Bittersweet Love

Chapter 33

Logan's point of view:

Our second day in San Diego was great, too. Carlos even managed to persuade me to go to a party that was close to our hotel. And although I'm not actually one of those "party people", it was funny. We danced and had a good time. Then suddenly a girl appeared and greeted Carlos cheerfully. He introduced her to me as Emily and explained that they already knew each other from the Palm Woods. For the rest of the evening, I was only the second choice for Carlos. But I don't want to complain about that.

Now we are on the way back to Los Angeles. Carlos talks all the time, mostly about Emily. Who would have thought that? But I only listen to him with half an ear, because my thoughts are elsewhere. Only when we arrive in L.A. and drive through the streets, Carlos interrupts his talk and looks around in confusion. "Um, Logan? Aren't we going back to the Palm Woods?"

"Soon. We have to visit somebody first."

He continues to ask questions that I don't answer. Finally I stop in front of a motel.

"What do we want here? Who do you want to vis-?" He breaks off and his eyes widen. He understood. "Oh no! Logan, that's out of the question!"

"I have to do that, Carlos."

"Are you crazy? Do you know what Camille will do if she finds out?"

"Carlos," I try to reassure him, but he continues, "She will kill you! And do you know what she will do then? Then she'll kill me because I let it happen! And I don't know what about you, but I like to live."

I sigh. "Carlos, you promised to help me. This is the only way."

"But ... that's crazy! At least let me come with you."

I shake my head. "No, you're my assurance."

"I don't like that at all. Camille will go crazy."

"I promise you, I'll take all the blame. You have nothing to fear."

He snorts and crosses his arms. "What should I do?"

"You wait here. If you don't hear from me after thirty minutes, call for help."

"Logan ..."

"Do you trust me?"

He sighs deeply. "Yes."

"Then help me."

"OK. But please, be careful."

After finding the right room, I take a deep breath. Then I knock and wait. I hear footsteps, then the door is opened. The smell of alcohol and pizza immediately hits my nose. Mr. Roberts is standing in front of me. He needs a moment to recognize me, then he snorts and tries to slam the door in my face, but before he succeeds, I say, "If you close the door now, you've lost your daughter forever."

He pauses and looks at me angrily. "Are you threatening me?!"

I shake my head. "No, sir. I'm just telling you what's going to happen if you don't talk to me."

For a moment, I think he will really close the door. But then he turns around and goes to his room. I follow him and close the door behind me. I look around. Pizza boxes and beer bottles. I'm glad that Camille doesn't have to see this. Mr. Roberts is standing in front of me, his arms crossed. "Are you alone?"