Page 76 of Another Love, Another Time
“Hey, River. Good to see you too.” Logan is beaming.
“Hey, big head. I missed you.”
He laughs cheekily. “I couldn’t tell.”
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
Logan is another reason I’m here. When I left, I made it clear that I didn’t want to know anything about Auggie, and I didn’t want Auggie to know anything about me. I didn’t want to hurt Auggie. Logan knew I was married. He’d been there when it happened. I’m glad he kept his promise to me that he wouldn’t tell Auggie anything.
Their friendship might take a hit. I’m sure that when Logan made that promise, he knew what was at stake. When my contract was coming up for renewal, I could have re-upped or gotten out. I told him my plan, and he thought it was a good one.
“When did you get in?” I ask.
“This morning. We had a game last night, and I drove all night to get here.”
“You must be tired.”
“Yeah, I am, but I’m used to it.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal. I realize I’m still hugging him, and I let go.
“I’m going to make some margaritas,” I tell him. “I’m going to need them to get through the evening.”
“Oh yeah. I heard about the welcoming committee.” He laughs and covers it with a fist.
Shaking my head at him, I walk back over to my supplies. Aunt Connie brought down her shaker cup for me to make the drinks.
“Oh, shush. You could have warned me.” He’s still laughing.
“Where would the fun in that be?” I stick my tongue out at him. I pour all the ingredients into the shaker cup and shake up the liquid. I rim the salt on the cup, pour the liquid in with the ice, and take a sip. “I think I outdid myself,” I tell Logan. “You want a sip?”
He leans on the counter. “No thanks. It’s not in my diet. If I want to make it to the big leagues, no slip-ups.”
“That just means more for me.” I give him a cheeky grin.
“Let’s go upstairs. I think the food is ready.” He pushes me.
“Oh, so the food upstairs is in your diet, huh?”
“I’m sure I can find something. Aunt Connie usually has something for me.”
We start walking towards the stairs. I grab his arm, and he turns back. “Please don’t leave me alone, Logan. I’m going to need you to get through this.”
“I won’t, Riv. I got your back.” We fist bump.
I am pretty hungry. Aunt Connie said she was making that corn dip, which I’ve been craving ever since the party.
When we get upstairs, I’m bombarded by all the people I haven’t seen in five years. Logan keeps his word and stays with me. Hismom tries to get his attention, but he gives her a look that I think means he needs to stay by my side.
I see some of my co-workers, including Mackey. There are several others I don’t recognize at all.
Logan drags me to the food, and I immediately gravitate toward the corn dip.
I’ve been trying to avoid Melissa, which is easy because she hasn’t left Auggie’s side all night. I think Auggie is truly scared to come anywhere near me. When I do catch him looking at me, I see the apology written on his face. I don’t care. Does it hurt? Yes, but I can’t do anything about it. I ran, and I have to face the consequences. I always knew that if I left him alone too long, she would get her claws in him.
Once Logan is finished warming up the plate Aunt Connie made up for him, we head outside to the table on the deck.
~~
After finishing our plates and talking to the people at the table, I tell Logan I’m going to the bathroom and go into the one upstairs. I haven’t seen Auggie and Melissa in a while. Maybe they left? I don’t know why I even care. “Yes, you do,” I correct myself.
