Story so Far: Logan and Lilly break up. He decides to choose Veronica Mars as his next interim girl and she refuses. He begins to notice how smart, funny and sexy she is. Mostly thought Logan sees that she is real. He thinks he might want to date someone who wants a real relationship.

Wednesday Evening

Veronica loves to work at The Hut on karaoke night. It can be painful on the eardrums at times, but it is always entertaining. She sits the 09ers near the stage and gives them four tables together. It seems like there will be a lot of them there tonight.

When Meg arrives at the entrance, she is upset. She had been determined to talk to Duncan today but her long-term boyfriend managed to avoid her. He has not answered any of her texts or calls and now his mailbox is full so she can't leave him any messages. Today Lilly told her she would talk to him and call her later. Logan and Lilly both seem to be puzzled at Duncan's behavior.

Meg looks around and sees she is temporarily alone with Veronica. She confides in her friend that she is going to have to accept that Duncan is through with her. She says, "He wouldn't just break up with me for this. He must have wanted out and is using this as an excuse."

Veronica feels badly for her friend but privately thinks that perhaps Meg is better off without Duncan. She gently says, "Well if he is stupid enough to break up with you, the least he could do is be man enough to tell you."

Meg gets a little teary but agrees, "He should." Veronica can see she is starting to get mad at his behavior. She puts her hand on her friend's arm and says, "Hey. How about Friday night we have a movie night at my house? I will buy the ice cream and popcorn."

Touched by Veronica's concern, Meg tries to smile. She says, "We should do something Friday night and I have the perfect idea."

Relieved her friend is wanting to go out, Veronica says, "Sounds good. Where are you thinking we should go?"

Meg's small smile widens and she says, "It is a surprise."

When more customers arrive, Meg covertly looks at the 09er table and Veronica can easily see her trepidation at sitting with them.

Veronica firmly tells Meg that Duncan is a total ass for not supporting her and that they will go out and have some fun on Friday night. Meg is really thankful for Veronica's feverent support and gratefully sits when Veronica places her at the table with the girls' soccer team. She knows them through Veronica and they all easily accept her into the group.

Veronica heads back to the door knowing that Meg will be safe with her teammates.

When Duncan arrives with Logan, Veronica greets Logan but completely ignores Duncan. She smiles and asks cheerfully, "Table for one?"

Logan smirks at her point blank rudeness directed at his friend. Duncan spent the drive telling him how Lilly was upset at him and berated him for his treatment of Meg. Logan well versed in how sharp Lilly's words can be, had sympathized with his friend's pain but had frankly told his friend he was reacting badly to the whole situation. Now Veronica is letting Duncan know she is not happy with how he is treating her friend.

Logan meeting her gaze says, "DK and I will sit with Dick and the others."

Veronica looks at Duncan and makes a show of being surprised it is him. She says very sweetly to Duncan, "Oh I didn't recognize you with your head up your ass."

She meets Logan's gaze and says formally, "Please follow me."

She turns and leads Logan and Duncan over to the 09er table. Logan can't help but smile at the comment. She can be so funny at times. As he follows with Duncan, his second thought is how beautiful she is when she is mad. Logan really likes her spicy side. She doesn't often show it but she can be a spitfire when she is challenged or is protective.

Logan puts his jacket over the chair next to Duncan and then walks over to talk to Meg. He leans down and whispers in her ear and then listens to what she says in return.

He nods in greeting as he looks around the table full of girls. Without fanfare, he puts his hand out to Meg. He meets her gaze and clearly says, "Let's go Meg, I ordered you your favorite drink." Whatever she sees in his look reassures her and she takes his hand allowing him to gently pull her to stand. He looks around the table and smiles charmingly, "Please excuse us. Enjoy your evening."

Veronica walking by as she takes a couple to their table, smiles encouragingly at Meg. Logan by walking over to get Meg is letting the other 09ers know that Meg is still his friend and even though he is Duncan Kane's best friend, Meg is to be treated with respect.

Meg's cheeks are pink as she takes Logan's hand and he gallantly pulls it through his arm and walks her over to the tables in front of the stage and sits her in between him and Cassidy.

After settling Meg next to him on the other side to Duncan, Logan watches Veronica as she escorts patrons to their tables. She has a sweet, friendly manner; often smiling and laughing as she converses.

Many of the customers seem to know her. He guesses she has worked at The Hut for a while. He does not miss that a lot of the males are interested in her and he can see that many ask for her number or ask her out. She refuses but uses humor to make the situation comfortable for everyone.

Lilly arrives with Madison and Kim just before the karaoke contest starts. She walks in as if she owns the place and expects everyone to notice her. Of course, they do.

Interested, Logan watches as Veronica greets the trio. He can see Lilly deliberately moves to stand next to Veronica. Cynically he decides that she is showing the Neptune High crowd that if they are going to compare her to Veronica, she will win easily. It is very obvious that Lilly does not see Veronica as a real challenge to her for Logan's affection.

They are both blond, have long hair and blue eyes but that is where the similarities end. Lilly is normally a few inches taller and in her impossibly high heels, she towers over the petit hostess. Lilly has on lots of make up and her skin looks flawless like wearing only really expensive make up can do. Her dress is skin tight and she oozes seduction and sex with her plunging neckline and ample figure. Lilly is the object of desire from the opposite sex and of course, she knows it and revels in it.

Logan also sees that Veronica is aware of Lilly's plan to stand next to her and show Logan and everyone else that she is so much more. He watches to see Veronica's reaction and sees her small smirk. Veronica is not intimidated and truly doesn't seem to worry about Lilly's actions.

As he thinks about it, he decides that it is her openness that most attracts him. With Veronica there is no pretense; no underlying plan. What you see is what you get. She makes no apology for how she is and she is not interested in the pomp and circumstance; she is interested in the truth.

At first he thought she was sweet and quiet like Meg. He likes Meg but he is not attracted to her. She is too meek and lets others take advantage of her. She tries to be what you want her to be. Now though he sees that Veronica is not going to be what you want her to be; she is going to be herself. She is not meek and is not going to take abuse from anyone. She is not impressed with the 09ers' money and things. She doesn't care if she belongs in their exclusive circle. In fact she has been asked out by most of the 09er guys and has always declined. Hell she doesn't want to date him and most girls would agree just to get nearer to his parents or his wealth.

He is not used to dealing with someone like Veronica. He never thought he would be interested in her. Hell, he never actually thought women like her existed. He has grown up in the public eye always putting on a show; part of the perfect family with perfect parents in a perfect home; perfectly happy. He has never known real.

The idea that he could mean more than his money, famous parents or looks; that someone could be interested in him is a powerful draw to him. Meg and Duncan are his closest friends and they know that Lilly fools around him and never support him. The rest of the 09ers would drop him like a bad habit if his parents fell out of social favor or lost their money. Although Logan always has someone around him, he knows he is alone.

The idea of having a girlfriend like Veronica is like a fantasy. He wants it but knows deep in his heart, he is probably not the type of guy it will ever happen for. Guys like him end up with girls that fool around on them and spend their money.

Yet Veronica did date Josh and Victor. He wonders if that is what attracted them to her. Were they tired of the superficial relationships and wanted someone to see them; not their academic prowess, promising future or future professional athletic career? Were they so devoted to Veronica because she saw the real them? Was it the real relationship they had with her that kept them so attached? Could he really be in a real relationship?

Absorbed in his thoughts about Veronica, Logan does not notice that Lilly has arrived at the table and is bending over to hug Meg making sure that Logan gets a good long look at her ample assets.

The 09ers at the table see that Lilly has finally stepped up to put Veronica in her place. Lilly is pointedly, by walking with Veronica, showing that she is better in all ways. Dick is especially happy that Miss, Super Bitch, Veronica Mars is going to be embarrassed.

They smirk and look at Logan to see his reaction; expecting him to be staring at Lilly. They are flabbergasted to see that he is not responding to Lilly's presence beside him at the 09er table. He is thinking deeply and watching Veronica walk away.

The group sees Lilly falter when she sees that Logan is staring at her nemesis. She gathers her confidence and bends over giving Logan a show designed to reel him back into her fold. She is demonstrating ownership except Logan is not reacting to the tug on his leash.

He is looking at Veronica like a starving man looks at a meal. The crazy thing is he doesn't seem to be aware of the fact he is almost drooling over the girl who the rest of the 09ers deem not worthy of their time and or consideration.

Veronica herself is totally unaware of Logan's stare. After she led the three 09er girls to their table, she turned to head back to the front door; uninterested to watch Queen Lilly pacify King Logan. She has seen their reunions many times over the last few years. To her, it is about time. Maybe the rumors about Logan wanting her will stop.

Lilly ends up sitting across the table from her brother and next to Dick and Madison. She is stunned that Logan is not reacting to her.

Logan looks back at his table and picks up his drink. He thinks about when Veronica arrived the first day of sophomore year on Victor's arm, everyone was shocked. Logan though, had no trouble believing that Victor would get rid of Ashley. She was hot, rich and captain of the cheerleaders, but she was a total bitch. She wouldn't care for anyone but herself. He remembers that DK told him that it took Victor part of the summer to convince Veronica to date him steady. He wonders how Victor and Josh won Veronica over. He wonders if Duncan still keeps in contact with Victor and if he could find out.

He looks around the table to see some of the 09ers are looking at him with 'What the hell' looks. He looks back at them with a 'What?' look. He wonders what he missed and why they are all looking at him.

The music starts and Logan's attention transfers to the MC who is outlining the rules on stage. He leans back and watches the first few performances with the rest of the 09ers. As he expected, some are good and some are well, not so good.

At 9 pm, a young, dark haired policeman comes in and Logan notices that Veronica goes over immediately to talk to him. She hands him a cup of coffee in a To Go cup and a bag. He is only half a foot taller than her but has dark hair with dark eyes, broad shoulders and a small waist. He looks good standing with her.

Logan watches as he pulls Veronica into his body with his free arm and he leans closer to talk to her privately. He doesn't lean down to kiss her. He wonders what they are talking about. He knows he has no right to be upset at who she dates, but he finds he is upset.

Lilly notices what Logan is watching and sees his jealousy. Her eyes narrow and then she smiles. Lilly loudly comments that really hot guys seem to want Veronica.

This brings Logan's attention back to her. Madison snickers and says, "Well I guess some guys don't care about looks." Kim not to be left out talks about how Veronica dresses poorly. The 09er girls talk about how tom boyish she is and how flat chested she is.

Meg leans in and whispers, "I remember them in middle school until their parents bought them new chests."

Logan looks at Meg in shock and says, "Meg Manning being bitchy." He leans in and whispers, "I have never seen this side of you. I like it!"

She smiles a little at him and says, "See why I didn't pick any of them to kiss?"

Logan laughs out loud and says, "Well I can't comment as I have done more than kiss most of them."

Meg grimaces and distastefully says, 'TMI Logan".

He continues to laugh at her.

After the next singer finishes, Meg leans into Logan and says, "V is not serious about Leo."

Logan looks at her in question.

Meg adds, "Leo D'Amato, the deputy that was here."

"He seems serious about her," Logan points out.

Meg nods and shares, "When we double dated, he talked about transferring to wherever V goes to college."

Logan frowns a little at that information. Meg continues "Veronica told me that she likes him a lot and he is really good looking but she doesn't feel that way about him."

There is a pause while Logan processes what Meg is telling him. Meg gently puts her hand on his forearm and once he looks at her, she asks, "Are you really interested in Veronica or is she a pawn in some game with Lilly?"

Uncomfortable with the conversation, Logan reverts to jackass manner to deflect her question. He says, "Oh is Mother Meg feeling defensive about Big Bad Logan dating her friend?"

She bites her lip and says, "It's just Veronica and Lilly are both my friends." Meeting his gaze she says, "I don't want either of them or you to be hurt."

Logan's gaze softens. He sighs a little and leans closer to Meg. He says, "I don't know Veronica that well." Pausing while he figures out what to say he sips some of his soda. Finally he tells her, "I just like so much about her. I would like to get to know her better."

Meg smiles a little and says, "She's great!"

He smiles a little and adds, "She's more. She is the first girl I am truly interested in since I met Lilly."

Meg looks shocked and says, "Wow!"

The announcer says, "The next duo will be Meg Manning and,"

Meg looks at the stage in shock. Logan hears Madison and Dick laughing and immediately knows that they have set Meg up to be embarrassed. He feels the anger rise in him.

The announcer continues, "And our own hostess, Veronica Mars."

Laughter breaks out over the 09er table and Meg looks upset. Logan looks over at Veronica where she is standing at the hostess station talking to her manager. Veronica looks surprised and then her eyes narrow as she looks over at the 09er table. The manager laughs and waves at Veronica to go over and sing.

The crowd knows Veronica so starts to chant her name to encourage her to sing. Logan looks at Meg who seems upset. Dick points to Meg and yells, "Meg is here."

Obviously embarrassed, Meg gets up and walks slowly towards the stage.

Veronica after a short hesitation walks towards the stage as well. Veronica reaches it first and looks at the song that was selected. She shakes her head and leans in to talk to the MC obviously telling him what song she is going to sing.

Meg reaches the stage and is handed a microphone.

Veronica talks into the microphone, "Meg and I accept the challenge. By Hut challenge rules, we will pick the song we want to sing. Then Madison Sinclair and Dick Cassablancas can come up and sing the song they want to sing. The winning team, selected by audience applause, will pick a final song for the losing team to sing."

Logan is truly amused by the way Veronica has turned the attempt at humiliation into a challenge. The looks on Madison's and Dick's faces are priceless. Meg is known to have a great voice. Dick has a horrible singing voice.

He has never heard Veronica sing and finds he is really anticipating hearing Meg and Veronica sing together.

Meg sees the song Veronica picked and smiles.

Veronica leans into Meg and covers her microphone. She says, "Use that cheerleader training and unleash your peppy side." She adds making a hand sign, "They took on the bull Meg."

Meg finishes, "They are going to get the horns."

Veronica smiles and nods. Meg says into her microphone, "Madison and Dick; prepare to be humiliated."

Veronica says, "This song is for all single girls everywhere." The crowd starts to cheer and chant. Veronica's soccer team is yelling encouragement and clapping. The music starts and Logan recognizes a popular song about girls on the prowl.

He sits back and watches Meg and Veronica sing. Meg has a beautiful voice. Veronica's is not as pure but she has more personality in her singing. Neither tries to overpower the other and they sound good together. The soccer team is standing and clapping and dancing to the song. The customers are there for fun and it is really entertaining to watch two hot girls singing and dancing on stage to a fast, fun song. By the second verse, most everyone is into the song whistling, clapping or moving to the music.

When the musical interlude comes on, Veronica and Meg really get into the music and they both dance and twirl, tossing their hair and suggestively moving their hips to the beat.

Logan has pulled out his cell phone and is taking video of their dancing and singing. He whistles loudly and cheers.

Lilly looks at Logan. Of course he is entertained by Meg and Veronica dancing but she can see it is more. Logan might truly be interested in Veronica. She never anticipated that.

When the music ends, Veronica and Meg get a huge ovation. They both bow and wave to the crowd.

Logan smirks and Madison and Dick get up and go to the stage to sing. Logan is truly amused. It would take a miracle for anyone to beat Veronica and Meg's score.

Surprisingly Veronica defers to Meg when they win and Meg picks a country song for Madison and Dick's losing challenge song. They sound god awful together singing about tractors and partying down by the river. Logan looks around and sees the most of the 09ers are videoing their performance. It is one to remember!

Logan decides to leave shortly after Madison and Dick's humiliation. He waves goodbye to the 09er group at the table with a general wave. He doesn't make eye contact with Lilly.

He stops at the hostess desk to talk to Veronica on his way out. He tells her he took a video she might be interested in. At her questioning look he opens his phone, selects the video and turns it for her to see. It is a video of Madison yelling at Dick about his awful singing and how they lost because of him. It is humorous how he tried to placate her and she is having none of it.

Veronica is laughing as she watches it and she says, "Can you send me that?"

Logan immediately agrees knowing that he will get her cell number. He hands her his cell phone and she programs her number in and sends the video before she hands it back to him.

The 09ers watching see the couple laughing and then Veronica gives Logan her phone number. From across the room it looks like Logan is asking her out.

"Veronica, thanks for helping Meg this week; especially tonight," he says quietly. She looks at him and sees he is being sincere. "She needed to stand up to them," he nods towards the tables containing the 09ers, "And to DK."

Shaking her head a little, obviously puzzled, she asks, "What is his deal?"

Logan moves a little closer and answers, "I really don't know. I mean he knows howdrunken party games can end up. We have all said things we ended up getting teased for."

Veronica says, "Meg needs to avoid the games altogether. It's much safer."

Curious Logan asks, "Did you have a bad experience at an 09er party? Something I don't remember? Is that why you avoid 'Truth or Dare'?"

She shakes her head and tells him, "No, I just try and avoid obvious pitfalls."

"You missed out on the other fun games though," he teases, "like 'Seven Minutes of Heaven'."

Veronica teases back, "Maybe I had my own private game. That way I can kiss who I want and avoid the toads."

Logan laughs and waggles his finger at her, "No, no, no…." He shakes his head and puts his hands on his hips. He lectures, "Party games are an important right of passage for all teenagers. This may adversely affect your development." He puts his hand on her shoulder, "I am worried about how this lack of party game experience might affect your personal growth. I would be willing to partner you in "Seven Minutes of Heaven' to help you overcome this deficit."

She tries to hide a smile but he can see she is amused. Her smile peaks out a little.

"No?" he says as he puts a hand to his chest, "I'm just thinking of you."

She laughs and answers, "I'll keep it in mind."

He nods and gives a Boy Scout salute, "Always ready to serve."

He turns and leaves. She watches him go with a smile on her face.