Out of Order | ONC 2022

17

Logan watched as they drove past Callum's apartment building and even further from Logan's home. "Uh, my place is back there."

"I had another idea," he said sheepishly. "Hope you don't mind the detour."

Logan hummed. "This sounds like the beginning of a murder movie."

Callum scoffed. "What, you don't trust me?"

Logan didn't argue; instead, looking at the different shops and apartments lining this part of town. He hadn't done much exploring in the months he'd been here and never really had a motive to do so. He knew that he'd like to one day but never got around to it. He admired the different and often clashing architectural styles that varied so different from what he was used to back in New York. It was nice not staring at a bunch of skyscrapers or hordes of tourists. Los Angeles had its fair share, but this part of town felt more relaxed.

Logan finally caved after the radio played a few songs. "Okay, really, though. Where are we going?"

Callum mimicked Logan's hum from earlier, not saying anything until they reached a red light. "You said you haven't really explored yet."

Logan frowned. "And?"

"And," Callum said. "I know just the place you should check out."

Logan had no idea what Callum could have meant, except maybe some other restaurant that he might know the owners of, but they just had brunch. Around them were just houses, shops, and apartments, and Logan knew that even if he opened his maps app, there was no telling where they were headed.

Logan didn't question him further; instead, taking in the sights of places Logan's never heard of. It wasn't until they drove past the airport did Logan begin to speculate again. "Are you taking me to the beach?"

Callum bit his lip as if to suppress a smirk. "Maybe."

He found it hard to contain his excitement. "I haven't been to a beach since I was a kid."

"Seriously?"

"I mean, I've seen the Great Lakes, the Falls, even the harbors in New York, but never an actual beach while I was there." Logan could spot the Pacific Ocean as they made a right turn. "The water is never that color."

"I still can't believe you haven't visited the beaches here yet."

"It always seems so hectic. Plus, I've yet to get used to the streets here."

Callum nodded. "Well, welcome to Santa Monica Beach. It's surprisingly not that crazy today unless we get closer to the pier."

Logan's eyes widened. "Pier? Like the one in the movies? With the amusement rides?"

"That's the one."

As Callum pulled up to the parking lot, Logan sat at the edge of his seat, in complete awe of the view. "I really underestimated how big the beach was."

"It's not that bad," Callum said as he put the car in park. "Come on."

***

Callum and Logan ordered ice cream from one of the food trucks lining the parking lots before walking to a quieter part of the beach. It was surprisingly empty for a Saturday, but Logan wasn't about to complain. He didn't like being in crowded places, even in open spaces like a beach, but he did feel at ease that nobody really would care if they saw them together. Most of the people there were tourists or busy working out to pay them any mind.

About halfway into Logan's ice cream, he said, "doesn't this feel awfully like a date. Or two dates, really. First the brunch, and now ice cream at the beach."