Chapter Thirteen

Today was a personal grooming day for my oldest, and since she is still fifteen and officially requires a parent at the hair salon, it meant a long morning at the salon for me too. What's really sad is that in the realm of budgeting my life, Elyssa got her hair done before me. Oh well, my turn is in a couple of weeks. I'll just have to live with the odd grey hair or ten until then. After the 19th, my hair will back to a sparkling fabulousness (or at least I hope so) of about 10 shades of brown, blond, and red.

Today was also Elyssa's first try at driving on a busy road with stop lights. She was totally freaked out, but she tends to get freaked when learning a new driving skill. I know it was a long, long time ago, but I don't remember being scared to drive. Of course, I learned to drive in Mapleton. The half dozen roads and trafic consisting of a tractor making its way through didn't exactly inspire fear in the hears of a new driver.

Which leads us into Chapter 13. Okay, not really. I was just looking of a good transistion. :) Chapter 13 is another racy chapter. My favorite kind. I won't tell you the details, considering the end of Chapter 12, but it's good. There are also some tears and serious drama. That's all I can say. Really. I'll ruin it otherwise. You'll love it though. I promise. Money back guarantee.

Chapter 13

My head was pounding the next morning, the little men and their hammers had returned, despite the fact I hadn’t drunk any alcohol the night before.
Logan…… My heart beat faster at the thought of him. Memories of his kiss assaulted my mind, taking advantage of its weakened morning state.
Oh, crap!!
Evasive maneuvers were required, or I’d sit around feeling sorry for myself all day. Since I also needed advice, I hastily fired off a text to Savannah (Help!! Come over when you can!) and then called Johan to beg him to clear his schedule for an emergency.
“I swear, Johan. You can do whatever you want to my hair. Just cancel your other appointments!” Anything turned into lowlights and highlights, something I’d been resisting, but it was a small concession considering the amount of advice I needed.
“He kissed me, Johan,” I admitted as soon as I was in the styling chair.
“Sweetie! That’s great! Tell me everything,” he demanded. “I’m going to have to live it through you, so don’t leave anything out!”
“It wasn’t like that. I really messed up.” I moaned. Erik or not, I was now certain I’d made the most horribly wrong decision. In the light of day, I could see Logan was the one I wanted to be with. I loved Erik, of course, but Logan was something more. Something extraordinary.
My hair was covered in layers of aluminum foil when I finished telling the entire, pathetic story.
“You’ve got to be kidding, Katie darling! You had Logan St. James professing his undying affection, and you told him no?!?” Johan shook his head as he placed the plastic cup of a hair dryer over my head and set the timer to alarm when I was fully processed. His lips moved, still muttering about my stupidity, as he walked away, probably to find the drink he said I was driving him towards,
Ohhhhhh!!!! The little men started pounding again, harder than before and in time to the white noise of the dryer. I’d told Logan St. James I wanted to be just friends. Johan was right; I deserved to be committed.
When I was back in Johan’s soft styling chair, I tried again, “But what about Erik, Johan.” Yeah, Erik. Loyal, loving Erik. Let’s see what he said to that.
“Erik is yesterday’s news, Sweetie. Logan is today and now. You’re not married to the farmer. You’re sixteen. Falling out of love isn’t a crime. It’s practically a requirement of being a teenager.”
Damn it. Logic. I hate logic. It’s so……. logical!
“Listen, Kate.” Oh, no. He only used my real name when he was being stern – like when he told me that under no circumstances was I allowed to buy my shampoo at the grocery store. “Tell the poor boy how you feel. He’s probably devastated.”
“Or he’s changed his mind.” I moaned.
Johan just shook his head and dived his hands into the mass of foil surrounding my head. Twenty minutes later, my newly colored, soft curls framed my face, and I was out the door of the salon, feeling marginally better.
I had just thrown on a swimsuit and started towards the pool when Savannah’s now familiar drawl called to me from the foyer. “Darling! Where are you? I got your 911 text and came as soon as I could. What’s wrong?”
Thank God for friends. “Savannah!” I ran to where she stood in the foyer, throwing my arms around her in greeting. “I need you so much! You’ll know exactly what to do.”
“Katie? What’s wrong?” Savannah pulled back in alarm, shaking her hair lightly to return it to styled perfection.
“It’s Logan, Savannah. He kissed me, and I told him no. You’ve got to help me fix things!” My eyes pleaded, begging her to use her all-knowing experience with the male species to help me fix my blunder.
Her eyes flashed at my words. The fierce look only lasted a second before disappearing and being replaced with one of exasperated indulgence. “Is that what all this drama is about, Kate? You could have just called me instead of dragging me all the way over here.”
She glided into the living room. “What about Erik, darling? What’s Farmer Joe going to say about all of this,” Savannah asked, sitting on the couch before looking up at me with a friendly expression.
Maybe I’d just imagined her agitation?
“That’s the problem. He’ll be so hurt. Devastated. I’ve got to find a way to tell him.”
“So you’ve decided?” The flash was back along with a slight shaking of her hands. What was I missing?
“I think so. Do you think Logan will forgive me for last night?”
“Darling, I think Logan will forgive your sweet, country self in an instant. He’s always been a sucker for the helpless and needy,” she said. Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she stood and quickly walked towards the front of the house.
Jumping up to follow her, I called to her retreating back, “Savannah, what did I do?”
At the door, she turned to look at me once again, her eyes blank. “You didn’t do anything, darling. Nothing at all. I’ve got to get back to the set,” she said. “Listen. Jackson is having a dinner with the cast tonight, and you’re invited. Your mom asked me to tell you a car would pick you up at seven. Don’t do anything until then. Let it rest. If you still feel the same way about Logan after tonight, you can call and break it off with Erik tomorrow. My advice it to give yourself some time to think.”
Then she was gone. I stood shaking by the door until her car disappeared from sight. I had no idea what just happened, but I felt like I lost a friend. I moved and rearranged the past minutes, trying to find some arrangement of the facts that made sense. Nothing worked.
Well, except for her parting advice. Despite the angry tone, the advice made perfect sense. I’d sleep on it. Another twelve hours wouldn’t make a difference. Tonight’s dinner would be the perfect time to talk to Logan. If he changed his mind, well…. I would probably still have break up with Erik, but I’d know where I stood with Logan.
The car arrived at exactly seven. It’s long sleek length was way more than one person needed, but I was getting used to the excesses of wealth. Not that I could comment – my outfit, even without the shoes, cost more than the used car Melanie’s parents bought for her birthday. At least I knew I looked good. Considering I had to face an annoyed Savannah, my mother’s ex (YUCK!), and the guy I’d stupidly rejected the night before, I was grateful for the dress’s sexy black shape.
The street in front of the restaurant was lined with paparazzi. Memories of the “accidental” leak of Mom’s airport arrival flashed through my head. The studio was obviously hoping for a bit of free publicity tonight. What could be better than having all the stars of Dawn’s New Light in one place? I’d have to be on my best behavior.
Smiling as I walked the short distance between the limousine and the restaurant’s front door, I tried to otherwise ignore the mercenary photographers. I let out a deep breath the moment the door shut behind me.
“You’ve gotten good at that, Kate,” Logan spoke from the corner of the restaurant’s lobby. A smile lit up his face.
“I’m a quick learner. Don’t look at them, don’t talk to them, and for goodness sake don’t wave,” I tried to joke. I walked over to where he stood, drawn by the pull of our undeniable chemistry. How had I ever imagined we could just be friends?
“They can’t help themselves. You’re beautiful,” he spoke softly. His eyes burned into mine as he reached out to take my hand.
Okay, then…..
Slightly dizzy, I took his offered hand and followed him into the dining area. It was deserted except for the three long tables in the middle of the space. All the chairs at the table were full except for two places at the center table apparently set for Logan and me.
“Jackson’s bought out the place for tonight, so it’s only the cast and the high level production staff,” Logan explained in response to the question he saw in my eyes.
As we took our places, Mom waved to me from the far end of the center table, looking away from Kyle (who sat next to her – way to close) only long enough for me to wave back. I watched as her waving hand stopped to rest on his arm, touching him unconsciously as she laughed at some terribly witty thing he said. If I hadn’t been so distracted by Logan, it would have really bothered me. Instead, I remained only dimly aware of their obvious closeness. Think about it later, I told myself.
Mom and Kyle were far easier to ignore than the daggers shooting from Savannah’s eyes. Logan didn’t help matters when he refused to drop my hand. He smiled innocently at me even as he tightened his grip when I tentatively tried to pull it away - a fact Mom noticed too. In response, I ignored Savannah and shrugged my shoulders at Mom. I’d have to fill her in later, but for now, maybe my non-committal shrug would take a bit of her focus away from Kyle.
Dinner was delicious – I think. I honestly couldn’t tell you what I ate or how it tasted. Logan finally released my hand when the food was served although he touched me often during dinner. It was distracting as hell. He seemed to have decided, without any actual discussion between us, that we were together. My head spun, my heart jumped, and frankly I was dying to kiss him – none of which I could do in the middle of a restaurant dining area.
It seemed like hours later when dessert and coffee were finally served. I quickly ate the chocolate cake (Okay, I remember that much. I mean; it was chocolate.) and stood, glancing meaningfully at Logan as I walked from the room. The flirtations and tension of our attraction had gone on long enough. I wasn’t willing to wait another second. It was time for us to talk.
I got as far as the hallway leading to the bathroom area before I was grabbed from behind. Logan let out an evil little chuckle as he pulled me into a coat check closet.
“Just in case I haven’t made it obvious, I’ve changed my mind, Kate. I’m not settling for being your friend. I want all of you.” My heart threatened to leap out of my chest when he pulled me close, pressing his body to mine, and kissed me deeply.
I swayed slightly when he pulled back to look in my eyes. Only Logan’s firm grip kept me from slipping to the floor. He laughed again when I leaned back toward him, my hands moving from their position on his shoulders to tangle in his hair. The laugh quieted as he reacted to the fierceness of my response, backing me up until I was pressed to the wall.
Logan’s hands slid down my sides, pausing first at my breasts before coming to rest on my hips. Our lips warred passionately. Fire spread through our bodies, engulfing us in its flame. The world except ceased to exist. We were just Kate and Logan and only our intense attraction mattered.
It was impossible to get enough of him. I wanted it all. Trapped as I was against the wall, I settled for letting my hands explore the unfamiliar planes of Logan’s body. His high cheek bones, his strong arms, his muscular back. The powerful desire made me ache for more.
“Well, well…. Our sweet little Katie has a slutty side.” Savannah’s acidic voice accompanied by a series of clicks and flashes interrupted my single-minded desire.
Huh? What?
“Very nice. They make a photogenic couple. Thanks, Savannah.” I slumped slightly when Logan pulled away. My mind froze as I watched him lunge at a greasy haired man dressed in dirty jeans and a t-shirt.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Logan yelled as he attempted to pull the camera out the man’s hands.
“Stay away, St. James. Touch me, and I sue.” He sneered, backing away from Logan.
“Let me have the memory stick. I’ll pay you.” Logan’s voice was persuasive. “Whatever you want. Name the price.”
“No way,” the man shook his head emphatically. “These are worth more than money. These will make me famous.”
“NO!” My voice shocked me as it burst from my lips. I hadn’t felt the words forming, but once they were out, the panicked fury hit.
“NO!” I screamed a second time and launched myself at the man, using one hand to pull at the camera while the other aimed for the man’s face. I’d claw the asshole’s eyes out before I let him do this to me. I felt nails meet skin briefly before I was shoved roughly back into the wall.
“I’ll sue! I’ll sue!” The greasy haired man screamed, running down the hallway to escape out the front door. Rage gripped me as I pulled myself upright and ran after the piece of pond scum who held the power to hurt those closest to me in the palm of his hand.
“Kate! Stop! Let him go, honey.” Logan grabbed me from behind, trapping my arms to my side and pulling me close as I struggled to break free.
“He can’t Logan! Oh my God!!” I stopped struggling and collapsed at his feet, sobbing hysterically. “How could they do that to us? Erik!”
“I know, baby. I know.” Logan sank down beside me, rocking me back and forth in what would have been a soothing movement had I been in any shape to be soothed.
Before I could recognize the sound of feet racing from the dining room, Mom’s arms joined Logan’s. “Kate?! What’s going on?” Her alarmed voice cut through my pain; a fresh wave of sobs wracked my body.
“Oh, MOMMY! They took pictures. Logan. Me.” My nearly incomprehensible words came out in gulps. I should have been mortified, but I couldn’t find it inside me to care. Everyone was watching; their anxious voices rumbled with concern.
Every voice but one.
“Savannah!” My sobs abruptly stopped as I put a name to the missing voice. “It was Savannah!”
“Where is she? I’ll kill her,” I screamed, jerking up and turning in a circle until I located Savannah’s. Her thin, blond figure lounged insolently in the corner of the room. I took a threatening step towards her, feeling my hands clench into fists. Logan’s strong arms trapped me again before I took another step.
“Logan, it was Savannah. Didn’t you hear that dog turd of a photographer? He thanked her,” my voice cracked as I began to process the depth of her betrayal. She’d been my friend. How could I have been taken in so thoroughly by her? Everyone tried to tell me the truth, but I naively refused to believe them. I’d wanted to believe Savannah was my friend. I’d needed to believe she was my friend. “How could you? I trusted you.”
Savannah strode towards me with a casual confidence that didn’t make sense. “Darling, you’re my new bestest friend. Of course I didn’t do anything. I was trying to help. It’s a shame you and Logan were otherwise engaged.” Her innocent smile didn’t quite make it to her eyes. “Otherwise, you might have heard me warn you.”
For an actress, she was a terrible liar. Savannah set Logan and me up. I knew it. Logan knew it. Mom knew it. Everyone in the room knew it.
Kyle was the first to speak. “Go away Savannah. Leave.” His eyes glared at her with undisguised hatred.
“Why do you care, Kyle? Trying to gain some points with Bridgette,” Savannah mocked.
“You’re a nasty bitch, Savannah. We have to work with you. We don’t have to like you. Kate doesn’t have to do either, so leave her alone,” Kyle’s words held a quiet authority.
Savannah’s eyes glazed with fury. Without another word, she flounced out of the room, flicking her blond hair as she stepped out onto the sidewalk.
Logan’s arms continued to hold me as tears once again filled my eyes. My anger evaporated. I was wrong. It wasn’t Savannah; it was me. My actions caused this to happen.
“It’s okay, Kate,” Logan whispered into my ear.
But it wasn’t okay. The damning pictures would be all over the Internet and TV. Tomorrow I’d have to deal with this mess I’d made. Tomorrow Erik’s heart would be broken in the worst way possible.And it was all my fault.

© 2008-2009 Elizabeth Johnson