The Rarest Gem

Chapter Nine

Logan

Gosh, where is he?

I look at my phone and realize it's still early, but that does nothing to stop the anticipation from building up in me. I'm excited to see him again.

I don't know why, but something about him just interests me. He has an allure, and it's unique, unlike anything I've ever experienced.

"Logan, can you please stop pacing around the shop? You're making me anxious."

"Sorry, Mom."

"It's okay. I know you're excited you're making new friends here, and so quickly, too, but this Tristan guy, he's just a friend, right? And don't lie; you know my intuition is aligned. I'll pick up on it."

I force a chuckle. "Of course, Mom, I haven't even known him that long."

"Just checking because, you know, if you're interested in him as more, I'm not sure he would be an ideal candidate for this position. Working with a friend is one thing, but a romantic interest that can go completely awry, especially seeing as how you're technically one of the bosses here."

She gives me a stern look, and I nod in compliance.

"I know, Mom."

I hate lying to my mom.

I am interested...so interested.

"Okay, good."

Just as I'm trying to navigate the feelings between lying awkwardly to my mother's face and the excitement of seeing Tristan again, I notice a black car pull up, and I just know it must be him.

My thoughts are confirmed as I notice him exiting the car and I feel my body growing warm and my heart start to pick up pace.

He looks amazing.

He's so well put together, and as he enters the door, I can't help but take him all in.

I notice he's wearing the pendant that he purchased from our shop the other day, which sits on his chest below the knot of his tie. His look is so thought-provokingly polished.

He's wearing all black and holding what looks like a portfolio. You can tell he put a lot of thought into his appearance, which makes me want him even more.

"Hello, I'm Tristan. I'm here for the interview." He approaches my mother, offering a hand to greet her.

"Well, Hello Tristan, right on time, I love the punctuality."

"My son Logan over here has told me a lot about you." She gestures over to me, and I feel myself get nervous.

"Hey Tristan, glad you made it." I can tell I have an awkward grin on my face, and I'm annoyed.

Come on, body, work with me here, stop snitching.

"Hey, Logan, of course. I appreciate the opportunity, and I love this shop. It's so cool and so magical."

My mother chuckles. "Well, liking the shop is a start."

"Hey Logan, could you give Tristan and me some time to discuss a few things surrounding the position? Once I'm done, I'll call you to see if you have any additional questions, and we can take it from there. Sound good?"

"Sounds great." I lie.

I want to be there in case he trips up or something. I can help divert her attention and give him time to think.

I'm overthinking it. He'll be fine.

I make my way to the office of the shop, which is located not too far away from where my mother and Tristan are sitting, and I leave the door slightly ajar so I can eavesdrop on their conversation to gauge where it's going before I get called to step in.