Logan
I’m doing the new normal for me—hanging out alone in my parents’ house—when Luke texts.
How are things going?
Good, I type back.How was your drive back?
Not quite there yet. Will be by tonight.
I watch the dots jump around on my screen before he adds—
Don’t bend on your plan. You’re nearly there.
Right. Luke may feel like I’m nearly there, but to me, the time spent being fake engaged to Gigi is interminable. My dream career may be taking off, but my personal life is stuck in neutral.
Another text comes in, this one from Blake.
Dude, I’m with Dave, and we’re heading to the lake. Let’s grab the girls and fish. No excuses. And Macey’s coming even if we have to drag her there.
* * *
Macey
Just after seven, I get a knock on my door.
When I go see who it is, Logan, Blake, and Dave are standing on my step. They’re dressed in t-shirts and ripped jeans, and all three are grinning.
“Looking good up on stage last night, Mace,” Dave teases.
“Ha, ha.”
“I thought your two lines showed great promise,” Blake says.
“Screw off, okay? I’m really not in the mood.”
But I open the door wide and let them all inside.
“What are y’all up to?” I say suspiciously. “Logan’s still recovering.”
“I’m doing better,” Logan says. “We’re going to the creek for a bit. Fish, light a fire, have a barbecue. We need your culinary skills.”
“You’ve got Blake for that.”
“The barbecue needs a woman’s touch, and you’re the best cook we know. Other than me,” Blake adds confidently.
“No. I’m taking Macey time.”
I go back to the couch and sit down with my latest afghan, a harmless blue and pink checkered pattern with nothing that can remind me of Logan in any way.
The three of them follow me into the living room.
“We’ve got chicken and beers in the cooler. You can bring the afghan with you,” Dave offers.
“Oooooh.” I roll my eyes. “Can I? ‘Cause that would be really super.”
“Please. We haven’t barbecued once this summer.” Blake looks toward the kitchen. “Did you make dessert? Smells amazing in here.”
“A blueberry pie.”
