Page 70 of Sweet Chaos
“You’re doing an admirable job.” There was amusement in his voice, but it didn’t sound like he was mocking me. It felt like we were on the same team.
“I know the feeling. I’m the black sheep of the family.” He smiled, his teeth so white in the moonlight, and I found myself wanting to know more about him and his family dynamics.
“Do you and Chase get along?”
“For the most part,” he said, and I sensed that he was holding back the same way I did whenever I talked about my relationship with Sienna. “He loves your sister. They’re good for each other.”
“In what way are they good for each other?” I asked, my curiosity piqued. I’d only seen Chase and Sienna together a few times, and it was always at family occasions, so it was hard to tell what they were truly like as a couple.
“Chase needs to lighten up. He has an unfortunate tendency to act like he has a stick up his ass.” That made me laugh. “It’s getting better now that he’s with your sister. And Sienna…”
He hesitated, not sure if he should go on.
“And Sienna?” I prompted, encouraging him to finish his train of thought.
“I just get the feeling that she needed someone reliable. Someone she can depend on. Chase is that guy. He’s always been the more responsible one. Truthfully, he’s a good guy.”
“Dependable and reliable.”
“Exactly.”
I mulled over Logan’s words. I guess I could understand why Sienna would be drawn to that kind of security after having been with Dylan. Chase was the safer bet. I wondered how difficult it would be to seek shelter with someone who was reliable and dependable after surviving the storm that was Dylan.
“Do you have a boyfriend?” Logan asked, holding up his hands. “I’m not hitting on you. Just curious.”
“Um, well… no, I don’t.”
“You don’t sound too sure.”
This was one of those times I needed to keep my mouth shut. Confiding in my sister’s future brother-in-law didn’t seem like a smart move. “I don’t have a boyfriend. Do you have anyone special?”
“I have a lot of someone specials,” he said with a crooked grin. It didn’t surprise me that he was a player. He was the whole package. Rich, handsome, charming. Not my type but he was fun to hang out with.
I told him about my designs. He told me he lived in LA—Venice Beach—and we talked about his recent backpacking trip around South America.
Logan’s phone pinged with a message and he checked it before pocketing his phone. “What do you say we get out of here?”
“Yes,” I said a little too enthusiastically, making Logan laugh. “Did you drive? Do you think I could bum a ride?”
He nodded. “I drove, and my chariot awaits.” He held out his arm and I looped mine in his.
“You’re a lifesaver.”
“And you’re just the excuse I needed.”
“Let’s go,” I said, hurrying us through the house, in a rush to get out of there. My father’s voice brought us to a halt in the great room.
“I’d like to make a toast,” my father said, commanding the attention of everyone in the room. His arm was wrapped around my mother and she was beaming, so thrilled to have his attention even though it was just for show. He was putting on airs and graces for their guests. “To Sienna and Chase and their upcoming marriage. Margot and I are delighted to welcome Chase into our family. He’s become like the son we never had. I think I speak for both families when I say that I couldn’t imagine a better union. Chase and Sienna share the same core values and life goals, and I anticipate a bright future for both of them.”
My father’s little speech earned him a splattering of applause and everyone lifted their glasses to drink to Sienna and Chase. Sienna hugged Dad and he held her at arm’s length, his smile brimming with pride and joy. “I’m so proud of you. For all that you’ve achieved. And for being the best daughter I could ever ask for.”
With great restraint, I resisted the eye roll. He was laying it on thick tonight. Sienna was lapping it up, her smile dazzling, her eyes glossy with unshed tears. I guess it must be intoxicating to earn my father’s praise and admiration. Why else would my mother and sister be vying for it? Why else would they try so hard to please him?
I’d spent so many years convincing myself that his opinion of me didn’t matter that I’d almost started to believe it. But on nights like this, when he heaped praise on my sister, I felt like the world’s biggest loser.
Logan slung an arm around my shoulders, tucking me close to his side like he was protecting me. Though I appreciated the gesture, I quirked my brows at him in question.
He grinned and leaned in close, his voice low. “Nobody puts Baby in the corner.”
