Alrighty! Well, overall I would say that there was a positive response to the last chapter which is all and everything I could ask for. You guys are the greatest. I do this for you.
To add to our LoVey goodness, I present this next chapter. I hope you all like!
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Chapter 14
Veronica listened to Logan from underneath the duvet covers as he walked about the room. She didn't want to move from her cozy spot in the bed. She knew that once they left the hotel it would be back to business as usual. The longer she stayed tucked away in the fancy suite, the more time she had to just breathe.
"Okay, sleepy head. You're going to make us late for our check out time," she heard Logan say. She felt the covers move as he crawled onto the bed and nudged her gently. She pushed the blanket down to look into his face.
"If you insist," she stretched her sleepy limbs.
"I do," he smiled. "And you're going to need to get dressed, this robe getup is really doing it for me," he added sarcastically.
"Really?" she asked opening one eye, "This is all it takes? Man, Echolls, you've gotten easy in your old age."
He grabbed a pillow and smacked her lightly with it. "Get up!"
"Fine," she sighed. She sat and watched as he left her to get dressed. Her clothes had been folded neatly on the other bed. Begrudgingly she got ready, and eventually followed him to the lobby. After they turned in the room key, Logan led her outside. The weather was much nicer than the previous night had been.
"It's so beautiful here," Veronica breathed.
"Whenever you're in San Diego let me know, I'll make sure to get you a room here." His words weren't meant to impress her; he genuinely wanted her to be able to come back again on better circumstances. He knew she wouldn't accept the offer, but hoped that she would consider it as one of the many peace offerings coming her way.
Logan's car turned the corner and the valet handed Logan his keys.
"Keep the change," Logan said quietly as he slipped a crisp bill into the valet's hands. She didn't see how much the bill was, but from the awestruck look on the young boy's face, she assumed it was a lot.
"How have you not run out of money yet?" Veronica laughed, "I mean you lived in a hotel for years…"
"Oh, ye of little faith." Veronica cocked an eyebrow to show she was indeed of little faith. "I had a trust fund set up from mom, I received it when I turned twenty one." He admitted with a tinge of sadness touching his voice. She knew his mother was a subject he tried to avoid. Even through their years dating, she was seldom brought up.
They both jumped into his car, and they headed back to Neptune where their messy lives waited for them. The few hours spent in the hotel had given Veronica enough time to relax and reload. As soon as she reached Neptune, she would be ready to get back on the case.
"How do you propose you get that phone out of the evidence room?" Logan asked curiously.
"Oh ye of little faith," she quoted back. He chuckled and shook his head.
The truth was she had no idea how she was going to manage sneaking into the sheriff's department and to steal Ailene's phone. She didn't exactly have connections anymore. Vinnie had been booted out after only one term as sheriff. Apparently people decided his rugged good looks and charm weren't what they were looking for.
Barf. Just thinking about the guy gives me the creeps. How that asshole won people over is beyond me…
According to the polls, however, Don Lamb's little brother, Dan, was what the town had been looking for. Keith had spent many of their phone calls discussing the incompetence the new sheriff showed. Apparently he was even worse than his brother, which Veronica found incredibly hard to believe.
"Be honest," Veronica coaxed, "When was the last time you visited our beloved sheriff's department?"
"I haven't the slightest clue what you are insinuating…" he paused to give her a quick glance before finishing, "but two months ago."
"I'm wondering if security has changed since I've been gone. You wouldn't happen to know would you?"
"If by changed you mean they now have a guard dog and lasers… Then no. Nothing has really changed other than the letter between the D and N in the sheriff's name."
"Let's swing by there before you drop me off at home. I want to scope it out, maybe meet the infamous brother of Lamb."
Logan didn't look happy with her request.
If you even go off about how I need to be careful…
"You sure that's a good idea? He's a bad man, Veronica. Worse than Lamb ever was."
"I have to get that cell, Logan, it's the only lead I have."
When Logan didn't argue further, she knew she had won. Smugly she noted how it felt like old times. Solving cases with Logan, stealing evidence from a Sheriff Lamb…
"So about last night," his voice was unusually softer and more unsure than normal. "I, uh, I just wanted to clear the air. I'm not looking for us to hook up, V. I just wanted to apologize for everything and let you know what I had decided to do."
Taking all he had said into consideration and thinking back to their conversation the night before, she decided that she needed to just let it go. It was clear he wanted this friendship thing to work out, and he was trying hard to gain her trust. He was allowed to kiss anyone he wanted. They were both newly single adults. She couldn't hold it against him, could she?
Honestly, she was just glad that he was finally letting go of Carrie. She was more upset with the thought of him going back with her than she was about the kiss. He deserved more than Carrie, she really believed that. With everything he had gone through in his life, and all the good he had to offer the world, Logan needed someone that could give him the chance that he always deserved, even if she herself wasn't the one who got to do that.
"I'm just glad that you're sticking to your guns. You deserve better than what Carrie had to offer," she returned.
Knowing she would never understand what Logan saw in Carrie was something she had to come to terms with. Whatever it was, she couldn't deny that he cared deeply for the girl. Veronica would just have to accept that and move on.
"What about being supportive?" he joked referring to what she had said in the hotel.
"Oh that? That was the bullshit answer best friends are supposed to have when their idiot friend decides to get back with an ex," she smirked.
"Oh, so how I acted when I found out you were with Piz?" he leered back jokingly.
She let her mouth drop open, surprised he would be so forward, "Logan Echolls you scoundrel! Don't be mean!"
"Sure, he's cute in his the-world-is-full-of-butterflies kind of way," he continued. Veronica smacked Logan's shoulder playfully. "Whoa, let's not hit the man who is driving the vehicle up I-5!"
The rest of the ride back to Neptune was filled with jabs, jokes, and laughter. It was a pleasant change for once.
vvVvv
Logan breathed easier as he and Veronica made their way back to Neptune. She was in a much better mood than the previous day, and they finally seemed to be in a good place. However, he was reluctant to take her to sheriff's department, hating that she couldn't just come home and get a low-risk job.
As he pulled into the parking lot, Veronica was already pulling her seatbelt off anxiously.
"Stay here," she ordered, "If we both go in, we'll draw too much attention."
"Ay-ay, Captain!" he saluted. She rolled her eyes with a wide grin and slammed the door shut.
She was gone for no more than ten minutes before she came back running to his car. She was holding something underneath her shirt.
"Go!" she yelled as she jumped in. He sped off, wondering what exactly she had done.
His question was answered as she pulled out a bag with a phone inside of it.
"Veronica… How…?"
"I have my ways," she replied sneakily. Giving her a sigh he continued to drive towards Keith's house.
"Will I ever get to know how you got into that room?" he asked.
"Probably not."
"Fair enough."
How ironic. We catch criminals by becoming criminals.
When they stopped in front of the house, Veronica looked at him earnestly, "You coming in?"
"No, I thought I would get home. I have some emails I need to send out to my base, paperwork and boring stuff."
"Sounds like a blast." Through her sarcasm he caught a hint of disappointment.
"Give me a call later, maybe we can meet up for that beer you promised."
She gave him a beautiful smile, the kind that made his heart skip a beat.
God, I love her, he realized once more. Each day he spent with her, he found himself back in the same place he was when they were younger. She had a way of pulling him back in after he thought he was out.
"We'll see." Her eyes were full of mischief, but he knew she would call.
She waved goodbye and disappeared behind the front door, but something told him she was watching him as he drove off, and he resisted the urge to wave.
Things appeared to be getting back to normal… whatever normal meant in this town. For that he was pleased. There was something about Veronica that, even as a friend, she made life just a little bit better. Not only did she make him happy, but she made him want to be a better man, someone who was deserving of a happy and full life.
He knew that their chance of being together had passed, but he was thankful for the time they did have together and he was grateful that he could call the incredible Veronica Mars one of his best friends. No matter how much time had passed, they fell right back into place, as if they hadn't been apart at all. That was a rare quality, and he knew not to take it for granted.
But he would be leaving soon, back to wherever the Navy sent him. He realized it could be at any moment. Whatever time he had left in Neptune needed to be spent wisely. He contemplated whether he would remind Veronica that he would be taking leave soon, but decided against it. With the case, she had too much on her plate. His departure shouldn't be what she was focused on.
He sardonically laughed at his predicament. Whenever he and Veronica were one step forward, something caused them to take two steps back. He wondered when the never ending ride would end.
When hell freezes over, he thought bitterly.
Then again, stranger things have happened.
vvVvv
Later that night Veronica sat, staring at her phone trying to decide whether she would give Logan a call or not.
"No matter how hard you stare at it, it won't explode," Keith's voice made her jump.
"Dad, I didn't realize you were home."
"Slow day at the office. Where were you last night?" he asked concerned, "I tried to call, but I got voicemail."
Realizing she hadn't been keeping her dad in the loop, she guiltily told him, "I had a lead in the case. I had to go to San Diego to track down a best friend of the girl who died."
"Ailene O'Brien? Veronica, I've done digging into the case as well, I want you to leave it alone. Dick will be fine. A rich boy in Neptune who's been accused of murder? He'll get off." Keith's voice was serious and stern. She felt like she was in high school again.
"Is this about the Fitzpatricks, dad? I know her family is connected. I'm being safe," she contended.
"You can never be safe when that family is involved. They're bad news, Veronica."
"Don't worry about me. I'll keep you updated so you know what's going on," she promised. She knew it was a promise that couldn't fully be kept. The less her dad knew about her cases the better. He was protective, and she respected that, but she was an adult in a profession that required some challenged to her safety.
"I can't force you out of anything, Veronica, but I just need you to be honest with me, and let me know where you are whenever you're on the case."
She felt even worse as her dad made his way to the fridge. He was upset. A life of private investigating was never what he wanted her to pursue.
"I'm going to be in the office tomorrow," she said hoping that would uplift his spirits.
"It'll be nice seeing you around," he replied slightly happier. He returned from the fridge empty handed.
"We could grab lunch?" she asked hopefully. He gave her a genuine smile and kissed her on the top of her head.
"Sounds like a plan."
Since she had been back, she had spent so much time with her friends and the case, she felt as if she hadn't seen her dad at all. Having quality time with him was much needed.
"You gonna be here for dinner?" he asked, "I was thinking lasagna."
"What is with people thinking I only eat lasagna?" she questioned lightheartedly.
"Perhaps it's the pounds upon pounds that you've consumed all of these years," he shrugged.
Logan would be waiting for a phone call, but she couldn't say no to her dad.
"Yeah, I'll be here."
The smile he gave her confirmed that she made the right decision. Logan would understand.
"Invite Logan if you'd like," Keith said over his shoulder.
How does he do that?
"I think he had plans," she lied.
"My dear daughter, you used to be so good at lying." Keith shook his head and patted her on the shoulder.
"I'll give him a call… Promise you'll be nice?"
"Me?" he asked in mock offense, "I'm an angel, Veronica."
"Yeah, yeah old man."
She stepped out of the kitchen and into the guest bedroom which had become her temporary home. She had made the decision to start looking for apartments, but hadn't shared that with her dad yet. She wasn't sure how he would take the news. Besides, she didn't have enough money to even pay for an apartment yet. Dick offered to pay her ten grand to solve this case, and if things worked her way, she would be moving into her very own little place soon.
Logan's phone rung twice before he answered, "I knew you couldn't resist my charm, when shall I pick you up, princess?"
Veronica gave a sarcastic huff, "Might want to check your ego, Echolls. As it turns out, I'm going to have to take a rain check on that beer. Dad has dinner planned."
"Understandable, so why the call?"
Biting her lip she hesitated. Was this really a good idea? Keith and Logan weren't known for their successful dinner conversations. "Uh, well, as it turns out the old geezer wants you to join us."
"Keith Mars is finally softening up to me? He's about five years too late..." There was silence for a moment on the other line before he indicated, "I'll be there."
Veronica wasn't sure if she was excited or anxious about this dinner setup, but either way she needed to get ready. Hotel shampoo, no matter how fancy the hotel was, didn't cut it.
"I'll see you at seven," she informed him.
"See you then."
The line clicked. Looking around the empty room, she was hit with the realization that she wasn't the little girl who grew up in this town anymore. Maybe all she had needed was some time apart to be able to grow and mature, and maybe it would work out this time around.
One can only hope.
vvVvv
The twisting of Logan's nerves due to meeting a girl's dad was something he had long forgotten. Come to think of it, the last time he felt this way was the last time he had been over at Veronica's house in college. Keith had always been the kind of dad that he had secretly wanted. He didn't blame Mr. Mars for wanting the best for Veronica. Reaching Keith's high standards wasn't possible back then, and he wasn't entirely sure if it was even possible now. Even though he and Veronica were just friends, he had the driving desire to please Keith. If anything were to ever happen in the future between the two of them, he wanted some foundational trust laid beforehand.
Not going to happen, Logan. Give it a rest.
It was Keith who opened the door after Logan had tapped ever so lightly on the door. It had taken him almost five minutes pacing outside before he even had the courage to knock.
"Logan, you look well. Thanks for joining us tonight," he told him with a smile. It all seemed genuine enough, and Logan began to wonder why the sudden change of heart. "Veronica should be close to being ready. I forgot what it was like having her around."
You and me both, buddy, Logan smiled with reticent.
He followed Keith into their dining room area which was connected to the kitchen.
"Go ahead and sit down. I'm gonna grab the drinks. Beer?"
"That works for me," Logan nodded. Having a beer with Keith had never been something he imagined he'd ever have the chance to do.
Keith came back within moments with a cold Miller in his hands and handed it to Logan.
"Thank you," he murmured.
Keith leaned against the closest kitchen counter to the table and stared at Logan. The pregnant silence that ensued was finally broken by Veronica's appearance.
"Logan! I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were here yet…" she blushed. He took in what he saw. Her hair was curled and pinned half up. Wisps of hair caressed her face. She had applied makeup, but the natural glow of her skin radiated past it. She wore a simple black dress with a jean jacket. Their eyes connected and he knew exactly what she was thinking.
Yes, we are right back where we left off.
He had gone with a grey Henley and dark washed jeans. He hoped that he dressed well enough for the occasion.
"You look…" he couldn't find adequate words to describe how beautiful she was and settled with, "amazing."
"Thanks." Her eyes shifted towards Keith who was watching them with amusement.
I forgot we weren't alone.
"Dinner is ready. Veronica, go ahead and take a seat and I'll serve us," Keith gestured towards the chair across from Logan. She listened and sat down.
"Good, I'm starving."
Logan still couldn't find anything to say. The apprehension of impressing Keith and the presence of Veronica made it nearly impossible to form a cohesive thought. He had been struck silent by her beauty only on a few occasions.
The first was Homecoming night freshman year of high school. Lilly had gone for the seductive, dramatic plunging neckline. Veronica, however, had gone the safe route with her pink dress. Everyone's eyes were on Lilly that night, his included, but Veronica was the one who he had decided looked beautiful beyond words.
There were a few other times after that night that he hadn't known what to think let alone say when he saw her: Alterna Prom, graduation, the first time they… He forced his mind back into reality. He remembered she had once told him to not allude to the fact that he had seen her naked. He assumed the rule still hadn't changed.
They ate while Veronica and her dad bantered back and forth. He had always enjoyed watching the two interact. The love and bond that they shared was completely unexplainable and it was something he couldn't fully understand.
At one point during the dinner Keith had asked Logan questions about the Navy. Logan reluctantly replied to each question he asked, keeping is attention far from Veronica's melancholy face. He knew she would bring it up again when they were alone, and he wasn't looking forward to the conversation. There was no way he could explain why the Navy was so important to him in a way that she would be satisfied with him leaving Neptune for the unknown.
"Well, Mr. Mars that was the best lasagna I have ever had. It beats the one I made for Veronica the other night."
"You can call me Keith," Veronica's dad reminded him politely. "And with the years of practice, I would hope my lasagna would be sufficient."
Veronica rolled her eyes, but they landed back on Logan lingering longer than he expected them to. Keith had gotten up to take their plates to the sink. Logan furrowed his brow questioning her. Beaming she ignored his look and turned her attention back to Keith.
"Dad, let me get that. You've done all the work tonight."
Keith raised his eyebrows and threw his hands up. "She's just showing off for you," he told Logan jokingly. They both laughed, knowing the truth behind what he said.
vvVvv
Veronica turned the sink water low so she could hear what Logan and her dad were talking about. She was enjoying the pleasantness shown between the two. It had taken years, but at least they had finally arrived to the same conclusion Veronica. They were sure to like each other once they let go of their prejudices.
From what she could make out, Keith was asking Logan questions about sports. Logan, in all politeness, was indulging her father with a friendly discussion about football.
Boys.
Quickly she finished the last of the dishes and snuck into the living room. Football had become a heated topic, and they were loudly agreeing that they hated the same teams.
"Logan, if you would have told me this years ago, I would have arranged a marriage between you and…" they both stopped when they saw a very embarrassed Veronica.
"Come on, dad. We both know I was promised to the Persian Prince," she played along. She watched as Logan looked up to the ceiling, not knowing how to respond to the sudden turn of conversation.
"Logan," she diverted, "I was thinking I would go to your place and check out that evidence you were telling me about." She was hoping he would catch on, and of course, he did.
"Right, the evidence for Dick's case. I almost forgot about that."
She couldn't tell if their charade had really fooled Keith, but she decided she didn't really care.
vvVvv
They had taken the same car, Logan's car, back to his place. She hadn't explained why she needed to come over, but he had a feeling it was going to be a serious talk from the lack of conversation during the car ride.
He had barely locked the front door when she began, "The Navy…"
Here it goes. Better now than later.
"Do you know when you leave? Where you're going?"
"No," he said quietly. Searching her face, he realized she didn't know how to take the uncertainty of his future.
"Where do you think… When do you think…?" she didn't finish her questions and her eyes were downcast.
"Soon," he admitted truthfully, "I should know something soon, and after I find out my orders, it's a matter of days until I have to report back to my base. From there I'll have to go wherever they send me."
She pushed her hair behind her ears, taking in the information he had disclosed. Pensively she bit her lip and after she didn't say anything he tried to help her feel better by saying, "It's not for forever, V."
"Doesn't make it easier," she huffed.
What are you implying, Mars? He knew it was a bad time to be feeling happy, but the hope of her sharing how she felt kept him from feeling the desperation of his departure.
"No," he affirmed.
Whatever happiness he felt was dissipated as he looked into her pained face. There was no hiding how she felt about him leaving.
"I guess I was just hoping to spend more alone time with you before the case gets too overwhelming and before you leave."
"I'd like that," he confessed trying to hide the fact that his mind was racing and his heart was about to beat out of his chest.
How does she do this to me? After all of these years, you'd think it would be easier.
"Can I stay the night?" she asked a bit more sheepishly. "Just as friends," she quickly added.
"Yeah, we can just stay up and talk. Catch up, whatever you want."
She didn't object, and made her way to the back door and stepped outside. He followed her.
"The stars are beautiful out here," she exhaled softly.
"When I first bought this house, I used to come out here and think about how much you would like it," he unabashedly admitted. He momentarily wondered if he had shared too much, but she grinned at what he said.
"Well, Echolls, you'd be right."
She shivered and he realized she had left her jean jacket at home so he ran inside to retrieve a jacket for her. She accepted it and slipped her small frame into his large hoodie. She looked ridiculous, but he memorized her. He wanted to remember this moment when he was hundreds or thousands of miles away.
"What?" she asked nervously.
"Nothing," he responded. He forced himself to look away and into the dark sky.
Or everything… he thought to himself.
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And now we dive into the mystery next chapter. I hope there was enough LoVe to partially quench your thirst!
Did you like it? Love it? Hate it? Have anything to add/suggestion/constructive criticism? Lay it on me, dear Marshmallows!
Until next time,
Britt