Chapter Twelve
let’s go girls
“Cassie, no. I don't want to be in a truck with him for 2 hours.”
I tell her, attempting to shut down her suggestion.
“But why not? I thought you two got along?” she throws back at me.
I roll my eyes, “We do. I like him. It’s complicated.”
It's not.
The simple fact is that when I’m around him, I feel things.
Things that I haven't felt in over a year now.
“Ok, well do you have any other ideas?”
“No. Maybe I'll just pay the taxi.” I tell her, even though I know that’s not a feasible option.
“Ok Charlie, what's going on? I know you and there's something you're not telling me.”
Sometimes I forget that she can read me like an open book. I both love it and hate it.
“I like him, Cassie.”
“And?” she says.
I look at her, waiting for it to click.
“OH. You like him? That’s so exciting!” she says, her voice becoming high pitched and squeaky.
“No, it's not. I can't like him.”
“And why not?”
“Sam?” I say, as if it’s an obvious reason.
“Babe, I love you, and I know this has been a touchy subject for a while, but Sam wouldn't want you to miss out on love because of him.”
I know she’s right, but to me, it just feels wrong; having feelings for someone who isn't him.
Someone I hardly even know.
“What is it that you like about him?” Cassie asks.
I think for a second, and the easy answer is everything.
“I don’t know how to explain it, Cass. There's just…” I trail off, and Cassie fills in for me.
“A connection?”
I nod, “Yes. And I don’t know how to navigate this. When I’m with him, it's like there's an electrical current between us that I can feel . I haven't experienced that with anyone but Sam. And to me, that feels wrong.”
I watch as Cassie processes my words, thinking about how to reply.
“Char, no one but you can tell you when the timing is right to date someone. I could tell, you're ready, and it's time, but it won't make a difference unless you feel like you are ready.” she pauses, “Let him take you, so you can look at this store before someone else gets it, and just relax. Don’t think about any of this. Just go, have a nice time, and try not to worry about this connection you have with him.”
Again, I know she’s right, so I just nod in agreement.
“Ok. I have to ask him first though. He might not even want to take me.”
“A road trip? I’m down.” Logan says extremely enthusiastically. “When do we leave?”
I sent Logan a text to meet me at the café, and he was there almost immediately.
“Oh, um, I’m actually not sure about that, I’ll text Cassie though and see.”
“Ok. Well, I’m free whenever so just let me know.”
“I will.” I tell him. “And you're sure you don't mind? I can give you some gas money?”
He waves a dismissive hand, “That’s not necessary. I don’t mind at all.”
“Are you sure?” I ask him again.
He rolls his eyes, “Yes. I promise. Road trips are my favorite, actually, so be prepared for a one-man show.”
I laugh, picturing him singing and dancing while driving.
“I should warn you then, because I put on a mean Shania Twain impersonation.”
He chuckles, his head tipping back, and my face flushes as I get a glimpse of his throat.
Good God, woman, it's just a throat.
“Oh, I look forward to this,” he laughs, and a part of me starts to look forward to it too.
My phone dings with a text as he orders a coffee and a brownie.
They said they can meet tomorrow at 3. -Cassie
“She texts back way too fast for someone who’s supposed to be on a date.” I say, then turn the phone so he can see the text.
“That works for me,” he says.
“I can meet you at your place? My apartment is in the opposite direction, and I don't want to make you go out of your way.”
“I don't mind, Charlie.” he replies, his voice a little sterner.
“I know you don't, but I do. You're already going out of your way to do this for me, so the least I can do is meet you at your place. It saves you probably 15 minutes.”
He rolls his eyes at me, but smiles. There's those stupid fucking dimples.
“You're stubborn, Charlie.” he says, staring at me.
“I know I am.” I reply with confidence.
That night I pack a small bag, just in case, and set everything I’ll need by the front door. My mom always taught me if I’m going somewhere that's more than an hour away, to always bring a back up bag.
I write out some basic instructions for Pudding, since Cassie will be taking care of him while I’m gone. Which I know isn't long, but it’s long enough, and I feel bad leaving him by himself.
I climb into bed, Pudding following close behind and climbing in with me. He makes a few circles by my feet, then plops down with a huff .
“Good night Pudding.” I whisper, then close my eyes, and drift off to a restless sleep.
I let myself sleep in, since we don't have to leave till around 11:30; plus I didn't sleep too well.
I take a warm shower, then get dressed in something cute but comfortable since I’ll be in his truck for a while today.
I stick with leggings and a big t-shirt, leaving my hair in its natural waves and flowing down my back.
I put Pudding in his cage, and tell him Cassie will be over shortly to hang out with him. And by hang out with him, I mean feed him, walk him, and give him belly rubs.
Grabbing my bag, I lock the door behind me and walk to the coffee shop.
As I wait for my coffee, I send Logan a text, reminding him to send his address, and that I’ll be on my way in about 10 minutes.
My phone vibrates with his reply almost instantly.
You're really going to take a taxi here, instead of me coming to get you? -Logan
I roll my eyes at him, even though he can't see me.
I know it really doesn't make sense, but he's already doing so much for me. I can at least shorten his drive time.
Yes. Yes I am. Deal with it. -Charlie
Someone is feeling sassy today. -Logan
I roll my eyes and grab my coffee and danish, then see his next text with his address.
The taxi pulls into a long driveway that is covered by an archway of trees. It’s like something out of a fairytale. As we emerge, I see Logan’s truck in the driveway, some toys outside, and a treehouse in the backyard.
Logan comes out just as I’m paying the taxi driver.
“Logan, your sister's house is beautiful.” I tell him as I take in the old ranch house.
“Isn't it? She got it in the divorce.”
I nod, not wanting to pry into his sister's business.
“Are you talking about me?” a female voice emerges from inside, then a second later I see her come walking out.
I’ve seen her from a distance, but up-close she’s extremely beautiful. Her hair is a golden blonde, and is just as long as mine, and her eyes are a hypnotizing caramel shade.
I look at Logan, and back at her. If you didn’t know it, you wouldn't be able to tell they are related.
“Sorry, I was just telling Logan how beautiful your home is.” I tell her, pointing at her house.
“Oh, thank you.” she says, turning to look at the house. “I picked it out, my ex-husband hated it, so it wasn't much of a fight to keep it.” she sighs, as if reminiscing, then waves a hand, “Come on inside, Logan’s still pampering, so you can sit and have some coffee while you wait.”
I turn to look at Logan, and watch as he rolls his eyes at her.
“I’m almost ready, just have to put a couple things in a bag.”
“You didn't do that yet?” I ask him, my voice teasing, “That’s the first thing I did when I got home.”
“Of course it is.” he laughs. “Give me 15 minutes, and we’ll be ready to hit the road.”
“Mhm. So 30 minutes?” I tease.
“10.” he counters.
“30.”
“Oh, Logan, I like her. Come on, if we stand here any longer, it’ll turn into an hour before you guys leave.”
I laugh, knowing she’s probably right, then follow her into the house.
As soon as I enter the doorway, I’m overcome with the smell of fresh coffee, and the smell of what I assume are chocolate chip cookies.
“It smells amazing in here.” I tell her.
She turns and smiles, and I watch as a dimple appears on her left cheek.
“Thanks. Hazel is baking some cookies for a sleepover she has later at a friend's house. Doesn't have to be there until 5 or 6 but she's already prepping. My little overachiever.”
A laugh bubbles up, but so do some nerves. I’ve already met her once, but I don’t know what she knows about me. Or does she even know anything about me? Why would she, though?
“Well they smell delicious.” I tell her.
We walk into the kitchen, and I see the little girl that came into my shop a few weeks ago.
Now that I’m looking at them, she looks identical to her mom.
“Hazel, Charlie is here.” Sarah announces, making her daughter look up at me.
“Oh, hi!” she squeals. “Would you like some cookies for the road?” She asks.
“Oh. Um, Only if you have some to spare.”
As I say it, both her and her mom simultaneously turn their heads and look at me.
“Hazel always has enough cookies.” her mom tells me, and I can’t help but laugh.
I look over at Hazel and smile, “So you like to bake?”
“Yes!” she says loudly, which makes me laugh even more.
“She started out with one of those easy-bake ovens, but I quickly realized she needed the real deal.” Sarah tells me as she bags up some cookies.
“Well then, I can't wait to try your cookies.” I tell her, and I mean it.
A huge smile spreads across her face, and she grabs a fresh cookie off of the tray, “Here! Try one now, so I can see your reaction. Logan never brings his girlfriends here so no one ever gets to try what I make.”
“Oh?” I ask, now curious by what she means by that.
“No. He’s never brought a girl here, now that I think about it.”
Sarah’s eyes shoot up to me, then to Hazel.
“Okay, I think that’s enough out of you. And Charlie’s not his girlfriend Hazel, they are just friends.”
Hazel frowns, “But she’s so pretty.”
“Who’s so pretty?” Logan asks as he walks into the room with a bag in hand.
“Charlie, duh.” Hazel says, waving her hand at me and rolling her eyes.
I watch as his cheeks flush slightly, and the sight of it makes me giggle. He’s getting embarrassed by his niece, and I’m loving every second of it.
The room goes awkwardly silent, no one knowing what to say, then Hazel speaks up.
“Well?” she asks Logan.
“Well what?” he asks back.
“Isn't she pretty?”
His eyes meet mine, and I think he’s about to get all awkward and embarrassed again, but he says with a voice smooth as butter,, “She’s gorgeous.”
My eyes meet his and my breath catches. He holds my stare for a minute, but then looks away.
Everyone is quiet, not knowing what to say, but Hazel just squeals and whispers to herself, “I knew it.”
I shake my head and laugh, because what else can I do?
Sarah blows out a breath, and hands me the cookies, “I think that’s a good note to end this on before it gets too weird.” she winks at me. “Come on, I’ll walk you guys out.”
“Wait, she didn't try my cookie!” Hazel yells, stopping me in my tracks.
“Oh, gosh. Sorry.” I apologize as she practically shoves the cookie into my hand. I laugh, and take a generous bite.
As soon as I do, the flavors hit me.
“Oh my god.” I mumble, “This is amazing, Hazel.” I tell her.
She squeals and claps her hands, “Yay! I like her Logan, you should bring her around more.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” he laughs and walks towards the door, “Bye Hazel. I’ll see you tomorrow. Have fun at that sleepover.”
“I will!”
Sarah walks us outside, and tells us to drive safe.
Logan opens my door, and I find my bags already in the back of the truck. He must've come out here and put them there when I was in the kitchen.
He looks over at me, smiles, and turns the truck on. “You ready?”
“I’m ready if you are.” I say, smiling back at him.
He keeps smiling at me as he reaches up, pushes a button, and Shania Twain's Lets go girls comes through the speakers.
I burst out laughing, and he starts dancing.
I have a feeling this is going to be a fun trip.