Page 8 of Logan
I sit, folding my hands in my lap as Allison dives into the usual interview questions including my work experience, how I’d handle certain situations, why I want this kind of job.
“Okay, all of that sounds really good,” she says eventually. Then her tone shifts. “The next question isn’t one Ishould probably ask, but it’s one I need to know. What is your relationship with Logan?” She leans back, eyes on me, waiting.
“Honestly, we don’t have a relationship and haven’t had one for years. We dated in high school, but he broke it off and that was over eight years ago.” I bite my lip, hating that this is even part of the conversation.
“Okay. For whatever reason, you showing up here really rattled him.” She taps her pen against the desk. “You’ll learn quickly that I don’t care what most people think of me or what I do. Logan walked in here and basically forbade me from hiring you, which, if I’m honest, just made me want to hire you more. Shaina put in a good word for you, and she’s someone whose opinion I actually care about. As long as you can tell me you’ll keep this place drama-free, then I say you have a job.”
I smile, caught off guard by how easily this is going. “Thank you so much. I promise I’ll do my best and make sure everything runs smoothly.”
“I have a feeling you’ll do great. Your first shift will be tomorrow, if that works?”
I nod. “Tomorrow works great.”
“Great, get here at three so Shaina can show you around before it starts to get busy.”
I thank her again, standing to leave, and walk out of the office fighting the urge to do a ridiculous happy dance.
“Kenzie!” Shaina calls me over. “So, how did it go?”
“It went really well. I got the job and start tomorrow. Also…” I give her a half-smile. “I go by Mac now.”
“Well, congratulations, girl, and welcome to this crazy family.” She tilts her head toward the door. “If you can keep Logan running out of here as fast as he did today, I think I’lllove you even more than I already do.” Her grin widens. “Want a drink?”
I shake my head, amused. Drinking at the bar I just got hired at feels like tempting fate. “I’ll see you tomorrow, girl.”
I walk out of the club, the cool evening air wrapping around me like a reset. My chest feels lighter with the relief of having a job, but beneath it, a pit of unease settles in. Seeing Logan again, being near him, won’t be easy.
My phone buzzes, and I pull it from my pocket to see a text from Jena, one of my best friends.
Jena:Tell me how you got into town yesterday and I haven’t heard from you yet.
Me:Sorry! I was job hunting!
Jena:Whatever, let’s go out tonight! It’s been too long!
Me:Deal, you pick the place and let me know.
I could definitely use a night out, a chance to let go for a while. Maybe even meet someone new, someone who’ll make ignoring Logan easier.
Jena sends me the name of a bar and tells me she’ll get us an Uber.
I tell her I’ll see her then and head home, already digging through mental images of my packed boxes, hoping I can find something that saysconfidentinstead ofI just moved back to town and my life is chaos.
Chapter Four
Mackenzie
Cause I'll be there, in the back of your mind
From the day we met 'till you were making me cry
And it's just too bad, cause you've already had the best days
The best days of your life
- ‘The best days of your life’ Kellie Pickler
Looking in the mirror, I turn slightly from side to side, assessing the reflection staring back at me. For the first time in weeks, maybe months, I actually feel… pretty. Confident. The midnight blue dress I’m wearing is off-the-shoulder, the fabric hugging my body just right, skimming over curves without feeling too tight. The hem stops mid-thigh, teasing enough skin to feel bold but not desperate. I pair it with a black pair of wedges, smarter than heels because I can actually dance in them without wanting to cut my feet off halfway through the night.
