“But the more I’m with Logan, the more attached I get. I ought to break it off now before he has to dump me himself.”
“Or maybe it will never happen. Y’all might end up together, if you just give it a chance.”
“Sure. As long as he stays holed up in his house and doesn’t see how great his other options are.”
“I say you should stay with Logan until one, he breaks up with you, or two, God gives you some big, miraculous sign that you should break up with him,” Kara had said. “And buying a new leather couch doesn’t qualify.”
She’d agreed to Kara’s conditions, but a sense of impending doom hoovered around her.
“Is it okay to give your cell number to Laurie?” Logan asked Ellery as he added chopped bell peppers to the onions sautéing in the pan. “Finn asked for it today.”
“Sure. But why does she want to talk to me?”
He shrugged. “I guess she liked you when she met you at the banquet.”
“Still, I’m nobody.” Unless she thinks it’s her duty because Logan will be working with her husband. She probably assumes we have a permanent relationship. “Does this mean you signed a contract with Phantom?” She added minced celery and garlic and turned down the gas under the vegetables.
“Sent a contract to my attorney this afternoon. By next week, I’ll officially be in partnership with Phantom Enterprises.”
“If it goes well, maybe you’ll be able to work your way into a position on the board at Limitless.”
“Yeah. Wouldn’t that just irritate my stepdad to no end to see me giving a ton of my money to a charity? I don’t think he’s given away a dime in his life unless it garnered some advertisement.” Logan sprinkled seasoning on the mahi mahi steaks.
“Not sure that’s the greatest reason to support a charity, but okay.”
The gate intercom chimed, announcing a new arrival.
Logan frowned. “Were you expecting someone? Is Kara coming tonight?”
“No. You probably ordered something on Bring-It-To-Me and forgot about it.”
“I’ve been known to do that.” Logan grinned as he washed his hands and moved to the intercom. “I can’t see their face. This always happens at dusk, before the light comes on.”
“Just answer it. The olive oil is already hot.”
“Yes. Who is it?”
“Hi, son. It’s Chester. Can I come in?”
Logan’s face turned the color of wet paper.
“My stepdad is here.” The muscles convulsed in his neck. “I should’ve had a restraining order.”
Ellery said the only thing she could say—the thing that was best for Logan. He needed to restore his relationship if it were possible. Family was too important.
“Let him in.”
“Are you kidding me?” His face went from white to red in an instant. “That man attacked you. He ought to be in prison.”
Ellery had refused to press charges. She couldn’t handle the thought of testifying in court. Besides, she harbored a persistent hope that his stepfather could change. That he would see the man Logan had become and repent of his past behavior. It would never be a close relationship, but it had the potential to heal a lot of Logan’s deepest wounds.
“If you send him away, you’ll never know what could’ve happened.”
A growl erupted from Logan’s throat as he turned back to the intercom.
“You’ve got ten minutes. Ellery’s here, and if you so much as blink in a way that makes her uncomfortable, I’ll throw you through the plate-glass window.”
Logan’s blood seethed. Chester had been respectful and penitent. Enough so that Ellery had suggested he stay for dinner before Logan could object. But he knew his stepfather. The man didn’t have a remorseful bone in his body. The contrite façade was nothing but that—a façade. He was a masterful actor in the midst of a screenplay of his own composition. Logan wanted no part of it. And most of all, he wanted to protect Ellery. He winced as Chester made another flattering remark, designed to win her over. Ellery didn’t realize every word he spoke oozed out from some ulterior motive.
“Mom tells me you’re still on Duane Edward’s blacklist.” Logan deliberately baited him, ready for an excuse to kick him out.
“Duane was upset with me for my drunken actions at the wedding, and rightly so, but he’s relented. I’ve been sober for seventy-six days now. Coming here to apologize is part of my recovery.”
“I’m sure it took a lot of courage.” Ellery gave a reassuring smile as she took a sip of water.
How can she be so nice to the man? He’s done nothing to earn her forgiveness.
Logan wadded his napkin and threw it on the plate. “Okay. You got what you came for. You made your apologies. I think it’s time for you to leave.”
Chester’s visage transformed to appear hurt. The masterful mask surely fooled Ellery, who regarded Logan with shock and disapproval.
With an impressive bit of drama, Chester dropped his gaze to his fingers, fidgeting as if he were nervous. “I’d hoped I could spend a little time with you, Logan. I know I can’t undo all the damage I’ve caused over the years, but I hope you’ll let me try.”
“Why would I do that?” Logan asked, pleased to realize the offer held no appeal whatsoever. He’d strived for years to prove his worth to his stepfather. At first, hoping to gain his approval. Later, to lord it over him, to make him regret treating him and his mother as if they were beneath him. Now Logan recognized the futility of his efforts. Chester’s esteem, even if it weren’t fake, had no value. None.
“Because I’d like to do what I can to make it up to your mother.”
