The hockey game is exciting, and the Rebels win. It was a fun date idea. Kudos to Logan.
“Do you still want to come back to my place to help with my interview skills? We don’t have to do it tonight.”
My eyes flick to the clock on the radio. Going to a guy’s house around eleven at night could cause him to get the wrong idea. This guy is hot and might just be the best kisser I’ve ever encountered, but these clothes aren’t coming off yet. I’m not in the mood to go home either. “I’m game if you are.”
“My place it is.”
The line of cars has thinned, so Logan pulls out and joins the end of one line. My mom texts me, asking if I’ll be home any time soon because she’s heading to bed shortly. I don’t know why it matters. I have a key. I already told her I didn’t know when I’d be back. Why does she need to know exactly when I’m coming home?
I ignore her text.
“Nervous?”
I put my phone to sleep and glance over at him to see his gaze turn back toward the road. “Nope. Why?”
“You’re quiet and fiddling with your phone.”
“My mom texted me, and I was debating over a response before deciding not to text back. I’m more irritated than nervous.”
He chuckles. “I can obviously read you like a book.”
“We’ll cross our fingers that you’ll improve,” I say seriously, causing him to laugh.
“We’re almost there.”
Sure enough, ten minutes later, he parks and we walk inside a condominium. Logan lives on the fourth floor and by first looks, his apartment is nice. Nothing spectacular, but it’s nice. He walks straight to the fridge while I debate if the couch or the bar would be better for us to sit. Comfort wins as I sit on the couch with a clear view into the kitchen.
Logan has a Coke in the hand that rests on top of the fridge, but he holds up a beer in the other. “Mind if I have one?”
Ugh. This puts me in a bad position already. Might as well say it and get it over with. Either he can take it well, or he’ll pout like a baby like some guys do. “I’m kinda weird about it. I honestly wouldn’t feel comfortable with you taking me home even if you have just one.”
He nods. “Not weird at all.” The beer disappears into the fridge and another Coke appears a moment later. “Okay, how do you think I’m going to do the impossible?” he asks, walking into the living room. He takes the seat next to me and hands over a soda.
“Thanks.” For the soda and for not making a big deal out of not having a beer. “Let’s start with the basics. What were you wearing?”
“Khakis and a polo shirt.”
“Seriously, Logan? Are you golfing or trying to get a job?” I ask. “Do you have a pair of dress pants?”
The can cracks and the soda fizzles before he takes a long drag. “Probably.”
“Dress shirt? You know, a button-up shirt?”
He laughs. “Yeah, I have one of those.”
“A tie?”
His nose wrinkles as his lips dip into a cute frown. “No.”
“Buy a tie. Actually, no. I’ll bring you one. My dad owns exactly two ties and I’ll bring you one of his to borrow. That’s what you need to wear. You need to look professional to impress them. If they happen to remember you from before, you’ll definitely impress them just by improving how you look.”
“Different clothes, got it. What else?”
“What do you think went wrong in the last one?” I ask.
Logan has the can of soda in both hands above his lap; he turns it around and around while he thinks. He’s quiet for too long. “Weaknesses aren’t exactly the kind of thing you spill to a girl so soon after you meet her,” he finally says, looking at me with such pretty brown eyes. Who knew brown eyes could be so alluring?
“You don’t have to tell me. We don’t have to do this at all actually.” Between the beer thing and now this, I don’t want to put myself in a bind already.
“No, we might get married, right?” His smile is soft and teasing. “You’ll figure it out sooner or later.” Logan’s chest rises and falls with his deep breath. “The biggest problem is I get so nervous that when I get in there, I turn into an idiot. There’s so much riding on me getting another job.”
“What do you mean?”
He holds up one finger for his first point. “Well, there’s better pay, which would definitely come in handy.” Another finger rises. “I wrecked my car last year, a car that my father bought. He didn’t buy my current one, which means I now have a car payment and since it’s a newer car, my insurance went up a little.” He’s up to three fingers now. “I also have my own dental insurance, so there’s another bill. Right now, I’m still on my dad’s health insurance, but it won’t be long before I have to get on my own plan.” His pinky pops up. “A better job means covering that. Being an adult just means dealing with more and more shit and worrying about everything.” His hand falls to rest on his thigh as he shakes his head, thinking about all he has to worry about.
And I’m suddenly extremely grateful for my daddy. He pays for my car, fixes it when anything goes wrong, and pays for the insurance on it. I only pay for my gas. Health insurance has never crossed my mind either. Hearing Logan’s very real concerns makes me feel both like a child and a spoiled brat. I really want him to get the job now. But how can I get him to turn his nerves into determined focus?
“Maybe you should get a massage before you go into your next interview.”
Logan laughs. “Maybe. I don’t think it’ll help, though.”
“Instead of thinking about why you need it, think about anything else that will relax you.”
He places his drink on the end table and looks at me with a smile. “Like you?”
I laugh so hard and quickly, it’s more of a snort, which I try to ignore completely by saying, “I relax you? How so?”
“Cute girls who can sing, watch sports, and easily hang with my family the day I met them always relax me.”
I laugh again and set my own drink on the coffee table.
“I’m fully prepared for the interview now. TV or should I take you home?”
“You choose.” If I don’t choose, then I can’t accidentally overstay my welcome.
Logan grabs the remote, props his feet on the coffee table after kicking his shoes off, and throws an arm over my shoulders to pull me into his side all in one smooth motion. “I’ll find something good. Just let me know when you’re ready to go.”
He finds some movie about a fighter, which is fine with me. I’m not too picky with movies, generally. I toe out of my shoes and cross my legs at the ankles on his coffee table. I keep waiting for him to make a move. Now, I can’t decide if it’s because that’s what I want or if it’s simply what I’ve come to expect out of these situations. But all Logan does is move his fingers around in random patterns on my shoulder and tip his feet toward mine every so often so they bump into my feet.
It’s nice that he doesn’t make a move. Sweet, even. Some guys think every interaction must end in a little action, and I’m not always comfortable with that. Sex first and learn about you later is not my motto. Logan seems to be a good guy for me so far.
He has a lot on his plate, but a good family to support him and he’s doing what it takes to make things work until he can get to where he wants to be. About halfway through the movie, I guess, it hits me that he probably has to work in the morning.
I sit up from the comfy spot that is the side of his body. “Why are you letting me stay?” He frowns. “Don’t you have work in the morning? You’ll be exhausted! C’mon. We don’t need to finish watching this.”
Logan laughs. “I’ve operated on less sleep and while hung over at work before. I’ll be fine. I’ll take you home once it’s over unless you’re adamant about going now.”
“Are you sure?”
“About spending more time with you? Absolutely.” He tucks me into his side again and that’s that.
Oh, yes. I definitely like Logan.
Once the movie ends, it’s difficult to keep my eyes open. We slide our feet into our shoes and Logan stands. I hold my arms out, causing him to laugh as he grabs them and hauls me up to stand.
“Tired?”
“A little.”
“Let’s get you home then.”
Halfway to my house, Logan’s car makes some crazy noises. It dies to his curses as he pulls off to the side of the road. “What the fuck is it now?” he mutters to himself. He tries to crank it, but no such luck.
“Let me call my dad. He’ll come save the day.”
Logan looks at me like I’m crazy and he’s ready to object, but my phone is already pressed to my ear. We and his car are better off with my dad over anyone else he could call. The phone rings four times.
“Little girl, do you know what time it is?” Dad asks. He sounds clear and alert, which makes me wonder if he hasn’t gone to bed yet.
“Yes, I do. Are you at home?”
“Are you okay?” His evasive response worries me and raises a red flag.
“Daddy, you’re still at the shop? Do you know what time it is?” I send his words right back to him. “You should be at home asleep!”
“You’d wake me up anyway,” he points out with a grumble. “What do you need, Kayla? Are you in trouble?”
“Sort of. My friend’s car started making noises and died on the side of the road. Can you come get us and the car?”
“What kind of noises?”
I roll my eyes. “They all sound the same to me.”
He chuckles. “Right. Text me where you are and I’ll be there in a few minutes. Sit tight and keep the doors locked.”
“Yes, sir! Thanks, Dad.”
“No problem.”
“He’s coming,” I tell Logan as I text Dad where to find us.
“Thanks. Guess I need to text Syd and let her know she needs to pick me up in the morning and be my ride.”
“If she can’t for some reason, I will,” I offer.
“Thanks. So, what’s your last name?”
“That’s an out of the blue question.”
“Not really. Your dad is coming. I need to know your last name in order to talk to him.”
“It’s Murphy,” I answer. “Nervous about meeting him?”
Logan shrugs. “Not really.” He leans over and grabs my hand for me to lean toward him over the console.
“What are you doing?” I whisper.
His grin is bright, even in this dark car. “Getting my goodnight kiss before your dad gets here.”
“You’re saying you won’t kiss me in front of him?” I tease. We’re nose to nose now. My lungs malfunction and my heart stutters with anticipation.
“Not yet. He’ll need time to get used to us and like me first. Thanks for being my date tonight, Kayla Murphy.” Then, he kisses me. It’s not fair how good he is. But thank goodness he is. His kiss comes with the full package. His hands grasp my face, one slipping into my hair. His mouth meets mine while his tongue gives me a whiplash feeling. He alternates from a playful-like manner to passionate, loving, dominating, slow, and then back to playful. My mind simultaneously turns to mush and goes dizzy from it.
At the sound of an engine, we break apart just in time for the tow truck to come around and get arranged in front of Logan’s. Dad’s here. We get out to greet my unsmiling father. I hug him and thank him again.
“You didn’t say it was a boy,” he mutters. “I would’ve sped more,” he adds, causing me to laugh. When I release him from my hug, he eyes Logan. “You must be the latest jackass.”
“Daddy!” I’m officially horrified. Dad has never called them a jackass to their face before.
Logan smiles as he extends his hand. “Yes, sir, I am. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Murphy. Thanks for coming; I’m not sure what happened with my car.”
He shakes Logan’s hand. “We’ll load her up and I’ll look into it. Get whatever you need out of the car if you haven’t already.”
“I’m set.”
Dad then gets Logan’s car loaded onto the flat-bed. Once that’s done, he decides to take Logan home first, which means backtracking the way we’d just come. The cab is full of a stony silence. I can’t take it!
“His name is Logan!” I burst out. Dad glances down at me, but doesn’t say a word. Logan chuckles. “We went to a Rebels game tonight. His brother-in-law is Ian Rhett, just a fun fact.”
“Then why aren’t you home already?” Dad asks.
“Because we decided to watch a movie at his place.”
Dad frowns, and we’re back to silence. A few minutes later, we drop Logan off. He thanks Dad for the ride and I promise to trade information so they can be in touch tomorrow. Dad pulls away without giving me a chance to watch him walk into his building.
“You’re out late,” he gruffs.
“You’re up late,” I counter. “I also need to borrow one of your ties.”
“Why?”
“Logan is trying to get a new job. I promised to loan him one of your ties for his next interview.”
Dad humphs. “He can get his own damn tie.”
“He would, except I told him he could borrow yours. Please and thank you.” When he glances at me, I smile sweetly at him, hoping that will help.
“Fine. He can borrow a tie. I’ll drop you off and take his car to the shop.”
“And then you’re going home?”
“Sure.”
“How about you drop his car off and I stay with you tonight? That way I can get the tie and you can drop me off in the morning?” This is the only way I can ensure he’ll go home. He looks exhausted. I don’t know why he overworks himself instead of going home and resting. It makes no sense to me.
“If that’s what you want to do.”
“It is.”
Logan worries about bills and money and insurances; I’m still worrying about my parents. Not sure one worry is better than the other either.
“You stayed with your father last night?” Mom frowns. “Why?” She caught him dropping me off this morning. Her interrogations are the divorce version of a walk of shame for the kids caught in between, which is ridiculous since Mom encourages us to spend time with him. She just likes to know about it ahead of time. Actually, I take that back. With her, I do feel like it’s a tug-of-war sometimes. She definitely wants us with her, even though there’s no reason why we can’t stay with Dad permanently.
“My date’s car broke down on the way home. He rescued us. I decided to stay with him because it was so late. Why do you ask?” I hope my question points out to her that at this point, she really has no reason to ask why I spend time with my father. He’s my father. That’s all the reason I ever need.
“I was expecting you here,” she bristles, sipping her coffee.
“Mom, I’ve tried to tell you before. My plans change all the time! Pretend I only sleep here most nights and things will go much smoother and you’ll worry less.” We’ll get along better, too. She worries about dinner, but she can pretend I’m not eating here and I’ll do my best to give her enough notice. If I don’t, well, I can fend for myself. I don’t mind and it’s not that big of a deal.
Mom makes a face that tells me she doesn’t like what I’ve said, but she doesn’t say anything. I toss the apple I’ve finished in the trash, rinse my hands, and head to my room. My date with Logan set me back a little on my homework, so that’s my first order of the day. After that, I’ll record a video of my new song and upload it to my semi-secret YouTube channel. Semi-secret because those who follow me know about it, but my family doesn’t. I haven’t told them and don’t really plan to. What’s the point? For some reason, I feel like it would result in some sort of lecture. No, thanks.
Around one in the afternoon, my dad asks for Logan’s number and I feel relieved that he’s referring to him as Logan in the text and not jackass, at least for the time being. Right after I text him, Suzanne texts me.
Suzanne: We’re going out tonight. No excuses! I’ll pick you up at eight.
Me: Fine. I’ll be ready.
Ready means wearing something that will cover absolutely anything that girl might drag me to. Sometimes we’re on the same page, but sometimes we aren’t, so I never know.
About two hours later while my video uploads, I get another text, but not from Suzanne.
Logan: First of all, your dad is WAY nicer to me without you around. Just sayin’. Unfortunately, he’s taking all my money and I’m without a car until Monday or Tuesday.
Me: What? He’s nicer?! Wtf.
Me: Also, sorry. Let me know if you need help with anything.
Logan: Maybe because he’s able to forget I’m dating his daughter? & thanks. I’ll be fine. Just visit me at some point? You gotta bring me that tie anyway.
Me: That’s true. Other than bad car news, how was your day?
Instead of texting back, he calls me. “Hello?” I answer.
“I don’t really care for texting. I’ll do it, but calling and talking to you is so much easier and better. This okay with you?”
I find myself smiling. “Yeah, that’s okay with me.”
“Good. My day sucked all around. Not worth talking about. How was yours?”
“No complaints. I’ve been doing homework mostly.” He doesn’t need to know about my social media yet either.
Logan chuckles. “Now that is something I don’t miss. What are you up to tonight?”
“My best friend wants to go out, but other than that, not sure. She said she’ll pick me up at eight. That’s all I know. You?”
“That should be fun. Syd is sticking me with the niece and nephew tonight, so she and Ian can go out. I can’t remember if it’s a regular date night or if it’s a Rebels date night.”
“What’s a Rebels date night?” I ask, curious.
“Where it’s more of a work function type event than a date. It’s one or the other because she’s making me watch them tomorrow too for the same reason. Rebels date nights don’t always count as a legit date, apparently.”
“Speaking of dates, when are you taking me out again?” Even though I’ll see him sometime this weekend, it won’t technically be a date.
“Well, I’ll have my car back early next week. The job interview is Monday. If I get the job, you can be my date to celebrate.”
“When you get the job,” I correct because I have complete faith in him. I also really want him to get the job he wants. After last night, it’s like I’m his cheerleader. Swinging my pom-pom from the sidelines, shouting encouraging words, and harboring a whole lot of hope that he can succeed. Let’s hope that the company interviewing him Monday doesn’t disappoint us and kill our spirit.
“Damn,” he curses. “My sister is here early. I gotta go, Kayla. I’m sorry. I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”
“Sure. Have fun with your niece and nephew.”
“Thanks. You have fun tonight too.”
We hang up and I decide to get ready for tonight. Suzanne has no concept of time sometimes. She might say she’ll be here at eight, but she could also change her mind and show up at six because she decided she wanted to go out to eat first. You bet your ass she wants you ready, too, even though she gives no notice that she’s coming early. I don’t know why I keep her as a friend, except for the fact that I like her. That pretty much covers it, I guess.
Sure enough, this is one of those nights where Suzanne shows up early. Lucky for us both, I’m ready when she does appear. I holler a goodbye to my mom, almost feeling bad that she’s spending the night at home alone. My brother, Gregory, still has to spend every other weekend with Dad, so he won’t be home all weekend.
Then again, what do I know? Maybe Mom is waiting for me to leave before she gets ready for a date, which would be a good thing and a bad thing. Good because she won’t be texting me wanting to know when I’ll come home. Bad because I still think my parents should’ve worked things out instead of bailing like there was never a vow taken in the first place.
“I’m starving!” Suzanne exclaims as she pulls out of the driveway. “I need a big, greasy slice of cheese pizza pronto. That sound good to you?”
“Sure.”
“Let me tell you about my week. I get a flat tire while on a date. Do you know what’s wrong with that sentence?” She doesn’t give me a chance to answer. “For one, I’m driving my date and me around. That was the first sign that I should’ve run. I’m adding Must Have Car to my list of standards. Second, obviously the flat tire. But wait!” She holds up her hand for dramatic effect.
“It gets worse. How, you ask? That son of a bitch doesn’t know how to change a tire!” she screeches. “That is also being added to my list of must haves. So, I had to change my own tire. There’s nothing wrong with a woman knowing how to change a tire, but if I’m with a man, my man better be changing it, damn it. He better know how to change it. To make matters worse, it was when it was raining, Kayla. I had to do it in the fucking rain! And!” she stresses, “he didn’t even seem that embarrassed about it. He didn’t try to help me or anything. That ass stood behind me and watched silently while I did it myself.”
Giggles rise because she is seriously frustrated over this and well, it’s funny. “I’m sorry,” I say sincerely.
“I’m not done, Kayla. He had the nerve to ask why I didn’t want to go out with him again. I flat-out told him. Dude, you can’t change a tire. No, thanks. Do you know what he said?”
“What?”
She takes a deep breath as if she needs to calm herself. “That that was the most ridiculous thing ever. Why does he need to know how to change a tire when I know how and when we always could’ve called someone to come do it for us? What the ever-loving hell? I’m tired of guys in today’s world. I’ve decided I want Andy Griffith.”
I bust out laughing.
“Hell, even Goober or Barney would be a catch,” she adds. “Maybe Gomer. Even the old guy. What was his name? Oh! Floyd. He was funny.”
My eyes water and my stomach and cheeks ache from laughing so hard. “Girl, you have to stop watching that show!”
“I’m just saying, guys these days could learn something from the Mayberry men.” She sighs. “Men, scratch that, they don’t deserve to be called men. Boys today have done nothing but disappoint me and I’m sick of it.”
I wipe the tears from my face. “I’m sorry, Suzanne. You’ll find the right guy one day.”
She snorts with disbelief. “Let’s stuff our face with pizza. Pizza never lets me down.” Once we’re inside and seated, she clasps her hands together on the tabletop. “Cheer me up, Kayla.”
“Well, I met a guy last week.”
Her face sours with a disgusted look. “Let’s hear about the jackass.”
I laugh. “Have you been talking to my dad? That’s what he calls them. Anyway, he seems nice so far. We went to a Rebels game last night.” I recap how we met and catch her up, but Suzanne is not impressed. She’s a hard girl to impress, especially after she’s had a not-so-great experience with a guy that’s still fresh.
“Wait. What’s his last name?”
“Archer.”
“Logan Archer? You’re dating Logan Archer?” Her jaw hangs for a moment. “Kayla, you’ve been holding out on me!”
“What do you mean?”
“This is why you need to go out with me more! Everyone on campus knows about all the super hot guys. Logan Archer is definitely a super hot guy on campus. Well, he was before he graduated last year.” She frowns for a moment. “I heard he got around.”
“Yeah, he said he was never serious with anyone.”
“Aw, he’s honest already.” She rolls her eyes. “Point for him.” She fiddles with her straw. “Is he as great of a kisser as legend says?”
“There’s a legend surrounding him?” She can’t be serious.
Suzanne shrugs. “No more than the rest of the hotties. Don’t avoid the question, Kayla. Oh! You’re blushing! He’s a fantastic kisser! I knew it.”
“I am not blushing! But yes, he is.”
A waiter walks up to our table to refill our drinks. “I’m Matt. I’ll be your new waiter. Felisha had an emergency and had to leave.” His eyes linger on Suzanne and she doesn’t miss it.
“Unless you can change a tire, have your own car, and have all the same good traits as Andy Griffith, don’t even think about flirting with me, Matty.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Uh, your pizzas will be out in a minute.”
I giggle as he walks away. “You’ll never get a guy by listing your qualifications like that.”
She shrugs. “If that intimidates him, he has problems.”
There’s never a dull moment with her. Spending the night out with Suzanne is exactly what I need after a day mostly full of homework.