Page 63 of Metal & Mud

"I know Virginia isn't exactly Canada," Jess said from the driver's seat as they pulled up. They'd taken her truck, as it was the only one with an actual legitimate back seat. "But this Florida heat is something else. How did you survive growing up here?"

Sabby wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead. The humidity was already making her hair curl more than usual, but she didn't mind. There was something comforting about being in Logan's hometown, seeing where he came from.

"Lot of time on the beach." Logan chuckled. "Come on Jess. Don't tell me you didn't at least pack a sports bra top so we all can take a walk on the beach? There's one that's famous for all of the shark's teeth you can find there. We could make necklaces."

"That sounds so badass!" Sabby grinned, her fingers unconsciously touching her throat. "I've got just the right choker collar for mine, too. I just need to punch a hole for the wire that holds the tooth."

The thought of creating something permanent from this trip made her heart flutter. This wasn't just a vacation; it was her first real step into becoming part of Logan's family.

"Well, don't forget that we'll have tomorrow as a full-on family day," Logan reminded Sabby, squeezing her hand. "Mom and Dad are really excited to meet you. I know Mom's going to be latched onto your arm for at least half of tonight, and you're going to get pulled along the whole time, Jess."

"Can't I please pull rank?" Jess grumbled.

Sabby grinned, poking her sister in the side.

"What?"

"Come on, you loved our stopover at that gym," Sabby teased. "You've got like, five hundred dollars worth of stuff from them back here with me."

"Hey, that sort of stuff you can't just find anywhere, and they let me try it on," Jess pointed out. She shifted her head, and pointed. "Logan, I think we need to get out. Older woman looking at us like we're pretty sus."

Logan laughed, and waved. "Don't worry, that's Mom. Come on, I'll be a gentleman and open the door for both of you."

Sabby's stomach tightened with nerves as she stepped out of the truck. She'd faced down her own parents' disapproval, but meeting Logan's family felt different. These were people she wanted to impress, to connect with.

But as soon as Mrs. Goodman smiled at her, the anxiety began to dissolve.

"Oh Logan, you have found yourself a good one! So pretty, and I love that hair!"

"Thanks, Mrs. Goodman." Sabby blushed, running her fingers through her curls self-consciously. "Uh, this is my sister Jess."

"My oh my, you must be exhausted." Mrs. Goodman smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners just like Logan's did. "Logan’s told me all about you both. And you've been watching over my boy?"

"Well, until a few weeks ago I have been." Jess blushed a little herself. "I miss having Hollywood around every day at work."

"Hollywood?" Mrs. Goodman asked curiously. "How did you get that name, Logan?”

"Is that Logan?" a deep voice called from the back of the house. "I thought I heard the door slam."

"It's us, Dad!" Logan called back. Leaning over, he whispered to Sabby, "Speak up with him. His hearing's not too great sometimes."

Sabby nodded, grateful for the guidance. Every small detail about Logan's family felt like precious information, pieces of a puzzle that made up the man she loved.

Mr. Goodman came out of the back, looking so much like an older version of Logan it was shocking. Same steady gaze, same broad shoulders, though his hair had gone silver at the temples.

"Welcome." He looked Sabby and Jess over, his voice warm and resonant. "Please, this home is now your home as well. You're family... or will be soon enough, I suppose. Come on in, have a seat. Or stand, I know how I get after driving a bunch of hours."

"Say, why don't we all go to the Florida room then?" Logan's mom offered. "Those of us who want to sit can sit, those of us who need to stretch our legs can do that too!"

It was a great solution, with Sabby and Logan settling on a big fluffy old sofa while Jess leaned against the enclosed railing, stretching her muscles while everyone got to know one another.

Sabby couldn't have expected how easy it would be. The room was filled with sunshine filtering through screens, casting a golden glow over everything. Family photos lined the walls, and she could spot Logan at various ages, always with that same confident smile.

"So what do you think of Black Sabbath?" Mr. Goodman, or Bud as he insisted on being called, asked Sabby. "Were you named after them?"

"I wish, but no," Sabby said with a laugh. "And who can deny Ozzy? I mean, if you can't stomp your foot to Iron Man, you've got no hope."

"Got that right," Bud said, grinning. "Now I don't go as modern as some of what Logan likes, that Euro metal stuff sometimes just feels off to me. But give me some G'nR Lies any day of the week!"

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