Great. Now I’m the target of two men.
Logan’s arm shoots up right behind me, his hand gripping the doorframe just above mine, careful not to startle me. “I’ll walk you,” he says sympathetically into my ear. It’s not a question.
“That’s dumb. It’s literally ten feet away. I’ll be fine.” But I’m not fine because I can’t seem to pry my hand from the wooden frame.
Logan touches my shoulder, sending what feels like a jolt of electricity through me. “Let's go.” He brushes past, taking the lead.
I take a deep breath, leave the comfort of his doorway, and follow closely until I’m standing in front of Lana’s door. “Thank you for everything.”
The intensity of his ocean eyes lock onto mine. There’s a hint of worry behind them as they soften. “Will you be all right?” he asks.
I form the best smile I can muster up. “Eventually.”
Logan's eyes hold a strange gloom as he disappears behind the closing door.
Twelve
Lana storms to the front door, whipping it open, and I’m surprised it doesn’t go flying off the hinges. “That motherfuckering prick of a prick.”
“Where are you going?” I follow her, getting ready to bear hugging her into staying.
“I’m going to Mark’s to ream him a new asshole, is where I’m going. How dare he attack you! I’m going to kill him!” Tears fill her eyes as her anger comes boiling out from inside.
“Lana. Sit down.”
She shakes her head. “No way.”
I take her hand in mine, acknowledging how my best friend really did kick ass. “Please.”
With a heavy sigh, she finally agrees. “Fine.” Her bottom lip trembles as she plops down into the chair next to mine. “I hate him. I can’t believe this happened. I am so sorry. If I had known—”
“Stop. You didn’t know. Him being a complete disgusting monster is not your fault.”
“But I introduced you two.Iwas the one dating him. You came here to escape your shit husband, and I just brought more shit on you.” Her shoulders sag in defeat as she cries.
“Lana. Look at me.” When she doesn’t, I command her again, “Look at me.” This time she does. “This is not your fault, and I don’t blame you. Please don’t beat yourself up over this. I’m fine.” My back pain is worse since then, but I won’t tell her that.
“Will you at least go to the cops? He deserves to be put behind bars for what he did.”
I shake my head. “I can’t. At least not right now.” I don’t want him doing the same thing to someone else, but I had to wait just a little longer before reporting him. I’ll do the right thing, just not right now.
Lana sighs with a nod. “Okay. Yeah.”
“Stop being sad. I’m all right. It’s just a few scratches.” Nausea swirls like a stupid whirlpool.
“Thank fuck Logan was there.” Lana winces, her too probably picturing a worse outcome.
“Yeah.” I pick at the invisible whatever on the table.
“I have an idea.” She grabs two glasses, a bottle of sweet wine, and then pulls out a carton of cookie dough ice cream from the freezer. “We’re doing some damage tonight.” Lana smiles, but it fades quickly. “Actually, this is so insensitive. You were attacked and—”
“No. It’s perfect. I’ll get the popcorn.”
With our plethora of blankets and pillows spread across the living room floor, we indulge in a much-needed girl time. Distractions work wonders in these situations.
“Ben?! Your first kiss was Ben Stroodle?” Lana laughs, catching the popcorn I throw at her, dipping it into her ice cream.
“That’s disgusting, by the way. And yes, he was cute in a nerdy sort of way.” I shrug remembering my first year in high school lip lock.
