“No. I told you, we’re just friends,’’ I smile, walking up to him. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I lean up on my tip toes and kiss him good morning, loving the feel of his soft lips. “Hmmmm,’’ I mumble dreamily, a small smile on my face as I pull away.
“I don’t like it. I don’t like him, but for you I’ll try Willow,’’ he says, leaning in to kiss me back. It’s all I can ask for really. He’s always had a hard time with my close friendship with Logan, always getting annoyed with the million texts he would send. I did explain that Logan was just excited about me starting university this term, because until I came to the open evening, Logan and I only text a few times a week, but then it turned into everyday. But being a typical boy, Alec would just grunt, and make me put my phone on silent.
“Thank you, Al,’’ I smile, genuinely thankful to him for willing to try. I’m also happy to avoid the headache it would come with if they argued constantly. “Let me go see if Allie’s ready and we’ll go out for breakfast.’’
He nods, looking back at the bedroom door with a hard jaw. He’s thinking about having to go out there and play nice, it’s written across his face.
“Don’t be long,’’ he warns, kissing me once more before leaving the room.
Grabbing my warm cardigan, I sprits on some perfume before stepping into my boots. Reaching out for my phone that is still on charge, I go in search for my handbag amongst the mess on my floor.
I don’t bother knocking on Allie’s door when I leave my room. I just walk right in, shocked when I find her sitting in her bed reading a book, still wearing her pyjamas.
“Why aren’t you ready?’’ I squeak, hating the thought of having to wait with Alec and Logan alone while we wait for her to get ready.
She looks up from her book, giving me a dry look before answering. “As much as I love my food, I’m going to have to pass.’’
“There’s no food in,’’ I remind her, looking at her quizzically. She loves her food, so I hope my bait works and she decides to come. She won’t go long without something to eat anyway, so I have high hopes.
“Do I have to come?’’ she moans, sulking.
“Yep,’’ I say, popping the P. “Alec and Logan haven’t gotten off to a great start,’’ I wince. “I need you there, please,’’ I plead.
She scoffs, but when she sees me giving her my puppy dog eyes, her shoulders slump, giving in. When she sees me grinning, she scowls unhappily, knowing she just got played.
“Give me ten minutes,’’ she says jumping out of bed. I rush over to her excitedly, jumping into her arms, hugging her.
“Thank you, thank you. Love you roomie,’’ I gush happily, kissing her face.
“Gooo,’’ she giggles, pushing me out of the door.
“I’ll drive. That way you can sit up front with me and tell me everything that I’ve missed back home,’’ Logan declares, wrapping his arm around my shoulders as we walk to the car park. The movement pushes Alec out of the way and I notice him glare at Logan from the corner of my eye. Ready to decline Logan’s offer, not wanting Alec to feel pushed out, I’m stopped when Allie asks Alec something about practice, easing the tension between the two. And that is why I love my best friend. She knows Alec well enough to know that anything to do with football takes up all of his attention.
Taking advantage of Allie’s diversion, I elbow Logan in the stomach. He grunts in pain, but still manages to give me a dirty looking smirk.
We all jump in the car, Alec not happy about sitting up back with Allie while I’m up front with Logan. We fill the car with conversation about life back home, not that I had much to share.
When we finally arrive at our destination, I may have done a happy dance in my head. The tension in the car was stifling. Now I’m a girl who can ease the most awkwardness of situations, but even I have to admit, the tension in the car was strained, making me feel uncomfortable.
Needing air, I jump out of the car, ready to make my way over to Alec. Logan intervenes before I can reach him, pulling me into his chest with a grin on his face.
“Um,’’ I say, worried about Alec flying off the handle, knowing he has a short fuse. Logan’s actions are friendly, but I know it may not seem like that to Alec. I’m not naive.
“Alec? Its okay isn’t it if I sit by my girl? I haven’t seen her for so long. We’ve got so much shit to catch up on.’’
Alec looks at me briefly before staring at Logan. “No, go ahead. Who am I to get in between friendship?’’ he replies dryly.
Entering the cafe we grab one of the empty tables, sitting down. Logan takes a seat next to me whilst Alec sits in front of me, Allie next to him. She doesn’t look too pleased about sitting in front of Logan. There is no winning in this situation.
Today is really not happening. Nothing is going right. Wanting to just get on with it, I grab the menu, scanning it.
“I think I’m going to have…’’ I start, still thinking it over.
“Big breakfast, extra bacon,’’ Alec and Logan chuckle simultaneously.
“Piss off,’’ I laugh, flipping them both off, hating how well they know me.
“Want a coffee or a cup of tea?’’ Alec grins.
“Coffee. Definitely coffee,’’ I sigh dreamily.
“I’ll get it. What about you Allie, what do you want?’’ Alec asks her and I love that he always includes her, never making her feel like a third wheel.
“I’ll have the same as Willow, but no mushrooms,’’ she answers, scrunching her nose up in disgust.
“I’ll get these, my treat,’’ Logan steps in.
Surprisingly it’s Allie’s who’s head snaps up first, an incredulous look upon her face.
When Alec opens his mouth, I know it’s not going to be pleasant. Not wanting an argument to start I cut in.
“Nope. It’s Alec’s turn to buy me and Allie brekkie,’’ I chuckle.
“He lost a bet,’’ Allie states smugly.
“Technically it wasn’t really a loss. I’d buy you brekkie either way,’’ he chuckles, some tension easing from his body.
“We know,’’ I giggle, reaching over for his hand, taking it in mine.
“I’ll come an’ order with you,’’ Logan tells him, pushing his chair back a little too quickly.
Once they’re out of earshot, Allie turns to me with wide eyes, pushing her glasses up her nose.
“What the hell did I miss this morning? And why is Logan acting like that for?’’ she asks confused, her eyes looking over her shoulder at the two lads standing at the counter ordering.
“Long story,’’ I sigh, feeling a headache coming. “And Logan seems normal to me. But I can tell there’s some tension between the two of them. I don’t why though. I’m with Alec, and I’d never look at Logan in an intimate or romantic way,’’ I tell her, which is the truth. Logan may be good looking, but I don’t lust after him. I don’t have a secret crush, or harbour any feelings for him. I’ve never seen him as anything but like a big brother.
“I dunno. Logan does seem to be acting stranger than normal and that’s saying a lot coming from me because I think he’s a weirdo normally.’’
I roll my eyes. She won’t bad mouth him in front of me, she never has. She does steer conversation away from him, and always avoids seeing him. But she’s managed to keep her dislike for him from affecting me. Sometimes I do wish I knew what made them fall out. I’ve always wondered.
“He’s probably just looking out for me,’’ I tell her.
“Logan only ever looks out for himself,’’ she mutters.
I don’t get a chance to reply to her comment or ask her what she meant because Alec and Logan arrive back at the table, drinks in hand.
“My hero,’’ I gush, smiling widely up at Alec as he hands me my coffee. Immediately I breathe in the coffee, the aroma relaxing me.
“You break my heart,’’ Logan teases good-naturally to which I just roll my eyes before turning back to Alec.
“How is your
room?’’ I ask. He’s staying in Kings Hall on the university grounds and I know he wasn’t looking forward to sharing a room.
“Ahh, I stayed there my first year here. It’s fucking small,’’ Logan comments, sitting back in his seat, blowing on his drink.
“Nah, I like it,’’ Alec answers, his eyes narrowing slightly on Logan.
“Really?’’ Logan asks, his voice doubtful. “Wait until you get a place of your own, you can have as many chicks over as you want,’’ he smirks, winking at Alec.
“Helloooo,’’ I snap, clicking my fingers in his face, feeling offended.
Alec doesn’t look happy either with his comment and answers straight away. “Happy with Willow.’’
“Oh yeah. Sorry. Who wouldn’t be happy with my Will,’’ he grins, looking down at me, hand on my shoulder.
“No offence, but she’s not your Will,’’ Alec bites out.
“Okay, I’m actually Allie’s, Will. So let’s drop it,’’ I plead, trying to keep my tone light, hating this is getting off to a bad start.
“Sorry. I guess I’m not used to sharing her,’’ Logan winces, looking apologetic.
“But she wasn’t yours to begin with,’’ Alec snaps, his fist clenching.
The waitress walks over with our tray of food, interrupting the thick tension surrounding the table.
“Thank you,’’ I smile, watching her walk away before turning back to a fuming Alec.
“Calm down, he didn’t mean anything by it. Did you Logan?’’ I make eye contact with Logan, pleading with him silently to make this right.
“Nah, mate. I guess I’m not used to seeing her with anyone.’’
“That’s because you haven’t been in her life for the past two years,’’ Alec snaps.
“I’ve been pretty busy,’’ Logan grits out, displeased with Alec’s accusation.
“Will you both pack it in?’’ I hiss across the table.
“Yeah, but it doesn’t give you the right to act like you’re the one with my girl,’’ Alec fumes.
“If your that insecure about your relationship then that’s on you,’’ Logan says calmly.
The argument is escalating and it’s not getting them anywhere but riled up. I’ve tried to open my mouth to say something a few times, to get them to calm down, but one or the other speaks up, their voices rising and gaining attention of the other customers.
“Fuck you. Fuck you! You’ve done nothing but try to pull her away from me since you arrived this morning. And what was that, walking into her room whilst she was getting changed? You don’t do that fucking shit,’’ Alec growls, the veins in his neck pulsing.
“This is getting out of hand. Alec, Logan has already said he’s sorry about earlier and he’s just being my friend. You’re taking this all the wrong way,’’ I tell him softly, hoping to calm him down.
“You seriously don’t see what he’s trying to do?’’ he yells, pushing his chair back roughly, standing up.
“Your blowing this out of proportion,’’ I tell him, my voice pleading, almost begging for him to see how irrational he’s being.
He shakes his head down at me, disappointment in his eyes. “Enjoy your breakfast,’’ he snaps giving Logan one last narrowed gaze.
“Alec, don’t go,’’ I plead before he leaves, hating that this is happening.
“I can’t sit here and watch him be all over you,’’ he says to me sadly, his voice still holding a hard edge.
“Please,’’ I beg again, my eyes burning with unleashed tears as he walks away.
“Let him go,’’ Logan says gently, his hand on my arm, stopping me from chasing after Alec.
“What just happened?’’ I whisper to the table.
Allie puts her coffee down, her food too untouched and grabs her coat from the back of her chair.
“I’m going to go and let you two catch up. Go easy on Alec though, Willow. You’re his girlfriend and he just feels threatened,’’ she tells me softly, her eyes flickering nervously towards Logan.
“It’s Logan,’’ I say furiously. “He can’t seriously believe something would be going on between the two of us.’’
I’m actually a little disgusted that he would even imply such a thing. I’ve told Alec so many times that Logan is like a brother to me, a brother I never had. My mum never remarried after my dad or had a new relationship, so I’ve always been the only child. Having Logan looking out for me all through school felt like having a big brother, that was the same age.
“Cheers babe,’’ Logan sniffs, his jaw clenched.
“I didn’t mean it in a bad way,’’ I tell him. Can I dig a bigger hole for myself?
“Maybe explain it better to Alec and maybe Logan can back off with the touchy feely shit when Alec’s around,’’ Allie suggests attentively, seeming uncomfortable bringing it up.
“Jealous, Allie?’’ Alec sneers. “Maybe you need to get laid?’’
“Logan,’’ I snap, not liking what’s gotten into him. There’s no need to speak to Allie like that, not when she’s just trying to help.
“Willow, it’s fine. I’m going home to start unpacking. When you get back we’ll go shopping,’’ she smiles.
“Okay,’’ I agree, feeling another headache coming. Allie leans down, kissing my cheek before exiting the cafe, leaving me alone with Logan.
“Well that was eventful,’’ Logan mutters.
“Don’t,’’ I warn, hoping he’s not about to bad mouth Alec or Allie in front of me.
“I’m joking. Maybe we should just stay away from each other. I don’t want to be the reason you’re unhappy,’’ he says sadly, looking ready to bolt.
“No! Please don’t say that. I’m not losing my best friend when I just got him back because my boyfriend doesn’t like our friendship. He’s going to have to get used to having you around and in my life,’’ I tell him, hating that it’s come to this. The two will be playing football together; I don’t want to get in the way of that too.
“Okay, but if he doesn’t like it and starts getting pushy with you, give me a bell.’’
“He’s not violent,’’ I scoff, smiling at his overprotectiveness.
“You never know. They always say to watch out for the quiet ones,’’ he teases, but there’s a seriousness in his voice that I can’t ignore.
“Shut up,’’ I laugh, playing it off as his protectiveness over me.
“You excited about starting uni?’’ he asks, changing the subject, to which I’m grateful for.
I grin. I am more than excited. “Yeah, we start next week. What about you?’’
“I’m sad I’ve only got a year left before I have to leave you again,’’ he pouts. “I want to spend as much time with you as possible.’’
“I’ll always be in your life,’’ I grin, nudging him with my shoulder. I pick up my fork, digging in to my lukewarm breakfast.
“I know,’’ he grins, eating his own food. Swallowing, he turns to me. “When do you find out about the uni paper you were chattin’ on about?’’
I handed in a course paper, an article on a woman who was kidnapped when she went hiking in the outback’s of Australia. That’s what got me into the top journalism class the university has to offer, but it’s not the paper that will get me into Whittall university newspaper.
“From what the guidance councillor was telling me, I’ll have to do another article before they will enter me into working with the university paper. Plus, they’ll need to determine if I have a place on their paper.’’
“That’s great though isn’t it?’’ Logan grins around a mouthful of food.
“Yeah. The class only has a limited amount of students. I’m hoping to get a place, but I’ll also be job hunting in the meantime.’’
Logan frowns. “Do you need money? I’ve got some,’’ he rushes out, but I stop him offering, holding my hand up.
“No! No! I’m fine, I have money. I just want to save enough money over the next year so my mum doesn’t have to worry
about next year’s bills and stuff.’’
“How is your mum?’’
“Good,’’ I smile, hoping he doesn’t see the nerves twitch in my eye. My mum doesn’t exactly know about Logan still attending the university. She presumed he finished last term and I didn’t disagree. I don’t think she would have let me attend this uni, or she would have demanded to come with me.
Since mum and Allie’s parent’s fell out with Logan’s, my mum has hated me hanging out with him. She only got off my back about hanging out with him when he left for college, never bringing him up again.
“I’m surprised she let you attend the same college as me,’’ he smirks, knowing my mum’s strong dislike for him and his family.
“She’s not that bad,’’ I lie, and quickly change the subject. “So, you want to hang out after, come shopping with me and Allie?’’ I ask.
“How about I come over with a takeaway and a movie tonight?’’
“Yeah, okay. Nothing gory though,’’ I remind him, giving him a warning look.
“Wouldn’t dream of it babe,’’ he winks. I want to smack this ‘babe’ shit out of him. I let it lie, not wanting anymore drama and finish my breakfast in silence.
Now all I have to do is make things right with Alec. One thing is for sure, I’m not running to him to apologise, he can come to me. I just hope he’s not stubborn enough to let my friendship with Logan come between our relationship.
We finish breakfast, talking about places around the university and other random topics. We stay for a while longer, catching up like old times before he drives me back home where we say goodbye.
Author’s note
I’m praying that I did Max’s character justice and that you enjoyed his novel. I can’t even tell you how hard it was writing his story.
I had to draw a line between charming and arrogant, funny and cocky and so on when it came to Max. He’s not one or the other; he’s a character that hovers over the line. He’s everything and more. Trying to keep his identity and his characteristics had been so hard throughout the whole book. There were times when he was in a serious situation and I’d have to make sure he was still Max without making him sound like a jerk. I had worked so many nights trying to get this right so I really hope all that hard work paid off for you all.
Max (A Carter Brother series Book 4) Page 45
