The Forgotten Gilmore

Chapter Sixty-Eight: Something Special

Alessia glanced out the window as Logan's car slowed to a stop in front of the restaurant. It was one of those cozy, tucked-away spots with string lights hanging over the patio, the kind of place that felt both intimate and relaxed. Logan parked, then turned to her with that playful smile she was starting to love.

"Ready?" he asked, his tone teasing but soft.

Alessia nodded, her nerves settling the moment she saw his eyes crinkle in that familiar way. "I think I can handle it."

He chuckled, getting out of the car and hurrying around to open her door. She raised an eyebrow at him as she stepped out.

"So gentlemanly," she teased.

Logan shrugged, offering her his arm. "Gotta pull out all the stops for my girlfriend."

The word still felt new and exciting to Alessia. Girlfriend. She looped her arm through his, feeling a small rush of warmth. "Well, you're off to a good start."

Inside, the restaurant was warm and inviting, the hum of soft conversation filling the air. Logan led her to a table near the back, where the lighting was dim but cozy, casting a soft glow over everything. He pulled out her chair, and she gave him a mock suspicious look as she sat.

"Alright, what's with all the chivalry? Did I miss something?" she asked, her lips curving into a smile.

"Just making sure you know what you signed up for," Logan said, sitting across from her. "I'm all about the charm."

Alessia laughed, feeling a little of the tension that had been building in her chest melt away. "I had a feeling."

The waiter appeared, and they ordered their drinks, the conversation flowing easily between them. Logan told a story about an absurd event he'd been to with his family recently, something involving a yacht and a flaming dessert, and Alessia found herself laughing more than she had in weeks.

"You're kidding," she said between giggles. "That can't be real."

Logan grinned, leaning back in his chair. "I swear, it happened. My family doesn't do anything halfway."

She shook her head, still smiling. "Your life sounds like a soap opera."

"Oh, it is. Trust me. But I like this better," he added, his eyes meeting hers, his voice dropping just a little.

Alessia felt her heart skip a beat. The way he looked at her in that moment-like she was the only person in the room-made everything else fade away. She cleared her throat, trying to shake off the sudden intensity of her feelings.

"So," she said, changing the subject, "tell me something I don't know about you."

Logan raised an eyebrow, amused. "Something you don't know, huh? Let me think." He paused for a moment, then leaned forward slightly. "Okay, I've got one. I'm actually really good at making waffles."

Alessia blinked, caught off guard. "Waffles? You?"

"Yep. Belgian, to be exact. Best you'll ever have."

She laughed, shaking her head. "I'm calling your bluff. There's no way."

"Guess you'll just have to let me make you breakfast sometime," Logan said, his voice teasing but with a hint of something more.

Alessia felt a blush creep up her neck. "We'll see about that," she said, trying to keep her tone light.

Their food arrived, and the conversation continued, easy and effortless. Logan asked her about classes, and they swapped stories about their worst professors. Alessia felt herself relaxing more and more, the weight of the past few weeks lifting, if only for the night.

After dinner, they walked outside, the air cool but not uncomfortable. Logan glanced at her and then up at the sky, where the stars were just starting to peek through the evening haze.

"Wanna take a walk?" he asked, his hand brushing against hers as they stood at the edge of the sidewalk.

Alessia smiled, nodding. "Yeah, I'd like that."

They wandered down the street, the soft glow of streetlights guiding them as they fell into a comfortable silence. Logan's hand found hers, and she let him hold it, the simple gesture feeling more significant than she expected.

As they rounded a corner, Logan squeezed her hand lightly. "You know, I'm really glad we're doing this."

Alessia glanced at him, her heart fluttering again. "Me too."

He stopped walking, turning to face her fully. "I mean it, Harvard. You're... special. I don't want to mess this up."

Alessia felt the sincerity in his words, the warmth in his gaze. She squeezed his hand back, feeling a soft smile spread across her face.

"You won't," she said quietly. "We're good."

Logan smiled, a little crooked but perfect. Then, in a move that felt both surprising and completely natural, he leaned in and kissed her, soft and slow, under the glow of the streetlights. It was sweet, unhurried, and when they pulled back, Alessia's heart felt lighter than it had in weeks.

"Good," Logan whispered, his forehead resting against hers.

Alessia laughed softly, her fingers still entwined with his. "Definitely good."