Chapter Twenty-Four
Mia
Logan had been acting strange during the lunch we shared. I wished I had his ability to read emotions through facial features like he did.
“So, what is on your agenda for this week?”
He sat back, belly full of food, looking completely satisfied. Even though I hadn’t cooked it, I felt pride blossom inside me that he liked the meal my hotel had provided. It reminded me why I did what I did with my business. I created a place of comfort away from home. Great meals that made people feel full and happy. A place where they could sleep and wake up refreshed on their vacation, whether business or pleasure. A first memory of their most special day in sayingI do. I loved being a part of people’s memories and happiness. They wouldn’t think of me, Mia, when they thought of these things. But they would always think of the hotel, my hotel, and remember how they felt.
“I’ve got dinner with my family tonight, a board meeting tomorrow, to look over barn plans at some point, and a gala on Friday for charity.”
This week was going to be busy, as were most of my weeks. But I was looking forward to dinner with the fam. I missed them, and whoever this new me was, she wanted to be with her family who loved her more. Board meetings were whatever; I’d be happy that was over until the next one in two weeks. Barn plans were with the architect right now, and I was mentally jumping up and down, waiting to see them. Then, getting all dressed up for the gala would be fun. I had no date, but for once in my life, I felt okay about that.
But I still asked regardless, “Do you think I should bring a date to the gala?” I was sure I could ask Gia to go with me, or maybe Jay could find me a date if I needed one.
Logan shook his head though. “I think you should just go by yourself. I’m proud of you for doing what you did, but now, it’s time to do the hard stuff, which is loving yourself again. So, this gala, I want you to date yourself. You are enough and all you need.”
It was his job to talk to me like this, but there was no denying that it made me like him a little bit more.
“You’re right. I’m gonna go get my nails done and take myself out for breakfast. Good idea.”
He was right about not feeling like enough being an issue of mine. I forever felt like I could be better in every facet of my life. This sounded like a good idea toward being okay with who I was right now, in this moment.
“Great!” Logan was smiling at me, as always, but there was something else there. It was in the way his eyes lit up as I started to come into my own. Like watching me learn and grow into myself made him happy. And not just because it was his job, but also because he just genuinely wanted that for me.
Taking a deep breath, I felt myself relax, and I enjoyed the full feeling in my belly. Silently being grateful for the life I had. I was quickly learning it wasn’t about the money spent or money earned. So far, all of these things Logan had had me do were free. The real problems were on the inside, and no amount of money could fix that. Only the person could if they truly wanted it. I wasn’t done healing. I’d made progress, but there was more inside me that needed relief.
“Would you mind if I came with you to your family’s get together? They don’t need to feed me or entertain me. I think it’s a good idea for me to see you around them.”
Made sense. But the thought did make me cringe slightly.
“They would be more than happy to feed you. Actually, they will all but shove manicotti down your throat. But they will assume we are together, and our denials will fall on deaf ears. They can be a little much. Big Italian family and all.”
Poor thing wanted to subject himself to my family. He must have some issues up there to want that.
“I think I can handle it.” He chuckled, and I felt my body leaning in toward his, needing to bask in his laugh. His constant happiness was alluring to someone like me. Like a moth to a bug zapper.
“Okay then. Don’t judge me too hard by my family. They are nuts, but they are a good group.”
They really were.
Logan ran a hand through his blond hair and took a deep breath. Yeah, I felt like a nap would be nice, but I still had some work to do before leaving early to go to my parents’ house.
“I’m leaving at four to head over. You can meet me here then, and we’ll go together. Sound good?”
He nodded and rubbed his belly like he had some Buddha tummy instead of the muscled six-pack he was hiding under there.
He paid for our meal even though I was the boss and food was free to me. But it was nice still. These moments with him weren’t dates, but if they were, he would have scored many times over with all his good manners and smiles.
“What are you thinking?” he asked as we walked toward the exit.
Oh boy, there was no stopping the flush coating my cheeks. I’d been caught thinking about sex with Logan.Now, should I lie? Or tell the truth?
“I don’t think you want me to say.” I did neither and mentally crossed my fingers that he would let it go.
But, really, it was Logan I was talking to. He wanted to know my every thought, my every sensation rolling through my body. He wanted everything.
He didn’t answer, but his arched brow and obvious expression that stated,Really?was enough.
“Fine, I was thinking that, even though our little meetings weren’t dates, if they were, then you would have scored many times because you are such a gentleman, and you make me feel good. Right. I’m gonna go now. See you at four.”
I didn’t look back to see what he thought of my words. I felt so embarrassed, but a tiny part of me felt amazing for saying such things out loud. Like I really was this new badass Mia who could let go and do what she wanted. Including bang the life coach if she chose to do so.
Thinking over how confident I had been to speak my thoughts, I let that feeling fill me up. I was a kick-ass chick and hot as hell with my new haircut and clothes. I smacked my own ass once inside the elevator alone, feeling amazing. Even did a little dance in the mirror, flirting with myself for being so smooth.
Then, I remembered there were cameras in every elevator, and the security man on staff had just watched me act a fool.
“Um, hi, John.” I waved at the camera and wished for the elevator to hurry up to my floor.
