Logan

67. For The First Time

We stood outside the diner, and I lost the courage to see everyone the moment I noticed their cars along the main street parking.

I turned against Aeron, "Just kidding, I'm sick, let's go home."

Aeron stood unconvinced, "If you're sick then I must be too, come on, what are you so afraid of? These are your friends, you haven't seen them in almost three months."

"Exactly," I guestured, "I haven't seen them for so long, what if they've moved on? What if they don't care anymore?" I took a deep, shaky breath, and Aeron grasped my hand tighter.

"So you think Kellan doesn't care? He didn't send us that package for nothing, did he? Damien saw us yesterday, love. Come on, we've gotta go inside."

"What about... Logan? What if he's here?" I whispered, biting my lip.

"If he's here, we'll just have to deal with it. You're with me now, if he cares, he'll be happy for you no matter what." He pulled me into a kiss that sent those familiar feelings up into my belly, and then pulled away to open the door. I walked down the hallway, my skirt whisping against my thighs.

"Hey, everyone," I waved, excited to see my friends again. "So, I'm here, and I have someone special with me, he's... well, he's my boyfriend."

"Don't forget me, doll." Canyon swooped me into a hug, placing a small kiss against my cheek as he pulled away.

"Oh, where's Kat?" I asked, looking behind his shoulder.

"She's got to work, but thank you for the invite. Hello, everyone." He smiled, shaking hands alongside Aeron, "Sorry, my wife couldn't make it. Our friend Frankie would be here as well, but I'm afraid she's in hospital."

Aeron grinned slyly, "I'm Aeron McTavish, I'm Natalie's boyfriend," He gave me a look of approval, and shook hands with everyone but Logan, who'd ignored us as he continued to thumb through the menu. I looked over to see Scarlet's look of confusion, and something else. Jordana gave me a thumbs up, and Kellan scooped me into a hug.

"I'm so glad you're back," He kissed my forehead, "I was beginning to think I might have to bust you guys out of there." He and Aeron laughed, and Aeron shook his head.

"Nah, but thanks for the books, I'm more than grateful." Aeron looked at me, and then glanced over at Logan, who was stealing looks between me, Canyon, and his menu.

"Yes, the chocolates were delicious, you're one of a kind, you know," Canyon winked at Kellan. I saw him blush a little, and then we all sat down.

The waitress took our drink order, and I was thankful for the orange juice to occupy my hands.

Canyon looked around the room, while making small talk with Damien. I looked over at Logan, but he looked away. Canyon looked at me, and then I felt my phone buzz in my jacket pocket.

C: that logan guy, he's watching me like a hawk...

N: you're kind of his idol

C: I apparently have that affect on people. Also, you never told me Kellan was so cute...

N: they're all cute

C: true, true. but... Logan's looking at you too.

N: what do you expect? I showed up with a boyfriend... that's not him

C: I forgot that bit

He clasped my hand, and leaned in close against my ear, whispering, "I've gotta talk to you outside."

I nodded, "Please excuse us," I followed him out, and shoved my hands into my pockets as a light breeze blew my hair around my face "What?"

"What happened," He lit up a grape-smelling cigar, "between you two?"