Page 73 of The Things That Hold Us

While he walks over there, I wait on a bench by his truck, and call Cassie.

“Hey, Char. Are you almost home?” she answers.

“About that.” I start.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“Oh, no, nothing’s wrong. But..” I pause, knowing she’s about to freak out on me.

“We’re going to stay the night here, and head home in the morning.”

I hear her audibly gasp on the other end of the phone.

“You're staying the night?”

“Yes.”

“With Logan?”

“Yes again.”

She squeals so loud I have to pull the phone away from my ear.

“Charlie! What’s gotten into you?”

I sigh, “I don’t know, Cass. I just didn't want to leave this town yet, and Logan suggested we could stay longer, then leave in the morning. And I agreed.”

She’s quiet for a moment, then says, “Take your time there, have some fun, let loose. We’ll be here when you get back.”

I sigh with relief, “Are you sure? You don’t mind watching Pudding for the night?”

“Pudding and I are besties now.” she laughs, then adds, “He’s fine. Go enjoy this time, and have some fun.”

“Thank you. I’ll call in the morning.”

I hang up the phone, just as Logan is walking back.

“Got us the last room they had.” he says, waving a key. “It’s only 7 p.m though. Do you wanna call it a night, or check out some more of the town?”

“Do you think I’m an old lady? I don’t go to bed this early." I laugh, and he laughs with me.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” he holds up his hands in defense.

“I mean I have gone to bed at 7 before, but I’m not tonight.” I say, and Logan throws his head back laughing.

“Come on, let's go see what we can get into here.”

He nods his head telling me to follow him, so I do.

We walk together, side by side, and I ignore how close his arm is to mine with everything in me.

We come up on an ice cream cart.

“Oh stop, I want ice cream!” I squeal.

He laughs, and we walk over to the cart.

“Hi! What can I get for you two?” The man asks.

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