Page 88 of The Things That Hold Us

“Because I don't like going back on my word.” he says, then looks at me.

His eyes make my knees feel weak, only I’m sitting down.

He smiles, then looks away, “How’d you end up hanging out with my sister?”

“Oh. I ran into her at the coffee shop, and she invited me over to watch a movie.”

He nods once, but doesnt say anything else. His entire behavior is different from the last time I was in this truck with him.

I take a breath, and turn in my seat, so my body is facing him.

“Is something wrong?” I ask him.

He turns his head slightly, his eyes catching mine for a second.

“Why?”

I stare at him, trying to gauge if he has any idea that he’s acting different, or if he just really doesn't notice.

“You’re acting..different, since the last time I saw you.”

I watch him shift in his seat slightly, one hand on the steering wheel, the other against his temple.

After a moment, he says, “I just have some things on my mind, that's all.”

I watch his Adam's apple bob as he swallows, and I can tell it's something he doesn't want to talk about.

But I ask anyway.

“Do you want to talk about it? I’m a good listener.”

His shoulders sag a little, and I watch him let out a breath, then he turns to look at me with a soft smile on his lips.

“Not tonight.” is all he says.

I nod, taking that as my que to stop prying. He’ll talk when he wants to. Or he won't. It’s none of my business.

“Ok.” I tell him, and we ride the rest of the way to my apartment in silence.

Logan walks me to my door, because even if he is in a mood, he’s still a gentleman.

I unlock it, and turn to face him.

He looks like he wants to say something, but stops himself.

“Good night, Charlie.”

He turns and walks away, and I hate that he’s being weird with me.

We had a good time in Sage Valley. I don't understand what happened.

Unless it'sbecausewe had a good time? Either way, I know he’ll talk if he wants to.

Pudding and I stumble to my bed. I am so tired. I think the emotions from the last few days are finally catching up to me, and it’s draining all my energy.

Pudding jumps onto the bed, does a spin, then flops down and is snoring within seconds.

I wish I could fall asleep that fast.

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