What "Logan Curse"?

Flame

Charlie and I are hand in hand when we meet up with my friends.

Sam gives me a side glance that silently tells me how impressed she is. Hannah shoots me a wink.

Jackie doesn't hold back and just blurts out, "You two just got done mackin' on each other, didn't you?" She says proudly with a shit-eating grin.

Clyde nudges her.

I turn bright red, shifting on my feet. Charlie looks absolutely dumbfounded with Jackie's sudden call out, so I try and break the tension with laughter, which seems to ease him a bit.

All of the sudden, a loud shout of some incoherent gibberish interrupts. We all turn to see Hannah, clutching her heart as she turns to see Adam Sackler right behind her.

She proceeds to whack him with her hand playfully, "Oh my God, you scared me!" She exclaims.

He's very obviously pleased with himself as she says this, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Hey Barber." He says, nodding in acknowledgment to Charlie, who gives a small wave.

After a brief awkward silence, Charlie glances at his watch.

"So, The Press Lounge...? Everyone good to leave? They're expecting me." He says, looking to all of us.

The girls look excited and I nod to Charlie with a smile, "Let's go then, Mister Director."

**
**

A cab ride later, we're on a rooftop lounge of a hotel with a stunning view of the city. The night was clear and the air was warm from the summer heat. There was a bustling of activity all around us, every kind of person was there and enjoying a drink.

"Yes! Booze!" Jackie shouts, a huge smile on her face.

Clyde grabbed her arm before she waltzed off, "J, be careful now. We don't know this crowd. Limit yourself. This place is real fancy." He warned her, making sure to look her in the eye.

I could see the trust in her eyes as she looked at him with an understanding nod. He then hooked his arm with hers and led her over to the bar, like a gentleman.

Hannah was quickly whisked away by Adam, who was anxious to show her off to some friends. Sam excused herself from Charlie and I and followed Clyde and Jackie to the bar.

I was mesmerized by the view, not noticing how Charlie couldn't take his eyes off of me. As I turned my head, his dark eyes softened and he smiled.

"This place is beautiful." I commented, glancing around the room.

He never took his eyes off of me, "I'm really glad you came with me." He says sweetly.

His long fingers gently weave into mine and he leads me down the ways toward another side of the bar.

Charlie orders himself a drink and looks to me for my order.

I look a bit bewildered, as I'm usually not one to drink publicly, "Oh, I'm fine." I shake my head.

He gives me a look, "You wouldn't like a drink? Are you sure?" he persuades.

The bar tender gives me an equally persuasive grin and I buckle.

"Well... I'm just not sure what to order. Just something sweet, not too strong." I reply, feeling on the spot.

Charlie puts a hand on my shoulder, giving me a knowing nod, "She'll have a Malibu Sunset."

The bar tender taps the counter and gives a thumbs up and a wink to him, heading off to make the drinks. I smile at him shyly, feeling a little self conscious.