Grabbing my bag, I head out to my car and make a phone call as I hit the road.
“Hello?”
“Mr. Balder? It’s me again.”
“What now? You better be on your way to the airport, kid.”
“I have a favor to ask of you.”
Missing the exit for my apartment, I head to the university instead.
RILEY
The dorm room is full of boxes as Jane and I pack our last few things.
“I can’t believe it,” she says, looking around at what used to be our room. “By tonight we’ll both be out of here. We’ll no longer be students or roommates. Crazy, huh?”
“Crazy. And sad.”
“I know.” Jane sits on one of the boxes. “I’ll miss this place.”
I look around at the chipped paint, the old radiator, and the small bed. Even though the aesthetics aren’t pleasing, they remind me of so many memories. I think about Logan showing up with apple pie. I think about all the times I interrupted my studies to watch him play on my tiny laptop screen. I think about all the nights I stayed up late texting with him.
“I’m going to miss this place too,” I say.
“That said, I’m so excited to live in my luxury apartment downtown and work at Empire Journal as their only new hire this year. Can you believe it? What a dream!” She springs across the room and hugs me, nearly knocking me over. “I’m going to miss you so much.”
I hug her back. “I’ll miss you too.”
It feels good to be missed by someone. These last few weeks have gone by so slowly without Logan. I couldn’t help but constantly wonder what he was doing, and if he was thinking about me.
Just thinking about the Blades being swept in the third round makes my heart ache. Logan worked so hard to get to those playoffs and for him to lose when he was so close to the end makes me feel some kind of way. On the other hand, I feel evil for thinking that this is some sort of karma for how everything went down between us.
I gather my luggage and sweep the room one more time to make sure I didn’t miss anything. The only thing that’s still in the room is the painting that Logan bought for me the first time we went out. I debate leaving it behind for someone else to take. It’s just a painful memory that will follow me around. But I reconsider and decide to take it with me. If anything, I can sell it and use the money on a new New York City wardrobe.
“Are you excited to move to the big apple?” Jane asks.
I got the offer to work at the huge hospital and lab a few days after the interviews and I’ve been in a frantic mood trying to organize everything in time for the big move.
“Yes,” I say, without any sort of emotion behind it.
Jane raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure? That didn’t sound too convincing.”
I sigh. “I just wish the job was here, you know? I don’t want to move away.”
“Oh honey,” Jane hugs me again. “We can still video chat. And you can come and visit me whenever you want. I’ll always have a bed for you.”
I smile. ‘Thanks. You might regret that because I’ll take you up on that more often than you realize.”
She laughs. “You better!”
After saying our last goodbyes, I gather my stuff and make my way to the student lounge as I wait for my ride to the airport.
Whoever was in the student lounge last left the TV on the sports channel. The countdown is on for the hockey awards. Only a few hours left. Part of me wants to stay and watch, to see if Logan wins, but the stress in my jaw and chest pushes down with full force when I think about it.
Was any of it real?
Did he ever love me?
Questions pop up faster than I can answer them, even more so since Mr. Balder offered me a job with the Blades. I had to say no. There was no way I could ever face Logan again, especially not on a daily basis. Breathing deeply, I pace back and forth to release the pent-up energy that’s threatening to take over me.
Ten minutes until my ride arrives. Ten minutes and I’ll be off to the airport where I won’t have to think about this anymore. Leaving my stuff in the student lounge, I go to the washroom to splash cold water on my face.
“What do I do?” I ask myself in the mirror.
I’m a medical intern now. A New Yorker. There will be plenty of other men to date in New York City, plenty of guys who can wash away the memory of Logan.
I shake my head. My self-reassurances aren’t helping. All I want to do is call Logan and leave a really long, embarrassing voice-mail.
Oh god, how am I this obsessed with him?
Five minutes until my ride is here.
Heading back to the student lounge, I grab my bags and try to push away the memories I made in this place. I exhale sharply.
“Time for a new start,” I remind myself.
But I don’t want a new start, my subconscious tells me. I want to stay here.
Stepping out into the hallway, I’m momentarily stunned to see a familiar silhouette standing in the hallway. My heart squeezes in my chest.
“Logan?”
He turns around. His face softens. “Riley.”
He looks as handsome as ever even though I’m having trouble looking him in the eye.
“What are you doing here?” I’m looking everywhere but him. It hurts too much.
“I came to see you, to give you this.”
He holds out my rose pendant necklace.
“Oh.” I swallow past the lump in my throat. “Thanks.”
Taking the necklace, I hold it in my hand.
“It’s been weird not having it.”
I finally look up into his eyes. Those beautiful dark eyes that enchanted me so many times in the past. It’s hard to look directly at them but, right now, I’m mesmerized. I haven’t looked at him in such a long time.
I realize I’m staring a bit too long as I pull my gaze away.
“It didn’t bring you too much luck, did it?” I ask as I fasten the necklace around my neck.
He lets out a soft laugh. “I think its magic only works for you.”
Letting my defiance slip, I smile for a second before going stone-faced again.
“Is that it?” I ask, straightening my posture. I secure my grip on my bags and the painting.
“No.” He steps closer. “I heard Balder offered you a position.”
I hold my chin high. “Yeah, so?”
“And you turned it down.”
“That’s right. I got a position in New York.”
“I heard. Congratulations.” He sounds sincere.
“Thanks. Well…my ride should be here any minute so I should go.”
Holding my stuff tight in my hands, I try to push past him for a dignified and cool-looking exit (as cool as you can look while holding two armfuls of luggage). But Logan steps in front of me, blocking the way.
“Excuse me,” I say.
“Riley, please just give me a few minutes to get these words out.”
I look up at him.
“Riley, I know how much you want to work in Seattle and I know you love the Blades. Balder told me today that the offer is still there if you want it—”
“—Logan, I can’t—”
“—I’ll leave the team if I make you uncomfortable. I don’t want to be the reason you miss out on a dream job in your dream city.”
My mouth hangs open with shock. I look into his eyes. “You would leave the team for me?”
He nods. “Seattle’s great, but I wouldn’t be able to live with myself knowing that you left your home city because of me.”
“Wow, Logan. I’m shocked.” I’m at a momentary loss for words. “As a Blades fan, I have to ask, where would you go?”
He shrugs. “Alabama’s been interested in me for a while. It wouldn’t be too hard to get traded considering their team’s a mess right now.”
“I—I don’t know what to say. My ride is downstairs. I’m supposed to be going to New York City.”
“They’ll find someone else.
I know you want to work here in Seattle and I know you love the Blades. Say yes to the job. Stay here. I know it’s your legacy to stay here and make your aunt proud.”
I look into his eyes. “Why are you doing this for me?”
He takes a step closer.
“I pushed you away,” he says. “When I saw that text, I panicked. You were talking about the contract just before that and my mind went to a dark place. You have to understand that I’m so used to being used and hurt and manipulated by past girlfriends that I thought it was happening again.”
He lets out a heavy sigh and rubs his face.
“I should have known better.”
I look up into his eyes. “I didn’t do it. And neither did Jane. I never showed her the contract.”
“I know.”
“How?”
He shakes his head. “I just know, you know? Deep down I knew you’d never share the contract intentionally. You’re too much of a goody two-shoes for that. And I know you’re not a greedy person, so there was no reason for you to blackmail me for money. And besides, nude pictures get way more cash. You could have easily taken advantage of me there.”
I smirk. “Maybe yours have depreciated in value. It's not like naked photos of you are rare.”
He laughs. “Okay, okay. I see you still like to bust my chops.”
“I’ve missed doing that.” I smile at him, feeling that spark between us again. When the moment lingers a little too long I look down at my shoes. “I should have been more careful with the contract. I thought I had it on me at all times. At least, I usually do. But I guess I left my wallet in my purse during one of the games. I’d always run to the concession stand during the second period.” I pause. “No, that doesn’t make sense. I always brought my wallet with me.”
I collect my thoughts for a moment.
“How the hell did the contract get out of my wallet and into someone else’s hands?” I wonder out loud.
“It doesn’t matter,” Logan says. “What’s done is done. I’m just glad I was able to catch you before you left.”
There’s more tension between us.
“I’m so sorry for accusing you, Riley. It’s been eating me up inside.” His tone is sincere and vulnerable.
“Thanks,” I say. “You know, I already knew I’d be moving away that night, the night we broke up. I didn’t have anymore prospects in Seattle. And you kept talking about the Corazon. I was confused. That’s why I was bringing up the contract. I liked our relationship and I wanted to know if what we had was real or not.”
I look up into his dark eyes. His expression is unreadable.
“It was real to me,” he finally says. His deep voice sends a chill down my spine.
“Oh,” I say. “I see.”
“I still wanted the trophy. But I was more excited to be there with you that night. I just remember missing you so bad and wanting to dance with you in my arms. I guess I got cocky and tried to have both. Now look at me.”
Memories of that strange night flood back before something dawns on me. “Wait a minute… aren’t you supposed to be in Las Vegas right now? The award show starts in a few hours! You could still win the Corazon trophy!”
He checks his watch. “My flight should be leaving any minute but it doesn’t matter. I don’t care about trophies anymore. What matters is you and what you mean to me. I don’t want you missing out on a huge opportunity because you hate me. I’d hate me too. That’s why you should take the job.”
I shake my head in disbelief. “I can’t believe you’re missing the award show to tell me all this.”
“When we broke up, I realized that trophies mean nothing. You taught me that there’s so much more to life than just a trophy or a competition. Without you, I wouldn’t have made up with Coop. You made me a better man. You changed me.”
“Why are you saying all these things?” Tears are threatening to sting my eyes. I do everything I can to hold them back. “Why now?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t know, I don’t know. I just can’t hold it in any longer. And I know you probably hate me, deservedly so. It killed me to play hockey knowing you weren’t in the stands watching me, that you weren’t sleeping in bed when I got home at night. And it sucks that we’ll be living so far away from each other, but I’d rest better at night knowing you’re happy doing what you love, knowing that you don’t hate my guts. Not completely, at least.”
Unsure what to say, I remain silent as I stare at him. My phone buzzes and I know it means that my ride is waiting outside.
Logan touches his chest. “You can hate me all you want, but I need you to know that I love you. I couldn’t let you leave without telling you that. I love you, Riley. I love you.”
The ache in my chest tightens. Such simple words, yet they do a world of difference. I swallow back the emotion that’s forming in my throat.
He’s missing the award show. He wants to move away for me.
The gesture is overwhelming.
“Logan—” I look up into his eyes. “I don’t hate you.”
His eyebrows raise, his lips turn into a slight smile. For a moment, I forget we’re in a university dorm hallway. Luckily, the sound of the student lounge microwave starts humming in the other room to remind us.
“Oh hey,” a nasal voice behind me says.
I turn around to see Keith standing in the student lounge doorway. He’s wearing a fitted pair of jeans and a crisp white button-down with blue paisley cuffs. His hair is cut and styled. He looks like a completely different person.
“Keith, can you give us a moment?” I ask.
Keith steps out into the hallway and I can just tell that he wants to annoy me one last time. But when he spots Logan, his expression changes.
“Oh, my bad.” Keith retreats back into the student lounge.
That's weird, I think. Keith rarely backs off so easily.
“Wait,” Logan says in a commanding voice. Keith stops in the doorway and turns around. Logan squares his shoulders so that he’s staring straight at Keith who looks frozen in place.
“Yes?” Keith asks sheepishly.
“Where did you get those clothes?” Logan asks.
I look at Logan with a raised eyebrow. What the hell is he doing asking Keith about his clothes?
Keith looks down at his outfit and shrugs.
“The store?” He gives Logan a timid shit-eating grin.
“That’s a three-hundred-dollar shirt,” Logan says. “Where’d you get the money for that?”
Keith swallows.
“Well, I got a job with a popular journal downtown.”
“Really?” I ask. “Where?”
“Um, it’s called Empire Journal.”
“No, you didn’t,” I say. “They only had one open position this summer and Jane got it.”
The microwave in the student lounge starts beeping.
“Oh, I—” He stutters as he backs away into the student lounge. “My meal is ready, I should go—"
Logan points his finger. “You’re the one who messaged me. You’re the piece of shit who blackmailed me!”
Keith freezes in place and puts his hands up. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.”
His cheeks turn bright red.
I instantly bring my hands to my mouth. “Is it true?”
“You two sound crazy.” Keith waves us off. “I didn’t do anything.”
“Yes, you did,” Logan says. “At the student bar when Riley and I first started dating. Riley was in the washroom. You looked through her purse because you wanted change for the jukebox.”
“Oh my god.” My eyes grow wide.
The contract was in my wallet. If Keith was rifling through my wallet for change, he definitely saw it.
“Listen, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Beads of sweat are now forming on Keith’s pale brow. He looks exactly like a man who has just been exposed.
“This is what’s going to happen,” Logan says as he breathes in and
takes a step forward, turning his intimidation factor up to a hundred. “You’re going to turn on your phone right now and you’re going to delete all the copies of that image. And you’re going to return the money too.”
A thrill runs through me. There’s something incredibly sexy about Logan giving orders.
“You want me to give back the money?” Keith has an annoyed and crazed look in his eye.
“I can’t fucking believe it,” I say. “Actually, scratch that. I absolutely can believe this. What the fuck, Keith?”
“I never meant to hurt you, Riley. Please don’t hold this against me.”
I roll my eyes. “Open your damn phone.”
“And if I don’t?”
Logan takes another step forward. “If you don’t, I’ll have an army of lawyers suing your ass for the invasion of Riley’s privacy. I’ll tell Empire Journal that you were posing as one of their journalists and that you used invasion of privacy and blackmail to get a story. This will quietly get you blackballed from Seattle’s entire journalism industry. In addition to losing your career, you’d owe us millions of dollars, more than you already owe me. Is that a risk you really want to take?”
His voice is low, threatening, and (frankly) extremely sexy.
Keith is squirming uncomfortably in place. I can’t help but smile.
“Fine.” Keith pouts.
He pulls his phone out and navigates to the picture of the contract. He selects the delete button.
“There,” he sneers. “Are you happy?”
“And our chat too,” Logan says.
Keith navigates to their chat history and empties the gallery, as well as any copies in the cloud.
“Good,” Logan says. “Now, about the money…”
Keith sighs.
“I can wire it to you tonight.” His voice is rife with dejection.
“No, I don’t want it. You’ll send it as a donation to the biomechanics lab at this university. You’ll say it’s an anonymous donation in honor of Mary Jamieson.”
I whip around to look at Logan, giving him a surprised but appreciative smile. He smiles back and my heart softens.
“Fine,” Keith mumbles as he shoves the phone into his pocket. “I’m glad I never have to see you two again.”
“Likewise,” I say.
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