One Moment

by Elizabeth Savino

  I get defensive. I have been with enough men to realize when one is aggravated. And the size of Logan makes me realize he could really hurt me if he wanted. But I look around and realize we are in public so I know nothing will happen here. I try to remove my hand from his grasp but he holds me there. Not threatening, more like he wants to remain touching me.

  “What can’t you figure out?” I ask just as curt.

  “One second you’re pulling away from my boy in tears, running from him like he’s contagious. Then the next your holding him like he means something to you.”

  I shake my head stunned. “I never ran from him.” I answer appalled that Logan would think that. Of course he would think that. That’s what happened in the mini mart. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Then look at Logan.

  “I was just taken by surprise.” I tell a half truth.

  “Surprised enough to pull away like you’d been burned and then to run away from a child?”

  “It had nothing to do with your son. I like Cody, he’s sweet, gentle, funny. I never meant to imply that I didn’t want to be around him. I’m sorry if that’s what you thought. I’ll tell you more, just not now. Please, I’m not ready, but believe me it has nothing to do with your beautiful son,” I add softly and look down ashamed from my reaction in the store. If only I could keep my cool. But no, I had to run like a damsel in distress. No wonder Logan looked at me like I was pond scum when he saw it was me renting the cottage.

  “Good to know darlin’’. I was thinking maybe I read the situation wrong. I’ll be here, waiting for you to trust me with the rest.” He replies as his face has softens considerably.

  “So tell me about your girlfriend who I saw you hugging.” I try to smile and change the subject to something lighter.

  It works. Logan visibly loosens up, smiles and answers, “That was Helen. She’s married to one of my good friends, Mark. Mark and I went to High School together and remained friends. They approached me about starting up a program on my ranch that would help children. Mark knew I wanted to change my life around to do more ranch work than police work.

  Their daughter has severe learning disabilities along with other physical problems. They did a ton of research to see what we needed to do to turn my ranch into one that could establish a therapy program. Helen has a degree in equine therapy. They taught me that horses sometimes can connect and have “magical powers” with children who need some extra help.

  So, I have the ranch, and also a child who loves horses. I know the importance of intervention to help children. Sometimes working with animals is the best therapy. It works out for all of us.

  They found amazing teachers and counselors to work with the children. Mark grew up on a ranch and went to college for child psychology so he is great with the kids too. Along with Helen having her degree, she watches Cody while the program is running, along with the other workers.

  It takes some of the stress off me, and my Aunt Zoe who has trouble keeping up with his energy. I fully believe in this program. You should watch it one day when the children are here. Cody lights up when he is on a horse. I think his positive attitude of ‘I can do anything, and everything can help other children too. It is just starting to get off the ground, and so far it’s a really amazing thing to see.”

  “That’s awesome, I’ve heard about animals helping people in all different situations. But to put a child on a horse. Is that smart?”

  Logan smiles a genuine smile, it looks really nice on him. “You really are scared of horses huh? Ever been on one before?”

  “Me, no. No way. You saw how your horse didn’t like me yesterday.”

  “My horse didn’t have a problem with you, you were the one who got spooked. She was just interested in the pretty lady who was going to pet her. She didn’t realize that she was going to scare you.”

  “I wasn’t scared.” Petrified was more like it.

  “Well isn’t this cozy.” The woman who was shooting ice daggers say’s while sashaying up to our table. She puts so much swing into her narrow hips I’m surprised she doesn’t fall over. Doesn’t she realize people don’t really walk like that?

  Logan’s eyes go rock hard along with every muscle in his body. Obviously he wasn’t critiquing her walking style. But from the negative energy that I can actually feel emanating from Logan I know this is obviously not a friendly encounter of two long time friends running into each other.

  “Rachel.” Logan acknowledges her presence. He says her name in a warning tone, not a friendly ‘hey how you doin’ tone.

  Rachel who is either not too smart, or just that full of herself completely ignores Logan’s state of annoyance, and looks over at me. “And don’t you look comfortable. Let me warn you honey, you get more than you bargain for with this package. Although he may be nice to look at, some things just aren’t worth it.” With that she walks away. I stare at Logan who looks like he is about to erupt. But I see him take a deep breath and relax.

  Did she just say that? During my nice dinner and conversation? During my first nice dinner date in like, ever.

  We both ignore her. But I am pissed off. How dare that bitch come over and be rude during my first dinner date out in years. Logan opens his mouth to obviously explain, but I need to calm down. I want to be there for Logan. But unless I get my anger towards this bitch under control or I may go pull her hair out of her head depending on what Logan says.

  I excuse myself to go freshen up before dinner arrives. Logan does that polite half stand as I get up, yet looks concerned. I wonder if he thinks I believe that nasty beast of a woman. I hope not. I’ll rinse off my hands and come back calm.

  In the bathroom I take a deep breath and look at myself in the mirror. I start to give myself my much needed self lecture, thankfully nobody else is in here.

  Unfortunately, as I am about to act crazy talking to myself through the mirror like that crazy ass queen in Sleeping Beauty the bathroom door opens. And yes, guess who walks in. Twat face herself. I feel like I am an actress in a really bad lifetime movie.

  She smiles at me. Yes, smiles like we are long lost girlfriends. But it’s a bitch smile.

  “Honey” she says, trying to act sweet. All I’m thinking is this is gonna be good, “I wasn’t lying. He is so not what he seems. And did you meet his son. Talk about a burden.”

  “Did you just really say that?” I ask, because I am shocked that she did. And not a lot shocks me.

  “Yeah, honey. Just thought us girls should stick together. You know.” She forces a fake smile, but it is just pure evil.

  I quickly respond, not giving her a chance to say anything else. “Us girls? Girls that matter know when to keep their mouth shut, like when they see someone having a nice dinner with a gentleman. Your acting like a jealous bitch in heat who can’t have what she wants. And from the looks of it what you want is sitting across from me at dinner tonight.”

  I then lean towards her gaining some height and give her my scariest narrow eyed glare, and I know it’s scary because Grace used to even back down from me when I used it. And I could tell Rachel looked a little taken back, I guess she wasn’t expecting me to speak up. She grips the sink behind her so tightly her knuckles turn white. Good, I’m glad I still have it. Then I deliver my closing lines, “So keep your jealous high school bullshit to yourself. And by the way, us girls do need to stick together, but guess what. I am officially kicking you out of the club where girls look out for each other. If there was a card I would revoke yours. So why don’t you just slither away to the rock you crawled out of.”

  “You, you..”

  “Yeah and honey, word of advice. When you find a good man, like the one sitting across from me tonight. You do what you can to hold on tight. You go out of your way to make them happy, and if you do lose, you have some dignity. I’m guessing you lost. Now it’s time to go find some dignity.”

  You think I’m done right.

  Wrong.

  I lean in one last time, and now con
fident sashaying Rachel looks genuinely freaked. “And don’t think for one second you fool me bitch. I will punch you in the throat and tear out your eyes without blinking if you bother us again.”

  I hear clapping. I quickly look at the bathroom door and see the hostess holding it open and clapping, a red haired woman laughing, and Logan looking down at his shoes smiling. Well, I guess we had an audience. Oh well.

  I leave the bathroom throwing one last scowl over my shoulder at bitch faced Rachel. Logan puts his hand on the small of my back and leads me back to our table. Before I sit down the pretty red haired woman pulls me into a hug and laughs stating “You’re my hero.”

  I smile at her as she walks away. I look at Logan questionably. “She’s married to Sid, one of my ranch hands. This will be all over the ranch in an hour, if that.” He says this with a smile on his face so I know he doesn’t mind. So I’m not going to mind either. It’s not like I was wrong with what I said.

  “How much of that did you hear?” I ask a little concerned.

  “We all got there as you were giving your academy award speech of kicking her out of the woman’s club…”

  “Ok, ok, I guess you heard most of it.”

  “I was concerned darlin’. You looked like you could spit fire when you left the table, and then I saw Rachel follow you in. I would have been there sooner, but wanted the hostess to open the door to make sure there was nothing going on in the ladies room that I shouldn’t see. I can see when it comes to bitchy women, you can obviously handle yourself. Rachel is a manipulative bitch, but you obviously didn’t need any help. Still I’m sorry she ruined our dinner.”

  Logan smiles at me, and I smile back. We see a red faced Rachel return to her table whisper something to her date and they quickly grab their things to leave. Adios, twat face.

  “Logan, don’t apologize, you can’t know how different people act. We can only be responsible for how we react.”

  We both watch their retreating forms and I turn to Logan and ask, “I take it Rachel is not a fan?”

  “Ex girlfriend. Dated her for a few months. She thought things were getting serious. So serious that she started looking for homes…for Cody.” I gasped. Logan nods.

  “First I let her know that we weren’t at that point in our relationship, nor would we ever be. Then when I told her I wasn’t sending my boy away she turned mean. Not to me, to Cody. And he can only see the good in the world. Everything is covered in rainbows for him, and I want to keep it like that while I can.” Logan looks upset as he reveals, “She tried to act like she was just joking around with Cody, I caught her. She wasn’t, she was being mean. Thankfully he didn’t understand. That was it, the end. Nobody messes with my son. She wasn’t used to not getting her way. Her way would have meant sending my son away from me to a group home. Her lying ass moving into my house. Sitting pretty on my porch swing never lifting a finger to help.”

  “She sounds great.” I facetiously say. Trying to lighten up the situation. Logan’s a good Dad and that must have been hard for him to subject Cody to someone who would be mean.

  “Yeah she’s a real prize. So you’re revoking her card?” Logan jokes. He looks at me, lifts my hands and gives them a squeeze. “Thank you for that. Not many women can hold their own to venomous women like her. Standing up for your man. Seems like my list of owing you keeps growing.” Logan tells me smirking.

  “My man. Being presumptuous Logan are we?” I say calmly, meanwhile I really like the way that sounds. Logan as mine, hell yeah. As scary as my mind makes it seem, something feels so right when we are together. I feel safe. Wanted.

  Logan grasps both of my hands stating, “I’m your man Laura, if you want to admit it, or not. From here on, we’re moving forward together. Is it too soon to think of myself as your man? I don’t give a fuck. I see something in you I didn’t think existed, I am not letting go of you.”

  “Tell me about Cody.” I hesitantly ask Logan, ignoring his statement and changing the subject. I do want to hear about Cody. I want Logan to spill everything that makes him who he is too, yet I keep everything locked up tight.

  Logan’s face softens, “He’s great. Found out he had Down syndrome when his mom, or I like to call her his egg donor, was pregnant with him. That’s a story for another day, don’t want to ruin this dinner anymore than it already has.” I nod.

  Logan continues, “I didn’t know what to expect. Just knew that the second I saw his heartbeat on the ultrasound that I was in love, and would do anything to protect my child. I would die to protect what’s mine. Move heaven and earth for that little man.

  When they placed this little bundle in my hands, I knew I was all he had in the world. It was that moment I swore to him to protect and love him always.

  Trust me, it hasn’t been sunshine and rainbows. Yet I never saw it as anything other than it being just an extra chromosome. No matter what hand God dealt me I knew I would love my child. He plays, makes friends easily and is always smiling. He needed a lot of help when he was smaller, he had low muscle tone and needed help with his language skills if you can believe that.” Logan laughs and I smile back.

  “That is something that if you didn’t tell me I never would have guessed that.”

  Logan smiles and continues, “He goes to school, kids accept him. He’s not a burden, he’s not someone to pity, he’s just a little different. But isn’t everyone different in their own way?” Logan smiles lost in thought.

  “He sound’s amazing, and what I’ve seen of him, although he was sick at the time, is an adorable little boy.”

  “He is. All of that and so much more.” Logan’s voice lowers and I know what he’s going to say is straight from his soul. “It’s easy to forget. Some ignorant people see Cody as a “downs kid.” I know they are looking at me and thinking oh that poor Dad. Honestly most of the time I forget until I see some stranger with pity in their eyes, or someone too ignorant to comment in a not so hushed whisper. It’s only happened a few times. Cody makes me a better person. Becoming a Dad to my amazing son is one of the best things that has ever happened in my life."

  We sit in comfortable silence for a few minutes. Lost in our own thoughts. Logan lets go of one hand, but keeps my other one held gently and he continues his ministrations on my palm. His hands are so big, his fingers moving in circles feels like foreplay for me.

  We continue to eat our delicious food and keep conversation light and fun for the rest of our meal.

  After all of our food is consumed Logan remarks, “OK, you didn’t get out of our last conversation.”

  I feel my breath halt. Which conversation is he going to go back to?

  Thankfully Logan keeps it light, “Back to you riding a horse.”

  I start to shake my head in the negative, but Logan grasps my hand a little harder, leans forward and looks me in the eyes. “Wait, before you say no, I’m not saying lets go home and saddle up now. But the freedom of feeling that power between your legs is indescribable.”

  When Logan says this all I can think is that I want to feel his power between my legs. Logan smirks at me likely using his detective skills and reading my mind, “I get you up on it, swear, you won’t regret it. You’ll ride with me, babe, you’ll be safe. And you have never felt anything like it, the air, the wind, the feeling of freedom. I’ll get you to trust me.”

  I look at him. He’s serious. I also know he won’t let anything happen to me. So I give him the best answer I can at the moment, “We’ll see, maybe.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Rain Check

  After the two glasses of wine with a delicious dinner, a verbal cat fight with a she-devil, and a great conversation with an amazing man, I find myself falling harder for with each passing moment. Logan paid and asked me if I would like go to Claytons for a beer. I’m feeling good so I smile at him and tell him, “yeah”.

  Claytons is great. It’s like the bar you read about in a book. It even has hot bartender brothers. Greg, Blake and Darren Clayto
n.

  Brothers.

  If I wasn’t on the arm of Logan, I would have swooned. My semi inebriated state made me come up with the conclusion that everything in Texas when it comes to the male species was large, not in a big way, in a tall muscular way, and beyond good looking.

  Drool worthy.

  Grace would have loved it here. This thought sobers me a bit. Logan must have felt me tense because he looks at me concerned. I just smile at him and try to shrug my thoughts away.

  Before Logan can question my sudden mood change we are interrupted by someone yelling my name. Yes my name. It’s Maggie. She comes over to our little table. It’s not a surprise that Logan knows Maggie. They exchange pleasantries. Maggie seems really excited that I’m here with Logan.

  “Laura, I missed you on Monday, I thought you were going to stop by and visit me.” Maggie questions, genuinely curious.

  My chest gets a warm feeling because Maggie was looking forward to my Monday visit. I didn’t think she would remember, but so glad she did. Not so she can put my jewelry in her shop, but because she seems like someone I’d like to have as a friend.

  “Sorry. I know. Something important came up that I had to take care of.” When I say this I feel Logan’s arm squeeze tighter around me. He must have realized that I was referring to taking care of Cody. I look at Maggie and feel a genuine smile on my lips as I say, “I’ll take a rain check though.”

  “Absolutely,” Maggie say’s while looking thoughtfully between Logan and me. “When you come by the shop we’ll go out for lunch too.”

  “I’d really like that Maggie.” I say with meaning. Maggie asks if we want to join her and her friends for a game of pool. Immediately I tell her “Yes, absolutely.”

  Alcohol always loosens my tongue, so I didn’t want to stay alone anymore and have Logan try to interrogate me, which I could feel was next on his agenda.