Page 93 of Forgiving Her First Love

“I wish I could,” Biyen said in a very mature and resigned way. “There’s a lot going on at day camp. They really need me.”

Logan looked at Sophie.

“I know,” she mouthed.

“What’s keeping you so busy?” Logan was compelled to ask.

“We go for walks with the elders and we each learn our facts and tell them to the rest of the group when we get back. Did you know that the bears take the salmon into the forest and that’s what helps the trees and berries and everything grow the next year?”

“I didn’t know that, but it makes sense,” Logan said.

“That bears are gardeners?” Sophie asked. “They don’t have thumbs. How can they have green ones?”

“Oh, Mom.” Biyen shook his head pityingly and went to shower.

“That kid should have his own stand-up special.”

“I know. He—” She held up a finger as the shower came on, then hissed, “So what do you think of her?”

“Who? Cloe? I think she’s broke.” He moved Biyen’s water bottle and lunch container closer to the sink, then hung his backpack on its hook. “It seems convenient that she can’t talk about why she was in police custody. I’d like to know more.”

“It’s legal stuff.”

“It’s shifty. And she doesn’t have a phone? Or a home to go back to?”

“She’s trying for a fresh start. I think she’s been through a lot. Don’t forget she lost her sister.”

“It sounds like she’s on the run.” Logan was concerned about that. “And Trystan wants to spend the day with her? Since when does he invite anyone but Em to go along on his hikes?”

“He’s got strong feelings about family,” Sophie defended.

“Mmm.” Or, more specifically, strong feelings against denying family the chance to know each other. Logan respected that, but he was counting the days until Cloe left.

Biyen came out a minute later, scrubbed shiny, hair every which way, wearing his jammie shorts with a short-sleeved shirt with the Spiderman logo on it.

“Teeth brushed?” Sophie asked.

“Uh-huh. Hah.” He offered a breath for her to check.

“Minty fresh. Wonderful. Sleep tight. I love you.” She hugged him.

“I love you, too.”

He looked at Logan.

Until now, it had always been a cheerful, “Good night.” Now Logan felt the significance of his decision sinking into him.

“What’s your preference? Hug? Fist bump?” Logan crouched down on one knee.

Biyen held out his fist. They bumped and exploded it.

“Good night, bud.”

“G’night.” Biyen started to turn toward the stairs then spun back. “Wait. Are you—” He rushed up to Logan again.

Logan bent and listened while Biyen’s hot breath tickled his ear.

“Yeah, I’m going to do that right now.” His heart started hammering with nervous excitement. “I just have to go up to my room for a sec. Do you want to stay?”

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