Chapter 14
Logan looked out the window on this early October morning. The temperature had been dropping and soon he would have to start wearing sweaters. Then a heavy coat. But for now, sipping his coffee, he was still able to wear just a shirt. The leaves on the trees were starting to fall, and the grass not as green as it was even just a week ago. His mind was everywhere this morning but especially on what had happened last night. Maddy and Bree had come back late from her support group, both women heading straight back to Maddy's bedroom, with neither of them coming out. Later, lying in bed, he heard Maddy cry and wanted to console her, but knowing Bree was in there with her, he left her alone.
There were certain things a girl just could not share with her big brother, and Logan was thankful Maddy had Bree. Since she had moved in, she had been a lifesaver to all of them.
Hearing footsteps behind him, he turned around and smiled as Bree walked up. She was wearing a pink robe and had a cup of coffee in her hand. She looked exhausted, and her hair wasn't even styled, which she usually had done before she made an appearance.
“I'm tired, so no jokes about my hair or lack of makeup,” Bree grumbled, throwing her arm around him and giving him a quick hug.
“I won’t. How’s Maddy? And how was the meeting?” Logan stammered out, anxious to know.
Bree nodded. “Give me just a minute, please. I'm still trying to wake up.”
“Sorry. Take your time,” Logan said. A few minutes went by as they drank their coffee, then Bree turned towards him.
“It was a good. She made some huge progress last night. She admitted and let out a lot of anger she has been holding inside her.”
Logan nodded. “At Tommy?”
“Yes, and at herself.”
Logan shook his head, his own anger flaring. “But she did nothing wrong! Can’t she see that!”
“No, Logan, she can’t. This is sadly the case with a lot of victims, they blame themselves. But now that she has admitted she blames herself, it’s another step in the right direction.”
Logan nodded, though he did not completely understand. Tommy was to blame, not Maddy.
“I’m going to tell you something else, and I want you to remain cool, OK?”
Logan finished off his coffee. “I will.”
“By the way, she told me I could tell you all this.”
“I figured as much, thanks.”
Bree took a sip of her coffee. “She is also angry over your parents’ death.”
“What? I don't understand,” Logan said, confused.
“Because it led to you having to help raise her those last few years. And then, Logan, she’s mad at you.” Logan went to speak but Bree raised her hand up. “Listen to me. Don't get angry.”
Logan was angry, but he nodded his head nonetheless.
“She’s angry because you lost everything for her. And she carries guilt because of it.”
Logan wiped at his eyes, the hurt at the words piercing him deep.
“But I love her. I don't get it,” he said, setting his mug down on the bay window seat. Turning to Bree he let out a sigh.
“She knows you love her, but it’s all part of the guilt she’s carrying and dealing with. I told you before it may get worse but it will get better. But Logan, you should’ve seen her last night,” Bree said, her voice choking. “She is so brave, and she’s making so much progress.”
Logan felt his own tears go, then pulled Bree in for a hug. Kissing the top of her head, he whispered his thanks to her.
“Just be strong for her. If she lashes out, her panic attacks, just love her like you always do.”
Logan nodded. “Thanks again, Bree. You know I really love you, all that you have done for both of us. I hope you know that.”
“I do,” Bree said, wiping at her eyes. “I love you both as well. You know you guys were always family to me. My parents always left me alone, and you two were always welcoming. And sorry for always hitting on you and the love letters.”
“Don't apologize. They were sweet. And if you ever stop hitting on me, we’re going to have some issues.”
Bree laughed and then they hugged again.
“Take it to a bedroom,” Maddy said, and they both turned and laughed.
***
Logan pulled another box off the shelf and then brought it over to the table. It was around three in the afternoon and only another two hours before the store closed. Both Bree and Maddy were up front ‘working’, which he realized was them drinking coffee and gossiping.
Opening the box up, he smiled as he pulled out the black leather jacket and decided to try on. It fit perfectly, and after zipping it up, he put his hands in the pockets.
“It suits you well,” Brice said, causing Logan to jump and his heart to race. Brice stood about five feet away, wearing his uniform. “Maddy said it was fine if I came back. Is that OK?”
Logan smiled. “Of course. How are you?”
“Doing good. I’m just making my rounds around Main Street and thought I’d stop in and say hi for a moment.
“I’m glad you did,” Logan said, unzipping the coat and placing it on the table. Turning back to face Brice, he saw Brice’s face was red, no doubt from looking at Logan's butt.
“So, the reason I stopped by was to ask if you would be interested in going with me Sunday out to Byers.”
“What for?” Logan asked.
Brice wrung his hands. “There is a new movie I wanted to check out.” Logan caught on quickly what he was asking, and the thought brought a smile to his face.
“I would love to. Should I meet you there?”
“No, you can pick me up,” Brice said, then looked behind him. “Do you think they’re going to be OK with it, though?”
Logan's smile faltered. It was important what Maddy thought, and for a moment a bit of guilt went through him. But Bree would be there with Maddy, and he could at least tell her to cover for him.
“They will be fine, I don't need to run everything by them. Where should I pick you up at?”
“Here is my address,” Brice said, handing Logan a card.
Reading over it, Logan smiled. “Linda's place? You live there?”
“You know her?”
Logan nodded, slipping the card in his pocket. “I do. You have to remember this place is small, everyone knows everyone.”
Brice laughed, then stopped when Maddy came walking into the room. He looked at Logan, giving him a wink. “Keep up the good work. Make sure you’re not late on that pay stub again.”
“Will do. Thank you.”
With a smile, Brice walked out, and Logan gave him a quick look over with his eyes. Smiling, he turned his attention to Maddy, who was digging through the box.
“Are you OK?” Logan asked.
“I'm fine. Is he giving you grief?”
“No. He’s cool for a cop. Hey, this jacket,” Logan said picking it up, “I want it.”
Maddy smiled. “Take it.
Logan thanked her and slipped it back on. “What do you think?”
“It suits you well,” she said, then started to cry. “Logan, I love you.”
“I love you too,” he said. “Are you OK?” He pulled her in and held her.
She nodded, crying into his chest. “I am. I’m just thankful for you. I hope you know that I love you, and I’m sorry for snapping on the way over to work this morning.”
Logan kissed her head. Out of the blue this morning she yelled at him, but he didn't care. After talking with Bree, he had braced himself for it.
“It’s OK. We all get angry sometimes.”
She nodded as she pulled away from his hug, then she wiped her eyes.
“That’s true,” she said. “Let’s get these coats out, and then you can have a cup of coffee for working so hard.” She laughed.
“Well, aren't I the lucky one?” he said, pulling out another coat from the box. Although he said it with a sarcastic tone, he really did believe he was a lucky man.
***
That night, when everyone had gone to bed, Logan sat on the bench outside wearing his black leather jacket. The wind was cool, damn near chilly, but the hot mug of coffee helped ease the cold. To an onlooker, he probably looked cool and calm, but inside he was hurting for his sister and the pain she was going through. What Bree had told him earlier at first angered him for what Maddy was hanging onto, then it transformed to what she had gone through.
Then he thought of his parents. It seemed like yesterday they were out here on the porch talking about the good times. His dad and mom still so in love, still holding one another’s hands. The look in their eyes when they smiled at each other, the same look he was sharing with Brice.
No, he wasn't in love with Brice, but feelings had started to arise. The talks over the last few months had become more and more personal. And now they were going on a date. It was the first in many years for both of them, and to say he was scared was an understatement. The friendship was turning into something more, and though he was thankful for that, he was worried what would happen if it didn't work out.
Taking another sip of his coffee, he turned and saw the door open. Maddy came out, a cup of coffee in her hand, her blue robe tied around her. Her eyes were red, the tears on her cheek not yet dried.
“Hey,” Logan said as she sat beside him and leaned in. He put his arm around her, holding her as they both looked out across the night sky, the stars bright.
“Logan, when you’re done with parole, I want us to take a vacation. Me, you, and Bree.”
“Of course. Do you have anywhere in mind?”
“I don't know. Maybe Europe. Just to get away for a few weeks.”
Logan nodded, and Maddy sat up to take a drink from her mug. Reaching over, he brushed her hair back over her ear, which brought a smile to her face.
“You know, we could sell and move if you wanted,” Logan said.
Maddy shook her head. “No. Just a few weeks away is all I need. This is our home, and no one, not even that bastard, is taking that away from us.”
Logan nodded. “You’re right once again, little sis. Sometimes I wonder if you take care of me better than I take care of you.”
Maddy laughed, turning towards him. “Speaking of, stop putting your socks in the laundry basket inside out. I’m sick of reaching in and doing it for you.”
“You got it!” Logan said, with a laugh.
They both turned as Bree walked out, a cup of coffee in her hand.
“I don't know why we go to bed so damn early,” she said, coming over and sitting next to Maddy. “All of us are night owls.”
For the next few hours they talked, mostly about the vacation they were planning. It was to celebrate the end of the parole, and the start of something new. And looking at Maddy, Logan hoped it would be the end of her pain and the start of a new life. Something, he wouldn't mind starting with Brice as well.