The Sound of Thunder
"Somebody's had a few tonight," Jo explained as she held on to Camille.
"That's not true," she pouted, looking at no one in particular. "I've only had a few!" Camille hiccupped.
The other three snickered at their friend. After looking a bit angry at their snickers, Camille broke out into real laughter. The others had no choice but to join her.
"What are you guys doing out here?" Jo asked them. "Did you get a chance to speak to Kendall, Logan?"
The smile on James' face faded at the mention of the host's name. He looked at Logan who was trying not to act excited that he'd seen his ex-husband. He knew that he was downplaying it for his benefit. He didn't like that. If he and Kendall were destined to compete with each other for Logan's affections, James needed to know exactly what Logan was thinking and feeling, even if it was about Kendall.
"Yeah, we got to chat for a minute until his manager came out to get him. I don't know if I like that guy. He seems like a control freak. Kind of rude, too."
"Sorry about that. I should have prepared you before you met Fitz. Actually, his bark is worse than his bite. And, truthfully, he's good at what he does. He kinda reminds me of Gustavo Rocque in that way."
They all looked at each other in silence as they remembered Gustavo. He'd taken the boys on the wild ride that was Big Time Rush. They all both loved and hated the man for making their lives a living hell one moment, then taking them to the top of the music world the next, giving them their dream.
"Good old, Gustavo." James said. "May he rest in peace."
"Here, here!" Logan responded. He remembered attending his old boss' funeral the previous year. He'd been the only member of the band to do so. Kelly had been so grateful that she'd had a real friend among the many mourners. Now, Kelly was the one calling the shots at Rocque Records, building on her mentor's success.
"I think I'm gonna be sick!" Camille exclaimed, bringing the others out of their Gustavo memories.
"Oh, shit!" James exclaimed. "Face the other way! Face the other way! This is imported silk!"
Jo was about to tell James what an unfeeling ass he was when Camille heaved but nothing happened. James took her gingerly by the arm and led her to the edge of the railing. "There. That's better," he told her. "Have at it!"
Camille didn't need to be told twice. James made his signature high-pitched yelp as his friend proceeded to add her distinctive, malodorous stamp to the garden below. This was one evening they'd all remember!
After she was back to normal, Logan examined his friend, wanting to make sure that her alcohol consumption was the reason for her sudden sickness. Satisfied, he suggested that Jo take her home to get some rest.
"Do you guys want to come with? We could all hang like we used to. Who knows when we'll get a chance like this again?"
James was the first to enthusiastically answer. "I'm in! I could use a nightcap. Wanna go, Logan? It'll be fun!"
Logan wanted to go and visit with his old friends. He really did. But he'd promised Kendall that he'd wait for him as long as he could. "I don't know. I think Kendall wanted to tell me something a little later. I kinda want to hang here a little longer. But, you guys should go. I'll be cool here."
James was instantly disappointed. "Aw, Logie. Are you sure?" he asked, looking deeply into Logan's eyes.
"Yeah, I kinda promised. But you can go. So, GO!" he said, smiling at his pal.
"Alright. Call me if you change your mind. I'll come back and get you, okay?"
Logan nodded at James. He hugged him and gave Jo a kiss. He turned to Camille and kissed her on the forehead.
Jo took one arm and James the other as they led their still tipsy friend out to Jo's car. After they entered the house, Camille straightened herself as she moved to the booming beats of the blaring music.
"Woo hoo! Let's dance!" She immediately disappeared into the dancing crowd, leaving both of her friends with their mouths gaping, dumbfounded.
Jo, yelling over the music, told James, "I'll get her. We'll just meet you at my place." She gave him a peck on the cheek and proceeded to chase after her friend. "Camiiiiille!"
James turned to go but then something occurred to him. Logan thought he was gone. This would be a perfect opportunity to watch the exes interact together. He needed to know if a relationship with Logan could actually be a possibility or if he was destined to be forever in Kendall's orbit. He moved to a place near the terrace doors so he could keep on eye on them, seeing who came and went.
An hour passed. Then another. Logan was getting bored and restless waiting for his ex to make his reappearance. While waiting, he'd talked to a few guests who'd remembered who he was and even signed a couple of autographs, a little embarrassed at the attention. He sighed and looked at his watch.
"Oh, doodie," he muttered to himself, knowing that his flight was an early one. He was getting tired. Reluctantly, he had to acknowledge that he couldn't stay any longer. He didn't want to leave without saying good-bye to Kendall. He decided to go inside and see if he could spot him to say good night.
James had not moved from his spot and was thankful he hadn't. He spotted Logan as he made his way back into the main hall. He could see his buddy scanning the crowd as if he were trying to find someone. He knew who he was searching for, of course. Damn Kendall! He was immediately sorry for his thought. After all, Kendall was still his friend and, like it or not, they shared a mostly happy history together.
Logan stopped looking into the crowd and reached for his cell phone. He tapped out a message and sent it. He proceeded to make his way to the main doors so he could leave the party, stopping once to dance for a couple of minutes with a few college kids.
James saw his friend dancing with a girl and two guys. He smiled as he remembered what an expert schmoozer Logan used to be. He was usually embarrassed when he got one on one attention. In a crowd, however, he came alive, his charm putting everyone at ease. That's one of the many things James loved about him. He walked to him.
Logan was in the main foyer about to exit the front door when he heard his name being called. He turned and was surprised to see James walking quickly toward him.
"Hey there!" James exclaimed, stopping in front of him.
"Hey. I thought you left with the girls. What're you still doing here?"
"Well, Camille got away from us so Jo went chasing after her. I forgot that I didn't bring my car. Luckily, I ran into a former fan of Big Time Rush and he volunteered to let me use his limo to take me home. You know, in Hollywood, it pays to be…" He paused and flashed an impossibly white smile, jazz hands at the ready. "…a STAR!" Jazz hands deployed.
"You're so stupid!" Logan said laughingly. James joined in.
"So can we go to Jo's now? I can take you in style!"
Logan looked out at the crowd and bit his lower lip. He saw Kendall but he was surrounded by many of his guests, celebrities, and assorted industry types. It was going to be a long time before he would be able to break free of them. Logan decided to go.
Turning to James, he said, "Ok, Bro. Let's head out."
"Cool! C'mon." James held out his hand, wanting to hold Logan's as they exited.
Logan looked at the hand offered to him and hesitated. "Won't the press see you?"
"So what! We're friends, aren't we? Friends hold hands, don't they? Besides, all the invited press is inside. The paparazzi riff raff is relegated to a very wide perimeter of the house. There's no way they could get a shot of any of the guests as they arrive or leave. Believe me, Jo's thought of everything! Now, let's go!"
Satisfied, Logan smiled as he placed his hand in James'. Holding hands, they exited the house and spotted the limo. They exchanged pleasantries with the driver, who had been told to expect James, and climbed in. The car slowly made its way around the huge circular drive until they met the street. Pulling into traffic, James decided to pick up on their previous discussion.
"So, Logan, about what we were discussing earlier? Have you thought at all about it?"
Logan looked at his pal and smiled weakly. He hadn't had time to process what he'd been told. He couldn't make an informed, logical decision about something so filled with emotional weight. His feelings weren't clear about Kendall much less James. He wasn't ready to answer him yet.
"James, I don't think I can give you an answer tonight. I mean, I love you. That's true enough. I just don't know if I'm in love with you. Do you understand?"
"Logie, I don't want to be kicking myself years from now because I didn't try with you. I don't want to regret, for the rest of my life, not taking a chance with you. All I know is that when I think of you, everything seems better. I've missed you so much. I miss having you in my life on a daily basis."
"I've missed you, too. I've missed not talking to my big bro everyday. I do understand that. But I'm going to ask you to be patient with me. I need more time with this. Can we table this discussion for another time? I'll be in New York by this time tomorrow but we can video chat and talk about this some more. For right now, though, just let me enjoy my one night in Cali with you and the girls. Please?"
Logan's smiling, deep brown eyes got to James. He sighed deeply knowing that he would have to agree with Logan if he didn't want to lose him. He certainly didn't want to push him too far too quickly. He'd have no choice but to understand.
"I suppose," he said in a soft, slightly disappointed voice. "But, I have your word that tomorrow – "
"I swear to you. Video chat right after I get in. I promise." He grinned at James.
Satisfied, James leaned back on the seat making himself more comfortable. At least he hadn't told him to "get lost".
They rode in silence for a few minutes. James moved his arm and put it around Logan's shoulders. He pulled Logan to him a little and started to sing him a familiar song lyric, careful to make sure that he'd sung lead on them in the original recording. He didn't want anything to remind Logan of Kendall right now.
"Let me take a little moment to find the right words
So when I kick it to you, it ain't somethin' that you heard
I don't know what kinda guy that you prefer
But I know I gotta put myself forward
See I think I got the kinda love that you deserve"
The song brought out a genuinely happy smile from Logan. He was both a little embarrassed and a lot flattered that his friend would sing to him. And, it was definitely a message to him that he should take James' attention seriously. He can be so sweet sometimes, just utterly captivating!
Logan leaned over, James' arm still around him, and kissed the taller man on the cheek, lips lingering for a moment. He reclined himself against James' body, making himself comfortable. He lay his head on his shoulder, enjoying the ride next to one of his closest friends. Life was good sometimes.
James, surprised that Logan was laying on him, wrapped his other arm around his diminutive pal, and pulled him gently tighter to him. He could stay like that forever and he was going to do everything possible for that to happen.
Soon, they'd arrived at Jo's condominium. After the driver stopped and opened the door for them, they hopped out of the car and thanked him. James tried to give him a tip but the chauffer refused it, giving him a tip of his hat.
They went inside and rode the elevator to the 11th floor. James rang the bell to 1101. The door opened and a surprised Jo, upon seeing Logan, let out a happy squeal. Camille joined in after she heard Jo's outburst. Laughing at their girlishness, the guys entered the condo, happy they could spend the rest of the night with each other and the best girls in the world.