AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A light of potential that had once burned bright within his heart was just extinguished. As much as it would kill him to do so, he would not tell his best friend the truth about why he was leaving. He had been in love with her for a while, but had yet to make his feelings known. He always assumed he would have time. It had just run out.
“Hey.”
Logan looked up to see her smiling down at him.
“Hey.”
Dakota sat next to him on the park bench. “Sorry I’m late. You can’t believe the amount of time it took me to finish up the chores Granny set out for me. It’s like she knew I was in a rush to come see you and found a million reasons why I had to stay.” She laughed. “But I finished, and here I am.”
Logan nodded.
“So, what did you want to do this afternoon? A movie? A walk through the park? What about a trip to Navy Pier, or a boat ride?”
“I can’t,” he replied. “I won’t be able to stay as long as I’d hoped.”
“Oh, well, that’s okay,” Dakota replied, wrapping her arm around his. “I’m glad to see you, no matter what.”
Logan closed his eyes and sighed. “Koty, there’s something I have to tell you.”
She glanced up at him. “Okay. Shoot.”
“I have to go away…to New York…for the summer. I’m…I leave in a few days.”
She sat up and faced him. “What? New York? Well, that’s not too far away. We can still see each other, right?”
He glanced away. “My father wants me to learn the family business. That’s going to take up most of my time.”
She laughed. “You’re kidding, right?”
Logan shook his head. “No, Koty. I have an internship at Montague. It’s an opportunity I can’t pass up. It’ll help me when I start working there after college.”
“But…I thought you didn’t want to work for the family business? You always said it wasn’t for you.”
“I know…but things change.”
“That’s a pretty big change, Logan. I don’t understand why you’re just now telling me. You’re practically gone tomorrow, and you spring this on me now?”
“I’m sorry. I just found out about it myself. It’s all arranged.”
The hurt in Dakota’s eyes caused Logan’s heart to tighten.
“Well, this sucks.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner.”
Tears fell in earnest now. “It’s not your fault. You didn’t know, right?” She hugged him tightly. “I’m going to miss you, Logan—more than you know.”
He breathed in her scent. She was the most important person in his life. The turmoil he felt at saying goodbye was almost more than he could bear. No, this was wrong. He had to level with her. She deserved the truth, no matter what he promised.
“Dakota, there’s something you need to know. I—”
His cell phone chirped. Logan glanced down at the screen. It was a text message from his mother.
“I’m sorry, Koty, but I have to go.”
“Oh.” She stood up, her expression crestfallen.
“I’ll call you later.” He tried to muster a smile, but failed miserably. “Let me see you home.”
“No, I want to walk for a while. I just… I can’t believe you’re leaving so soon, Logan.”
He pushed the hair out of her eyes. “Me, either. There’s so much I wanted us to do.”
“Me, too.” She turned to face him. “It’s our last summer before college. I thought we’d have more time.”
“Hey.” He reached out and took her hand. “Don’t cry, Koty.”
“I can’t help it, Logan. I feel like my heart’s going to break.”
“You think it’s any different for me?” he said raggedly.
She hugged him tightly, and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll miss you.”
“Koty…forget waiting. There’s something I want to tell you.”
She smiled. “I know what it is.”
Logan sighed with relief. “You do?”
“Yes, and I love you, too, Logan. You’re the only best friend I’ve ever had.”
She threw herself into his arms. He felt utter disappointment. She loved him. Like a friend. He felt like he had been punched in the gut. His confession about his true feelings halted before it could be voiced. “Me, too. I’m sorry, but I’ve got to head home.”
“I’m glad you told me in person, and that I could see you one last time, Logan.”
He hugged her. “Me, too. Goodbye, Koty. I’ll call you when I get there, okay?”
