“I am,” Manuel glances from me to the dogs in Logan’s arms and then to Logan. “I wasn’t sure if this was the front door or if there is another one. I know you said it was an apartment inside a house.”
Logan hands me my dogs. I try not to drop them as they squirm in protest. He steps around me and into the open front door. “It’s downstairs. My apartment door is on the right side of the house. I’ll meet you down there in a moment if that’s okay.”
Manuel nods and glances at me again, giving me a friendly smile. “Have a good day, ma’am.”
I nod. “You too.”
Once he’s gone, Logan closes the door and I put the dogs down. He looks nervous and slightly panicked. “That’s the social worker in charge of my custody case,” he explains. “Because I want River to spend nights with me, they have to check out my space. I had no idea it would be today. They do it without notice.”
“Oh. Okay. Well, then go, show him all my hard work,” I smile, and Logan smiles back.
“It’s the worst timing ever. I’m sorry,” Logan says. “I’d much rather stay up here.”
“It’s fine. Go and good luck,” I say and reach up and give him a quick peck on the cheek, which feels really forward for me but also like the right thing to do. “I’m sure he’ll love the place and you’ll have River spending the night in no time.”
“I hope so,” Logan replies and hesitates for just a second, his fingertips lifting and grazing the spot I kissed as he steps onto the porch. But then, without another word, he leaves.
Twenty minutes later, I can’t help but sneak a peek out the front window and I notice Manuel’s car is gone. I tell myself I should just mind my business. Logan will contact me when he’s ready. Maybe the visit went poorly and he’s in a bad mood now? Maybe he’s decided the doorbell saved him from a big mistake. Maybe he has to get ready for that family thing he said he had later today. I make up a hundred more excuses, and then I text him anyway.
Been keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you. How’d it go?
I don’t have to wait more than a minute for his response.
GREAT. He’ll call me in a couple days with the final decision but I feel confident.
I’m grinning as I type back.
So happy for you!
I want so badly to see him again, and it’s almost painful to know he’s basically under my feet. My phone pings again with another message from him.
Thank you for the brunch. I’m sorry it got cut short. Also, how are you feeling?
He is so sweet. I tuck my feet up under me on my couch and type him back.
Fine. Don’t worry.
He writes back instantly.
I’m not fine.
My brow furrows.
Why not?
Every second that goes by without a response feels like an hour. But then his response comes and it’s worth the wait.
Because I had a chance to kiss you and lost it.
“Oh my God he did it. He went there…” I whisper to myself.
I’ll give you another chance if you want it.
I don’t know what is happening right now. I’m nervous and excited and impulsive and all the things I try to avoid like the plague. And I’m loving it. My phone pings again, sending my heart racing.
Really? Then open your front door.
Oh. My. Freaking. God.
