Ten Years Earlier - Nick

“Nick, it’s so good to see you again.” Michael’s mother smile warmly at me. “We’re so glad you are able to spend your holiday with us.”

I was grateful for the way she made me feel so welcome. When Michael had learned that I was planning to stay on campus for Thanksgiving, he had insisted I go home with him. Though I was fairly sure it was a pity invite, I accepted. Staying in the dorms hadn’t been an enticing proposition.

“I really appreciate you having me,” I said, hoping I sounded sincere. I was never good around other people’s parents as I had never even spent much time around my own parents. “I hope it’s not too much of an inconvenience.”

“Of course not.” Marla turned to Michael. “Help him get settled, dear.”

Michael showed me to his room which was where we would both be staying. Someone had rolled a cot into the room. After dropping off our bags, we went outside to throw around a football.

A young girl sat on the back deck, her face hidden behind a curtain of hair. Her head was down, staring at a thick book. When the door slammed behind us, her head shot up.

“Mikey!” She sprang from her chair and rushed at Michael.

They both laughed as she jumped on him. I had never seen him look so happy.

“Lo-Lo, settle down.” He poked her in the side and she giggled and squirmed. “You’re probably freaking out Nick.”

“Nick?” Her brow furrowed. Then she spotted me, hiding by the door. “Oh.”

I couldn’t tell what she was thinking as she looked at me with her mesmerizing green eyes. Michael had told me all about his little sister, just one year younger than us. He had mentioned that she was a senior in high school, incredibly smart, had a sassy attitude and a witty sense of humor. He hadn’t mentioned that she was a stunningly natural beauty.

Unlike most girls our age, she wasn’t wearing a spot of makeup. Her hair fell in tangled waves and she was wearing a sweatshirt that was three sizes too big. But none of that mattered because her eyes sparkled and her cheek dimpled when she smiled.

“You’re Logan, right?” I said, surprised that I was able to find words. “I’m Nick. ”

“So you are,” she said, quickly assessing me.

Michael was done with introductions. “Let’s go throw the ball.”

I reluctantly looked away from Logan and followed him into the yard. I was surprised when she followed us. Michael tossed the ball to her and caught it easily. Then she pulled back her arm and threw a perfect spiral, hitting me in the chest.

“Impressive,” I said, wondering what else this girl could do.

“I am,” she agreed with a teasing laugh.

A warm tingle ran through my body and I knew that this was the beginning of something new and amazing for me. I had just met this girl and already I was completely smitten. I also knew, without a doubt, that this would not be the last time I was amazed by Logan Elliot.