“He could’ve been lying about being a billionaire,” said Kara, “but I don’t think so. When I asked him what he did for a living, he said he’s in computer engineering. But he also said he’d created a few apps. He listed Bring-It-To-Me, Spot-Check, Elder-Assist, and Pay-Me.”
Outside the car, Logan swung a booted foot to strike the gas pump before stomping off toward the small gas station convenience store. The gas pump screen read Please see attendant.
“He said he created Pay-Me?” Ellery exclaimed. “I thought that was a Phantom app.”
“That’s what I said. But he said he sells some of his apps to Phantom Enterprises for a cut of the royalties. He knows Cole Miller personally.” Kara gave a star-struck sigh. She was a complete computer nerd, practically in love with Cole, the handsome CEO of Phantom who frequented TV talk shows, brandishing his lime-green mechanical arm. That he was now happily married hadn’t affected her crush.
“Good gravy! That’s how he got to you, isn’t it? What did he say to you? Did he promise to introduce you to Cole?”
Kara gave a guilty cough. “He might’ve said something about putting in a good word for me with Cole if I applied for a job at Phantom. But I won’t finish my doctorate for another three years. I’m sure Logan will have forgotten all about me by then.”
“He must’ve said something to make you abandon your good judgment.”
“Actually, I made the logical choice. Logan agreed it was dangerous for you to be delivering stuff to total strangers’ homes.”
“Exactly! Look what happened when I delivered to him.”
Kara gave a frustrated snort. “With the twenty thousand he’s paying, you won’t have to do that anymore. One weekend, and you’ll be free.”
“Assuming I survive it, now that you’ve thrown me to the wolves.”
“I may have thrown you to a wolf, but he’s a really sweet one.”
“Sweet is the last word I’d use to describe Logan West. He’s rude.”
“Maybe he’s just awkward. Some of us computer geeks aren’t social butterflies like you.”
“Me, a social butterfly?” Ellery muttered. “You know I haven’t been to a single party since the accident.”
“This morning you said you were okay now. You said you’d had an epiphany.”
“My epiphany didn’t include going to a socialite wedding in Houston. I would stand out like a sore thumb, even if I didn’t have a big purple splotch on my cheek.” Ellery groaned, her throat feeling dry. “I’ll be so awkward around all those rich people.”
“You and Logan can just be awkward together.” Kara chuckled shamelessly. “He seems like a really nice guy to me. I may be cautious, but I’m a good judge of character. Maybe the two of you will hit it off.”
“Never mind that. Right now, I just need you to pray I don’t have a panic attack from being on the road after dark.” Ellery spotted Logan coming out of the station.
“You can handle it. You’ve done it before. Concentrate on your diaphragm.”
“I’m concentrating on being mad at you,” Ellery said.
“Are you really upset with me?”
“Not really. But I’m a little nervous about this whole thing.” Ellery watched Logan approach. “I don’t understand why he would want someone like me to be his date.”
“Someone like you?” Kara’s voice was tinged with anger, and Ellery knew why. Kara had made her promise to stop saying demeaning things about herself. Yet, whether she said them or not, those thoughts were always lurking inside.
Logan opened the door and climbed in, handing her a bottle of cold water. “Tell Kara I said hi.”
Ellery clamped her jaw shut to keep her mouth from dropping open. “How did you know this was Kara on the phone?”
His mouth curved in an impish grin. “Because you look almost as irritated as when you first found out you were going to Houston.”
“I’ll talk to you later,” Ellery told Kara, “if I decide I’m still speaking to you.”
Kara’s laughter rang in Ellery’s ear as she ended the call.
“Don’t be too hard on her.” Logan pulled onto the highway feeder road. “I can be very persuasive if I don’t have to talk to people in person.”
“And offensive when you do.” Ellery twisted off the top on her water and took a long drink.
He grimaced. “I deserved that, I suppose. I tend to be blunt.”
Ellery tensed as he steered the car onto the highway, merging with the traffic. At least he was a decent driver.
“You can get away with that if you’re rich. Most people will put up with a lot for money. I suppose you’re used to getting whatever you want.”
His smile disappeared. “Not at all. I can get anything money can buy, but not what I really want.”
“What on earth could that be?” She took another drink.
“It’s not a what…it’s a who. Her name is Allegra.” His hands tightened on the steering wheel, and she could see the muscles working in his throat. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this.”
“It’s the scar. Everyone does it.”
“What are you talking about?” His gaze darted her direction, probably to see if she was joking.
“It never happened before, but ever since the accident, people spill their guts all the time. Complete strangers tell me their life histories. I guess my scar makes me seem safer or more empathetic. I don’t know what it is, but after two years, I’m used to it.”
