A/N—Hey, I actually got a chapter up early for once. The bad news is I didn't run this by my editor friend yet, so there may be mistakes. If so, I apologize. But I felt like posting tonight, so I am. I hope you guys like this chapter and the new character that comes into play! ;) Thank you for reading!

Logan drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, waiting for James to pick up the call. He started talking immediately once he heard the click. "So, I think I know how to make all of this go away. Kendall gave me an idea."

"Is he okay? You gave him another dose?"

"I did, and he's fine now. We're back to square one."

"Good."

"Are you okay?"

James didn't sound okay. He was miserable, Logan could hear in his voice that he'd lost hope in...probably everything. "I don't know. I can't stop crying, Logan. I think...I think I'm gonna move."

"Wait, move? Like...move? No James, you can't do that. We've talked about this, they'll never let you move."

"There are other branches of the CIA, Logan. I can transfer. Just start fresh in a new state."

"James, that isn't going to change anything. You're hardly here as it is, so what does it matter where you live?"

"Exactly, what does it matter?"

Logan huffed out a breath. "It matters because I'm here. You can't just leave me."

"Logan, you don't need me. You're always working anyway."

"I do need you. How am I supposed to live without my best friend?"

"You have Kendall. He's your best friend."

"You both are, stop being dramatic. You're not going anywhere."

"I really think it's for the best."

"Okay, stop sounding dead for five seconds and listen to me. I told you, I have an idea. We're going to try something new."

"Will it stop Kendall from falling in love with me?"

"Probably not."

"Then it's useless. We're obviously going to keep running into each other unless I move. It's like this endless cycle of torture that's tearing me apart and I can't take it anymore. Every time I see him, I want him back. It's so hard having these memories. I just want to stop missing him."

"And you think moving away is going to solve that? You think you won't miss him even if you live on the other side of the world?" James was starting to break down into shallow sobs; Logan had to cut that off quick before it got out of control. "Hey. Hey! Stop crying, I need you. I need your input on this. You know Kendall better than anyone."

One more sniffle came through the speaker. "Yeah, and I know he's always going to love me. It's like...the best and worst thing ever."

"I'm not going to argue that, because it's been proven numerous times. But let me ask you this: would Kendall hurt someone in order to get you?"

James' momentary silence conveyed his confusion more than his next question did. "What?"

"Let's say Kendall sees you, and we know he will, and he falls for you. He thinks you're beautiful."

"Obviously."

"What if he had a boyfriend? Would he hurt that boyfriend for some random guy he thinks is beautiful?"

James sucked in an audible breath over the phone. "You said he's refusing to date."

"Not exactly. He's lonely and he's open to the idea. Mostly."

"But every time he sees me, he wants me instead."

"He's never been in love with someone else when that happens. What if he is? If he's in a relationship with someone, would he break up with that person to chase after a stranger he doesn't know?"

"Um. I..."

Logan slowed the car as he exited the freeway. "James, I know it's not easy for you to think about Kendall with someone else. But this was our goal. We want him to find love."

"I know, I just...it's hard, okay?"

"I know. And I'm sorry you have to go through this. Would he, though? Would he break it off with someone?"

It seemed forever before James answered. "I doubt it. He's loyal and devoted, and...and if he cares about someone enough to seriously date him...I don't think he would. I think he'd see me, and think I'm beautiful, and then..." James was starting to hyperventilate.

"Breathe, James."

"And then he'd just...put me out of his mind. Because...because he's a good guy and wouldn't hurt someone like that."

"Okay. Okay, that's what I needed to know. Thank you, James. I'm sorry." Panicked breathing was the only response. "James. Deep breaths. You're okay."

"Trying. Hang on."

While waiting for James to return, Logan maneuvered the car onto a boulevard he'd traveled once before. It had been six months, but he had no trouble finding his destination again. He saw the sign up ahead on the left and prepared to turn into the shopping center.

"Sorry. I'm better now."

"What did you do?" Logan asked.

"Nothing, just...walked. Breathed. Pictured Kendall happy. In love. It hurt but it also was beautiful. I want that for him."

"I'm working on it."

"But didn't you say he's not open to anyone? You've been trying for over six months and there hasn't been anyone to catch his eye."

"That's not technically true. There was one guy, a long time ago, that Kendall said was cute. I think if the guy hadn't been there with a date, Kendall might've actually gone for it."

"Oh. You didn't tell me about that."

"No. There was no need at the time."

"I see. So uh...so you're gonna...what?"

"I'm going to attempt to find this guy and see if he's interested in going on a date with Kendall."

"Sure. Yeah. That's a great idea."

"James, you couldn't sound more like you're lying if you tried."

"Oh, so what? I'm just supposed to be happy that Kendall might fall in love with someone else?"

"Yes. Because that's what you wanted for him. You just said that two minutes ago."

"Well, wanting something that kills you in the process isn't easy. The thought of him loving someone else fucking guts me, Logan."

Logan pulled into a spot near the entrance of Fuego and shut off the car. "But isn't the thought of Kendall being lonely and alone forever worse?"

James' voice trembled with the answer. "Yeah. Please just...make sure it's someone worthy of him. Someone who will treat him right."

"I will, James. I'll make sure he's a good guy before I set him up with Kendall, okay?"

"Promise me."

"I promise. I'm here now, so I'm gonna let you go."

"Where? Where is here?"

"At the restaurant where Kendall was prepared to hang out every night in the mere hope of seeing you again."

"That place? Is the guy meeting you there?"

"No, but I'm hoping to talk to the people who work here that know him. Wish me luck."

"Logan, that's a horrible plan. You don't even have a way to get in touch with him?"

"Not yet. And it has been six months; I'm a little concerned that the guy won't remember Kendall."

"Trust me. He'll remember. Kendall isn't exactly easy to forget."

"We can hope. I'm going inside now."

"Call me later! Tell me how it goes!"

"Do you really want to know, James? Honestly?"

"Yes. I need to know that Kendall's happy. Nothing else matters."

"Right. Later."

Logan didn't give James time to say anything else. He clicked off the call and braced himself.

For all I know, you're happily married by this time. I really hope that's not the case. Kendall needs you.

Logan checked himself in the rear view mirror and stepped out of the car. It was time to do some detective work.

Rather than ask for a table, Logan headed straight for the bar and settled onto the same stool he had the first time he'd been at the restaurant. It gave him a view of everyone going into and out of the kitchen, which would be helpful in locating the server he'd seen Carlos talking to. He was pretty sure he'd recognize the waiter even after six months; now he just had to pray the guy was on duty tonight.

If not, he could try plan B: ask for someone in the kitchen named Kevin.

If that didn't work? Well, he'd end up like Kendall, parking himself here night after night until the objects of his search showed up. Logan was glad now that Kendall hadn't had to resort to that; it seemed like a lonely life.

What if neither of them work here anymore?

That wasn't an option Logan was willing to consider just yet. No need to worry about something that might not even be an issue.

It wasn't. Within two minutes of giving his drink order to the bartender (a simple iced tea), the server he'd been hoping to see appeared from the kitchen. Logan watched him carry a tray of plates to a table across the room, using the same friendly approach he'd showered on Kendall and Logan when they'd eaten here.

Perfect. Now to just get the guy's attention long enough for a quick conversation.

Logan waited fifteen minutes for the current rush to slow down. Once half the patrons had cleared out and the server moved at a less frenetic pace, Logan made his move. He stepped in front of the man during his trek toward the kitchen. "Hi. Sorry to bother you, but I'm looking for someone and I was hoping you could help me."

The man slowed to a stop with a suspicious gaze traveling from Logan's face to his feet and then back up. "Yes?" he said cautiously.

"This is going to sound strange, but I saw you talking to a man named Carlos last time I was here. At least, I think his name is Carlos. It was months ago."

"Carlos?" The suspicion deepened. "What do you want with Carlos?"

"Just to talk to him. I mean him no harm, I swear. I know it's too forward to ask for his number, but if I give you mine, would you mind having him call me?"

The guy thought that over for a second. "There's no need for that. Stick around for about thirty minutes."

Logan blinked, excitement bubbling up. "Thirty minutes? Is he coming here?"

"He'd better be, because I can't leave until he shows up."

"Oh. Great. Thanks so much. I'll just...be at the bar."

"Do what you gotta do."

The man moved past Logan and into the kitchen, obviously not caring what Logan did with his time. But that was fine, he wasn't there for anyone but Carlos. Who apparently...worked there?

"But he wasn't wearing a uniform the night I was here," Logan murmured to himself. "He was definitely on a date. Or...was he?"

Now that Logan thought about it, Carlos had greeted someone with a hug and a kiss. That was why they'd assumed it was a date, because of the kiss.

"Definitely a date," Logan mused. Yet he'd left alone.

Realizing that he was standing in an area of high foot traffic talking to himself, Logan quickly returned to the bar and took his seat. He had thirty minutes to decide how he was going to convince Carlos to go on a date with Kendall. There were so many unknown variables. What if Carlos was still dating that other dude? What if he didn't remember Kendall? What if he thought Logan was a crazy person? The whole thing would seem odd coming out of the blue.

Thirty minutes of waiting turned into only five. Logan gasped when he caught sight of Carlos (this time in the standard uniform all the servers wore) enter the restaurant. Logan's heart raced with nerves. What would he even say to the guy?

Carlos surprised him by taking a seat at the bar rather than heading toward the kitchen. The bartender greeted him warmly and said, "The usual?"

"Yeah, I gotta work tonight so the good beer's gonna have to wait. I'll take a root beer instead."

"You got it, bro."

After the bartender moved away, Carlos swiveled around on the stool to check out the room, most likely trying to gauge how busy it would be for his evening shift. Logan took the time to study him more closely and get a feel.

Carlos was still cute, though Logan preferred to think of men as handsome. He had close-cropped black hair, nicely-sculpted brows, and eyes that were almost as dark as his hair. His mouth had that look about it as if Carlos was ready to burst into laughter at any second. His frame was small but he was definitely built under the khakis and colorful shirt. Logan thought it was a body Kendall could appreciate, as he tended to go for athletic types. What Logan didn't know was anything at all about was his personality.

"Please just...make sure it's someone worthy of him. Someone who will treat him right."

Logan had promised James that. Though his plan had been to discuss the situation with Carlos immediately, now he thought it might be a better idea to strike up a conversation first and see if this was a guy Kendall could fall for. He hoped so, because it wasn't like there'd been anyone else to catch Kendall's eye over the past eight or so months.

Logan wasn't normally one to approach guys easily; it helped in this case that he was simply on a fishing expedition to discover if Carlos was worthy of his best friend. He moved over two seats so that they were next to each other. The bartender set down Carlos' root beer, and Carlos thanked the man.

Okay, he has manners. Good start. But now what?

He tried for something mundane. "Can I ask you a question? You do work here, right?"

Carlos had been sipping through a straw. He let it go with a pop and turned to study Logan. "You just did. That's a question. Your time's up."

Logan's jaw dropped. Was he seriously being shut down two seconds into their conversation?

Carlos suddenly busted up into laughter, his head falling back while he smacked his own knee. "Oh man, your face! You're too easy, dude! I'm just messing with you, oh my god!"

Logan spluttered to speak and couldn't.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't resist. Your face, though...woo!" Carlos laughed again before clearing his throat. "Seriously, though. Yeah. I work here. What's up?"

"I...uh...I don't even remember what I was going to ask."

"Aww, I'm sorry. That was mean. You just...you seemed so serious. I had to make you smile."

"Do you see me smiling?"

"Nah. I feel like you're the kind of guy who doesn't smile a lot. And that's sad. You should. There are so many things in life to smile about!"

Logan did then; he smiled because with just a few words, Carlos had proved he would be a positive, optimistic boyfriend for Kendall.

"There you go! See? It feels good to smile, right? You know, they say it takes more muscles to frown than smile. I wonder if that's true."

"It's not, actually. They did a study and it takes one more muscle to smile than to frown. Though another study suggested it's actually easier to smile because we do it more on average and those muscles are more...in shape, so to speak. So unless you're a naturally unhappy person, you'll find it easier physically to smile than frown."

Carlos' mouth searched for words and found none right away. He finally settled on mouthing, "Wow."

Logan shrugged. "You asked."

"The fact that you know that. What are you, some science guy?"

"Yes. That is my area of expertise."

"Okay. Now I know who to ask when I have questions about how the universe works. Hey, did you ever watch Mr. Wizard as a kid? I know it's an old show, but I used to catch repeats growing up. He was pretty cool for an old dude."

"He certainly was," Logan chuckled. "He was my hero. Him and Bill Nye, the Science Guy."

"Oh yeah, he was cool, too! I forgot about him! Is he still around?"

"Yes, he is very much still around. Mr. Wizard, on the other hand...not so lucky."

"Man. That sucks." Carlos raised his glass. "To Mr. Wizard."

Logan thought there had been few toasts more worthy than that one. "To Mr. Wizard."

They drank to their fallen hero, and when Logan set down his empty glass, Carlos gestured at it. "What are you drinking?"

"Oh, um...iced tea."

"George! Can we get another iced tea over here?" To Logan, he said, "On me."

"No, you don't have to do that. I can—"

"Dude, I work here, remember? It's free. Take the free drink and say thank you."

Shamed into a blush, Logan nodded once. "Thank you."

"Anytime!" Carlos sucked down more root beer. "So...did you remember your question?"

"My...oh. Right. I was going to say that I had the chicken tacos last time I was here and was wondering if there's anything better on the menu. Because I don't see how that would be possible."

"Yeah, my boy Kevin does make great tacos. But if you're looking for something even better, try the fajitas."

"Fajitas?"

"Yep. Shrimp. The beef and chicken are good, but the shrimp?" Carlos kissed his fingers. "You'll be back here every week for them. I guarantee it."

"Probably not, since I don't live in Bridgeport."

"Trust me, dude, you'll be back. Try them."

"Okay. Shrimp fajitas."

Logan's stomach suddenly growled, loudly enough that Carlos actually heard it over the music. He laughed and called out to the server Logan had spoken to earlier. "Yo, Tommy! Bring my friend over here some shrimp fajitas!" He lowered his voice to ask, "You want anything else, uh...?"

"Logan. I'm Logan."

Carlos smiled. "You want anything else, Logan?"

"No, that should do it."

"Okay Tommy, shrimp fajitas! And get me some chips and salsa, too!"

Tommy rolled his eyes. "Love how you boss me around when you're not on the clock."

"Like you don't do the same thing when you bring your friends in on your day off? Stop your whining!"

Tommy disappeared into the kitchen. Carlos chuckled. "He's not really mad. We just like to mess with each other. I'm Carlos, by the way."

"Yeah. Hi. Um...so I have to be honest. I came here looking for you."

Carlos frowned. "For me? Like...me?"

"Yes. I—"

"Wait, have you been here before?"

"I have. Once."

"And you came back...for me?"

"I did. See—"

"Look, Logan. I don't want to hurt anybody, but I'm—"

Logan groaned. "In a relationship, right? A serious one?"

"No."

"Oh! That's great!"

"No, because I was in a relationship and it didn't end well. I'm just trying to be single for a while, you know? My mom thinks that might be good for me. And you can laugh, but I'm really close to my mom and she's always right. Always. It's so annoying. But I also kind of love her for it? If that makes sense?"

"It does," Logan replied, thinking of how often James said that about him. "And I understand wanting time to yourself, but—"

"But nothing, dude. I'm not gonna lie, you're really cute. If I hadn't just gotten out of a big thing with—"

Logan's eyes bugged out. "Wait, whoa. Whoa, slow down. I'm not—"

"I'm sorry, Logan. I'm just not interested in dating right now."

Well, that sucked. Now what was Logan going to do? He wondered if Carlos' answer would be the same if it was Kendall asking. A light bulb went off in his brain. He dug out his phone and pulled up a picture Katie had taken of him and Kendall at their last Christmas dinner. "Even if it was this guy asking?"

Carlos glanced down at the picture. His eyes widened on a sharp gasp. "Oh my god."

"I knew you were into him."

"That's...I remember him. He was here with...some guy and...and..." Carlos tilted his head at Logan. "You! It was you! You had dinner with him, right?"

"I did."

"So you guys aren't like...together?"

"No, we're just friends. The truth is he's really lonely and I've been trying to get him to date but nobody seems to interest him. We've looked at hundreds of guys and the only one to ever catch his eye at all...is you."

"Me? Seriously? A hot guy like that thinks I'm attractive?"

"The exact word he used is 'cute.' And he said it was too bad you were here with a date that night."

"Wow. I tried to get him talking in the bathroom and I totally bombed it. That was like...ages ago."

Logan nodded.

"But...I thought you were trying to pick up on me!"

"No, I came here hoping to find you so that you can ask him out. I think for you, he'd take a chance and try dating again. I just want him to be happy, Carlos. And he won't let himself."

"Man. Did I really just walk into work and hear that the hottest guy I've ever seen thinks I'm cute?"

"You did," Logan grinned. "And I'm begging you to ask him out. He needs someone. I know you want to give the single life a try, but—"

Carlos scoffed. "For that guy? The single life can wait. Hell yeah, I'll ask him out. Even if he says no, it's worth a shot. What's he like?"

"Kendall? He's—"

"Kendall. That's different."

"Yeah. He's sensitive about it, so don't..."

"Please, I know how to behave around a gorgeous man." The chips and salsa were set down between them. "About time, Tommy. I only have like fifteen minutes to eat these."

"Don't even start with me, Carlos. I waited for a fresh batch because I knew you'd bitch about cold chips. Sir, your fajitas will be out in a few minutes."

"No rush," Logan replied. "Thanks."

Carlos shoved the chips closer to Logan. "Here, help me eat these."

Logan dug in. "Kendall is a coach. High school hockey."

"Hockey?! I love hockey!"

This was looking better and better. "He likes to cook."

"I like to eat!"

"Uh...in his spare time he watches sports, he plays video games, he hangs out with his mom and sister."

"Oh my god. This guy is a dream. I do all of those things, too! And you know I'm close to my family."

"Yeah, Kendall actually had a shot at the major league with hockey and chose to turn it down because he wanted to stay close to his family."

"Wow. I'm already in love. Our first date could be a hockey game. Or...wait, that's over. Isn't baseball coming up? I'm not as into baseball, but the games are fun. And the food is so good."

"Yeah, I think you two are going to hit it off just fine," Logan smiled. Kendall could do all the things with Carlos that he'd always wanted to do with James, who had never been able to take him out anywhere. Their first night together was spent in a hotel room, and every night since had been indoors where they wouldn't be seen. Kendall deserved this, a chance at a normal life with a man who loved him.

"Yeah? Does he know you're here? He doesn't, does he?"

"No. But what I was thinking is that I bring him here for dinner on a night you're working. We make sure to get seated in your section. Then he sees you again, and sparks fly, and...we go from there. I'm pretty sure that when he sees you, he'll remember you and want to take it somewhere."

"Really? Because a guy like that could get someone way hotter."

"Carlos, don't sell yourself short. You're a good-looking guy. And you're fun, which is what he needs. You'll be good for him."

"You said he's lonely?"

"He really is. I hate to see him this way."

"So...hold on." Carlos munched on a chip while thinking over what he wanted to say. "This isn't something like you suddenly have a boyfriend and want him to get one too, right? Because you feel guilty that you're out all the time and he's just sitting at home?"

"Oh, trust me, it's nothing like that. I don't go places unless he drags me out. I'm married to my work."

"Ew, you're one of those? So boring. And what happens when he and I start dating and you're the one always stuck at home?"

"I won't be at home. I'll be at my lab and able to focus on my work, which will be nice for a change."

"Hmm. Okay. As long as you're not just trying to dump him on someone else. 'Cause that's not cool."

"I swear, Carlos, it's not like that. I really just want him to be happy. He deserves that."

Carlos nodded. "We're good, then. Listen, I have to get to work in a minute. How are we doing this?"

"Give me your number." Once they'd exchanged digits, Logan said, "Text me which nights you'll be here next week. I'll let you know when we're coming, and you can work out how to get us in your section."

"Just tell the host you want to sit on that side." Carlos pointed to the area behind him. "That's where they always stick me. And make sure it's after six since I usually start then. Sometimes earlier, but—"

"I don't even get home from work until six, so that's fine. Text me."

"I will. I can't believe this. You know, I never really forgot about him. Like...it wasn't an obsession or anything, but when I saw him that night...he became the guy I would think about when I was upset or unhappy with Dan. I'd imagine what dating a guy like him would be like."

"Well, I hope it's everything you dreamed of."

"I just hope Kendall says yes. How will I even ask him?"

"We'll figure it out." The sound of sizzling food preceded a platter of fajitas. Logan's mouth watered when the scent reached him. "Oh wow. That's a lot of food."

Carlos chuckled. "Trust me, you'll end up eating all of it. So good." He hopped off the stool. "I gotta get going, but dinner's on me, too."

"Carlos, no! You already paid for the drink, I'm not letting you—"

"Please, you made my freaking year! Plus, I get a discount. I'm buying, no arguments!" He grinned and tossed out a wave before running off toward the kitchen. "I'll send you my schedule!"

Logan laughed at Carlos' exuberance. Yes, this was exactly what Kendall needed. He'd loved James, there was no question of that, but the intensity of their feelings had been their undoing. Something a little more lighthearted was just what the doctor ordered.

He shot off a text to James. "I just spent a half hour talking to the guy. He's perfect for Kendall. We're going to set something up next week."

He'd put together a fajita and taken three bites by the time James replied. "Good."

Logan shook his head, knowing that the single-word answer was a cover-up for deep feelings James knew better than to express. He texted, "I'm sorry. But this really is for the best."

"I know. Just let me know when Kendall's happy."

"I'll tell you everything."

"Don't. I don't want to know. Just tell me when he's happy."

Logan sighed. They were so focused on saving Kendall's future that they'd neglected James'. Maybe once James knew Kendall was taken care of, he could move on and go back to his previous life of one-night stands and sex just for the pleasure of it. Since Kendall, he hadn't engaged in that behavior and only used sex when the mission required it. Otherwise, he'd been faithful to Kendall because "I just don't enjoy it with anyone else, Logan. It's more than sex with Kendall. It's...everything."

With the career James had chosen, he couldn't afford everything. Sex for pleasure and nothing else would have to be enough. "I will. It's gonna be okay, James," he sent back.

He received no answer. Knowing that nothing he could say would make James feel better, he shifted his attention to fajitas. And damn if Carlos wasn't right about those—they were so good that he did finish the entire plate.