Page 18 of Everything Has Changed
I shake my head. “Not since this morning. I told him I would email him my ideas, but I haven’t found the mental capacity for that yet.”
After the weird run with him and Camila earlier, I’ve tried my hardest not to dwell too much on the interaction. But there’s only so much overthinking you can keep at bay when suddenly old memories—good and bad—start to pop back up.
“That’s another thing that doesn’t seem right to me.”
Before I can ask what, Row screeches, which bubbles into giggles as she breaks through the willow branches. Matt followed close behind her. He chases her to the water’s edge, speeding up to grab her before her feet hit the water. Matt tosses her in the air and they both dissolve into laughter.
We watch as Jackson ruffles his daughter’s hair when she is back on two feet. I know he’s telling her it’s about time to go when her face morphs into a pout.
“What do you mean?” I ask quietly.
“It’s the Spencer’s town; we are just living in it. We all knew Logan would be mayor, eventually. And if for some reason it wasn’t him, then whoever the current mayor wanted would get it.. Plus, everyone already knows and loves him. He doesn’t really need the good publicity, so why make him be part of this, ya know? Seems like a waste of time for him, no offense.”
“None taken,” I say because she’s right. “His dad has always had a strange hold over him, ever since he was a kid. Maybe it’s a control thing?”
“It’s possible.” She chews on her lower lip. “I just don’t want him to ruin this for you.”
I smile at my friend, knowing the concern is coming from her heart. “I don’t think he will. But if he tries, I won’t let him.”
“Won’t let who do what?” Jackson takes the seat on the opposite side of Piper. Rowan drops onto his lap, instantly tucking her head under his chin, her eyes fighting a good fight to stay open.
Matt joins us as well, though he chooses to take a seat on the blanket we laid out in front of the log bench when we were having our late dinner.
“Won’t let Logan ruin her festival.” Piper ducks her head and uses her finger to brush against Rowan’s cheek. My niece grins sleepily as her eyes continue to drift closed.
“Do we need to have a talk with him?” Jackson shares a look with his best friend. They nod as if they understand exactly what the other is thinking. Honestly, they probably do. They’ve been inseparable since they were children, to the point where a lot of people in town lump him in as the fourth Prescott kid—which always made Kennedy cringe.
“Please don’t,” I beg. “I can handle Logan myself if I need to, but I highly doubt it would come to that.”
“You said he was volun-told into the position,” Matt crosses his arms over his knees. “How much is he even going to help?”
Jackson eyes me. “You’ll tell us if he makes it hard for you, right?”
I side-eye my brother. “You make it seem like I have something to worry about. I thought you used to be friends with him?”
Jackson shrugs the shoulder his daughter isn’t resting on. “People change, Gwen. Yeah, he was a good guy before and seemed like a good guy when I saw him this morning, but that doesn’t mean I won’t kick his ass if he messes with my little sister.”
“Language, Daddy,” Rowan mutters against a yawn.
We all chuckle as she burrows deeper into him. He places a soft kiss on her head. “Sorry, kid. Alright, it’s time for us to head home.”
We all agree, standing to gather our things as well and sharing hugs goodbye. I snuggle into my niece an extra moment longer, my heart swelling when she tells me she loves me more. Matthew finds Row’s jacket she tossed off in the middle of their playing and follows my brother to his SUV after tossing Piper and me a quick wave.
I link arms with Piper as we make the trek from the lake to my apartment, thankful yet again for the building that Matthew renovated. I jumped at the chance to move into the building a couple of years ago, needing a little space to myself while also being close to the shop if I needed to be there at a moment’s notice. Not only was it beautifully renovated, but it was a quick walk from my favorite place, making it easy to come and go as I pleased.
“I agree with Jacks, by the way.” Piper continues the conversation as we walk the trail back to Main Street.
I place my hand on her forehead, which she swats away with a questioning look. “Just making sure you don’t have a fever. You? Agree with Jacks? Might need to get you an appointment with Dr. Rosen tomorrow morning.”
My best friend and older brother loved to bicker. Giving each other shit was one of their favorite pastimes.
“I’m serious. I’ll kick Logan’s ass if I need to.”
And I completely believe my best friend with my whole heart. The girl would scorch the earth if anything happened to me, no matter how little. It was one of the many things I loved about her.
“I know you will.”
Her arm goes around my shoulders, squeezing me tight as we step onto the gravel parking lot. Aside from the streetlamps and the glow ofDaisy’s bar and the ice cream parlor, the town is quiet. A quick glance at my watch tells me it’s almost nine at night.
