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A police cruiser pulls up to the park entrance to patrol the area. Logan climbs out of the passenger seat before releasing his daughter from the back. I glance around for clues of why a cop is dropping them off and register Chief Polske to be the officer driving the vehicle.
Even in my confusion, I struggle to keep my eyes trained on Logan’s face. I smile, probably too wide, and my eyes roam over his tight jeans and plaid button up. It looks like the same one he wore when he introduced himself at the library, and the fondness of that memory warms me against the chill in the air. His faded jeans and brown boots contribute to the quintessential male fall aesthetic he sports.
Maggie spots Rainey and races off to join her friend. I pick out a wooden bench overlooking the playground, and Logan takes a seat next to me, crossing an ankle over his knee.
“God, these benches are much better than the ones at their school,” he says. “Did you two have a good time at the water park?”
“Rainey played until she couldn’t even walk herself back to the car. My back may never recover from carrying her.”
Logan smacks his head with his palm. “Yeah, that’s the worst. I forget about how much heavier Maggie’s getting until something like that happens, and then I miss her being a toddler.”
“I’m sorry you couldn’t make it yesterday—hopefully next time.”
A barely discernible pinkness spreads along Logan’s cheeks and he stumbles over the words he tries to get out.
“We—” He glances down at his hands and then back up to my face, his gaze solemn. “I’m going to be honest, okay? We didn’t join you at the water park yesterday because I couldn’t afford it.”
I shrug. “That makes sense—you’re still looking for a job. You’ll find something. The job market’s tough right now. A couple of my co-workers have partners in similar situations.”
He sighs heavily, his discomfort obvious. “I appreciate you trying to make me feel better, but my situation’s become problematic quicker than I’d expected.”
“What’s that mean?” I narrow my eyes, waiting for his explanation.
“I knew with moving into my new place I’d have to find work fast. When Hannah got sick, I stepped back from my job to care for her and Maggie. Our savings should’ve carried us until she was doing better and I could return to work.”
“But she died.” I finish his thought.
“Yes, she died, and I didn’t return to work. She was only hospitalized for a month, but it’s frightening how quickly medical bills pile up. I learned the hard way the medical bills of the dead still have to be paid.”
“Oh.” I’ve never had a reason to consider what happened to the medical expenses of someone who dies before they’re paid.
“I worked something out with the hospital and, between Hannah’s life insurance policy and our savings, the medical bills were paid. Unfortunately, it wiped out most of the cash I was depending on.”
“Is that why you came to stay with your family?”
“Partially. I needed to get out of California and start fresh. Seeing the people and places around me carry on as normal felt like a daily slap in the face—a reminder that the rest of the world moved on without Hannah, but I was just stuck. I couldn’t wake up and face that every day.”
We sit in silence, staring out over the playground and watching the kids play.
“It looks like I’m moving back in with my aunt and uncle. I should’ve been okay, but my car’s now in the shop thanks to Alexandria’s City Government not fixing a pothole the size of a crater. Looks like it’s the nail in the coffin for a shot at having our own place right now.”
My heart freezes, and the muscles in my arms tighten as I clench my fists. If Logan’s asking for money, I won’t give it to him. I’ve learned the hard way, after being taken advantage of time and time again, giving or ‘lending’ money never ends well for me.
“Damn. I’m sorry.” I say genuinely.
“I knew I was taking a risk moving out on my own before lining up a job. But it was a calculated risk. I’d find a job within a few weeks and everything would be fine. After the axle snapped on the SUV…it’s just not going to work.”
“How’d your landlord take it?”
“I haven’t told him yet. I’m calling him in the morning. He cut me a break to begin with, and even though I’ll make things right when I can, it’s just a tough situation. I’m not looking forward to sharing a tiny box and air mattress with Maggie again.” He attempts to lighten the mood with a laugh, but it comes out awkward and fake.
“I’m grateful, and I appreciate my aunt and uncle,” he continues. “They’re the best. It’s just humbling to go back. Their home’s not big enough for all of us.”
Maggie and Rainey slice through the tension when they gallop over to us. I reach out to catch Rainey in my arms and squeeze her sweaty body into a big, embarrassing hug before tossing her the water bottle we brought. She gulps down half of the bottle, and the two take off for the see-saws.
“I wish I could help,” I offer, searching Logan’s face, trying to decipher what he wants from me.
“No . . . No. That’s not what this is about.” He shakes his head, which causes his glasses to go sliding down his nose. He pushes them back up and defensively puts both hands up in front of his chest. “I’m not asking you for anything. Just venting to a friend, I promise. I’d have spared you and just bitched at Paul, but he’s working crazy hours, and I barely see him anymore. I’m just glad he gave us a ride over here.”
