Page 66 of The Things That Hold Us

My phone vibrates with his reply almost instantly.

You're really going to take a taxi here, instead of me coming to get you? -Logan

I roll my eyes at him, even though he can't see me.

I know it really doesn't make sense, but he's already doing so much for me. I can at least shorten his drive time.

Yes. Yes I am. Deal with it. -Charlie

Someone is feeling sassy today. -Logan

I roll my eyes and grab my coffee and danish, then see his next text with his address.

The taxi pulls into a long driveway that is covered by an archway of trees. It’s like something out of a fairytale. As we emerge, I see Logan’s truck in the driveway, some toys outside, and a treehouse in the backyard.

Logan comes out just as I’m paying the taxi driver.

“Logan, your sister's house is beautiful.” I tell him as I take in the old ranch house.

“Isn't it? She got it in the divorce.”

I nod, not wanting to pry into his sister's business.

“Are you talking about me?” a female voice emerges from inside, then a second later I see her come walking out.

I’ve seen her from a distance, but up-close she’s extremely beautiful. Her hair is a golden blonde, and is just as long as mine, and her eyes are a hypnotizing caramel shade.

I look at Logan, and back at her. If you didn’t know it, you wouldn't be able to tell they are related.

“Sorry, I was just telling Logan how beautiful your home is.” I tell her, pointing at her house.

“Oh, thank you.” she says, turning to look at the house. “I picked it out, my ex-husband hated it, so it wasn't much of a fight to keep it.” she sighs, as if reminiscing, then waves a hand, “Come on inside, Logan’s still pampering, so you can sit and have some coffee while you wait.”

I turn to look at Logan, and watch as he rolls his eyes at her.

“I’m almost ready, just have to put a couple things in a bag.”

“You didn't do that yet?” I ask him, my voice teasing, “That’s the first thing I did when I got home.”

“Of course it is.” he laughs. “Give me 15 minutes, and we’ll be ready to hit the road.”

“Mhm. So 30 minutes?” I tease.

“10.” he counters.

“30.”

“Oh, Logan, I like her. Come on, if we stand here any longer, it’ll turn into an hour before you guys leave.”

I laugh, knowing she’s probably right, then follow her into the house.

As soon as I enter the doorway, I’m overcome with the smell of fresh coffee, and the smell of what I assume are chocolate chip cookies.

“It smells amazing in here.” I tell her.

She turns and smiles, and I watch as a dimple appears on her left cheek.

“Thanks. Hazel is baking some cookies for a sleepover she has later at a friend's house. Doesn't have to be there until 5 or 6 but she's already prepping. My little overachiever.”

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