’t listen well.” She softly laughs. “It’s curious, though.”

“What is?”

“When he woke up, he looked around the room as if he was searching for someone.”

The corners of her mouth tip up and her eyes sparkle, and I try to control the heat to my cheeks. No one else has been staying with Logan. Only me. I wonder if he’s looking for me. Should I go see him? What should I do?

Joanne clears her throat and grabs my attention once more. “There’s something in Logan that’s come back. I can’t really say what it is, but a piece of him that was lost is back.”

“I’m not sure I’m following what you’re saying, Mrs. Davis.” I carefully think about what I want to say next. “Can you explain what you're trying to say? Sorry I don't mean to be rude.”

“Joanne, dear. Call me Joanne. And no, you aren't being rude.”

“I’m really confused, Joanne.” She has my full attention and I'm not entirely sure if I want to know where she's going with this conversation. Her eyes are soft, filled with an inner glow and places her hand on my knee.

“I think in time you’ll see what I mean. For now, be aware of his mood and nasty words. I’ve scolded him and threatened to take away his plane.” This time, she covers her mouth and lets out a wicked giggle. “My son loves to travel. It’s a shame he hasn’t been anywhere lately. Hmmm. Well, I’m off, dear. Have a nice night.”

I tell her goodbye and watch her stride with grace to a car that’s waiting for her. Leaning back in the rocking chair, I peek at my phone again and see three messages from Aaron. I’m not in the mood to read his responses because Joanne’s words play on and on in my head.

There’s something in Logan that’s come back.