Page 112 of Misfortune and Mr. Right

As if dating Logan requires me to be careful. He’s not what I thought he was. He respects me, compliments me, supports me, and admires me. He’s not the guy he used to be.

“You two have been moving awfully quickly,” Lynette adds.

“We’ve known each other forever,” I remind her.

“I know. I know. And obviously he’s generous. Don’t get me wrong. He did pay my rent. That’s massive. And I’m infinitely grateful. That has nothing to do with how I feel about him foryou. I shouldn’t have any misgivings about what he’s capable of when it comes to ripping the rug out from under you when you least expect it. After what he did for me, I should drop all my suspicions and give him a chance. I know. And I’m sure my doubts will diminish over time.”

“Logan’s amazing, Lynette. Really. As you’ll recall, he didn’t even take credit for that gesture. Do you know anyone who would do something that amazing and not let anyone know? I don’t. And yet, I do. It’s him. And it’s not just that. I see Logan so much more clearly now. He’s tender, thoughtful, kind, funny. He takes time to notice me, even things that should seem insignificant. He’s nothing like I thought he was.”

“You’re falling for him.”

I pause, her words hitting me at first like a splash of cold water, but the more I let them soak in, they refresh me.

Am I falling for Logan?

“I think I am.”

“Okay. Well, so much for taking things carefully.” Lynette chuckles.

“I think I’ve been too careful. All these years, I’ve held him at bay. I’m finally giving him the chance he deserves. Give it time, Lynette. You’ll see. He’s not like he was.”

“I hope you’re right. Anyway, I promised to zip my lip. I am now. For real. I’ll trust your judgment.”

“Thank you.”

I hang up and turn around. Darwin must have walked into the conference room when I was on the phone, and I didn’t even notice. He’s talking with Logan as I approach the doorway.

“It really came down to you and Olivia,” Darwin says.

Logan’s still sitting at the table where we were just collaborating on the branding concept for the new client. He’s staring up at Darwin, totally focused on our boss.

Darwin continues talking to Logan with his back turned toward me. “The extra effort you put in and the way you sold yourself as a candidate convinced me. I’m going to announce your promotion to the team next week. Congratulations, Logan. I knew I made the right move bringing you here. You’ll be the ideal replacement for Rick with your natural leadership skills. You saved the Untethered campaign early on in our work with them. Bailing Olivia out during that powerpoint showed me how well you think on your feet. I’m eager to see what you bring to the marketing manager position.”

Loganwhat? Sold himself as a candidate—even when he knew the decision had come down to him and me?

Lynette’s words ring through my ears like the bell at Notre Dame, reverberating and overpowering every other thought.… what he’s capable of when it comes to ripping the rug out from under you when you least expect it.

Talk about déjà vu.

Logan has always grabbed the top position in everything, leaving me to eat his dust.

And he did it again.

Here. At Barnes. The place I’ve worked at for six years, proving myself every day and on every project with every client. And he waltzes in, as always, grabbing the spotlight—and my promotion.

I turn around before either Logan or Darwin have seen me. I head straight to the cubby where I’ve stashed my purse. I’m not thinking. Everything is pure adrenaline pounding in my ears. I pause for one sane moment, realizing I need to cover my tracks or I’ll be out of a job or … I don’t even know what. I just know I need to make an excuse for what I’m about to do.

I grab Suze by the forearm and look her in the eyes.

“Are you okay, Olivia?”

“I’m—yes. I, uh … I have to get my niece. I’ll text Logan. We were working on the new deli account together in the conference room. I’ll call Lydia to tell her I had to leave early. Just … cover for me if anyone asks.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Suze asks. “Is your niece okay?”

“She’s fine. I just have to go.”

I look around, realizing I probably look as rabid as I feel. My worst nightmare would be Logan or Darwin walking out here before I can make a clean break. I need air. Space. Some time to clear my head. Tears threaten to fall, but I take a gulp and look at Suze.

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