Chapter 13
LOGAN
Iglance around the cafe and notice everyone starting to pack up their things and leave.
Alex and the girl behind the espresso machine are tidying things up back there, too.
I check my watch. It’s almost six, which means Alex will be off soon since The Honeycomb changed its hours to close earlier.
I look at my document and realize I’ve finished sixteen of the twenty leads I’m supposed to do for tomorrow.
I sigh and close my laptop. I guess I can finish the rest after dinner or early tomorrow morning.
“You leaving?” Alex asks as he starts sweeping the floor.
“Yeah. I don’t want to be one of those customers who stay after closing…”
Alex smirks. “Well, I’d allow you to.”
My heart stutters. “Uh—thanks.”
Alex looks down at my closed laptop. “Weren’t you gonna show me your leads?”
“I thought you were just being nice, honestly.”
“What? No! I actually want to help you. Let me—”
Alex glances at his coworker, who seems to be watching him impatiently.
“Look, I have to close everything up, but if you’re willing to wait fifteen minutes, I can take a look at them.”
I smile. “Yeah, sure.”
Alex smiles back. “Thanks. I promise I’ll make it worth your wait.”
I nod and watch as he starts sweeping even faster.
Alex’s effort makes me relax.
It’s been a long time since someone actually seemed to want to spend an extended amount of time with me. Not since I was a player.
I don’t want to lose that opportunity, especially if it means getting to talk to Alex more.
“Actually, there’s this really good Mexican restaurant a few minutes off campus that I’ve been wanting to try. Maybe you can look over my stuff there?” I blurt out.
Alex spins around, looking taken aback.
I feel like I’ve made the completely wrong move. We barely know each other, and I just asked him to hang out outside the cafe.
He blinks. “Oh, uh, yeah. That sounds great. I’m starving,” Alex says, a small smile spreading across his face.
My anxiety fades, and I unclench my fists.
“Really? You don’t have to if it’s too out of your way—”
Alex shakes his head emphatically. “No. I want to go. I want to help. The food will just be a bonus.”
“I’ll pay for you.”
Alex frowns. “No chance.”
“You’re helping me. It’s the least I could do. Plus, you already gave me free coffee and a free lemon square, so it’s time I cough up.”
Alex snorts. “Fine.”
“I’ll meet you outside. Take your time,” I say softly.
“Thanks,” Alex mumbles, moving over to the register to start counting the money.
I leave the cafe and put my bag down on one of the benches outside.
I sit down, and a pinch of pain runs up my left leg.
I massage it, trying to ignore the frustration building inside me.
I appreciate Alex because he’s completely removed from my life and all the hell that comes with it. I feel like I can be more myself around him, even if I haven’t talked all that much about myself yet.
The door opens, and Alex and his co-worker step out.
The girl locks the door behind her. “Done with the day from hell, finally. You ready for next week?” she asks Alex.
He nods. “As long as you’re the one making the drinks.”
She rolls her eyes playfully. “Whatever.”
Alex turns to me. The girl looks between the two of us.
“Oh, Vicki, this is Logan,” he says.
I outstretch my hand to shake hers.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Vicki. Victoria, if you’re my parents or people I hate.”
“I promise I’ll never call you that.”
She smiles and looks at Alex. “I like him.”
Alex smiles awkwardly. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Get some rest, okay?”
“I have a chemistry exam on Monday. There’s no chance in hell I’m going to bed early tonight.”
Alex salutes her with two fingers. “I wish you the best of luck.”
“See you, Alex. Bye, Logan.”
I wave. “Bye, Vicki. Good luck on your exam.”
She smiles at me before making her way down the block in the opposite direction.
“You ready?” I ask.
“Of course. I can take off my barista hat and put on my press hat.”
I smile at him, warmth coursing through me.
“Lead the way,” Alex says, beaming at me.
“Uh—this way,” I say, pointing to the right.
We start walking, and something unfamiliar buzzes inside me as I glance down at Alex beside me. For some reason, I feel so drawn to spending time with him, and tonight, I might find out why.