As I turn the corner into Logan’s mansion, I stop in my tracks, my eyes wide in shock. Seeing the person standing before me, I can barely manage a smile. My mind races with questions, and I can’t help but ask, “What are you doing here?”
He flashes a toothy grin, just like he did at the park. “I should be asking you that. What are you doing here?” He asks stepping closer, but I instinctively take a small step back, creating space between us.
“Asher,” Logan’s voice rings out, calling for him as he strides toward us. But he suddenly pauses. I can see the surprise on his face when he sees me at home.
He looks between me and Asher, confusion evident on his face. Our earlier disagreement echoes in my mind, and I know I should not pay attention to him. All I needed was to get away from him.
I make my way inside but turn around and say, “Asher, it’s nice to see you again.”
Logan’s eyes widen in shock, his jaw-dropping as he glances between us. I’m sure he is surprised that I know Asher.
“What in the world is going on here?” he asks.
I’m not ready to answer. Instead, I simply say, “Hi, Logan. I need to freshen up.”
I head to my room, leaving Asher to explain our meeting to Logan. “Stop and listen to whatever they have to say,” a voice nudges me in my head.
“You’re not treating her nicely. Can’t you let go of how damaged she’s made you and focus on being happy again? She doesn’t deserve whatever it is you’re doing to her,” Asher says all at once, and I can tell from the tone of his voice that he’s angry at Logan.
“We’re going to be friends, Asher,” I say softly, with a smile on my face. It’s great to see someone standing up to Logan.
But I can’t get Asher’s words off my mind. I shake my head, not ready to entertain any excuses for Logan’s behavior.
My legs ache from my long walk to the park from Logan’s house, but I can say that I found some peace on the walk.
I freshen up, and then suddenly, my phone starts to ring. I trace the tone to my bag.
My face lights up with excitement when I see who’s calling. I swipe the phone and place it to my ear.
“Hey, what’s up, Syd?” I greet, relieved to hear her voice.
“I got your missed calls,” she says, and my face brims with a smile.
Since our last chat, she’s texted me, worried if I’m in trouble. I appreciate her concern; it’s funny how she’s my only friend, thousands of miles away.
“I just wanted to hear from you,” I say, trying to sound casual, even as my mind races.
She sighs. I can tell she has something serious to discuss. I dread that conversation.
“Are you in any sort of trouble?” she asks. I can tell she’s concerned about me.
I think about telling her about my contract with Logan, but I hesitate. My dad doesn’t care about my life; Nathalie and I aren’t on speaking terms, and my mom is in the hospital, getting the best treatment. That should be my main concern since that’s the reason for my contract.
“I’m fine, Syd,” I assure her, sounding more composed than I feel. I don’t want to worry her or have her interfere with my situation, especially with my mom’s medical bills taken care of.
“You know you can talk to me,” she presses.
“Seriously, Sydney, I’m fine,” I say, trying to convince her.
“Okay, if you say so,” she responds, though she sounds like she doesn’t believe me.
“I say so, Sydney,” I laugh lightly, though it feels forced.
We chat for a while, catching up, grateful for the absence of interruptions from Logan.
My stomach growls again, reminding me I need to get a grip on my eating habits lately. I’ve been hungry all the time, and it worries me.
Reluctant to face Logan again, I rise from my seat, my stomach twisting as if I haven’t eaten in days. I clutch my midsection and slowly descend the stairs, trying to be quiet.
Kayla usually prepares our meals in batches, so I head to the freezer, retrieve a bowl of food, and place it in the microwave. While I wait, I absentmindedly scroll through my phone, still holding my stomach, wincing from the discomfort.
“Are you all right?” Logan’s voice cuts through my thoughts.
I gasp, startled, and my phone nearly slips from my hand. He catches it just in time, and our fingers brush slightly, sending a jolt of unexpected warmth through me.
We freeze, caught in each other’s gaze, and I feel myself getting lost in his deep blue eyes. The microwave beeps, snapping us back to reality.
“Are you alright, Nadine?” he asks again, worried on his face. “I see you clutching your stomach.”
“What do you care about?” I snap, stepping away from him, but our sides brush slightly as I grab a plate and rush out of the kitchen.
But I notice he follows my every move. I don’t want any of his concerns.
“Logan, can you please let me be? What do you care if I’m holding my stomach?” I say as I settle on a dining chair, eager to eat.
He follows me, and I groan inwardly. “Seriously?” I murmur as I dig into my food.
He sits beside me, looking me straight in the eyes. “More than anything, Nadine, I truly care.”
I hesitate, searching for sincerity in his gaze, and am stunned by how serious he appears.
“You see this?” I wave my fork at him, but he doesn’t flinch. “I’m not moved at all,” I say, placing my fork down to focus on my meal.
Then I look up to find Asher watching us with an amused expression.
I don’t know the reason for the look, so I’m forced to ask, “What’s with the look?”