“Whew, that was close,” Logan says once she’s gone.
I don’t understand. “Don’t change where you want to sit on my account,” I say. “If you want to sit inside—”
“God, no. She’d lead me around on a leash to each table like a pet tiger if it produced more five-star reviews.”
“She’s the owner,” Seth explains. “Teresa loves it when we come here, especially Logan. She thinks customers submit more reviews on the nights we’re here. She’s ruthless. We may have to go incognito next time, Logan.”
“We’ll wear masks.”
“Like we have COVID?” says Seth. “It needs to be more than that. She’ll recognize us.”
“No, I’m thinking Halloween masks, likeScream?”
“I like it,” Seth says. “Or maybe full-body disguises, like the Ringwraiths fromLord of the Rings.”
“You’ll need to work on your high-pitched screams; otherwise, how would we order?”
“Hold up, nerds,” I interrupt. “Why would you being here make customers happy? Like, I get you’re hot, but—”
Logan and Seth both bark with laughter at that.
Logan props his chin on his hand and leans toward me on the table. “You still think I’m hot, hmm?” he teases.
I feel myself blush. “But, seriously, why does she care if you’re here?”
“I was on the news a few years ago,” Logan says vaguely. “Some of the business owners think I’m Sagebrush royalty now. It was so long ago, I don’t think anyone else really cares anymore.”
I glance over at the restaurant, where, once again, people’s gazes dart away as if they’ve been watching us. It suddenly clicks that they’re not looking at me, or even us. They’re looking at him.
“I don’t think that’s true,” I say slowly. “What did you do?”
“Really?” Seth looks flabbergasted. “How do you not know?Were you in exile on Ahch-To or something?”
“Obscure fantasy references may not have the impact you’re hoping for,” Logan says with a smile.
“It’sStar Wars. That’s hardly obscure,” Seth protests. “Fine, how about a history reference. Exiled to the island of Elba?”
Logan just laughs.
I push my plate away, my appetite now completely gone.
When we were teenagers, Logan was blunt, often taking pride in how direct—to the point of hurtful—he could be. “I’m just being honest,” he always said whenever I told him he was rude or that he hurt my feelings. While his sarcasm was often funny, sometimes his humor crossed into cruelty, especially toward his twin. It was weird seeing him smoothly turn that woman down with subtlety, and to be kind in the face of Seth’s nerdy goofiness.
It occurs to me that maybe I don’t know this twenty-five-year-old Logan at all. He’s a stranger. I’ve changed so much in seven years—why would I expect him to be the same?
“Logan was all over the news a few years ago. International even,” Seth says, pride for his brother shining through. “He’s the one who found the Blackstone Cave.”
“The Blackstone Cave,” I repeat. “Oh, that’s the cave you do tours in now, right?” Seth looks so appalled that I giggle. “Okay, okay, I’m clearly a Neanderthal. Just tell me—what’s so great about this cave?”
“The cave is a huge historical find,” explains Logan. “For years, no one knew where Billy Blackstone and his outlaw posse hid out after robbing the trains and stagecoaches around here. It was like they disappeared like a mirage in the desert.”
“Oh, yeah, I remember that story.” Vaguely. “Well, that’s cool.”
Seth shakes his head. “Bro,” he says. “Come on.”
Logan sighs. “Yeah, it got more attention because it had a hidden treasure. I found a cache of gold coins.”
“Millions of dollars’ worth of gold,” Seth corrects.
