Page 71 of The Things That Hold Us

“Yep. Ready if you are.”

This trip went by way too fast, it seems. I’m actually enjoying myself, and don’t want it to end yet. But we do have a 2 hour drive, and it's already 4 p.m.

We get in his truck, and before he starts it, he looks at me and says, “I don't know about you, but I'm starving. Do you want to grab dinner before we head back?”

Something flutters in my chest.

“Yes, please. My stomach has been growling at me for the last 30 minutes.”

He chuckles, and grabs his keys out of the ignition.

“Come on. It’s beautiful out, and I’m willing to bet that we can find somewhere to eat in this square.”

We walk for a minute before we settle on a bar and grill that has an outdoor patio to sit at.

Logan orders a burger and fries, and I order parmesan garlic wings.

The food is absolutely delicious, and the weather is phenomenal.

I take in a deep breath, and realize for the first time in weeks, I feel completely relaxed.

After taking a bite of my chicken, I catch Logan smiling at me.

“What?” I mumble over the food.

He shakes his head, taking a sip of his soda.

“This town suits you.” he tells me.

I just smile, looking around, “Does it?”

Logan nods his head, and sits back in his seat, crossing his arms.

“It does. I feel like this is the first time I’ve seen you relaxed since I’ve met you. It’s nice.”

I shyly smile back at him; he’s not wrong.

“I’m comfortable.” I tell him. And it's true. I’m comfortable with him, and this food, and this town. It’s refreshing being somewhere new, where I don’t have sad memories hanging on me.

“You know,” he starts, “sometimes change is just what someone needs.”

I would be leaving so much history though, if I moved shops. Sam and I started Charlie’s Antiques together. He helped me figure out how to get merchandise in the store, and how to get customers.

Antique stores aren't that popular anymore, and it makes me sad. I love all my nick-nacks I’ve collected over the years, and my regulars.

I know I can have that anywhere, it would just be hard.

But at the same time, the idea of something new excites me.

I bite my lip and look around, excitement practically radiating off of me.

“What's that look for?” Logan asks, smiling at me.

I look back at him and smile, then say “I think I want to do it.”

His eyes go wide, and his smile gets wider. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. The thought of change, and something completely new excites me more than it scares me, if I’m being honest.”

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