When Love Breaks (14 page)

“I know it’s not, but I’d like to know the answer. Are you interested in being
more
than just friends?”

“Well, I work for him so…”

“You work for him? Doing what?”

“I am, I mean, I
was
his home health aide.”

“Ah, I see. And now you’re not?”

I shake my head.

“No, not for a couple weeks. Why?”

“Did he fire you?”

“What? No. I left him. I mean, he didn’t need me anymore, so I stopped taking care of him. Why are you asking me all this?”

I’m really beginning to get irritated.

“I’m just curious. I’m a friend of his too. He never mentioned you, and I’m wondering why.”

I shrug.

“I don’t know, but I’m sure if you were any kind of
close
friend, you’d have heard about me.”

Ha!

“Well, the truth is, Logan and I haven’t been close for a while now. I knew him in his military days. I’m his ex-girlfriend.”

Oh, shit. His ex. This is making sense now. But what the hell does she want?

“He told me all about you—or at least the part about how you left him after his accident.”

She laughs.

“You’ve
almost
got it right. I didn’t leave him
after
his accident; I left him
before
it, while he was still in the military. I wrote him a ‘Dear John’ letter, of sorts. I got a lot of flak for that bad judgement call, but even I’d have the decency
not
to break up with a man after an amputation. Imagine what people would think.”

Huh?

“Is there a point to this conversation?”

She sighs, and has the audacity to look sincere.

“I needed to ask if you are interested in Logan because I want him back.” I close my eyes and inhale, hoping I didn’t just hear that. “If there’s a chance he’ll have me, I want to know who my competition might be. The two of you looked pretty cozy out there on the dance floor. Are you sure there’s nothing between you?”

My mouth goes dry. There’s nothing going on between us, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want it to. The truth is, I was hoping we could find a way to be together. But, now…

“No. Nothing,” I say, regretfully.

She smiles broadly, and I suddenly feel sick.

“Good. You won’t mind if I drive him home then.”

I swallow reflexively.

“Well, that would be up to him. I already promised him a ride.”

“How sweet of you, as his
employee
, to offer that. Your job is all encompassing, isn’t it?”

“You could say that.”

This lady’s really starting to piss me off.

“Can I ask a favor?”

I laugh loudly, and I see Logan’s head turn. He’s headed this way, and he does not look happy.

“Sure,” I say.

“I’ll need you to back off. If I’m going to get him back, I don’t need him making goo-goo eyes at you,” she says with a sneer.

I curl my upper lip, suddenly wishing I wasn’t wearing high heels.

“What’s going on here?” Logan asks me as he observes us. “Beth, what are you doing?”

“Hi, Logan. I’ve met your ex-employee here. She’s lovely.”

“Cut the crap. What do you want?”

She looks affronted.

“I was just asking how you’re doing. That’s all. No need to get so angry.”

“It didn’t look that way to me.” He then turns his attention back to me. “Are you all right?” I nod. “I think we’re done here,” he says to Bethany as he glares at her. “We’re going home.” He places his hand at the small of my back to steer me toward the door.

I’m a little shell shocked at what just happened. She’s got a lot of nerve, thinking she can just march back into his life after leaving him while he was away. And, where has she been since his accident? Has she come back now only because he has legs again? His reaction to her was quite cold, but a wayward thought enters my mind. I wonder if he loved her…or if he still does. She’s very beautiful, and he admitted to me how much she hurt him. I decide to test the waters.

“Um, Bethany offered to drive you home.”

He scoffs.

“Are you trying to get out of it?” He smirks.

“No, no. I just wanted to relay the message in case you’d rather…”

He stops me in the doorway and turns me to face him. His hands are on my shoulders, and his intense eyes burn into mine.

“I don’t want to look back. I hope to look forward to a day when everything will change.” His eyes search my face, then, out of nowhere, he kisses me.

He kisses me.

I feel his fingers push through my hair, and he’s holding my head, as his thumbs caress my cheeks. I’m holding onto his arms because this has completely taken me by surprise.

Oh, my God, here we are again.

After a moment, which is too short for my liking, our mouths separate, and he looks over at Bethany. She looks as if she’s eaten something that’s left a bad taste in her mouth. I look at him, looking at her, and he smirks.

What?

“There. That should send her a message,” he says, and looks back at me. “Come on. Drive me home.”

12

ELORA

D
riving home, a million thoughts race through my mind. He kissed me. It was our second kiss—not as good as the first time, but way up there on my list of second kisses. Then, there was the conversation I had with his ex. She seems like she might be trouble. And, what about the way Logan looked at her after our kiss ended? What was that about? Was that kiss for
her
benefit? Could he have been trying to make her jealous? Does he still have feelings for her? I’m more confused than ever, and I’m not sure what to think.

“I’m sorry about that,” he says.

I look over at him briefly.

“Sorry for what?”

“Kissing you. Well, that’s a lie. I’m not sorry I kissed you. I’m just sorry it was that abrupt. I’d hoped that the next time we kissed it would be a bit more planned.”

“Oh.”

“Oh?” I look over and shrug. “You were okay with it, weren’t you?” he asks, a concerned tone to his voice.

“I think we should talk about this another time.”

“Um, I’m sorry. I thought…” He’s at an obvious loss for words. “Sure. Another time.” He looks out his window, and we drive the rest of the way to his house in silence.

I pull into his driveway, put the car in park, and we sit, listening only to the sounds of the night. The breeze, which has picked up considerably, rushes through the newly budded trees, and the occasional noise from an adjacent neighbor breaks some of the awkward quietness. I sigh and pick at a pleat on my dress.

“I should probably get going,” I say softly, though I can’t look at him.

“I don’t want you to go,” he says, equally as soft.

I look at him with regret in my eyes. I know what he wants, but I’m not sure I’m ready to give it to him.

“Logan—”

“Elora, just come in for a few minutes. We can talk. I’ll make some coffee. We can just sit and spend a little more time together.” He turns in his seat. “I’m not ready for this night to end just yet.” His eyes are sincere as they bore into me. It’s as if he’s seeing right into my soul.

I break the visual contact and look back down.

“I don’t know.”

“I’m not asking you to commit to anything but coffee,” he says. “Please?”

When I look back at him, he’s got the most heartfelt expression. It’s as if the fate of the whole world is depending on my answer. It’s only coffee, right? It’s not like I can’t walk out if I don’t like where things are going.

“Okay, fine. Coffee.”

His face-splitting grin warms my heart, and we exit the vehicle.

LOGAN

O
nce inside, I begin to set up the coffee pot, and I notice her looking around, nonchalantly. She’s probably wondering if my brother is here.

“I’m fairly certain Michael and Cindy went back to her place. We’re alone,” I say.

“They looked very…
involved
, at the reception.” She raises her eyebrows, no doubt bewildered at the sight of the two drunken lovebirds. I laugh.

“Yeah. He’s been looking forward to spending time with Cindy for a while now.” I shake my head at my brother’s lack of couth. “As much as I disapprove of his method, this night with her will do him some good.” I take out two coffee mugs and place them on the counter. “Would you like anything to eat?”

“No, thank you. I’ve eaten way too much today already.” Her hand rests on her stomach, as if she could gain an ounce.

“Okay. Have a seat on the couch. I’ll join you in a minute.”

She walks over and sits at the far end, while I pour the coffee. After bringing both cups over, I sit at the other end, fold one leg under the other to face her, and rest one arm on the back of the couch.

“The reception was nice. Sydney looked beautiful,” she says as she takes a sip.

“Yeah, she sure did. Ryan cleaned up well too.” She nods her head in agreement. “But you, you look exquisite in that dress.” She blushes and looks down at her hands which are wrapped around her cup. “What, don’t believe me?” She shrugs.

“Thank you. I guess I’m just not used to such compliments coming from you.” She smirks.

“Well, I’m sorry for that,” I say. “I’ll make a mental note to do better in that regard.”

An awkward silence takes over, and it seems neither of us know what to say next. I want to say so much to her, but I don’t want to overwhelm her with everything I’m feeling. I want her to come back to work for me, but I’m not sure she’ll agree.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Would you consider coming back here? To work, I mean.”

“You don’t really need anyone anymore. You’re pretty self-sufficient, wouldn’t you say?”

“Some days. But, I don’t want just anyone; I want
you
.”

“Logan—”

“I’m serious. I might not need you to help me get around anymore, but I’d love help with things like cooking. Michael and I really suck at it.” I chuckle to relieve some of the tension.

“So, you want me for my chefspertise?”

I laugh loudly.

“You and your made up words. Yes, that and so much more. Consider your care more like companionship.”

She smiles.

“You’ll see, some day, people will be using my made up words, and I’ll be famous like William Shakespeare.”

“I have no doubt,” I say, “but seriously, won’t you consider it?”

She readjusts her position on the couch, so she’s mirroring me.

“I wasn’t lying when I said I took on another client. He’s 87 years old, with Parkinson’s. I’m the first aide he’s connected with, and I can’t just dump him. He needs me.”

I know the feeling.

“What about after your shift with him? I could call and request a late shift with you.”

She sighs in resignation.

“Logan, I know what you’re trying to do, but the problem remains. We can’t have any kind of personal relationship if I work for you. I’d be going against company policy. I’m not willing to do that.”

“Okay, then, how about if we just hang out as friends. You could come over and have dinner with us occasionally, and maybe go out sometimes. I can help you study. We’ll just be friends with our options open for whatever could come out of this. There shouldn’t be a problem if I’m not your boss.”

If we have to start over as friends, I’ll take it.

“Except for that little document I signed. They’ll think I’m working for you on the side and sue me. Logan, I just don’t see a way around any of it.”

I take in a deep breath and wrack my brain for a solution. I open and close my mouth twice, grasping at any idea that floats into my head. There has to be a solution. I can’t let this girl slip through my fingers.

“Okay, let me get this straight. You’re not opposed to hanging out here. It’s the thought of getting caught and having them think you’re breaking your contract that scares you?”

“Basically.”

“Well, then it’s simple. We’ll hide your car.”

“What? How?”

“Either we’ll put it in the garage, or…I don’t know…”

“Or, I could drive someone else’s car, like my brother’s. It’s the one I’ve been driving you around in.”

“That’s perfect!”

I shift closer to her and take her hand in mine. She stiffens slightly, which tells me I need to curb my enthusiasm a bit.

“This is going to work. I know it will,” I say.

“Please understand though, that we’re going to move slowly with our new…friendship. This will be foreign to both of us, and I’d hate to see it end badly.”

“I understand completely. No pressure,” I say, holding my hands up in surrender.

“Okay then…we have a deal.” She holds out her hand, and we shake on it.

I’m beyond excited about the prospect of having her as a friend, but in the back of my mind, I’m praying it turns into more.

“So, what do we do now?” she asks.

“Well, we could watch a movie.”

“It’s kind of late for that.”

I nod.

“How about a board game?” I suggest.

She shrugs.

“I’m very competitive. I’d probably wipe the floor with you,” she says with a smirk.

“And, you’re modest too.” I smile and shake my head. “How about we make a fire out in the back yard? Some beer, a little music playing softly in the background, and my new friend sitting in a lawn chair beside me. How’s that sound?”

“Oh, I
love
the smell of a campfire,” she says with a huge grin.

“Then, it’s settled. Let’s do it.”

I rise and hold out my hand in an offer to help her up. She takes it and stands.

“Thank you,” she says with a nod. “What can I do to help?”

“You grab the beer. I’ll get the lighter and chairs, and I’ll meet you out back.”

“Okay.” I watch as she practically skips to the fridge, removes the bottles, then heads for the patio. Her child-like glee warms my heart, and I think I’ve fallen a little more in love with her. As I reach in the drawer for the lighter, I see some movement on the front porch. I squint to try and identify what it might be.

“What the f…” I don’t even get my full sentence out before recognizing Cindy with her arms wrapped awkwardly around Michael, who is staggering toward the front door. I walk quickly to the entryway, opening the door as they approach.

“I’m delivering your brother, Logan. He’s about to pass out and has thrown up no less than three times—one of which was in his car,” she says with a look of utter disgust. “You can tell him to call me in a few days, when his hangover is done.”

I take him from her and sling his limp arm around my shoulders. “Thanks, Cindy. I’ll take it from here.” She nods, then exits.

Nearly his full weight rests on me, making it difficult to balance, as I trundle toward the hallway with Michael in tow. Thank God Elora comes back into the house because I’m ready to just drop him here in the middle of the foyer and let him sleep it off. She gasps when she sees us then rushes over.

“Let me help,” she says, as she takes his other arm and drapes it over her shoulders, then she wraps her arm around his waist. A very drunken Michael, looks at me, then turns his head toward Elora and smirks.

“You guyz-zar wonderful. You know that, right?” Michael slurs. He looks back at me and frowns. “I’m sooo sorry ‘bout ruinin’ your ev-ning with Lora.”

“It’s fine, Michael. Let’s just get you in bed,” I say, irritated. His crooked smile tells me he’s not done talking.

“I know how much you love ‘er, Logan. Jus’ finish woo-wing ‘er. I’ll be jus’ fine right here.”

My God, Michael, just shut up.

“You should stop talking now. We’re putting you to bed.”

I mouth the words
I’m sorry
, and she smiles and mouths back
it’s okay
. Then, I look at her and roll my eyes, letting her know I’m not happy about this at all. She giggles softly and shakes her head, as if to say she understands. Suddenly, his legs go limp, and Elora and I are forced to carry his dead weight all the way to his room. The hallway leading to the bedrooms is narrow, and we struggle but, ultimately, succeed in dragging his tall frame all the way to his bed.

“I’ll get the covers,” she says. “Can you hold him for a second?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Go ahead.”

She nods and lets go, yanking his comforter back, then resuming her place beside him.

“Let’s sit him on the edge, then tip him into bed.” She nods, and we do just that. I grab his upper body, while she takes his legs, and in one smooth motion, he’s laid flat on his back.

“Shouldn’t we lay him on his side? You know, in case he gets sick again?”

“Yeah. You’re probably right,” I reply. So, we roll him over. He grumbles a bit, smacks his lips together, then falls asleep, snoring quietly.

“Come on,” I whisper. “He’s out for the night. Let’s continue with our evening.” I walk toward the door.

“Wait,” she says quietly, then reaches across my sleeping brother and pulls the covers over him, tucking him in neatly. “There. Snug as a bug in a rug.” She smiles at me, and I at her, then we leave to let him recover.

“That was kind of you to cover him up. If it were me, I’d have left him right here on the floor,” I snort.

“No, you wouldn’t have. You care too much about him.”

“Maybe, but I’m kind of pissed at him right now for almost ruining our evening. By the way, let’s get that fire started,” I say.

“Logan, I think I’m just going to go home.”

“What? Why? Michael’s not going to interrupt us again. He’ll be asleep until tomorrow afternoon. We can still salvage this. Come on. Let’s go,” I say, hoping I can convince her by walking in the direction of the patio door.

“I’m really tired. Can we do this another time?”

My shoulders slump. I don’t want her to leave, but I understand that we’ve all had enough excitement for one day.

“Okay. Another time.”

She grabs her purse and heads toward the front door. I follow, but I’m trying hard not to let her see the disappointment in my eyes. She opens the door, then turns to face me.

“I had a really nice time tonight. You did a great job dancing.” She smiles.

“Thank you. I was hoping you’d notice,” I say, smiling back at her.

“Well, this is it.”

I frown inwardly, not liking the negative thoughts that sentence conjures.

“When will I see you again?” I hold my breath, waiting for her answer.

“When do you want to?”

My heart screams
now
, but I know I can’t say that.

“Tomorrow?”

“Are you sure that’s wise? Your brother might need you.”

“No, he’ll be fine. We could have that campfire…or just take a walk, like we used to. It’s up to you.”

She rubs her chin and contemplates her answer.

“I’ll call you and let you know.”

I’m a little defeated that I didn’t get a definite answer, but I’ll take whatever time she’s willing to give me.

“Okay. That sounds good.”

And, then comes that awkward moment, when two people are silent and standing in the doorway, waiting and wondering if now’s the appropriate time to kiss. She’s not making an attempt to leave. Does that mean I should lean in and—

“Goodnight, Logan,” she says, and leans in, kissing me on the cheek. I smile, even though I wish it was more. The truth is, something about that kiss says more about how she feels than if she would’ve kissed my lips. I’m satisfied with that for now, knowing I have to devise a plan to win her over.

“Goodnight. Be careful driving home,” I reply, then I watch as she strides gracefully toward the steps, stopping briefly to turn and wave. I wave back, then wait to close the door, until her taillights disappear around the corner.