Invisible String

Chapter 24 -The Change

I took in his words, understanding his concern. I felt the same protective instincts for Logan. I would be just as worried if Veronica were in my shoes.

"You had no right to say those things," I said. "But I get it. I worry about what the media would say if they found out about me. It keeps me up at night. But instead of letting fear control me, I try to manage it."

"My behavior was inexcusable," he said, looking genuinely remorseful.

"It was," I agreed, "but it's nice to know Logan has friends who care about him."

"I really want a chance to make things right," Eros said earnestly.

"I forgive you, Eros," I said, and Logan whispered in my ear:

"You don't have to if you don't want to."

I saw the hurt in Eros's eyes at Logan's words. I couldn't help but to feel sorry for him.

"But I want to," I replied. "That doesn't mean it's going to be easy. I don't trust you, and I'm still hurt. If we're going to try to be friends, you have to earn it."

"I deserve that. I'll do my best," he promised.

"You won't mess it up because Genesis is not going anywhere," Logan said, placing a reassuring hand on my waist and kissing my head.

Panic flashed in Eros's eyes as he realized the implication of Logan's gesture. He had already been uneasy about us living together for a couple of weeks. If he found out we were making out when no one was watching, I was certain he would have a meltdown.

My cheeks flushed, but I maintained my composure.

We had agreed to keep our friends-with-benefits situation discreet, but Logan's open affection wasn't helping.

Trying to defuse the tension, I placed my hand over Logan's and gently moved it away.

"So..." I began awkwardly, "Would you like to..." but Eros cut me off.

"Are you two dating?"

I froze. "What?" I said, pretending not to understand.

"Are you two dating?" he repeated, a smirk playing on his lips.

"We're not," Logan replied, and my cheeks burned with embarrassment.

I hated this.

We were around Eros for five minutes and he already realized something was going on. I mean we weren't dating each other, but we weren't dating others either.

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence.

I was about to suggest we return to breakfast when Logan spoke up.

"Can we talk outside for a bit?"

"Sure," Eros agreed.

As they stepped onto the balcony, I returned to the table, pretending to be engrossed in my breakfast. I poked at my food, trying to look indifferent, but my mind was anything but calm.

Through the glass door, I watched them light cigarettes, their conversation concealed by the cold morning air and occasional wisps of smoke. Despite my efforts to appear disinterested, frustration bubbled up inside me. What were they talking about? The uncertainty gnawed at me.

I wanted to be a fly on the wall, just to listen to that conversation. 

The minutes dragged on, each one feeling like an eternity. I studied their silhouettes through the glass, searching for any clue about the tone of their conversation. Were their gestures friendly or tense? The distance made it impossible to tell, and the ambiguity was maddening.