Page 49 of Chocolate Cake for Breakfast
CHAPTER TWENTY
The omelette turns out to be very good.
We eat it at the kitchen table in the cosy little one-bedflat Logan’s renting near the centre of Guildford. He’s on the third floor andthe flat has a tiny balcony, and after dinner, we go out and lean on the railtogether, gazing at the lights of the town, each wrapped in our own thoughts.
I phoned Dad just before we left the hotel but he had no newsas yet and he sounded really sleepy. I think the round of tests had taken itout of him, so I didn’t keep him talking for long but told him I’d be there topick him up at ten the next morning.
Now, Logan breaks the silence. ‘This mass in his kidney. Theystill don’t know what it is?’
I shake my head. ‘I guess we’ll find out in the next day ortwo.’
He doesn’t reply, but wraps his arm around my shoulders. Itfeels so good, and when I lean into him, he squeezes me closer. I smile up athim but his face is in darkness and a quiver of longing shivers through me. I’dlike to stay here for a very long time, in the circle of Logan Mackay’s arm,soaking up the warmth and solidity of his body next to me.
I’m feeling so relaxed with my head tucked against hisshoulder and it seems natural to lay my hand on his chest.
‘Drink?’ he asks, shifting slightly, and I pull my handaway.
Once again, there’s that awkwardness between us.
‘Um... no, thanks.’
‘Sure?’ he calls, moving back into the living room. ‘I’vegot red and white wine, and some kind of fancy gin that I got as a Christmaspresent?’
I hesitate. I’ve cut out wine completely but maybe a littlegin would be okay? ‘Do you have tonic?’ I ask, following him inside.
‘Yup. Gin, then?’
‘Yes, please. Just a little, though.’
He hands me my glass, tinkling with ice cubes and a slice oflemon, and the first sip I take is so delicious, I actually moan aloud.
‘Nice?’ he laughs.
‘Very nice. I haven’t had a drink for ages.’
‘Will you be okay with gin?’
I shrug, taking another defiant sip. ‘Who knows? I guessI’ll find out.’ After abstaining from alcohol for so long, the gin is alreadybeginning to affect me in the form of a lovely, relaxed feeling and glowingcheeks.
Logan grins as we lounge together on the sofa. ‘You’re in adevil-may-care mood tonight, then.’
‘I suppose I am. It’s... nice to be here.’
His eyes are twinkling down at me, but when I move my headagainst his shoulder again, he doesn’t respond this time, keeping his handswrapped around his drink. I lean forward and pick up my own drink from thecoffee table and take a long, delicious swallow. The ice cubes bump my nose andhe laughs and asks if I need a top-up.
‘Better not. It’s gone to my head already.’
‘I’ll get the bottle, just in case. Back in a mo.’
He gets up and I snuggle into his corner of the sofa,hugging one of the cushions and breathing in Logan’s tantalising scent. Afterthe worries of the day, I could sleep for a thousand years.
Maybe I’ll close my eyes for just a little while...
*****
When I wake, I haven’t a clue where I am. I sit up, takingin the cream curtains and the wardrobe and the bookshelves full of paperbacks.
Then I remember. I’m at Logan’s flat. I’m in his bedroom...in his bed?
