Logan

121. He Wasn't Strong Enough

*Natalie's POV*

I waved goodbye to Ripley as he left the dance.

Frankie nudged me in the side, "He is so sweet, he showed up just for a dance with you!"

I waved my hand, "Oh, stop it."

Frankie held up her hands in surrender. "He left already, the ball's supposed to drop soon."

"Frankie, he's on shift tomorrow, he has to be at his best."

"okay, okay, I give up. You'll see"

Wren walked up and placed his hand on the small of my back, leaning to speak to me, "May I have this dance?"

I nodded, "You may,"

We started dancing and he held my hand up as he placed his other hand at my side, "I'm still really sorry about Desmond."

I nodded, "Yeah- it still really sucks."

He twisted me around, holding me closely, "There are some perks to being alone though."

I raised my eyebrow, "Like what?"

He sighed a moment, "Like... never having to share the blankets, never giving someone the last peanut butter cup."

I laughed, "That's a lie, you gave me the last peanut butter cup the other dy."

Wren smiled, "I could've just eaten it."

I scoffed, "You don't even like peanut butter cups, you keep them for me, I know that."

"Oh yeah, what's my favorite candy bar then?"

"Crunch bars, but you prefer candy like peach rings or mike and ikes."

He tightly squeezed my hand, "You got me there."

I glanced around and heard the start of the count down. I turned to look up at Wren and he looked back at me.

"7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Happy New Year!" was shouted out as streamers, balloons and confetti burst into the air, and people were cheering and kissing. "Auld Lang Syne" started to play as Wren pulled me in for a midnight kiss, our lips meeting once, twice and then his hand curled up into my hair. I pulled him closer by his belt, his teeth gently biting my lip.

"Natalie..." he groaned, his hand cupping my backside and melding me to him. I felt like everything was moving in slow motion and fast all at once, until I heard someone's throat clear behind me.

I turned to see AB reaching out to tap my shoulder, but he pulled back before he made contact. "Natalie." He said, his face stern and serious.

"What's wrong? Something with the caterer?"

He shook his head, "I just... I need you to come to the office." AB tapped Wren's shoulder, "You better come too."

I mustered up a fake smile as people reached out to thank me and I headed toward the office with AB. He opened the office door and waved me in, then closed and locked the door."

"What's going on, you're scaring me." I looked at my phone, but didn't see any texts or missed calls.

AB started pacing, murmering something in Spanish about 'how do I tell her' and 'dios mio' and then looked back at me.

"Alberto, whatever's going on just say it, you're freaking me out."

He stood still, then looked at me, "I think... you should go home. Wait for Kellan or Everett to pick you up, because I can't-I can't do this."

Wren and I looked at each other. "I don't understand, is it Alex? Did something happen?"

AB's forehead was drenched with sweat, and his hands shook, "Something's happened, Logan-"