“I think your scar only draws attention to your beauty, like Gretta’s hair.”
“But I have a lot of scars.” Ellery nodded at the patchwork skin on her arm.
“I know.” His smile grew broader. “I have a feeling they’re going to love you. I haven’t been wrong yet.”
I can’t believe I’m considering this. “How much time is involved, and what’s the pay? I’m about to start law school.”
He grinned. “I’m only talking about part time… maybe two nights a month.”
When he shared what he called a conservative estimate, her jaw dropped. If Josiah was right, a job every couple of weeks would cover all the expenses above her current financial aid package. It was too good to be true.
“Wait, was this Logan’s idea?”
Even in the dim lights, she could see Josiah’s face pale. “No, and I’m hoping he doesn’t get wind of it. He was totally against it when I brought it up.”
“He doesn’t think I’m attractive enough,” she said flatly.
“That’s not it at all. He didn’t like the idea of putting you on display,” Josiah said. “He’s afraid you’ll get hurt. And I’ll be honest, you’ll have to be tough if you do this. You’re going to be popular, but there will always be people who are insulting. All of my models have broken down at least once because of a rude comment or a spiteful review.”
So Logan had wanted to protect her. Just one more example of how sweet the man was. She’d been a fool to drive him into Allegra’s arms. Why had she thought Chester’s revelation was a sign from God?
“How is Logan?” She dropped her gaze to the table and used a paper napkin to wipe up the moisture from her glass.
“He’s great. I mean, he was upset about the breakup, but I talked him into taking your advice about Allegra. He’d started to withdraw again, and I thought he was going to turn back into a shaggy hermit. But Allegra coaxed him into going out to eat once. Mostly she’s been hanging out with him at the house. He’s giving her an honest try.”
“That’s great.” Ellery could barely talk around the boulder in her throat.
“Really? I kind of wondered if you had regrets about the whole breaking-up thing.”
What could she say? He’d think she was an idiot if she’d suddenly changed her mind. “I’ll be happy as long as Logan’s happy.”
He gave her a sideways look. “Seemed like you guys were both happy before you broke up.”
“For short term, we were. But our whole relationship was a rebound from Allegra. Logan never took the time to think it through.”
“You’re right about that.” Josiah shook his head slowly. “But that’s just how he is. Logan is one of a kind.”
Ellery nodded, barely holding back her emotions.
“He’s a pain in the rear, but he’s incredibly loyal,” Josiah said. “That’s why I’m hoping you’ll keep this job offer between us.”
“What if he finds out? Aren’t most modeling jobs public events?”
“Yes, but you know how Logan is. He doesn’t get out much.”
“Hey, Josiah.” Kara arrived along with the waiter, who started piling an assortment of foods on their table. Kara’s eyes were wide and hopeful. “Is Logan here? Are you guys eating with us?”
“No, and no.” Josiah stood up, pushing the stool under the table. “I’m here with friends, so I’ll leave you two to enjoy dinner. Good to see you, Kara. And Ellery, what do you say about my offer?”
“Well...” She chewed her lower lip, fighting the urge to dismiss him with a polite thanks-but-no-thanks. This was way outside her comfort zone. She should probably go home and weigh the pros and cons. On the other hand, her habit of agonizing for weeks over every choice hadn’t improved the outcome of her decisions. Maybe it was time to be more like Logan. Especially since something new and exciting might distract her from thinking about him all the time.
What do I have to lose? No, don’t answer that. For once in your life, be impulsive.
“I’m in!”
CHAPTER 21
“Logan, you aren’t listening to me.” Allegra pushed her lower lip out, making it appear even more enormous than usual. Had it been that big when they were dating before? He was fairly certain it hadn’t. Other subtle changes seemed to hint that she’d had some “work” done. The idea had never bothered him before, though it seemed unnecessary. But since meeting Ellery, the thought of someone paying money to achieve such perfection felt incredibly shallow.
Ellery’s law school classes had started today. Logan knew because he’d put a reminder in his calendar. He’d originally planned to take her out for a celebration dinner. Now he couldn’t even call her and ask how her first day had gone. How had everything gone down the drain? He reached to the table beside him and grabbed the bottle of antacids that were his constant companion as of late and popped a few in his mouth.
“Sorry.” Logan forced his mind back to the conversation. For the last few weeks, Allegra had been his almost-constant companion, though he’d rejected all her physical advances. It felt better to have someone around—anyone at all. It kept him from having to think so much about how miserable he was. “What did you say?”
“I was saying we ought to have a party. Invite the whole gang.” She flipped her head, flinging her long blonde hair over her shoulder. “They’d love to see this place. I bet most of them would come.”
“Maybe.” The real answer was no, but why bother to argue? After the Limitless event in a few weeks, he planned to end the relationship in a firm but nice manner. Hopefully he would’ve dated Allegra long enough to satisfy Ellery. He didn’t know because he’d stopped talking to her. In part because of his injured pride, but mostly because talking to Ellery made being apart even more unbearable.
“I know they’d come if I asked them,” she said in a tone probably meant to be reassuring.
“Who?” He’d already forgotten what she’d been talking about.
“Our friends from home. The old gang.”
“I’ll think about it. They never liked me much. They tolerated me because of you.”
Her prolonged sigh could’ve won an Oscar. “I don’t understand why you’re being so standoffish. You won’t make any plans. You answer in one-word sentences. You act like you’re still mad at me over something that happened five years ago.”
