I needed to write again.
* * *
There was nothing in my wardrobe suitable for a night out. I had clothing for work, skirts and shirts, but no dresses. And I wanted a dress.
“I’ve got some things that might look good on you,” Rebecca had said during the weekend.
We took over the employee bathroom on Monday for me to try on dresses. Not only did it have cubicles for me to get changed, there was a big mirror along one wall to look at myself in.
Nothing seemed right. They were too tight or too baggy, and one sat so uncomfortably I would have been adjusting myself all night. No. I needed something that would fit well and be no hassle to wear. Rebecca and I were clearly not exactly the same size.
And then she pulled the last one out: a cute little dress of deep blue with enough of a plunging neckline that I could show off some cleavage. Hopefully it would fit.
It was meant to be. The soft fabric floated down me, clinging to the right places, a little flowy in the wrong places, and showcasing the most impressive boobage look I think I’d ever had.
“Cinderella,” said Rebecca, standing behind me as I looked in the mirror. “You shall go to the ball.”
I couldn’t believe it and wanted to cry at just how perfectly it fitted.
“You can keep that dress if you want to. It doesn’t sit right on me. Looks amazing on you. Versatile too, you can dress it up to be glamorous, or wear it with flats and a cardigan to be smart casual.”
Excited, I flung my arms around her and hugged tight.
“He’ll love it too. You look so pretty.”
I looked back in the mirror. My long, dark hair was up in a ponytail, scraped off my face so it didn’t annoy me. My mornings were mostly so rushed I didn’t get time to brush my hair, so there was bound to be a knot or two in it.
My makeup-free face looked tired, small smudges of purple under my eyes that showed my lack of sleep.
“You should go and get your hair done. And your makeup. I know a place you can go to not far from where you live that does both.”
I shrugged. It'd be a while before I received any money from my writing. I didn't really want to take any money out of my savings if I didn't have to.
“Olivia, make the most of it. Even if you’re not out to impress Logan. Enjoy yourself.”
I smiled, and Rebecca tugged on my ponytail. “And get someone to take photos, I want to see you on the arm of that hunky neighbour of yours.”
On the way home, I stopped at a department store and grabbed some basic makeup. When had I stopped taking care of myself? Right near the door were some beautiful hair pieces, perfect for twisting my hair into a bun, or something more tidy than my usual appearance. I didn’t need to waste money on someone to do my hair and makeup; I’d take care of it myself.
After dinner I set to practicing, and went into the bathroom to apply some make up. I’d worn this stuff all the time when I was a teenager, but at some point life had just gotten too crazy and it all seemed to hard.
I ran the brush across my eyelids with the eye shadow that I thought would go nicely with the dress. It smudged a little, and I used the rubber end of my brand new brushes to wipe the excess away. A few goes at it, and I’d have my technique sorted.
Carefully, I applied the mascara.
“Mum, you’ve got your tongue hanging out.” Thomas giggled as he pointed at me. I’d been so deep in concentration, I didn’t even notice.
“I’m glad you think it’s funny. Want to try some?”
“That’s girl stuff.” He disappeared back to the living room and the board game he and his brother were playing. It was Monopoly, but they were making up the rules as they went along.
I applied a tiny bit of blush on my cheeks, and then came the part I always found hard. Lipstick. Slowly, I traced the shape of my lips with the waxy substance, making them a pale shade of pink.
Perfect.
Lost in thought, I didn’t hear the knock on the door at first.
“Mum. There’s someone at the door.” Jack was rolling his eyes at me as I came back out to get it.
I made my way to the door, looking down at their game as I went, squinting to see what they’d done. The little houses were lined up along one side of the board in a pretty little green and red pattern.
“It looks nice and tidy,” Jack said with a grin.
I laughed. “It sure does.” Turning towards the door, I called out, “Who is it?”
“Logan.”
Crap. Was he here to cancel our night out? Stop thinking the worst. Just open the damn door.
I pulled open the door, smiling at him.
His eyes widened as he took the sight of me in. “Wow, you look … wow.”
Oh. The makeup.
“Just playing around with some stuff.”
He seemed distracted, running his eyes across my face. “Um yeah, I wanted to let you know that we’re all good for Saturday. Maddy will come around five and we’ll go around six, if that suits you. Gives her a bit of time to sit with the boys beforehand.”
I was pretty sure my heart exploded. “That sounds great. I’m looking forward to it. What do I wear?” I might have the dress, but how I wore it would depend on the answer.
“Smart casual. Bit dressy, but not too much. I think that's what it means. I'm looking forward to it too.” For once he didn’t wink or grin or look at me in that sly way that made my heart pitter-patter. He looked so earnest, and I still wanted to jump his bones.
Mind wandering.
I sighed without thinking, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.
“I’ll leave you to it. See you Saturday at five, if I don’t see you before.”
I just nodded, not really sure what to say next. The tension between us was thick, but I didn’t know if he saw the magic there or not. There were times when I felt like a teenager again, having missed those years where you go out and have all of the fun, along with all of the confusion that went with it. This was one of those times.
Logan nodded toward me. “Olivia.”
One word. It was my name, but it left me undone. When I closed the door, I just stood there, staring at it, even though he’d gone back home. What was he doing to me? Did he even know? Was I that deprived of true companionship I was getting this all wrong?
Now I’d have to wait for Saturday.
Chapter Sixteen
Saturday couldn’t come fast enough. Maddy turned up at 5.30pm, later than arranged, but not enough for me to have flown into a full-blown panic. She smiled when she saw the boys parked in front of the television, eating cocktail sausages for dinner.
“Those look amazing. Are there any for me?”
“There are some more in the kitchen,” Jack said.
I laughed. “I usually do a few more just in case they want extra. It’s my ‘holy crap, I need to sort something out fast’ meal.”
Maddy cradled Carly in her arms, and I reached down to stroke the baby’s downy hair.
“It’s fine,” she said. “I do the same thing and this one doesn’t eat yet. Do you want to hold her?”
As soon as the boy’s dinner was cooked, I’d changed and applied makeup, twisting my hair into a tight bun. It was early but I was ready to go, and I looked at the baby, sizing her up. Knowing my luck, I’d get her into my arms and she’d puke all over me.
What the hell?
“I’d love to.”
She handed Carly over to me and turned her attention back to the boys. What was I worried about? Just by asking if she could have the same dinner as them, they seemed to have become instant friends.
“I’ll show you where the sausages are,” Jack said, so seriously it was hard to hold in my laughter at his straight expression.
Holding Carly so close, I started rocking back and forward, tracing my finger down her face. She was just so precious, those big blue eyes gazing at me, her rosebud lips in a pout as she weighed me up. Those same lips wobbled and turned down as she decid
ed whether or not to cry before I started bouncing her, and she broke out into a smile.
“Such a mum thing,” Maddy said as she returned with a bowl of food.
“I have done it twice.” I laughed as I shook my head at the baby. “You’re not going to cry for me, are you little one?” We jiggled for a while and I barely noticed the knock on the door. I looked up to see Maddy at the door, shrugging at me. With my arms full of her baby, I nodded and she opened it. Logan stood on the other side, his eyes locking with mine as he noticed me there with the baby.
“Hey Maddy, Liv,” he said, never taking his eyes off me as he entered the apartment. Jack and Thomas both rushed to him, one latching onto each leg, and he ruffled their hair.
“Hello Carly,” he said, leaning over her. She shifted her focus from me to him and screwed up her face again as if to cry.
“Hey, we had a deal,” I said, her little head twisting back toward me as she tried to work out who to look at.
Maddy laughed. “I’ll take her off your hands so you guys can get out of here. I’m sure we’ll be fine.” She reached for her baby and I passed her over, but not without kissing her tiny little hand and breathing in her baby smell.
“Oh, Maddy, she is so beautiful,” I said.
She grinned at me, snuggling Carly in her arms. “She is so freaking cool. My little monkey.”
Logan nudged me, tripping me out of my daydream. “You ready?”
I took a moment to take a look at him all dressed up. He still wore his black jeans, but instead of a T-shirt, he had a dress shirt on, ironed to perfection and buttoned up, but with no tie. Good enough to eat. I mean … “I sure am.”
He grinned, and I caught Maddy out of the corner of my eye stepping back.
“I’ll just grab my bag.” My heart was in my throat as I turned toward Maddy. “My mobile number is on the fridge. The boys usually go to bed around seven thirty, but if they’re a bit unsettled, don’t worry too much about getting them off early. Particularly Thomas; he might be a bit funny about me not being here. And …”
“Don’t worry. We’ll be fine.” Maddy looked over my shoulder. “Won’t we, boys?”
They both nodded in agreement, mouths still full of food.
“Be good.”
I got hugs from both of them, and grabbed my bag on the way out. Taking a deep breath, I turned to Logan. “Ready.”
He took my hand in his, leading me out my apartment and down the steps to the car, opening the door for me before getting in himself.
“You look amazing,” he said when we were alone.
“Thanks. You don’t scrub up so badly yourself.”
He laughed. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Starting the car, he reversed out of the park, turning and driving out onto the road. Nerves were eating me alive, the butterflies in my stomach turning into bees, flying around wildly and stinging me everywhere. This was so silly.
“The boys will have a ball with Maddy. She’s a big kid at times herself.”
“I’m not really worried about them. She just walked in and managed to fit in straight away. Oh hell, I didn't check my mobile, it's usually buried in my bag. It could be flat for all I know. I mean, what if something happens and Maddy can’t call …?” I knew I was babbling, but I couldn’t stop it.
Logan reached across and squeezed my hand. “They’ll be fine. If Maddy needs anything, she’ll call me. I’ve got my phone in my pocket. They’ll be fine; it’s just a few hours.”
* * *
“That’s where we’re going.” Logan slowed as we approached the place. It was a car park, littered with marquees and cars.
“A car show?”
Logan grinned. “They’re a company that makes lube for cars. Where did you think I was going?”
I shrugged, my cheeks heating with embarrassment.
He turned, his dark eyes twinkling. “It's a party within the car show. It'll be a mix of people dressed up and dressed down. Besides, you’ll be the prettiest girl there.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Come on. You’ll turn every head in the place. I’ll be proud to have you on my arm.”
As he got out of the car and walked around to open my door, I took a deep breath. I hadn’t socialised in forever; this whole thing was nerve wracking. I could only hope I didn’t screw it up.
The door opened, and he stood there, hand extended for me to take. With a smile and another deep breath, I placed my hand in his as I climbed out, terrified I’d make a misstep and fall on my face.
Wherever we were, it was exciting as I watched people mill around the exhibits and the cars. I don’t know if I would have called it a party, at least from out here, but I soon realised what Logan was talking about.
One of the marquees was closed off, with a bouncer standing at the entrance. As we drew closer, the thumping music sounds drifted through the air toward us. Whoever was in there was having fun.
“That’s where we’re going,” Logan said.
I nodded, following his lead. When we got to the bouncer, Logan produced two tickets from his back pocket. This hulk of a guy looked us both over, raising an eyebrow no doubt at what I felt was my obvious overdressing, but stepped aside to let us in.
Inside was a long buffet table, with a bar at one end. A dance floor took up the centre, where a handful of people were moving to the beat. Most were scattered around the sides of the tent, deep in conversation, the occasional person glancing at us as we made our way to the bar.
“I’m driving, so I’m going to drink Coke, but you treat yourself.”
I cast my eye over the selection. “Vodka and lemonade, please.”
Logan moved behind me, placing his hands on my hips and leaned forward. “Be careful. I don’t want you drunk when I take advantage of you.” He looked up at the barman, speaking much louder this time. “Coke for me, please.”
While we were waiting, I gulped, taking a deep breath to suppress my nerves and leaned back against him, relishing the feel of his hard chest. He lifted one hand, sliding his arm around my waist. “Now what am I going to do with you?” he asked.
I shrugged, laughing. Whatever you want to do.
I did not think that.
Yes, I did.
I sighed, and he pulled me in tight against him.
“Logan.” A man’s voice came from beside me, and we both turned our heads to look.
“Richard.”
“I’m so glad you could make it.”
Logan let go of me to turn and shake the man’s hand. Richard, whoever he was, looked me over, his eyes lingering around my cleavage. Oh. Awesome.
“This is Olivia,” he said. “Olivia, this is Richard King. It’s his party.”
“Nice to meet you.”
He licked his lips. “You too. Are you Logan’s girlfriend?”
The hair stood up on my neck as he ran his gaze over me.
“Yes,” Logan said. “My amazing, beautiful, pain-in-the-butt girlfriend.” He grinned at me, winking as I gripped his arm.
Threat disarmed.
“Oh. Well have a good night, you two. There’s plenty of food and drink, and I want to see you out on the dance floor.” That last part was directed at me. Maybe he thought he could look up my dress if I was out there dancing or something—he seemed that creepy.
Logan grabbed our drinks from the bar, and we found a quiet little spot near the buffet table to sit.
“Sorry about that,” he said.
“There’s nothing for you to be sorry about.” I smiled as he passed me my drink.
“I saw how he looked at you. Like you were some prey to devour. I mean, shit, maybe I looked at you like that too, I don’t know. You’re so freaking hot in that dress.”
The ice in my drink couldn’t cool me down fast enough.
“You didn’t look at me like that.” I placed my hand on his arm, and he met my gaze as I gave him a small smile. “I don’t feel uncomfortable with you. I never feel uncomfortable with y
ou. Him, however? He can just slither on out of here back to wherever he came from.”
Gathering up my courage, I leaned my head on Logan’s shoulder, and after a moment, he leaned his head on mine.
“You make me feel safe,” I said.
The room might as well have been empty. I didn’t care about anyone else in it—didn’t see anyone else in it. As far as I was concerned, it was just Logan and I, and I didn’t care if he knew how I felt about him. He was what I wanted.
He reached for my hand, interlinking his fingers with mine and I knew he was feeling the same way.
“You make me feel like part of your family,” he whispered, lifting his head to kiss my hair.
I sat up straight, sharing a smile with him. “As far as the boys are concerned, you are family.”
“And you?”
I nodded slowly, coaxing out that grin of his.
“Let’s get out of here,” he said.
“What? I thought we were going to make the most of the free food and drink.”
He glanced around the room, and whispered in my ear. “Now I’m here, this is the last place I want to be with you. Fancy a burger?”
I grinned. “McDonald’s or Burger King?”
Logan shook his head. “Macca’s of course. I don’t know if I can hang out with you if you don’t prefer it.”
I tapped my chin with my index finger. “Let me think …”
“Oh, you did not just have to think about it.”
“McDonalds is fine.”
* * *
Logan had insisted on paying, and laughed as I picked the pickle out of my cheeseburger.
“I could have ordered it without the pickle.”
Shrugging, I took a bite, tasting the burgery goodness and sighing. “I don’t want to make a fuss. It’s no problem.”
“Just as well I like it.” He picked the discarded vegetable off the burger wrapper and gobbled it up, waggling his eyebrows at me. “Now when Maddy asks me how tonight went I can tell her I ate your pickle.”
I nearly choked on the next mouthful of burger, grabbing my Coke to take a large drink.
“You’re trouble, Logan Mitchell,” I said between coughs.
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