Page 65 of The Things That Hold Us

“Ok. Well, I’m free whenever so just let me know.”

“I will.” I tell him. “And you're sure you don't mind? I can give you some gas money?”

He waves a dismissive hand, “That’s not necessary. I don’t mind at all.”

“Are you sure?” I ask him again.

He rolls his eyes, “Yes. I promise. Road trips are my favorite, actually, so be prepared for a one-man show.”

I laugh, picturing him singing and dancing while driving.

“I should warn you then, because I put on a mean Shania Twain impersonation.”

He chuckles, his head tipping back, and my face flushes as I get a glimpse of his throat.

Good God, woman, it's just a throat.

“Oh, I look forward to this,” he laughs, and a part of me starts to look forward to it too.

My phone dings with a text as he orders a coffee and a brownie.

They said they can meet tomorrow at 3. -Cassie

“She texts back way too fast for someone who’s supposed to be on a date.” I say, then turn the phone so he can see the text.

“That works for me,” he says.

“I can meet you at your place? My apartment is in the opposite direction, and I don't want to make you go out of your way.”

“I don't mind, Charlie.” he replies, his voice a little sterner.

“I know you don't, but I do. You're already going out of your way to do this for me, so the least I can do is meet you at your place. It saves you probably 15 minutes.”

He rolls his eyes at me, but smiles. There's those stupid fucking dimples.

“You're stubborn, Charlie.” he says, staring at me.

“I know I am.” I reply with confidence.

That night I pack a small bag, just in case, and set everything I’ll need by the front door. My mom always taught me if I’m going somewhere that's more than an hour away, to always bring a back up bag.

I write out some basic instructions for Pudding, since Cassie will be taking care of him while I’m gone. Which I know isn't long, but it’s long enough, and I feel bad leaving him by himself.

I climb into bed, Pudding following close behind and climbing in with me. He makes a few circles by my feet, then plops down with ahuff.

“Good night Pudding.” I whisper, then close my eyes, and drift off to a restless sleep.

I let myself sleep in, since we don't have to leave till around 11:30; plus I didn't sleep too well.

I take a warm shower, then get dressed in something cute but comfortable since I’ll be in his truck for a while today.

I stick with leggings and a big t-shirt, leaving my hair in its natural waves and flowing down my back.

I put Pudding in his cage, and tell him Cassie will be over shortly to hang out with him. And by hang out with him, I mean feed him, walk him, and give him belly rubs.

Grabbing my bag, I lock the door behind me and walk to the coffee shop.

As I wait for my coffee, I send Logan a text, reminding him to send his address, and that I’ll be on my way in about 10 minutes.

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