Page 18 of Staying Selfless

“It was good. Just basic assessments and meetings. You’ll never guess who my roommate is.”

“Who?”

“Evan fucking Zanders.”

Logan, Marc, and my parents’ heads all snap in my direction with concern plastered on their faces.

“He sounds hot,” Ali states.

“Ali,” Logan quickly interjects, trying to stop her from going any further before glancing over to Marc, who looks exceptionally uncomfortable.

I catch Mary’s gaze, who seems anything but impressed by the little New Yorker.

“Damn. Tough crowd,” Ali adds.

“Zanders is the guy who almost ended EJ’s career,” Marc informs her.

“Can’t you swap rooms or anything?” Concern is clear on Logan’s face.

“Nah. But it’s okay. It’s just a few days.” I give her thigh another squeeze.

Mary has filled most of the dinner with conversation. It’s pretty evident that she’s not Ali’s biggest fan quite yet. The funny part about that is they are way more alike than she probably realizes, but regardless, her not liking Ali will not bode well for Marc.

“EJ, do you want us to come to town for your birthday?” my dad asks me after our plates have been cleared.

“It’s up to you guys, but I’m pretty sure the boys are going to throw me a party just like they do every year, so I doubt I’ll get to see much of you if you do come.”

To be honest, I forgot my birthday was coming up this month. I mean, I couldn’t care less about turning twenty-three, but if it’s a reason for Logan to spend time with me, I’ll milk the shit out of the fact that it’s my day.

“We have the whole weekend together for Gabe’s wedding a few weeks later, anyway. We could just celebrate then?” Mary suggests, which I quickly agree to.

“Logan, you’re coming to Gabe’s wedding, right?” My stepmom directs her attention to my girl. “I know the whole family will want to see you.”

Logan hesitates for a moment. We’ve kept the attention off her most of the night, and I can tell the thought of my cousin’s wedding hasn’t even crossed her mind for quite a while.

“We’ll figure it out and let you know,” I answer for my girlfriend as Mary nods her head with understanding, despite the sad smile sitting across my stepmom’s lips.

I know that Mary just wants Logan and me to be okay, in the same way I do, but Logan needs time to work through some things, and that’s exactly what I’m trying to give her.

Logan intertwines her fingers with my hand that’s been resting on her thigh all night, and my entire body warms from the sensation, reminding me of what she feels like. I give her palm a little squeeze, noting how right it feels to have my hand engulfing hers once again.

“Are we all getting a plus-one to the wedding?” my brother asks.

Mary quickly looks from Marc to Ali then back to her son. “I’m not sure.”

Logan glances at me, sharing a quick wordless conversation about how uncomfortable this is for my brother.

After dinner, all six of us head towards the elevator before going our separate ways for the night. Logan keeps her hand in mine for the walk, and I’m pretty sure I stand a little bit taller because of it.

“I need to try and get some sleep for tomorrow,” I tell my family.

“We were thinking about going out for a few drinks. Check out the city,” Marc says, referring to Ali and himself. “Logan, you down?”

Logan shakes her head. “I’m gonna go to bed.”

“Are you sure?” Ali asks. “Maybe a fun night out would be good.”

“I don’t want to go. I’m just really tired.”

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