Page 120 of Until the Sea Runs Dry

Jane forced herself not to look at it for fear of the feelings that would rise.

Loki sat at Delia’s feet now as the woman fed him large pieces of bacon that he gobbled up, and Jane knew instantly why the dog loved her so much.

It was simple bribery.

“Logan has explained how the two of you met. What an extraordinary story.” Delia eyes were sympathetic as she looked over Jane.

“I’ve told her the truth,” Logan explained. “How I found you, how you came to stay here because you had no where else to go, and how we subsequently found ourselves drifting toward each other.”

But nothing about the contract. She guessed it wasn’t something his mother would be particularly proud of.

“And you really can’t remember anything from before?” Delia couldn’t imagine how awful that must be.

“Just small bits here and there. We had a breakthrough yesterday. It was the first time I’ve really been able to recall something more tangible than the odd dream, when it’s difficult for me to tell what’s real or not.”

Delia showed Loki her empty hands, so the dog changed tactics, licking her fingers in place of getting more treats. “And that Detective, Summers? He hasn’t been in touch?”

“Not lately, though I guess he will only call if he has news. I should actually update him on my session yesterday…”

“I’ve already done it,” Logan replied, surprising her. “I didn’t want you to worry, and you were having fun with Clare so I called him myself.”

“When? You were filming yesterday?”

“In between scenes. I’m pretty good at multi-tasking… for a man,” he shot a grin at her as a vivid memory of the morning’s love making —and how he had done precisely that — made her look away, for fear that his mother would be able to read the truth in her eyes.

“Logan takes good care of those he loves,” Delia said, not realizing the effect her words would have.

Love? Logan had never said the words before, but was it possible? Could he really be in love with her?

And did she love him back?

The thought sent her reeling.

Logan’s phone chimed with a reminder. He cursed, looking trapped. “I’ve got to get to work. Do you want to come with me? It’s not a heavy day, though it might still take a while before I’m done.”

Delia shook her head.

“Honey, you know I love you, but visiting you on set is so dull. Nothing but waiting, waiting, waiting. I have a much better idea. Why don’t I take Jane out so we can get to know each other better?”

Jane couldn’t tell who was more startled by the suggestion. She and Logan stole a panicked glance at each other.

“I think Jane might have plans already…” Logan began, but at the crestfallen look Delia gave, even Jane could feel herself caving.

“But we’ve only just met. Seems very unfair that the world knows more about your girlfriend than I do. People keep asking me about the two of you, and it’s so embarrassing to have to say that I know nothing. You, being my only son and all.”

She bowed her head as if to hide the glint of tears, but Jane was starting to see that Logan wasn’t the only actor in the family. Delia seemed quite the character, and she was itching to know the woman who had single-handedly raised Logan.

“I can cancel them.”

The beam Delia gave could have lit up a nation. “Oh, that’s wonderful! You go off to work, Dear, and don’t worry. Jane and I will have a lovely time. Go on… go now.”

The woman was practically shoving her ‘only son’ out of the door. Jane had to hide her own smile. Logan dropped a chaste kiss on her forehead, grabbed a hoodie and left, looking somewhat shellshocked.

As soon as he was gone, Delia pivoted round to Jane, hands clasped together. “Don’t worry, I’m not as frightening as I might seem. I do have an ulterior motive for being here, however… did you know it’s Logan’s birthday tomorrow?”

“No. He never mentioned it.”

“He never does. My son might be in the limelight all the time, but deep down, he’s a simple soul. I must confess that what with one thing and another, I haven’t got him anything yet. Why don’t we go shopping together for his present?”

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