Story so Far: Lilly and Logan break up. Logan sees Veronica walk across the Quad in her soccer uniform complete with the knee socks. He finds he is really attracted to her. He asks her out and is surprised when she is offended that he wants her to be his interim girl until and he and Lilly get back together. He decides that his attraction to her is something that he wants to explore and she will not be won over by his wealth, looks and famous parents. He will need a different plan.
A couple of days later Veronica is back in Journalism class. Logan stops by her desk on his way to the back of the room where he normally sits. He meets her gaze as she looks up at him and asks how her puppy is doing. She shakes her head as she tells him that Back Up chewed her favorite shoes. She looks exasperated but he can tell she is fond of her dog.
He smiles at her and observes, "It could be worse."
She looks at him in obvious question and he supplies, "It could have been my favorite shoes."
She says a little sarcastically, "Well, thanks for the sympathy."
He laughs at her and her breath catches at how handsome he is when he is smiling and laughing. Unaware of her thoughts, he continues, "I don't know much about dogs, but I am guessing he will grow out of the chewing phase, right?"
She nods her head, "Yes, but I may end up coming to school barefoot."
Amused he teases, "You must be a 'glass half full' type of person."
"What do you mean?" she asks, frowning a little.
He leans in a little, "Well you, Miss Mars, should learn to look at the bright side. You could be barefoot and pregnant."
She's a little shocked by his teasing. He backs towards his desk and puts his hands out, "See half full." He turns and walks the rest of the way to the back of the room. Veronica smiles as she watches him. He may be a jackass most of the time and he may be Lilly's man, but he is amusing. She has to give him that.
She turns to the front as the teacher starts the class.
Monday after school
John, Dick and Cassidy walk through the parking lot. As they weave their way through the parked cars they notice one of the girls off the soccer team is looking at her car in dismay. She has a flat tire on the back. She is not a 09er or really hot, so they ignore her upset and her plight. They continue to walk towards their vehicles not bothering to help. They lean against Logan's Xterra and wait for him to come out. While they wait, they look around the parking lot and talk about how the waves are supposed to be today.
Veronica, following the guys through the parking lot, sees them walk by and she is inwardly a little disgusted at how little they care about anyone but themselves. She stops and says cheerfully, "Hey Angela. Do you need some help?"
Angela smiles when she sees her team mate, "I guess I should call my dad. I've never had a flat tire before."
Veronica smiles reassuringly at her and says, "Do you have a spare?"
"I'm really not sure," she shrugs.
Putting her bag on the ground, Veronica walks towards the back of Angela's car and says, "Pop the trunk."
Veronica opens the trunk lid ignoring the guys' laughter and jokes. Confidently she pulls out the tire and assembles the jack. She puts it under the frame.
Shocked, the guys watch as she lifts the car and starts to change the tire. Dick makes a loud comment on how this would be sexier if they were wearing bikinis.
Logan walks up in time to hear Dick's last comment. He looks to see what the guys are watching and is very surprised to see Veronica changing a tire. As he watches, he sees that she is struggling with loosening the lug nuts.
He walks over and says easily, "Can I help you ladies?"
Angela looks at him in shock and then blushes. Logan Echolls is talking to her.
Veronica, from her crouched position, looks at Logan pushing the hair from her eyes. She smirks and says, "Oh yes, I need a big strong man to help me. I am just a helpless, weak girl." She fans herself.
The guys have followed Logan over and laugh at Veronica's over the top girly performance. They make comments that she is a woman who knows her place. John says, "Yes, kneeling at a man's feet."
Logan inwardly sighs at his friends' idiotic comments. He crouches down beside Veronica and puts his hand over hers on the tire iron. "I doubt any of those guys even knows how to change a tire," he leans in and adds, "or how to be a gentleman." He sees her smile at his statement. He meets her gaze and adds, "I can see you are having trouble loosening the lug nuts." He smiles charmingly, "I just wanted to help. I don't mean to step on your feminist toes."
Veronica can see that he is being genuine and she smiles a little at him. Moving aside she waves her hand at the tire and says, "By all means…."
He takes the tire iron and swiftly loosens the bolts she couldn't. She watches his muscles flex as he works. He is close enough that she can smell his cologne.
The guys mercifully quiet down now that they see Logan is not impressed with their comments.
Veronica is surprised to find that she has to stop herself from leaning in closer. He really smells good; a mixture of musk and she guesses him.
After he has loosened the lug nuts, he stands and hands Veronica the tire iron. He says, "There you go mademoiselle."
She smiles at his tone and answers sweetly, "Thank you kind sir."
He tips his imaginary hat to her and walks towards his vehicle. The guys follow and tease Logan about being a gentleman. He says, "My mother taught me to always treat women with respect."
The guys laugh and Logan says, "What? I want to make my mother proud." The guys continue to tease him.
Cassidy asks him why he didn't just change the tire for her. Logan confidently says, "She'll be fine."
Veronica pulls the flat tire off and puts the new tire on. She smiles when she hears his comment. She likes that he helped her but respected her enough to let her change the tire. She is impressed.
Logan and his friends get in his Xterra and head for the beach. He drives off with a goodbye honk and wave to Angela and Veronica.
Veronica has to smile at his attitude and turns her attention back to the tire. Although he is gone, she can still smell him.
Within minutes she has changed the tire and Angela helps her put the flat tire and jack in the trunk. Angela is amazed that Logan stopped to help her change her tire. She listened to the interaction between Logan and Veronica with interest. Grateful that she doesn't have to wait for her dad or a tow truck, Angela profusely thanks Veronica and then assures her that she will get her flat tire fixed as soon as possible.
Veronica picks up her bag and walks over to her car after waving goodbye to her teammate.
Angela goes on her social network and comments on what happened. Then she calls her friends when she gets in her car. Logan is definitely interested in Veronica. She can tell.
A few days later…
Logan walks down the bleacher steps with Dick, Luke, Frank, Peter and John after skipping last period to watch the cheerleaders practice their new routine. They are laughing about how Derek was whistling at one of the cheerleaders trying to get her attention when he fell down the stairs. He got her attention all right; he had to go to the nurse and then be sent to the hospital for stitches.
Logan walks down the stairs towards the field. The girls' soccer team has arrived and they are starting practice. The guys openly watch the girls as they stretch to warm up. Some of them make comments about what they should be stretching for and the others are laughing at the borderline vulgar comments. Veronica stands when Logan walks by. She scowls and says, "Logan, are looking at my ass?"
The girls stop stretching and stand watching unsure of how the powerful 09er boy will take her challenge. They have heard the rumors about Logan and Veronica. Now she is confronting the guy who, if the rumors are correct, wants to date her. They watch and listen.
Logan changes direction slightly and walks towards Veronica. When he is right in front of her, he stops and looks down at her. He meets her gaze and looks to see if she is really upset or teasing. After a short pause where he stares at her but does not give away his thoughts, he smirks. "Most definitely," he answers.
The girls are surprised when Veronica smiles and says, "I see." She pauses and holds his gaze, "You won't mind if I look at yours as you walk away?"
"Fair is fair," he immediately tells her. He adds, "I'll put an extra shimmy in it for you."
Veronica can't help but laugh at his tone. She gets a twinkle in her eye and with an arm gesture, encourages the girls to join her in watching the guys walk away. She shocks her teammates and the other 09er boys by flirting a little, "We will all enjoy the view then."
The girls all come and stand beside Veronica and openly look at the guys. Veronica gestures at the 09er men to all to turn around and go on their way so the girls can see their backsides.
The guys are surprised that Logan is truly amused by Veronica's challenge. He says, "See that you do." With a quick smile, Logan turns and walks away leaving the guys to follow. He does not look put out that the girls are going to watch him walk away.
Unsure about the way the girls have turned things around on them, the men follow Logan.
The girls are delighted at how Veronica has called the boys out on their behavior. They laugh and make comments about the boys as they walk away. Some of the comments are in Spanish and cause most of the girls to giggle.
Surprisingly, the guys are a little uncomfortable as the team whistles and loudly talks about their bodies as they walk away.
Luke has a red face as he understands some of the Spanish comments. He asks, "Do you guys know what they are saying about us?"
"Why are they watching us like that?" Phillip asks.
Logan smirks and says, "I think there is a lesson to be learned."
Puzzled Dick says, "School is over dude."
Logan laughs and looks back over his shoulder. He makes eye contact with Veronica who is laughing as well. She winks at him and goes back to the stretching routine. She is impressed at how he responded to her asking him if he was looking at her. He never said anything about her body or joined in any of the comments his friends made. He allowed her to turn the tables on the guys. He was comfortable enough with his body to just walk off and let the girls look. She has to admit his back is just as good to look at as his front. He is a very handsome guy; there is no doubt about that. There is more to Logan than she thought.
The rumors around the school about Logan and Veronica continue. Most of the 09er guys think he just wants to have sex with her and that he is using her to get back at Lilly. They feel he will get bored with her soon enough. The 09er girls are upset that he has not picked an interim girl from their ranks yet. They are all positioning themselves to be noticed by him. They are not impressed he is wasting his time with someone so beneath them.
The non 09ers think that Logan is trying to upset Lilly by perusing Veronica. However, some talk about how Veronica already won Josh and Victor and may win Logan.
Logan and Veronica are not talking about what is happening between them. Although no one knows what is going on, they are watching and of course, talking.
Friday night
The 09ers are all going to John Engbloom's party. His parents are going out of town for the weekend and he has been excited all week planning the blowout. Most of the single 09er girls are dressed to the max. Lilly was not going to be there but newly available Logan was attending and the talk was that he would likely be picking his next interim girl at the party.
Veronica arrives at the party with Meg. Meg heads over to be with Duncan and Veronica goes out to mingle by the pool. She brought her own vehicle so she can exit early. She is not much of a party girl, but knows that there will be great food and music. Although they are many things; the 09ers know how to throw a party. As long as she leaves by the time they start to get really drunk, she can avoid all the pitfalls of playing their games or getting involved in the drama.
John has hired a DJ and a lot of the partiers are outside on the large back patio and lawn dancing or sitting enjoying the music. It is a beautiful night.
There are scantily dressed students in bathing suits in the pool and hot tub as well as around the pool relaxing in loungers.
Some of the 09ers are sampling the catered buffet table. It is a happening party.
Logan arrives with Dick, Madison and Cassidy. Madison is giving him her usual "I'm available" looks even though she is dating one of his best friends. As usual Logan is ignoring her.
He notices the looks he is getting from the available girls and some that are not available. He returns their smiles but keeps himself open and free. He is not looking for his next interim girl but he will keep his options open for tonight.
He gets a beer from the keg and then visits with some of his friends catching up on all the gossip of what happened before he arrived. Luke tells Logan that Veronica came and his friends notice that Logan's interest perks up when he hears that bit of news.
He makes his way through the living room and outside to the patio where he sees that Veronica is dancing with a sophomore. She seems to be really enjoying herself. It is obvious that she likes to dance and she feels comfortable moving to the music.
Duncan and Meg come out on the patio and talk to Logan. They both notice his absorption with Veronica. Duncan also notices that Logan doesn't ask him about Lilly. In fact he hasn't asked about her or talked about her this break up. He isn't asking her to get back together and he is not asking Duncan or Meg to talk to Lilly about getting back with him. Duncan doesn't know what to think about that.
Meg notices that her 09er friends are outright flirting with Logan or positioning themselves to be noticed by Logan. She is shocked to see that he is not interested in them. She can see that he is watching Veronica.
Logan likes this party. There are lots of hot girls, the music is good and everyone seems to be ready to have some fun. He notices that Veronica is kept busy dancing. He totally gets why the guys are lining up to dance with her. She is hot and can really move to the music. Tonight while most of the girls are really dressed up, she is wearing simple white Capri pants with a black silk cami with white lace edging. She has an almost see through black blouse over the cami and despite the fact she is short, flat black sandals. Her toe nails and fingernails are painted black. She has her hair pulled into a pony tail at the top of her head and tied with a black velvet tie. She has on minimal make up and simple jewelry. She looks beautiful without trying too hard. Most girls don't understand how attractive that is to guys.
Madison and Kim come out of the house and sit on the patio. They talk very negatively about how cheap Veronica's outfit looks and how she looks slutty. Duncan notices Logan's smirk and can tell he is thinking that Madison and Kim should not be criticizing other girls about looking slutty.
As always, Logan ignores the girl talk. He long ago realized that girls can be a lot harsher than guys when they talk about each other.
Veronica is having a lot of fun dancing. There are lots of single guys there who are happy to dance with her. She parries their attempts to get her to drink more or even go out on a date with them.
After she takes a break from dancing and gets a drink, Logan goes over and puts his hand out for her to dance. She pauses only a short moment and then takes his hand allowing him to lead her onto the dance area. Logan, a good dancer, confidently pulls Veronica close and looks down at her as the music starts
He leans down and says in her ear, "I like your sandals. Did you have to get new ones or have you hid them from Back Up?"
She smiles up at him and tells him that he chewed her favorite shoes so she had to substitute the sandals at the last minute.
As they start to move to the music, she tells him about how her puppy dug a hole under the fence and she spent an hour looking for him. A little indignantly she tells him that when she gave up and went back home, he was back in the yard again.
He smiles thinking of her getting increasingly worried and upset and then finding him back home. He says, "Maybe he has a girlfriend."
"Ha," she exclaims, "I think he was responsible for all the over turned trash cans in the neighborhood."
Laughing he says, "Maybe he likes trashy girls?"
Veronica laughs and continues to follow his steps.
He leads her easily through increasingly complicated dance steps until Veronica ends up collapsing in laughter and exhaustion into his arms. They looked good together and it was clear that they were having fun.
The music slows down and Logan pulls the petite blond even closer and moves to the music. It is a romantic song. The mood between the couple changes and they are quiet. Logan likes the feel of her in his arms. She fits perfectly and he likes how her head is just below his chin. He feels big and strong around her.
Veronica can see why so many girls wait their turn to be with Logan. He is fun, handsome and outright sexy. If the rumors are correct he is skilled in the loving department as well. She is not sure about the rumors about his sexual prowess, but she can attest to the fact he is a skilled dancer. What impressed Veronica was that he danced because he liked to dance. He moved easily to the music and wasn't afraid to innovate as he went along.
The couple both feels the pull of the other. Logan is surprised because he has not been attracted, really attracted, to anyone in a long time. It is weird that she was right there and he never noticed her until he saw her in her soccer uniform. Who would have thought that he could be so attracted to a soccer uniform?
Veronica is also surprised that she is attracted to Logan Echolls. Of course she noticed he is good looking, but she has never really noticed how broad his shoulders are, how muscular his chest is and tight his buttocks is. She definitely didn't notice how strong he was or wonder about how good it felt to be held in his arms. She wonders what the name of that cologne he wears is.
When the song is over, Logan puts his hand on her back and easily directs her towards the bar to get a drink. Veronica's refusal to date him made him think. She was resistant because she felt he was going back to Lilly but he could also see that she really had a negative view of him. For some reason that bothered him. He knows a lot of the kids in the school think he is a spoiled, rich, selfish kid. Normally he lets their opinions roll off his back. They don't know what his life is like and they probably wouldn't believe him if he told them he would trade his life for theirs. Veronica's negative view of him rankles. He is more than the selfish, spoiled boy she thinks he is. He thought about it and decided to let her get to know him a little before he asks her out again. He is experienced with girls and he knows Veronica is attracted to him. For the first time, someone's opinion besides Lilly's matters to him. He really wants to date Veronica. He wants to see what a relationship would be like with a girl like her. He hasn't had to win a girl in a long time. He finds he feels alive for the first time that he is not with Lilly.
Keeping the mood and conversation light, he asks her if she has ever been surfing. When she tells him she hasn't, he talks about how he and the guys were surfing today after school. She listens as he talks about how great the waves were. His arms are waving as they talk and he describes how he took a bad fall and almost got hit by his board. She had not realized what a good story teller he is.
Logan is struck by how beautiful she looks with her face flushed and her hair messy. Her eyes are sparkling and her smile lights up her face. She obviously loves to dance and enjoyed the music.
What Logan didn't see was that Veronica, who is normally closed off around the 09ers, looked happy with him and he looked more open and happy with her. Coupled with the rumors Logan was interested in her, the 09ers found Logan and Veronica's time together to be very gossip worthy.
Veronica has never heard Logan talk about surfing before. It is obviously something he loves and his manner changes when he is excited about something. His smile is more open and his eyes are a light brown. Normally handsome, Logan's obvious happiness causes Veronica's breath to catch. She asks him a few questions about how long he has surfed and what about the sport appeals to him. She had not realized how into it he was.
After getting a drink and resting for a few minutes while they talk, Logan puts his hand at her back and says, "Let's go and sample this buffet that John has been bragging about all week." He watches as her face lights up at the thought of food. Shaking his head a little, he teases, "Most girls get excited when they talk about clothes, jewelry or purses."
He laughs when she gives him a wry look and then he stops her and looks down at her. She looks up at him in question. He says quietly, "I get the impression that you are not like most girls."
Shaking her head at him she says, "No Logan, I am like most girls. It's just you are used to being around girls who have the option to be interested in things."
He follows her as she walks towards the buffet. He hadn't really thought about it before, but she is right. He hasn't had many dealings with girls that can't buy what they want. His mother has closets full of clothes, purses, shoes and of course, she has a safe to hold her jewelry. Most of the girls he knows are the same. Lilly has a closet full of clothes and has a credit card to go buy whatever she wants.
He thinks about how Veronica's father is the Sheriff. He is not sure if her mother works or not. He doesn't know where she lives, but he imagines the sheriff doesn't make very much money.
The buffet is large and has a wide selection. Veronica is excited about eating. Dancing has made her hungry. Logan is just happy to watch her select food.
Veronica notices that Logan doesn't take any seafood and she points out the shrimp and crab selection. Logan tells her he is allergic to shellfish and she looks at him with pity and genuinely says, "Oh, how awful!"
Logan laughs at how she sees his allergy as a tragedy. He leads her over to an empty table and sits with her. Veronica, although a little uneasy about being seen with Logan, sits and digs into her food.
Logan is a master at keeping a conversation going. He asks her how the project she is working on in journalism is going.
"Miss D. loaned me out to the yearbook committee,' she pouts a little. She tells him how she has been taking pictures of the teachers, administration and the school.
Logan listens to her as she explains that the senior class is putting together a DVD of their experience at Neptune High. She has been trying to get pictures of everyone in the senior class for this year's part of the retrospective.
"I notice that you aren't using a school-issued camera." He is a little taken a back when she gets excited about her camera explaining that she saved for it for a year and then talks about the features.
Although Logan understands very little about what she is talking about, he is a little transfixed by her obvious expertise and excitement. Amused and entranced, he says, "Are you thinking of taking photography in college?"
Veronica is really surprised at their conversation. She has talked more to Logan tonight than she has talked to him the five years they have been going to school together. He is really easy to talk to. She tells him she is planning on taking business and photography. She asks him his future plans and he tells her that he is planning on traveling and spending some of his father's money.
He immediately sees that she is not impressed with his future plans. He can see her close off.
Veronica listening to Logan talk about bumming around Europe is reminded how she and Logan are not from the same worlds. She looks around and notices that everyone seemed to be looking at them. She sighs a little in frustration and comments that she doesn't miss being the center of attention since she and Victor broke up.
He leaned in and said, "Oh Veronica, the guys are always looking at you."
She gives him an 'are you for real?' look and he laughs at her. Teasingly he says, "The truth is they are asking each other why you are still resisting dating me?"
Amused, she laughs up at him and playfully slaps his hand as it rests on the table near hers. She shakes her head and informs him, "I bet they are wondering why Logan is wasting his time with her when there are plenty of more suitable girls who would jump at the chance to date him."
Catching her hand, he holds it to his chest. He quietly says, "I am not interested in the other girls."
Veronica meets his gaze and sighs. She says, "I remember your first day at Neptune Middle School." He watches her as she talks. "You only had eyes for Lilly then and you only have eyes for Lilly now."
She pulls her hand away and finishes, "I am careful who I date Logan."
"I heard that you only date older guys," Logan mentions.
Shaking her head she answers, "It is not a rule." She looks away and then looks back at him and adds, "That just seems to be how it works out."
Very quietly he challenges, "I am not your average high school guy."
She nods in agreement telling him, "I get that." She bites her bottom lip and meets his gaze. "The thing is Logan, you may not be an average high school guy but you are most definitely Lilly's guy." With that, she picks up her plate and stands. She says a quiet goodbye and walks away heading into the house leaving Logan standing watching her graceful exit.
Logan does not pick an interim girl that night. Lilly's posse let her know that Logan is going after Veronica Mars. They send her a video of them dancing and then eating together by the pool.