A/N—So this ended up being a REALLY long chapter. There was no good place to break, so I just posted the whole thing. Thanks for reading!

After unlocking the car doors, Carlos held open the passenger one for Logan and waved him in.

"I can seat myself," Logan argued.

"Oh my god, just get in."

Logan did. The vehicle was a nicer one than Logan had expected of someone who probably didn't make much of an hourly wage; it was also clean on the inside—another surprise.

"Nice car," Logan commented once Carlos had slid behind the wheel and closed his door.

"Thanks," he beamed as he moved his seat back for comfort. "I saved up for a year to buy it. Then had some buddies upgrade it. I know people."

"The right people, apparently."

Carlos chuckled in agreement.

"I'll be honest, I had you figured for a messy car kind of guy."

"Please, when you spend this much money on something, you take care of it. This car is my baby!" He rubbed the dash lovingly. "Now, my apartment? A total wreck most of the time. But I clean up when I know company's coming over. Or when it's been a while since Mom stopped by. She likes to surprise me."

"Moms are like that," Logan said with a tinge of sadness. "I miss mine."

"Does she live far away? Or is she...you know."

"She's 'you know.' She went early. Cancer."

"Oh, man. I am so sorry." Carlos searched for Logan's hand. Panicked, Logan pulled it out of reach. "Right. You don't touch people. I forgot."

"Sorry. It's nothing against you."

"I know. I get it. But I'm sorry to hear about your mom. Are you close to your dad?"

"No. We actually didn't meet until Mom's funeral. It was extremely awkward. He tried to keep in touch with me after that, but it didn't last. We don't have a lot in common."

"I bet you do. He's your dad, how can you not?"

Logan shrugged. "Not enough to stay in touch, I guess."

"That's just sad." Carlos unzipped the sack and pulled out what looked like a sandwich. He offered half to Logan. "Want some?"

"What's inside?"

"Peanut butter and jelly."

"Wait, your favorite is peanut butter and jelly? Seriously?"

"She fries it, dude! It's so good. It makes the jelly all gooey, kind of like how hot apple pie is."

"I prefer my apple pie cold."

Carlos gave him a disbelieving look. "You are so weird. Not even any ice cream on it?"

"I have it with ice cream on the side. I like them both cold."

"Weird," Carlos muttered while biting into the sandwich. "Anyway, even though this isn't hot anymore, it's still yummy. You sure you don't want some?"

"Positive. Thanks."

"I also have pudding in here, if you're interested."

"I'll grab dinner on the way home."

"Your loss." Two bites later, Carlos asked, "So what did you want to talk about? Usually when someone says 'we need to talk' it's bad news."

"No, nothing like that. I wanted to talk to you about Kendall."

"I figured. He's not breaking up with me, is he?"

"No. He likes you a lot."

"Okay, good. I was scared for a minute."

"Nothing to be worried about. It's actually Kendall who's a little worried."

Carlos had been drinking from a water bottle. He let go with a pop. "Kendall's worried? Did I do something wrong?"

"No, Carlos, relax. You've done everything right."

"Good. Great. So...what's the problem?"

"Well...I think he's concerned about this thirty-day waiting period."

"Oh. Really? Because he seemed fine with it."

"He is, he thinks it's a good idea."

"What's he worried about?"

"He seems a little concerned about what else might be happening during the waiting period."

"What does that mean?"

"You know, just because...well, according to him, you two left the terms a bit...ambiguous."

Carlos set down the second half of the sandwich he'd just picked up. "Logan, no offense, but I'm not the smartest guy when it comes to big words. Just say what you need to say, man."

"Okay, fine. Kendall's worried you might screw around behind his back until you two become 'official.' Since you didn't agree on being exclusive."

Carlos blinked repeatedly, trying to digest that. "We're not official?"

"Are you?"

"I thought we were. Was I wrong?"

"That's just it, you two never discussed it. So he's not sure."

"I didn't think we had to discuss it. I thought it was...you know."

"Implied?"

"Right. Wait, does he want to see other people?"

"No, Carlos. Not at all. He's just wondering if you want to, since you didn't say otherwise."

"Well, neither did he!"

"Exactly. I think one of you needs to say it out loud. He won't because he's afraid to pressure you."

"Oh my god, Kendall, pressure me! Please! How does he not get that I want to be serious with him? Does he really think I'd wait a month for sex if I didn't want to be serious?"

"He hasn't really dated in a long time. He's a bit unsure of himself in that sense."

"Okay, leave it to me. I'll make sure he knows tonight that I don't want anyone else." His appetite now returned, Carlos tore off a huge chunk of the sandwich. "I'll call him on my next break."

"Good. I think he'd like that. Except...oh wait, he's at his mom's tonight. It's her birthday."

"Yeah, he mentioned that. I was scared that he might invite me, so I was glad I have to work."

"Why would you be scared? You'll meet her eventually, right?"

"Sure, but we just started dating! Give me a few weeks to get up the courage, you know? What if she doesn't like me?"

"Trust me, she's going to love you. Katie will, too."

"Katie's the sister, right?"

"Yes. She might give you the third degree, but I have no doubt you'll win her over."

"Okay, well that makes me feel a little better about it. If you think they'll like me, they probably will."

"They will. I promise."

"Awesome. Hey, want my banana?"

Logan choked on air, his face going red. "Sorry."

"I didn't mean it that way, you know. But now I know you have a dirty mind."

"I wasn't...I didn't..."

"You so did!" Carlos crowed. "But seriously. It's all healthy and stuff, which you probably care about. Want it?"

He held it out to Logan, who suddenly realized he was starving. "Actually...yeah. Thanks."

"Sure! I still got my pudding."

They ate in silence for a minute, only the sound of Carlos' spoon digging out pudding to interrupt it until Carlos said, "You know, you should eat that in front of James. I bet he'd be asking you out in no time."

Logan rolled his eyes. "Don't make me regret eating this."

"I'm just saying. Your mouth looks like it knows what it's doing. Is James gay? Or is he straight and that's why you won't go for him?"

"I'm not discussing James with you."

"Come on, man, I'm just trying to help."

Logan quickly took another bite of the banana, making sure it wasn't in any way suggestive. "You and Kendall can just knock that off. I'm not looking to date right now."

"I think you could have James if you tried. Except for that time where he was a dick, he seemed to like you."

"Were you watching us?"

"When I could, yeah. I was curious. He's super hot, dude."

"Looks aren't everything."

"With a guy who looks like that? It's a start. Eat the banana, I won't make any more comments."

"Thank you." Logan took another bite, this one larger.

"Yeah, that's it, deep throat that fucker."

"Oh my god, will you stop it?" Logan's face was on fire.

Carlos was cracking up on his side of the car. "Sorry, I couldn't resist. It's too much fun to tease you. I swear, I'll behave now." He kept his promise and stayed quiet until Logan had finished the banana. Taking back the empty peel, he said, "I'm being perfectly serious about James, though. What's holding you back? Are you really that happy alone? I mean, if it's not him, there's somebody else out there for you."

"I know you mean well, and I appreciate that you care, even if I don't understand why, but—"

"Because we're friends, Logan. Of course I care."

Logan turned to look at Carlos. "Really? You do consider us friends?"

"Well, yeah. I thought we were. Am I wrong about that, too?"

"No, I just...I guess I just figured it's because of Kendall that we talk, so..."

"Logan, remember when we first met at the bar? You hadn't even mentioned Kendall and we were laughing together and getting along. Sure, we're talking now because of Kendall, but that's not why we're friends." Insecurity hit in the next instant. "Or...is it? Is that the only reason you talk to me? Because I'm dating your best friend?"

At a loss, Logan didn't answer right away—mostly because he didn't know the answer. He'd never thought about it.

"Wow, okay. I guess that's my answer. I get it. We'll only talk if we have to."

"No, Carlos, wait. That's not what I'm saying."

"You aren't saying anything, which tells me what I need to know." He tossed the empty pudding cup and plastic spoon into the sack along with the banana peel. "It's fine. We don't have to be friends."

What was clear to Logan, no matter how nonchalantly Carlos tried to act, was that the idea bothered Carlos; he truly wanted them to be friends. And if Logan was honest with himself, he'd meant what he said to James—Carlos was a good guy, and it was no wonder everyone liked him. "Hey," he said softly. "I'm sorry if I gave you that impression. Of course we're friends."

"Really? You don't sound sure."

"I'm just not...I don't express myself well when it comes to things other than science and facts. Feelings make me uncomfortable."

"I can tell. I like you anyway. I get that Kendall is what we have in common, but that doesn't have to be all we have in common. I'm not like your dad, Logan. I won't stop trying or just let you go like that. Friends hold on to each other."

Something was happening inside Logan's chest; it was a shifting, but of what Logan couldn't be sure. Maybe it was heartburn from the margarita. And he still wasn't sure how to reply to Carlos' heartfelt offer of friendship.

"You don't have to say anything," Carlos smiled. "I know it's hard for you. So just listen, okay? If you ever need someone to talk to, you have my number. I don't care how things are going between me and Kendall, if you need me, I'm there. Got it?"

Logan swallowed.

"Just say yes or no."

"Yes." It was a hint of a whisper.

"Okay. I was going to tease you about James some more, but I can tell you're overwhelmed right now so I'll be nice. I gotta get back to work anyway."

"Right. I'll let you do that."

Logan couldn't get out of the car fast enough. Why did being around Carlos always make him so edgy? He liked the guy well enough, they were friends...but Carlos had a way of putting him off balance.

"Whoa, hold on, don't even think about running off yet!"

Logan froze after closing the car door. His heart was racing and he had no idea why.

"Man, you are so wound up right now! I know what you need."

Afraid to ask, Logan refused to look over as Carlos rounded the car. He forced Logan to turn toward him. "Hey. Calm down. It's just a hug. I warned you I'd be doing this. The day you can hug me without freaking out, I'll stop making you do it."

"Carlos, I don't think a hug is a good idea right now. I'm not sure what's wrong, but I'm—"

"You're scared. You realized you like me and you're scared because once you open yourself up to someone, it means you're vulnerable. It's okay, Logan. I just want to be your friend. Let me."

Logan's body seized up when arms slid around him. He stood rigidly in the embrace, unmoving outside of the damn trembles.

"Were you like this the first time you hugged Kendall or James?"

"No."

"What's different? Because you hardly know me?"

"Maybe. Or maybe it's because I hugged them. It was my choice. It wasn't forced on me."

"Oh. That makes sense. Should I pretend to be sad right now so you want to hug me?"

Logan shoved Carlos away, annoyed even more that Carlos was laughing. "You're a jerk."

"I'm a jerk? For wanting to hug you?"

"For laughing at my pain."

"Logan, come on! You're not in pain! You can do this!"

"Maybe I don't want to!"

That brought Carlos up short. "Well. If that's the case..." He turned away. "Thanks for the tip about Kendall. I'll call him later."

Carlos sounded dejected. Logan felt bad. "Carlos..."

"See you later, Logan. Drive safe."

Dammit. Gathering his courage, Logan commanded, "Get back here."

Carlos continued to walk away. "I'm already late."

"Carlos...what the hell is your last name?"

He paused, coming to a standstill. "Garcia?"

"Carlos Garcia, get your ass back here right now!"

Wary now, Carlos spun around in question.

"I mean it. Don't make me go over there."

"Is that a challenge?"

"Get the fuck over here!"

"Damn, dude, the whole parking lot can hear you. You are really worked up."

He was. Blood was rushing through his ears, his heart was pounding. His body felt like a live wire. "Do I have to go get you?"

Intrigued, Carlos answered, "Maybe?"

Logan had had enough of this game, if that's what it was to Carlos. He stormed onto the sidewalk and dragged Carlos into his arms. Carlos slid into place easily, as if hugs were second nature to him. Of course they were, he was just that kind of guy. Logan's chin dipped down to rest on Carlos' shoulder as the embrace stretched on.

"See?" Carlos hummed. "Was that so hard?"

Logan never replied. He closed his eyes and let himself sink into the hug until the anger faded, until he was hugging Carlos the way he did Kendall and James—relaxed and easy.

"You're a natural."

Logan ignored that. "I'm sorry I made you feel like I didn't want to touch you."

"It's okay. Technically, you didn't."

"But I hurt you. For that I'm sorry."

"Did you, though? Or did I just make you think you did so you'd do this?"

Logan stepped back abruptly, his hands on Carlos' shoulders. "Did you? Are you that horrible?"

Carlos shrugged, not sorry. "I'll never tell."

Logan's arms fell away. "You asshole. You did. I take that hug back."

"Nope, can't take it back. It's done. And it was a nice one, too. Made me feel all warm and fuzzy."

"Oh my god. I hate you."

"Ha, you wish. You can't hate me, you like me too much!" Carlos seemed amused by the notion.

"Go back to work. You're late."

"Admit it, Logan. We're gonna be great friends!"

"I'm leaving. Hope you enjoyed that hug, because it's never happening again." He headed toward his car and away from Carlos.

"Bye!"

More than happy to push Carlos out of his mind, Logan sent a text to James before starting his car. "I'm on my way. Cupcakes?"

"Please. Bring me three. All chocolate."

"See you soon. Hang on, I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Thanks. You're the best."

As much as he didn't want to think about Carlos, he spent most of the drive trying to decide if Carlos had actually been hurt by the thought that Logan didn't want to hug him. Sure, he'd played it off like it had been a ploy, but Logan didn't think Carlos was that good of an actor. He'd seemed genuinely shattered by Logan's rejection.

Forget it, Logan. He was just pushing your buttons. One thing Carlos learned fast about you—how to push your buttons.

It was true; he was a pro. And unlike Kendall or James, who rarely did it on purpose unless it was in a teasing manner, Carlos appeared to enjoy it greatly.

Still, the more he thought about it, the more convinced Logan was that Carlos hadn't been acting; he wanted them to be friends, and in Carlos' world, friends hugged—apparently often.

Logan would just have to get used to it. He hoped that for Kendall's sake (and James', when it came down to it), Carlos would be around for a long time.

"Kendall, you didn't have to cook dinner for me!" Jennifer exclaimed as she settled into the chair which her son was holding out for her at the dining room table.

"Of course I did," Kendall smiled. "It's your birthday." He pushed her chair in.

A yell came from the kitchen. "Hey, I helped! Don't take all the credit, Kendall!"

Kendall laughed before going back in to help Katie carry out the dishes. "She knows, sis. Can you grab the garlic bread?"

"I'm on it."

Jennifer turned her grin to Katie when she appeared with a plate of bread. "What a perfect day. I got flowers from a mysterious stranger, I have my babies with me, and you two even prepared a meal. I'm so lucky." The three of them were seated at the table and digging in when Jennifer commented, "This tastes like Logan's spaghetti."

"It is," Kendall nodded. "I made it, but it's his recipe. Not that I don't like yours, I just don't know how to make it."

"That's okay, his is better anyway." She lifted a glass of wine for a sip. "And this wine is really good."

"I picked that out," Katie boasted. "Stephan suggested it."

Kendall rolled his eyes. He'd met her boyfriend twice in person and still didn't like him.

"Don't even start, Kendall," Katie warned. "This is supposed to be a nice night for Mom."

"I said nothing." Kendall waited for his mother to come to his defense, as she'd expressed similar concerns about Stephan, but she remained silent and focused on her food. He wondered if she'd ever mentioned those concerns aloud to Katie. Probably not.

Katie pressed, "But you're thinking it. Why do you hate him so much?"

"Katie, please. You're the one who said this should be a nice night. Can't we just enjoy dinner without arguing?"

"Fine, but I think you're just jealous because I have a boyfriend and you don't. When are you gonna start dating again?"

Jennifer's grip loosened so that her fork dropped to the plate. "Katie, will you let it go? Nobody wants to see Kendall with a boyfriend more than I do, but badgering him about it isn't going to make it happen."

"Oh Mom, please, you harass him every time he comes over!"

"That doesn't mean—"

Kendall interrupted them. "Guys, hold on. There's something I should tell you. I was going to save it for after dinner, but..." He held his breath before admitting, "I'm seeing someone."

Katie gasped. Jennifer excitedly asked, "Is it Logan?!"

"No, Mom, it's not Logan! It's never going to be Logan! Give up on that!"

"Well, he's become like a son to me. I want him to find someone too, so that would solve both problems at once."

"I'm working on him. For now, he's still just focused on his work and fighting me on the idea of dating. But I think once I get into a committed relationship, he'll see how happy I am and want that for himself. I hope, anyway."

Jennifer clapped her hands together. "Tell me about your boyfriend!"

"He's not my boyfriend. Yet. I'm hoping he will be soon because I really like him a lot. We've only been on two dates so far. If you can consider the first one a date."

"What's his name?" Katie wanted to know.

"Carlos. He's a waiter at Fuego in Bridgeport."

"Oh, I've been there!" Jennifer gushed. "They have great food!"

"Yeah, they do."

"How did you meet?"

"Mom, eat your dinner. It's best when it's hot."

"Don't try to avoid the question, Kendall. Tell me all about him!" But Jennifer did pick up her fork and scoop up spaghetti as she listened with rapt attention.

"It's kind of a weird story," Kendall chuckled. "I tried a dating app, and met a guy there for dinner. It didn't work out, but the food was really great. So when Logan invited me out the next night, I suggested that place. There was a guy at the bar checking me out, and I thought he was cute but he was there with a date. So that was the end of it. Or so I thought."

"What happened?" Katie asked.

"Months later, like...I don't know, six months or something? We went there for dinner again. And that same guy was there, but this time he was our waiter! Turns out he works there. He flirted a little with me and gave me his number. We agreed to hang out later in the week, and..." Kendall shrugged while reaching for his wine glass. "That's about it. We spent Sunday together, too, and it went really well."

"So you're going to see him again?" Jennifer grinned.

"Definitely. We're taking things a little slow on purpose, but we'll be seeing each other a few times a week when we can squeeze it in."

"When do I get to meet him?"

"Mom, relax. I just said we're taking things slow. I don't want to pressure him to meet you guys right away. Maybe in a few weeks."

Katie said, "So Logan's met him? Like officially?"

"Well, from him serving us dinner, yeah. And apparently they've talked on the phone. I'm assuming about me."

Katie nodded. "But you said he's not your boyfriend?"

"Not officially. We haven't had that whole 'Hey, let's commit to each other' conversation."

Jennifer laid a hand over Kendall's. "Don't worry, honey, if it's meant to be, you will. I'm just so proud of you for getting out there and trying! It's been years since you dated anyone!"

"What does Logan think of him?" When Jennifer gave her an exasperated look, Katie continued, "Hey, it matters. If he approves, that tells me Carlos is a good guy."

"He does," Kendall nodded. "He's encouraging it. He's actually pushing me to make it official, but I don't want to pressure Carlos. I feel like it's too soon."

"Well, go with your gut," Jennifer suggested. "Your heart will tell you when it's time."

Katie asked, "What's he like? Besides being a waiter, I mean."

"He's a lot of fun. We spent Sunday at the amusement center and he's like a big kid. But I like that. We have a lot in common. We were talking about hitting up a baseball game later this week if he can get the night off. And maybe the movies over the weekend, before he has to go in for his shift. He's close to his family, which I see as a good thing. He has lunch at his grandma's a few times a week."

"I love him already," Jennifer smiled. "Does he live in Bridgeport?"

"I think so. I haven't actually asked. It would be a bit of a drive to see him, but I don't mind. He's worth it."

"Oh, Kendall, I can see it in your eyes. You really like this guy!"

"I do," Kendall admitted, his face heating up. "And I promise, I'll bring him over when it feels right. I was going to invite him tonight, but he had to work."

"What a wonderful birthday present that would've been."

"Do you have a picture of him?" Katie asked.

"No. He took plenty of pictures Sunday, but I don't have any of them. I should have him send me some."

"Yes, you should," Jennifer pressed. "Do that now. I want to see him!"

"Mom, he's working."

"He doesn't get a break? Text him now so that by the time you leave, we'll have a picture of him!"

"We're not even official! Don't make this into a big thing before it even gets started."

"But you want to be. You want this to last, don't you?"

"Yes," Kendall sighed, a touch of anxiety showing through the guard he tried to keep up. "He's the first guy in years I've let myself fall for and I'm really afraid it's not going to last."

"Tell him that. Don't be afraid to be honest about your feelings, Kendall. He might be thinking the same thing."

"And get that picture," Katie suggested. "I want to see what this guy looks like. Mom, don't start. I'm not judging based on appearance. You can just tell a lot about a person by looking at him."

"That's not what you said about Stephan," Kendall smirked. "I believe your exact words were 'Don't judge him until you meet him in person.'"

Katie glared at Kendall. "Just get the damn picture already."

Kendall rolled his eyes. He knew that asking for it wasn't a big deal, but he didn't want to bother Carlos at work. Then again, Carlos probably wouldn't even see his text until he went on break anyway. It would be fine.

Jennifer started gathering their empty plates. "Honey, don't over-think things. Just follow your heart."

She was right. He knew she was right. Kendall pulled out his phone to send a text, but as he called up his thread with Carlos, the screen went black. A second later the phone was vibrating in his hand. "He's calling."

Both women crowded around him in excitement. "Answer it!" Jennifer urged.

"Put it on speaker!" Katie hissed.

Kendall could only imagine how that would go with both of them in the room. He stood up and shook his head. "Nope. I'm taking this outside."

"Oh, come on!"

Katie's complaint went ignored. He opened the sliding glass door to the patio and said, "I'll be back."

He could hear their grumbles even after he closed the door. It made him laugh. Or maybe it was just the fact that Carlos was calling that made him giddy. He answered with, "Hey, beautiful."

"Damn, every time you say that, it kills me a little inside. In a good way!"

"That's good to know," Kendall grinned. "How's work?"

"It's been...an interesting night. I don't have a lot of time, but there are a few things I needed to talk to you about that can't wait."

"Good things, I hope?"

"Well...depends on how you feel about me, I suppose."

Kendall's amusement dried up. The anxiety was back. He paced to the edge of the patio. "What's up?"

"So...I was thinking. I know we just started dating and all, and I shouldn't really pressure you about things."

"What sort of things? Are you regretting the waiting period already?"

"No, not exactly. I still think it's a good idea if that's what you want."

"Okay?"

"But we never like...I mean...why is this so hard to say?"

"Carlos, say what's on your mind. I want us to be honest with each other. It's important."

"Right. I know. And I was just thinking that we never talked about like...seeing other people."

All the air left Kendall's lungs. "Oh."

"Yeah."

"Well...I guess since we're not technically official, if you want to—"

"No! I don't!"

"You don't?"

"No way! I was just thinking that if you wanted to, we should talk about—"

"Carlos, no. When I date someone, there's no one else. Official or not, if I'm with you, I'm with you. I was actually worried you might want to see other people."

"Dude, no. Look, I'm not gonna lie, I used to be that way. When I was growing up I could hardly ever get dates, so when I started to, I dated as many guys as I could. Because I always assumed it wouldn't last and I was afraid to be alone."

"Carlos..." Kendall's heart went out to him.

"Eventually I stopped that, though, and I was with my last boyfriend for a long time. Too long, if I'm honest about it."

Kendall recalled Tommy saying the same thing. "Why did you stay?"

"Same reason. I was afraid to be alone. I finally got up the courage to end it, though, and my mom said I should be single for a while. It would be good for me. But then I met you and..."

"And what?"

"I decided the single life can wait. A guy like you doesn't come along often, and I don't want to miss this."

"I don't either. Look, I know it's really soon to be talking like this, but I want you to know that I'm committed to this. To you. I don't have any interest in seeing someone else."

"Me neither."

"Yeah?"

"Yes! You're amazing, Kendall. I just wanted you to know that, that for me, it's only you."

Kendall had to sit down on a patio chair; the relief made his legs go weak. "I feel the same way. Should we um...make this official?"

"Hell yeah, we should! Can I call you my boyfriend?"

"I would like that very much. Boyfriend. I can't believe that word just came out of my mouth. Carlos, are we doing this?"

"Yes, we are! I'm so glad we talked about this!"

"Me, too. I was worried you'd find someone else before we could get that far."

"Nope. No one else. Okay, I gotta go back to work, but..." Carlos let out a scream of joy.

"Wait, hold on! You said there were a few things we needed to talk about?"

"Oh! Dude! You'll never guess who showed up here tonight!"

Kendall frowned. They didn't know a lot of the same people. Was it a celebrity? "Who?"

"Logan!"

"Logan was there? Why?"

"He claims he wanted to talk to me, but that's a total lie. Because guess who else just happened to be having dinner here?"

"Carlos, help me out. I have no idea."

"That guy from his work! James!"

"No way. You actually saw the guy?"

"I did! Kendall, he's so freaking hot! No wonder Logan's all over him! I mean, I totally prefer you, so don't be getting all jealous or anything, but James is like that hot guy in school that you have a crush on for years but he's so out of your league that you just crush on him from afar. You know what I mean, right?"

Kendall did, but mostly because he'd been that for more than one girl in high school. A few of them got up the courage to ask him out; most just stared at him from across the room, making him uncomfortable. He imagined Logan had been in that position often, being shy and worried that no popular guy would ever take him seriously. He wondered now if that was the root of Logan's fears about dating—what if he was just afraid he'd always be the nerdy kid who couldn't measure up? "Yeah. Did they talk at all or did Logan just sit at the bar and watch him?"

"No dude, they talked! Logan sat down at his booth and they seemed fine together most of the time."

"Most of the time?"

"Yeah, you know how super hot guys have an asshole streak sometimes? I think James does, because at one point he was being a dick to Logan. I stepped in to make sure Logan was okay and he said he was, but...I don't know. Logan said the guy was upset about something personal, and I saw them hold hands."

"Whoa, back up. Logan held hands with the guy? Are you sure?"

"Yeah! He was consoling him. I went on my lunch break and we talked about it a little. He tried to act like it was nothing, but I mean...it's definitely not. Right? I feel like Logan doesn't do that with guys."

"No, he absolutely doesn't. Oh my god, it's worse than I thought. He's completely obsessed with this guy, isn't he?"

"I think so. He just doesn't want us to know because then we might interfere or encourage him to go after the guy."

"Wow." Kendall sat back in the chair, wondering how to handle this. "Okay, tell me this. You saw them together. Do you think Logan has a chance? Did James seem receptive to him?"

"Yeah, except when they were talking about work stuff and he was a dick. I'm honestly not sure how I feel about this guy, because I think Logan can do better than someone who talks to him like that. So maybe it's best to let it go."

"Right, but we also have to consider that Logan never takes an interest in anyone. For whatever reason, this guy caught his eye. I think it's our best shot at getting him to date. Even if it doesn't work out with James, it opens him up to the idea and he'll realize he likes having someone in his life."

"What do we do? Logan won't even talk about the guy."

"Leave that to me. I know him best, I'll get him talking. Though...damn, he really flipped out last time I brought up James."

"That's because it's a weak spot. He obviously has feelings about this guy or he wouldn't get so worked up. Right?"

"Exactly. Thanks for letting me know about this, Carlos. I'll figure out how to move forward. And I know you have to go, so I won't keep you, but...I'm glad you called. I feel better about us."

"So do I. I think we have something special here. Let's see where it takes us."

Kendall smiled, his heart warming. "I miss you. Can we get an early dinner tomorrow before you start work? Late lunch?"

"Yeah, we'll make it happen. I miss you, too. How's the party?"

"It's just dinner with Mom and Katie. It's good, though. I may have mentioned you, and they're dying to meet you. Just so you know."

"Oh man, okay. I'll brace myself."

"Let's give it a few weeks. I'm scared to meet your family, too."

"You got it," Carlos laughed. "Text me tomorrow?"

"I will. Have a good night, beautiful."

"Stop that! I have to go back to work and I can't stop smiling now!"

"Good, maybe that'll get you more tips. Goodnight."

"Night!"

Kendall hung up the phone with his head spinning. Not only had he and Carlos just taken a big step, but he'd learned things about Logan that both worried and excited him. It was nice that Logan had taken an interest in someone, but was this an impossible obsession he'd been hiding for years? Time to dig deeper and find out more about this James character.

His mother and Katie were elbows deep in dishes when he slipped into the kitchen. They immediately stopped talking to stare at Kendall in expectation. When he said nothing, Jennifer finally demanded, "Well?!"

"Well, what?"

"Did you get the picture?"

"Oh! Damn, I completely forgot to ask."

Katie let out a groan of frustration. "Are you kidding me? Wasn't that the whole reason you wanted to talk to him?'

"Yes, but he had other things on his mind. And it might interest you both to know that I now officially...have a boyfriend."

He was ready for it when Jennifer screeched with joy and ran to him for a hug. "I'm so happy for you, baby!"

"Mom, your arms are all wet."

"Deal with it!" She squeezed him tight before stepping back. "So when do I meet him?"

"We agreed on a few weeks."

"You did? You talked about it just now?"

"Yes," he chuckled. "He's scared to meet you guys, so please." This was aimed more at Katie. "Be nice."

"We're not gonna be assholes, Kendall," she pointed out. "Not like you were with Stephan."

"Katie, I was never an asshole. I was perfectly polite."

"I know you. You weren't your usual nice self."

"I was polite," he repeated. "I tried."

"He really did, honey," Jennifer agreed. "Your brother can't help his feelings. He's always been polite to Stephan in spite of them. You can't ask for more than that."

"Whatever. Kendall, you'd better get me a picture of Carlos. If I have to put up with your judgment, you have to put up with mine."

"Oh, so that's the real reason you want a picture? So you can judge him? Are you already planning to hate Carlos just because I don't like your boyfriend?"

"See? You just admitted it! You don't like him! What's so wrong with him?"

"Katie, don't make me talk about this. I love you and I don't want to fight."

"Just tell me. What is it about him you hate?"

She looked like she was about to cry. For the first time, Kendall realized that Katie's need for him to like her boyfriend wasn't for selfish reasons, but because she respected Kendall's opinion so highly. It wasn't just her being a brat—if he saw something wrong, she feared what she might not be seeing. Kendall sighed and walked over to pass her a towel to dry her hands on. He shut off the faucet and said, "It's not something I can put my finger on. He seems to really care about you."

"And that's bad?"

"No, it's just...how do I explain this? Mom?"

Jennifer's eyes widened as they both looked at her. She would be yelling at Kendall for this later, no doubt. Katie looked confused. "Mom? You don't like him either?"

"Katie, honey...it's not...I don't know how to explain it either. He seems like a wonderful person."

"Then what's the problem?" Tears were peeking out the edge of her eyelids now.

"I think," Kendall tried, "the issue is that he seems like those things. It's almost like he's trying too hard."

"Because he cares what you guys think. He told me that once, he wants you both to like him."

Kendall didn't doubt that. "He just needs to be himself, Katie. It's like he's trying to be what he thinks we want him to be."

Jennifer concurred. "That's exactly it! We understand him trying to make a good impression, especially that first time he visited. Now it just feels kind of...I don't know. Kendall?"

"Fake. It feels fake. And it makes me question his motives in dating you."

"Wow." Katie couldn't find words past that. Her tears overflowed and she ran out of the kitchen. Seconds later, they heard her bedroom door slam.

"That went well," Kendall sighed.

"I'll talk to her later. I thought we agreed to keep our feelings to ourselves until things ran their course between them! We both know it isn't going to last!"

"She pushed the issue! What was I supposed to do, lie?"

"I don't know." Suddenly looking exhausted, Jennifer said, "Why don't we put off birthday cake until tomorrow? Can you come back for dinner or do you have plans with Carlos?"

"I'm seeing him after work sometime. I can be here for dessert, though. And I'll bring Logan this time, if I can convince him to come."

"That would be nice. Katie always enjoys time with Logan."

"Yeah, and he could use a night out. I'm sorry I upset Katie. I'll call her later and smooth things over. Let me know when she's speaking to you?"

"I will. Goodnight, honey. Thank you again for dinner."

"Happy birthday, Mom."

They embraced near the front door. "Don't keep me waiting too long to meet Carlos. And Katie's mad at you right now, but she'll be asking for that picture again soon enough."

"I'll get it tonight. Tell her if she needs to call and yell at me, she's welcome to. I feel like shit for hurting her."

"You were just being honest." She patted Kendall's shoulder and waved him out the door. "Be careful driving home. And thank you for the birthday present!"

"I told you, it was delayed. It'll be here by the weekend."

"I meant the news about Carlos! It's what I wanted most, for you to find someone!"

"Right." Kendall rolled his eyes as he headed for his car. Carlos had said his mother was just as determined to find him a boyfriend—was he also being harangued for information about Kendall? Probably.

It was okay. Kendall didn't plan to give him up anytime soon, no matter how effusive the Garcias might be.