The Forgotten Gilmore

Chapter Forty-Nine: No Strings Attached

The sun had just started to set, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange as Alessia and Logan walked down the street, side by side. They were heading to a local restaurant that Logan had suggested, its warm, inviting glow visible from a few blocks away.

Alessia glanced over at him, her hands shoved into her pockets. "So, you bring all your non-girlfriends here?" she teased lightly.

Logan chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, you're special. Usually, I'd opt for takeout."

They both laughed, the playful edge to their conversation making the evening feel lighter. Once they got inside and settled at their table, Alessia couldn't help but notice Logan's eyes flicker her way a few times, as if something was on his mind.

After ordering, Logan leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I saw you the other day, you know. Outside the café when I was with..." He trailed off for a moment, searching for the right words, "that girl."

Alessia's heart gave a slight jolt, but she kept her expression neutral, lifting one shoulder in a casual shrug. "Yeah, I saw you. Looked like you were having fun."

Logan's smile grew, though there was a hint of curiosity behind it. "It didn't bother you?"

Alessia leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with a light smirk. "Logan, we're not exclusive. You've made that clear, and it's fine. I'm not exactly looking for a boyfriend either."

Logan raised an eyebrow, leaning in a little closer. "Yeah? I just didn't want you thinking I was... y'know, playing games."

Alessia met his gaze, keeping her tone breezy. "Games? I don't have the time for that. We're both doing our thing, right? It's not that deep."

Logan gave a slow nod, as if weighing her words. "Not that deep, huh?" he repeated, sounding amused. "Guess I like the sound of that. Keeping things easy."

She flashed him a grin, though there was something slightly guarded about it. "Exactly."

They let the conversation drift toward lighter topics-classes, mutual friends, and the latest party gossip. The food arrived soon after, and they both dug in, the clinking of plates filling any momentary silence between them.

But every so often, Alessia felt his gaze linger a second longer, as if he was trying to gauge how much she really meant what she said. And for a moment, she wondered if she was okay with the arrangement, or if she was just pretending it didn't bother her.

"By the way," Logan said after a while, his voice casual again, "that girl? Just a friend. Nothing serious."

Alessia nodded, taking a bite of her pasta. "Cool. But even if it was more, I'd be fine with it. We're both free people."

He smirked. "You say that, but I don't think you're as chill as you pretend."

Alessia laughed, shaking her head. "You don't know me that well, then. Trust me, Logan, I'm the queen of chill."

"Okay, queen," he teased, raising his glass to her. "I'll hold you to that."

After they finished dinner and split the bill, Logan insisted on walking her back to the dorm. The evening air had cooled, but Alessia felt a warmth between them-a strange tension that she couldn't quite shake, even as she told herself it was nothing more than casual fun.

They arrived at the dorm, and Logan gave her a small smile. "Thanks for coming out tonight. Maybe we'll do it again soon?"

Alessia smiled back. "Sure, Logan. See you around."

He gave her a wink before walking off into the night, leaving Alessia standing in the doorway of her dorm, wondering if she really could keep things so simple.

When she opened the door, the cozy warmth of the room greeted her. Riley and Beau were on the couch, chatting quietly, and Lily was already curled up in Alessia's bed, fast asleep. The scene brought a smile to her face, and for now, it was enough to push away the uncertainty that lingered from her night with Logan.