The next day had come faster than he could notice. The killer was finally identified as Warren Coates, a thirty-nine-year-old son of two convicts who had traveled the country since he dropped out of school. How he’d met his girlfriend was still a mystery, but Logan no longer cared. He had everything he needed, and the past was in the past.
Eventually, days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months, and he was back on his feet working again. Over that time, he had turned his filthy little apartment into something of a home. Dinners were shared between him and his neighbors, alternating which of their homes would act as restaurant for the night. Even his board had come down, replaced by a wall of his favorite photographs – some of his family, some of places he’d love to visit. It was the perfect balance, as far as he was concerned. Between that and the cutting machine finally getting sold for a small price, it was starting to look like a home.
On a clear and dry Thursday morning, there was a knock on his door. Logan – who was in the middle of getting ready for a day of work – opened it and smiled when he saw her. He so rarely saw her without Jenny, and there was something special about her today. Something glowing as she leaned against the wall with her hands stuffed into her baggy jean pockets.
“What’s up with you?” he asked suspiciously.
“It’s time we talked, don’t you think?”
Confused, Logan shook his head. Maggie let herself in, stopping in the small space between his door and the open-plan kitchen. A small breeze of perfume crept into his senses. Something fruity, exotic, and enticing.
“What can I help you with?” he asked, shutting the door and buttoning up his shirt.
“Well, I’ve been thinking a little about us.”
“Us? Like, you and me?”
“Don’t be so coy,” she said, grinning. She stepped forward to help him with his tie, focusing hard on the folds and weaves as she spoke. “Jenny told me she’s been nagging you about going on a date with me. She also told me you keep saying no.”
Logan sighed, checked his tie, then stepped back with his arms folded. “It’s not because of you. For what it’s worth, I think you’re beautiful, brilliant, and everything I’d ever need. But I’m not prepared for dating. Maybe I’ll get there someday, but—”
“I understand.”
“You do?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t think you do.”
Maggie laughed and bounded toward him, taking his hands from his sides and holding them while she stared into his eyes. She had makeup on – an unusual sight but very welcome. She had always been easy on the eye, but this elevated her beauty. “You’re still beat up about your past, and that’s perfectly understandable. It really is, but what’s a close dinner date between two neighbors?”
“Probably around a hundred bucks.”
“And the tip, but that’s not what I’m saying.”
Logan laughed this time, really wanting to get out and start his day at work. The longer she was here, the weaker he felt, and he wasn’t ready to betray his wife. “What are you saying?”
“I just think we should keep Jenny happy. We don’t have to kiss or sleep together or anything like that, but maybe she’s right. Maybe I am interested in getting to know you a little more. Just a casual dinner with perhaps a tiny smidgen of romance in the subtext.”
“You really think that’s a good idea?”
“Of course. If we find out we hate each other, at least we’ll have shut Jenny up.”
“Hmm. It would be nice for her to stop asking.”
“Exactly.” Maggie let go of his hands and went for the door. With one hand wrapped around the doorknob, she craned her neck over her shoulder and gave one last instruction before she left. “Think about it. I’ll be waiting.”
Logan was left alone in the silence. Her fragrance still lingered like a magic spell. For the first time in years, his head was clear, and his heart was open. What he wanted from Maggie was perfect for him at that time in his life. Whether she was a date or just a friend, he knew he couldn’t play with her. He had to be honest, giving her the clarity she deserved.
Already knowing his answer, he tore open the door and called out to her.
“Wait,” he said.
Maggie turned, expectation on her face.
He gave his answer.