There was a lengthy pause before Logan appeared in the bedroom doorway, his expression grim. “Did he write back this time?”
“No.”
Another pause stretched between us. “Are you okay?” he asked.
Dragging in a heavy breath, my hands fell limply at my sides. “I don’t know.”
“You know you’ve got to stop beating yourself up over this, right? Luke’s safe in Everdeen—he’s got friends there, too. What else do you want from him?”
I gave a small shrug. “I don’t know. I mean, I know things will never be the same, but I just thought that someday we might be—”
“Pen pals?” Logan bit out, brow cocked. “Friends in different area codes?”
Mouth snapping shut, I spun away from Logan and stormed across our room—the newest addition still smelling faintly of fresh pine. Our bed sat centrally, pushed up against the far wall and piled high with a vast array of colorful pillows and comforters. Logan had long ago disassembled the bunk beds, reconfiguring their metal framework into one, much larger bed frame, enabling a queen-size mattress to fit sideways over two twin box springs.
Identical nightstands hand carved by Logan hugged either side of the bed, with mismatching lamps set upon each. Nearby, a second wood-burning stove had been installed, its freshly stoked fire burning brightly from within its iron confines. Our dressers still sat side by side, mine with its drawers open and clothing hanging out, while Logan’s drawers were closed and every item inside neatly folded.
As I rummaged angrily through my dresser, Logan moved into the room. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. It’s just—fuck, Willow, you know how I feel about this shit.”
Ignoring him, I chose a fuzzy blue sweater and a pair of fleece-lined leggings from my ever-growing collection of clothing and began to change.Of courseI knew how Logan felt about Lucas—he preferred not to discuss his estranged brother. Or even think about him, if he could help it. He felt that constantly worrying over something you had no control over was the same as picking at a scab—all it did was hurt.
How very fucking zen of him.
“It’s fine,” I snapped.
“It’s not fine—I shouldn’t have said that.Jesus, Willow, are you gonna pick that up or just leave it on the floor?”
“I’m going to leave it there.”
As I moved to step around him, Logan caught my hand. “Look,” he said, sighing. “If it makes you feel better, then keep writing the letters. We’ll give Luke until spring to answer—if he hasn’t responded by then… maybe… maybe we should make a trip to Everdeen.”
I glanced up sharply. “You’d really go? You’re not just saying that to make me feel better?”
“Since when do I ever say anything just to make you feel better? Besides, he’s my brother—I want to fix this. I just don’t know how. I thought he needed time—these things take time, right?”
“How would I know? This is literally the one and only time this has ever happened to me.” Jerking my hand from his hold, I stormed into the living room, spluttering, “Splitting up families and coming between brothers is just another Monday for Willow, right Logan?”
“For fuck’s sake, Willow—that’s not what I meant.”
“For fuck’s sake, Willow,” I mimicked, flopping down on one of the couches. Logan followed me out, stalking closely behind me throughout the cabin, and taking the seat directly beside me. Scowling, I scooted away. “Get your own couch.”
Logan hefted himself closer, bringing our bodies flush once again. “If this is how our night’s gonna go, I say we skip dinner at the dining hall—we’ve got food here, and no one else needs to be subjected to your moody ass.”
“Whatever,” I muttered, crossing my arms over my chest. “I know what you’re really doing—you always want to stay in.”
“Because I always want you all to myself.”
I had zero intention of heading back out into the cold tonight, zero intention of even leaving this couch. Even so, I replied, “Good for you. Maybe I want to see my friends.”
“You see your friends every day.”
“I see you every day, too.”
“Only after work.”
“And all night long. And in the morning. And sometimes on break.”
“Which is your favorite?” he asked, a sly smile creeping across his expression. “In the morning, all night long, or during break?”
