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After a few moments, I continue, “My dad passed when I was fourteen. Sophia was only a few years old, so she doesn’t remember him at all. At least I have my mom and other family members to talk to about him though.”
When I open my eyes, I’m met with Logan’s, and I can’t believe how empathetic and compassionate they are. He clears his throat, “I’m so sorry, Joyce. I had no idea.”
I just smile and nod. I see the waiter coming over and, trying to be lighthearted, I say, “Quick! Grab the last tartine before they take our plates away.”
Logan does so, and I giggle because he eats it like a kid who found the jar of cookies after midnight, guilty and relishing every bite.
The main course comes, and it’s incredible, and so is dessert, which is a parfait made with berries and a vanilla custard cream. While we finish our wine, a question pops up into my head.
“What kind of show are we seeing?” I ask, curious.
“Opera!” I think it’s the first time I’ve see him cheerful since I met him. “Ever heard ofTosca?”
“Actually, I have. But can I make a suggestion?” I say, hoping I’m not overstepping.
“What kind of suggestion?” Logan leans close over the table and he rests his head on his hand.
“By the shore, near my house,” I begin as if I were a wise storyteller telling one of their tales, and then I giggle before continuing, “There’s a carnival, and it’s their last weekend in New York…”
“Oh, I see.” He’s barely containing laughter, and it’s amazing to see him like this. “Then let’s see if I can win you a teddy bear.”
He signals the waiter for the bill, and the glow around him lets me know that I managed to lighten his mood.
Chapter Fourteen
LOGAN
Ididn’tmanagetowin her a teddy bear because those games are rigged, but I did manage to have a night of fun under the moonlight with a lady that stirs my spirit in every possible way.
With the car parked in front of her building, I turn the engine off and turn to face her.
“This was fun!” I say, surprising myself.
“It was!” she says with an energy she can barely contain.
I reach for her hands, holding them tight. My heart beats fast, and I feel like a teenager after prom.
“Thank you for giving me a chance,” I say, sincere. “I was going crazy over you.”
She laughs. By now I’ve learned to appreciate her laughter.
“Thank you for insisting,” Joyce says, in a tone so solemn I can’t take it seriously. “I think I’ve had a crush on you since the first time we met, but it all seemed so impossible. It still does.”
I reach over and hold her hand, fingers intertwined with hers. With effort, I maintain the smile I’ve been holding since the restaurant, and I notice it’s getting easier and easier to do that.
“You’re still worried about Jane?” I ask, not really wanting to hear the answer.
“Yes,” she nods. “She’s always so protective of you that I’m afraid of what she’ll think of us.”
“But aren’t you supposed to be best friends?” Now I’m confused.
“But brothers are off limits!” She cries out, tilting her head backwards.
“She doesn’t have to know just yet, does she?”
I bring Joyce closer to kiss her and taste the wine on her lips mixed with the wine on mine. Afterwards she looks at me like a guilty child just caught stealing, and whispers softly, “I guess not.”
“Will we be seeing each other out of a work environment again?” I hold her by her waist and feel her breathing under my hand.
