“I thought that was your rental out front. How’s it going, Bruce?”
Logan slides into the booth the same way Julianne did. Every time he calls me Bruce, a shaft of warmth hits me directly in the heart-attack region.
Apparently I’m not the only one who notices Logan, though. Emmy comes right over to my table.
“I’m so sorry, Logan. I had a late lunch all packed up for you but the Sunnybrook contingent distracted me.” She looks from Logan to me and then back at him. “You don’t have to share a booth with her; we’ve got plenty of open tables.”
Awkwardness fills the void as soon as she shuts her mouth.
Logan smiles at me before he speaks. “This is exactly where I want to be sitting.” He finally glances up at Emmy. “Have you met Banner? She’s in town from New York.”
As soon as he says my name, the confused expression on her face turns into something harsh before immediately morphing into the fakest smile I’ve ever seen. And considering I’m from New York, that’s saying something.
“I didn’t get her name. Welcome to our little slice of paradise, ma’am. I’m sure you’re already bored out of your mind, what with you being from the big city and all.”
“I’m just getting settled in, and I can’t imagine leaving anytime soon.” My tone carries a sincerity that Logan can’t miss.
The edges of Emmy’s fake smile start to roughen. “Oh, I’m sure you’ll be done with this place soon enough.”
Logan’s watching our exchange, and he’s not an idiot. “I sure hope not. I appreciate you making Banner feel welcome. She’s pretty damn special to me.”
Emmy’s mask threatens to crack, but she holds it in place. “Special.How sweet. I’ll just leave you two alone then. Unless you still want the club sandwich and blueberry pie I packed up for you. It’s on the house, as always.”
I wait to see how Logan will respond.
“I gotta get back to work in a few. I only had a minute to run over here because I saw Banner’s car. You know you don’t need to keep bringing me lunch. I can handle myself.”
“Well then,” Emmy says, her teeth clenched. “I’ll just leave you alone.”
She steps away and nearly runs smack into Darlene, who is carrying a tray of refills to a table.
“That was ... interesting,” I say, looking at Logan after Emmy stalks away.
“We went out a few times, but we were really never more than friends,” he says in explanation.
I haven’t decided if I feel threatened or not. I decidenotbecause according to Julianne’s gossip, Emmy doesn’t even know about the good dick she’s missing out on.
“She wanted to be a whole lot more, though, I bet.”
Logan covers my hand with his. “Doesn’t matter, because there’s gotta be two people who want the same thing in order for something like that to happen.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask why he didn’t want anything to happen with Betty Crocker Barbie, but I decide that now isn’t the time or place.
“You don’t have to turn down her food on my account.” Although, for some stupid, petty reason, I’m hoping he sticks to his decision.
“I’ve got a couple protein bars that’ll tide me over. But that’s not what I came to talk to you about.”
I take in his stiffening posture. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Well, that’s not true. It’s been a shit day, and I know I said I wanted to take you out on a date, but I’m gonna go up to the hospital tonight to see what I can find out, and that’s not where I want to take you. Do you mind if we make it a rain check?”
Even though I’m disappointed by the idea of not seeing Logan tonight, I completely understand where he’s coming from.
“Of course I don’t mind.”
Logan relaxes in the booth. “Thanks, Bruce. This isn’t something I saw coming.”
I reach out and cover his hand with mine. It’s not a gesture that’s normal for me, but with Logan, it feels exactly right. “You do what you need to do. Don’t worry about me. I’ve got enough work to keep me busy for two weeks.”