Title: Summerside Roadhouse: Brothers, Biscuits, and a Birthday
Author: Cassandra Lee
Email:Cassandralee1120 at yahoo dot com
Rating:pg13
Summary:# 2 in series. Marie gets in trouble, Logan has too fight someone.
Series: Summerside Roadhouse
Category: AU
Disclaimer: I, Cassandra Lee do not own these characters. Although
this story came from the figment of my imagination (or fantasy!) any
known Marvel characters are not mine.
Archive: WRFA, DDFH
Feedback? YES!!!!!! PLEASE!
Author's Notes: I'm new at this stuff so I hope I did everything
okay. This is part two in a series called Summerside Roadhouse. I made
Marie's eyes blue in this story for story purposes. /this indicates unspoken thoughts/ I forgot to mention that the first time. Sorry if there are any errors.
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Marie raced to the phone as it was ringing, she was hoping that John would call. Its been four days since that night at the ballfield and she hasn't heard from him since nor Bobby.
"Hello?"
"Hey sugar, how are ya?"
"I'm doin' good Mammaw how are you?" Marie smiled. She her loved her Mammaw dearly. When her mother died she became sort of like a mother to Marie, and Marie seemed to take place as a daughter to Julia Ann. "Sorry I haven't called you this week."
"That's alright. I called to tell ya'll that I will be cooking breakfast in the morning if ya'll wanna come. I know this will be the first weekend Jack has all three of ya'll under one roof so I thought we'll have a little get together."
"Sure Mammaw that sounds good. What time?"
"How about 10:00? I know that Saturday night before will keep your dad up late."
"Okay ten on Sunday, I'll come early to help."
"Okay, bye sugar, I love you."
"Love you too, bye." Marie put the phone down and went to see what was going on downstairs. It was around lunch time and her dad was usually a sleep. She heard what sounded like a electric sander going and two guys talking. When she got to the bar the view that came to her eyes nearly knocked her off her feet. /Sweet Jesus./ Logan was down on both knees running the sander over the dance floor. He had been replacing boards all morning. /Logan with a shirt fine, but Logan without a shirt finer than fine!/ Marie started running her fingers through her hair realizing she hadn't even changed out of what she slept in last night. /Oh well he's most likely gonna seeme looking worst than this so might as well start
now./
Marie was still staring at Logan when someone walked up behind her and grabbed both of her sides, "Caught ya!"
"Scott!" Marie said as she turned to face her attacker, "shit you scared the hell outta of me! When did you get here!" Marie jumped up and wrapped her arms around her brother.
"I got here early when I found out Logan was here. We've been working and catching up all morning while you were lazy and slept in. Wow look at you all grown up, you've changed since the last time I was here."
Logan had stopped sanding and was listening to Scott and Marie. He couldn't help but think how right Scott was about Marie being grown but yet compared to a man like him she was so young. /And so beautiful. But, don't even go there Logan./
Scott noticed Logan had stopped sanding and was changing the paper. He purposefully made his voice loud so Logan could hear, "Logan tells me you gave him hell when he first got here. Marie, I can't believe you couldn't remember the guy you used to follow around everywhere." Logan let out a small laugh remembering a five year old Marie always hanging on him.
"What do you mean?" asked Marie, she didn't really know where Scott was getting at.
"You used to follow us everywhere, you and Kitty," Scott said with a grin.
Marie vaguely remembered what Scott was talking about, but she decided to go with it. "Oh I remember that I used to have a horrible crush on Logan, but the only reason we followed you guys around was because Kitty wanted to follow you around."
"Hmm....maybe, but I remember one Valentines day when you were six I found a card on the kitchen table it said Dear Logan, will you marmph...." Marie threw her hand over Scott's mouth she knew exactly what that card said. "Scott don't make me hurt you!"
"Oh come on Marie what did this card say? Seeing how I never got it, you might as well tell me," Logan said enjoying the teasing. He loved this, so far since the small amount of time he had been here he seemed to forget the pain he had buried deep down inside him.
"I don't think that's necessary," She said looking at Logan while blushing. Then she turned to Scott with a raised eyebrow "And you mister better watch it or I'll air out all your dirty laundry damn city slicker!"
"Aw come on Marie I'm still a country boy at heart!"
Logan laughed at Scott's shocked look, while Marie ran up stairs to get ready. "When do she become so unshy?"
"I have no earthly idea man," Scott said "Say do you wanna go fishing after lunch?"
"Sure."
"Okay good, we'll go out to our old spot on Mr. Pete's place. I'll still get a few bites when I go out there.
"Sounds good man."
Marie was singing along to the radio as she stepped out of the shower. She heard the phone ringing and ran to answer it. "Hello?"
"Hey baby, How are ya?"
Marie's expression instantly went grim, it was John. "Don't call me baby," she told him.
"Okay, listen don't get mad I wanna apologize..."
"So go ahead. It's not gonna make any difference," Marie said firmly.
"Listen will you meet me at the old barn? You know the one I'm talkin' about."
"Why should I?"
"Please Marie."
Marie pondered what she should do. John really did sound sorry. "Okay I will at 2:00 and don't be late." She then hung up on him feeling satisfied. Then when she started to walk away the phone rang again, thinking it was John she picked it up a said "What do you want now?!!"
"Blue eyes? Is that you?"
"Oh Daddy I thought it was going to be Kitty. I just got off the phone with her," Marie lied.
"Huh.... anyway can you go ask the boys what they want for lunch I'm on my way in from picking up JJ at school. I thought I would bring lunch in for everyone."
"Why did you pick up JJ?"
"He's saving gas money. Go ask honey, I ain't got all day. I'm at Lonnie and Pat's."
After she hung up with her dad she dried her hair and got dressed. She chose her short cut off shorts and a white tank top. She studied herself in the mirror. /Nothing fancy. I wish I could do something different with my looks./ She begin pulling her hair up and fixing it this way and that way. /Maybe I should cut my hair./ Marie's hair was a dark brown color with natural highlights. It's length going all the way down to her waist. Deciding that she looked perfectly fine the way she is, she headed down stairs.
"Marie Summers what the hell are you thinking wearing shorts that short?"
"Hello JJ its good to see you too," Marie said, as she walked past him. "Where's the food?"
"Marie!!" Both her dad and Scott exclaimed.
"What are you wearing?" her dad asked.
/Thank God Logan is nowhere to be seen. You'd think my ass was hanging out./ Marie gave her brothers and dad a exasperated look, "Its hot outside and I plan on taking the four wheeler over to Kitty's later and I want to work on my tan."
As Logan came walking down the stairs they dropped the subject. Marie disappointingly noticed that he had put on a shirt. "So what are you guys going to do this afternoon?"
"We are going to go fishing," Scott said.
"Yeah can I go?" asked Marie.
"Nope sorry it's a guy thing. Maybe next time."
"Hey does that mean I can go?" JJ asked.
"Sure thing little brother," Scott told him
"Well what are you going to do Daddy?" Marie asked.
"I'm going to get some sleep before we open later," Jack answered.
"Mammaw called and said that she is cooking breakfast in the morning at ten. You can come too, Logan."
"Okay we'll see, I have a lot of work to do," Logan said.
"Oh come on Logan you remember how my mammaw cooks you don't wanna miss it," Scott told him.
"Yeah or Marie's biscuits. It's the one thing that she can cook good," JJ said.
"Hey! Want about all those times you told me my food was the best?"
"What can I say? I had to eat something, so I didn't wanna make you mad or you would have never cooked for me again!"
All three guys laughed at the look on Marie's face. Her dad just looked at her and smiled, "It's alright blue eyes, you can cook for me any day."
"Glad someone is appreciative."
Later on that day........
"So Scott do you remember how to bait your hook or do need me to do it?" JJ teased.
Scott was having trouble with one of the lures and it was causing him to get a little aggravated. "Thanks smartass but I got it. Did you see where Logan went?"
"He's on the other side of the those bushes," JJ said as he pointed. "Logan sure is a quiet guy. Nothing like from what I remember as a kid."
"Yeah I know, I haven't got the chance to talk to him yet, but I think he's been through some deep shit these past ten years."
They saw Logan walking towards them and stopped talking.
"Scott I thought you said this spot was still good, cause I sure as hell ain't getting any bites," Logan said as he drew near.
"Scott hasn't been fishing in over year and half, so he wouldn't know a good spot and unless it bit him in the ass," JJ said.
"Thanks a lot little brother," Scott said as he hit JJ on the back of the head.
Just then they heard the sound of the four wheeler riding behind them in the distance Logan turned around to check it out. He noticed it was Marie. "Hey isn't that your sister?"
Scott turned to see what Logan was lookin at. "Yeah. What the hell is she doing at old Mr. Pete's barn? I thought she was supposed to be going to Kitty's?"
"Maybe she's meeting Kitty at the barn. Or Maybe she came to spy on us," JJ suggested.
They watched as Marie pulled up near the barn and turned off the four wheeler. She turned around and propped her elbows on the handle bars and stretched out legs across the four wheeler.
"Lets go into the woods and see what the hell she is up too, because I have a feeling she's not meeting Kitty," Scott said.
They laid down their gear and walked into the woods which wrapped around the backside of the barn. As they got closer they heard another four wheeler coming from the opposite direction.
"Aw shit!!" JJ said. "That's John Allerdyce!"
"Who?" Scott asked
"I told him if he ever came around my sister I'd kick his ass! He used to get real physical with his last girlfriend, if you know what I mean. Around the end of school he started going after Marie. I told her that he was the wrong kind of guy."
As they talked Logan kept an eye Marie and this John guy. With JJ saying something about him being physical he immediately thought of Marie's arm the other night.
"Marie baby I'm so glad you met with me," John said as he got off his four wheeler. He reached to kiss her but Marie backed away.
"I don't think so John," Marie began, "the only reason I'm here is to tell you I don't want you around me until you get your temper under control."
"So what are you saying? That you wanna break up with me?" John asked.
"That's exactly what I'm saying," Marie said forcefully.
"Nope I'm not havin it you little whore of a tease!" John said. Then he grabbed by the shoulders and threw her up against the wall of the barn and shouted "I don't think you understand Marie, I said I was sorry."
"Let go of me!" Marie shouted. John raised his hand to strike her. As Marie closed her eyes and braced herself for the blow she felt John being ripped away and thrown up against the wall beside her. "She asked you nicely bub!" Logan said as kept banging John's back into the wall.
"Logan?" Marie shouted out in surprise.
"Marie!"
"Scott? Oh Scott!! I'm so sorry I didn't know he was going to be this way. Please don't tell daddy!" Marie was sobbing. She was embarrassed and scared. At the same time she couldn't get her mind to process what just happened.
"You come with me," Scott ordered "JJ and Logan will take care of the rest." Marie only nodded and got on the back of the four wheeler with him. As she looked back one last time she saw JJ give John a punch to the jaw.
"You son of a bitch! I told you to stay away from sister!" JJ said with anger. He kicked John in the ribs while he laid on the ground.
"Alright JJ that's enough as much as he deserves it, it doesn't do any good to kick a man while he's down." Logan said pulling JJ away from John whose face was bloodied from a cut above his eye and lip. As they walked away from him John started to call out. "I stayed away from you sister JJ, just like you told me too." JJ and Logan turned to look at him "But," John continued. "your sister wanted me real bad, couldn't keep her hands off me."
"You asshole!" JJ shouted. Logan held JJ back and walked up to John who was still on the ground. He grabbed him by the collar and stood him up on his feet. "Listen up boy, you already crossed a line, now I make it a point to never hit a man while he's down. But guess what?" Logan said with venom in his voice.
"What?" John asked.
"Your standing," and having said that Logan drew his fist back and let it go. He hit John square in the nose, all he could do was groan and slumped to the ground.
JJ stood there amazed. He had never seen anyone act so calm in a fight. It was like fighting was something Logan did everyday. Logan looked at JJ and said, "Let's go."
Scott parked the four wheeler in the shed. He got off and walked towards the roadhouse in silence, Marie silently following him and still crying. They went in and Scott sat at one of the tables. He motioned for Marie to sit across from him. He put his face in his hands and let out a big sigh.
"Scott I know what your going to say and..." Marie started.
"Marie save it because you don't know what I'm going to say. I'm trying not to think about what would have happened if we hadn't of been there. Marie, if something would have happened to you... do you realize what that would have done to dad?"
"I'm sorry, Scott I didn't realize it had gotten that far." Marie was trying to keep her cries from waking her dad.
Scott looked at his sister with relief and sympathy. He stood up and walked over to her picked her up and engulfed her into a tender hug. "It's okay Marie, your safe now and I'm not mad at you. Okay?" Marie nodded and looked up at Scott, "I promise I won't see him again. Just please don't tell daddy."
Before Scott could answer JJ and Logan walked in. "Marie what the hell were you thinkin? I told you to stay away from that bastard!" JJ said. Logan stayed quiet and walked behind the bar to fix an ice pack for JJ's hand.
"I know but you don't understand...." Marie began.
"Like hell I don't understand," JJ said as he took the ice pack from Logan. "You know what he did to Leah and you went ahead and gave into him! Did you sleep with him?"
"JJ!" Scott said. "That's enough alright just drop it!"
Logan was uncomfortable with the way this was going so went up to his loft As he went up the stairs he heard Marie say that she hadn't and that's why John was angry with her. /Bastard, I swear if he ever comes around Marie I'm not gonna think twice about killing his ass./
JJ was still fuming, "Marie I'm so disappointed in you! Why didn't you listen to me? This really pisses me off!"
"Alright JJ that's enough! You get any louder and your gonna wake up dad. How about you and I go for a drive and cool you off." Scott started pushing him through the door. He turned to Marie and said, "Why don't you go clean up and then call Kitty to come get you. Go over to her house for awhile."
Marie said okay and then headed up stairs.
Kitty pulled into the packed parking lot of the roadhouse. "Are you sure you gonna be okay?" It was eight o' clock and Marie was ready to face her brothers and even worse her daddy. She had spent the afternoon crying in Kitty's bedroom telling her the whole story.
"Yeah I'll be alright," Marie said.
"Well if you need me call me."
"Thanks KitKat, I will." Marie got out the car and walked towards the door. She could her the music going from the car and it grew louder as she walked in.
"Hey Boo where you been all day?" Marie smiled, it was Larry the bouncer/security guy. He was a large black man who was ruff on the outside, but if you ever got to know him, you would know he couldn't hurt a fly.
"I've been at Kitty's all afternoon. Ya'll been busy tonight? Any trouble?"
"Nope, no fights yet."
"Good I didn't miss anything. Tell your wife I said hello." She left Larry laughing at the front door.
As Marie walked behind the bar to go up stairs she saw her dad down on the other end. Logan's back was turned fixing mixed drinks. She looked out on the crowded floor for Scott or JJ. She saw them both sitting at two different tables talking to old school friends.
"Hey kid."
"Hey Logan." Still to shameful to look at Logan she kept walking past him.
"Hey blue eyes where have you been?" Her dad asked as she approached him.
"I went to Kitty's for awhile," Inwardly Marie was glad that her brothers hadn't said anything to her dad. "I'm going to go on up stairs," she said as she kissed him on the cheek.
When she reached the top she looked over the balcony to watch the floor. This was one of her favorite things to do with JJ when they were kids, and her dad couldn't find anyone to watch them. She could see the dance floor packed with line dancers dancing to the "Boot Scootin Boogie" by Brooks and Dunn. She watched Scott help Logan tend the bar while her dad talked to friends. Unnoticed to Marie Logan just spilled liquor all over his shirt and had started walking up the stairs to get a new one.
"Excuse me kid," Logan said as he walked into the door of his room. He left the door opened as he grabbed a shirt from a chair. "Hey kid let me ask you something," Logan said as he changed shirts in front of her. "Okay." Marie sat down on the top step and looked up at him as he came out of the apartment. She was having to recover from seeing him without his shirt. /Damn I didn't know a man could have so many abs!/ Logan and sat down and looked at her, "Was that guy the one who bruised your arm?"
Marie looked down in shame. "Yeah it was him." She looked up at him and saw his jaw sticking out from being clenched. She decided that Logan looked good no matter what expression he made.
"You know Marie," He began "a girl like you deserves a whole lot better than that, and don't get upset, but as young as you are you don't need to start making bad choices early."
"I know. Thank you for helping me."
Logan nodded and stood up to go back downstairs. He turned and faced Marie with a stern look, "And know this, that if that son of a bitch lays another hand on you I will kill'em that's a promise, and I always keep my promises."
Before Marie could respond he turned and walked down the stairs. /Uh-oh I think I'm starting to see why Kitty likes older guys. I think this will be very interesting./ Marie walked into the apartment with a happy smile on her face.
Marie woke up before her brothers and dad the next morning. She got dressed to go to her mammaw's to help with breakfast. As she left she stepped in her dad's room to remind him about breakfast. When she got to the shed to get the four wheeler she saw that it was out of gas. "Damnit," She muttered.
"There a problem kid?" Marie turned to see Logan leaning against the door frame of the shed.
"What are you doing up? Shouldn't you be dead like the rest of em?" Logan smiled and walked towards her "When I was in the military I didn't get but like five hours asleep every night, so I guess I'm used to it."
"Oh," Marie said. "Well, I'm going to my mammaw's to help with breakfast. You are coming right?" She got off the four wheeler and walked past Logan towards the road.
"Yeah I wouldn't want miss those biscuits every one tells me are so good. What are you gonna do walk?" Now Logan thought this was not a good idea. He was thinking about John still being out there.
"Yeah its only about two miles down the road, maybe not even that much."
"I could give you a ride," Logan said as he pointed to his bike. "If you wanted one."
/Hell yeah!/ Thought Marie. /A ride with you would be just fine./ "Sure, that would be great. Thanks"
"Hop on. Have you ever ridden one before?"
"Well not one exactly this big." /Oh shit! Why I did I say it that way! Stupid Marie, stupid/. "I mean um, I mean I've ridden dirt bikes before." Marie was glad that his back was toward her so he couldn't see her blushing.
Logan grinned at her choice of words. "Just put your feet here and hold on to me. Here's my helmet."
As he drove off Marie held on tight to Logan. She flattened her palms against his chest and could feel his muscles through his shirt. Marie didn't want this ride to end. Logan couldn't help but think how good it felt to have someone riding with him again. They both felt disappointment as Logan pulled into the gravel driveway. Logan stayed seated on the bike as Marie got off. He watched her take off the helmet and tilt her head to shake her long hair. Logan looked away with guiltiness of his feelings.
"Wow that was great. You gonna have to take me for a longer ride next time," Marie said giving Logan her best smile.
"We'll see," Logan said without looking at her. And without even saying goodbye he started the bike and drove off.
Marie stood there for a second wondering what the hell happened to make his mood change. She couldn't help but think how nice it was to hold onto him. She knew that she was too young for him now, but she couldn't help but think what if she worked on getting close to him, then when she is older maybe he could fall in love her. Just then standing in her mammaw's driveway Marie made a promise to
herself. /I'm gonna make Logan fall so in love with me that he is not gonna know what hit him./
At the same time while Logan was still driving he made a promise to himself. /You will not mess this up. You got a good thing goin' for ya. Don't let your feelings get in the way. You can't take anymore heartache./ As Logan continued driving he couldn't help but miss the warmth that her arms brought while riding with him. /Your in deep shit bub./
"You comin' in sugar?"
Marie turned and faced her mammaw and started walking towards the house. "Good morning. You sleep well?" Marie gave her a hug and when she drew back she looked in her mammaw's face. The older woman was searching Marie's face. She let out a small laugh and asked "What is it Mammaw?"
"Nothing sugar you just look radiant. That's all."
"Must be the wind," Marie said smoothly. She was trying to be careful she knew her mammaw could read her like a book. "The boy on the bike was Logan Carter in case you were interested."
"My dear, that was no boy on that bike." Her Mammaw (Julia Ann from this point on) said. She was still watching Marie, "And did you say that was Logan Carter? I haven't seen him in over ten years. What's he doin' now days?"
"He moved into the loft and is helping dad with the bar. I think he's been having it rough for awhile now."
"What about his dad?"
"He was killed in a construction accident a year or so after they moved. He's coming to eat with us I hope you don't mind?"
"Oh no I don't mind at all. The more the better. You know I can remember when him and Scott would cut the yard for us and bushhog the pasture for your pappaw." Julia Ann smiled remembering old memories.
"I didn't recognize him at first, I can vaguely recollect anything about him and Scott being good friends."
"Well that's hard to believe," Julia Ann smiled at Marie. "You used to have the biggest crush on him when you were five."
"Yeah I remember that," Marie said trying not to smile so big. She knew she was caught and that her mammaw knew exactly how she was feeling.
"One time ya'll were over here and the boys were out in the yard doing some work. They came in to get some lemonade, and you handed Logan his glass and told him I put extra lemon juice in it for you.' I can still remember the look on his face when he took a sip. But he just smiled and said, thanks kid.' then when you
weren't looking he poured it down the drain!"
Marie laughed remembering the day that happened, "I remember that. He still calls me kid."
"After that when they went back outside you looked at me and said When I'm 22 Logan and I are going to get married.' Oh Marie, you still have that same innocence that you did back then and that makes you so beautiful."
Marie just smiled at her mammaw and started making the dough for the biscuits.
As Julia Ann cooked the eggs, Marie took the biscuits out of the oven. She buttered two for her dad, and hoping to make a peace offering to JJ whom she hadn't spoken with yet, she took the two middle biscuits and buttered them for him too. Just then she heard two pickup trucks drive up. "Here they come," she announced.
Julia went to the refrigerator to get two cokes for Scott and JJ and milk for Jack. "What does Logan want to drink?"
"I'm not sure."
Julia went to the door and welcomed her guest, "Howdy boys, come on in."
Scott and JJ gave their hugs and kisses. Jack came in and greeted his mother-n-law with a hug. Logan entered with reluctance he wasn't used to all this family stuff. "Hello Mrs. Warren, how have you been?"
"Logan Carter! It's been to long. You've turned into such a fine looking young man. And to answer your question I've been good. You?"
"Good."
"Logan, I hope the way you like your eggs hasn't changed because I fixed yours the way you used to eat them."
"That'll be fine."
"Yeah Mammaw just give' em anything I'm sure he'll eat," Scott said.
"What can I get you to drink, Logan?" Marie asked.
"I'll take a coke."
This smells great Mammaw. You know I've been underfed since I moved, so I hope you have plenty," said JJ.
"You bet I do and I expect for ya'll to eat it all. Well, it's ready ya'll help yourselves."
Marie handed her daddy the plate she fixed for him so he wouldn't have to wait. "Thanks blue eyes, you sure know how to treat your ole dad."
Then Marie took the plate with the middle biscuits and walked over to JJ. He looked at her as she handed him the plate. "I saved the best for you." She said with a small smile. "Well, lets hope you always save the best for the right person," JJ told her. Marie took the hint and hugged her brother. "I just don't want you to get hurt Marie, sorry for the way I acted."
"I love you Jack Summers JR. and don't ever forget it."
Just then Scott hollered out "Who took the middle biscuits?"
"Marie saved them for her favorite brother," JJ grinned.
"Yeah well you may be her favorite now, but wait till she sees what I got her for her birthday. We'll see her who her favorite is then."
"You never know, she might like my present better?"
"You don't have any money JJ, what did you get me Scott?"
"You'll find out Friday, and no sooner than that."
"Your staying that long?"
"Yep, I wouldn't miss my only sister's 18th birthday."
"So, Marie what are you going to do for you birthday?" JJ asked mischievously. He knew perfectly well she wanted to do.
Marie gave her brother a look and said, "I was hoping daddy would let a few friends come to the bar..." she looked at her dad, who was reading the paper.
Jack looked up at her daughter and said, "We'll see."
"All we wanna do is dance, daddy I promise," Marie said hopefully.
"Well JJ said something about maybe I oughta let you, so it's okay," Jack said without looking up from the paper.
"Happy Birthday, sis," JJ said grinning.
"Oh thank you, thank you!" A squealing Marie jumped up and hugged her dad and brother.
"You know Jack," Julia Ann started to say, "Marie could really use a car now. What about gettin one for her birthday."
"She can go awhile without one for now," Jack said still not looking up.
Marie didn't care, she was on cloud nine. Besides she hopes to have an excuse for Logan to drive her around on his motorcycle.
"That was a fine meal Mrs. Warren." Logan said as he got up to leave. Everyone else had moved to the livingroom to talk, Logan felt like it was time for him to go.
"What's your hurry?" Julia Ann asked.
"I've got a lot of work to do."
"Alright, but don't be a stranger, you hear."
"I won't, thanks," Logan said with a small smile.
Marie walked into the kitchen looking to see where Logan went. She started to help wash dishes. "Did Logan leave?"
"Yeah sugar he did, he seems so sad. He didn't say word at all through breakfast." Logan's actions didn't go unnoticed to Marie, she hoped that after everything settles down they would get a chance to talk.
Marie's birthday.....................
"Here you go Larry, this is Marie's list of people to let in." Logan said as they got ready to open. "She told me that they would be coming about eight, with the exception of Kitty of course, she will be here early."
"Of course," Larry stated. "You know all these kids used to give me hell trying to get in here and now they are finally allowed, I'm gettin old."
Logan laughed then turned very serious "There is one kid who might try to get in, and that's John Allerdyce. He's not allowed whatsoever. Catch my drift?"
"I sure do boss man, I know exactly who your talking about. He won't get pass me that's for sure."
"Okay good."
Meanwhile Marie was upstairs getting ready, she was waiting for Kitty to get here to fix her hair. That's when she heard the phone ring. "Hello"
"Hey girl, happy birthday!"
"Ororo! How is your vacation?" Ororo Munroe has been a waitress at the bar since Marie was 14 and always has been sort of a big sister to Marie.
"Girl its great! I only have a minute, but I wanted to call and tell you happy birthday."
"Thanks, guess what. Daddy is lettin' me start next weekend."
"That's great. I'll be back by then and I'll teach you how to work those tips."
Marie laughed, "I'm sure Daddy will like that."
"Yeah well, he'll have to get over it. I gotta go girl, love ya!"
"Bye,Ro."
Marie hung up and turned face to face with Scott. "Who was that?"
"Ororo. She's on vacation, it's too bad your leaving this weekend because she won't be back till Thursday." Marie knew exactly how her brother felt about Ororo. Every time Scott came down they would flirt outrageously with each other. She always wondered why they never gave into their feelings, seeing how neither has had a steady boyfriend or girlfriend since they met.
"Yeah well I have to get back to work, can't stay and play all the time."
Just then Kitty burst through the front door of the apartment. Her hands were full of bags, "Marie, could you please come help me!"
"Here Kitty I'll help you," Scott said as she dropped everything.
"Oh Scott, I didn't see you!" Kitty said a little over zealously. "How are you? And thank you so much."
Marie just rolled her eyes at her friend, "Come on Kitty lets get ready."
"Alright, thanks Scott. See you later."
"Right" Scott said walking away, he still couldn't believe that Kitty had a crush on him. Then again yes he could he thought smiling to himself.
"So are you ready to have some fun?" Kitty asked as they shut Marie's bedroom door. "I saw Logan downstairs, if ever was a man made to wear flannel and jeans it was him. Do you think Scott would dance with me just once tonight?"
"Kitty! Please, just breathe okay?" Marie said laughing at her friend.
"I'm sorry I'm just totally psyched that your daddy is letting you have the party here. Oh and happy birthday!"
"Thank you. Now lets get down to business, the first thing on the list; what to wear?"
"Yes lets get started on Operation get Logan to Notice I'm Legal.'"
"Kitty! I can't believe you! Why would you think I d want Logan to notice me?" Deep down she knew she shouldn't be shocked. After all what's a best friend if they can't read you like a book.
"Oh come on! For the past two weeks since that day with John you've been nothing but Logan this and Logan that'."
"Yeah I have, haven't I?"
"But that's cool because he's a good guy and a damn fine one at that. Let's get started."
As they both got ready and helped each other with their hair the time flew. Both Kitty and Marie decided to wear their best jeans with a dressy shirt. Kitty wore a black shirt which made her blond highlights stand out. Marie decided on a white sleeveless turtleneck. When Kitty stepped out of the bathroom she let out a
whistle. "Girl you are going to be a heartbreaker tonight!"
"You really think so? I feel so plain. Is my hair all right?"
"Trust me your hair is fine. I wish mine was still this long," Kitty said as she put on her silver hoop earrings. "And Logan is for sure gonna start taking notice of you."
Marie looked at her alarm clock and noticed the time "Holy shit! Kitty its eight o'clock. We've got to get downstairs."
They raced down the stairs and just before they opened the door to the bar they paused to look each over one last time. They could hear the music and the crowd of people.
"You ready?" Kitty asked.
"Hell yeah," Marie said as she pushed the door opened.
"It's about damn time!" Scott shouted over the noise. He was fixing drinks for someone. "I thought I was going to have to come get you!"
"Is everyone here?" Marie asked. She could see that her dad, and Logan, along with Scott were tending the bar. She saw Bobby and the rest of her friends over by the pool tables. They started moving towards the end of the bar to get from behind it. Marie realized that she was going to have to pass Logan.
Logan was busy getting drinks when he noticed Marie and her friend. "Hey kid, happy birthday."
"Thanks Logan." She was trying to ignore the goofy looks coming from Kitty.
"Look I didn't get you anything, but how about I give you another ride on the bike? A longer one this time."
Marie was to focused on trying not to scream that she didn't answer. Kitty nudged her in the back and brought her back to reality. "Umm yeah that would be fantastic."
"Okay have fun tonight."
"We will," Kitty said grabbing Marie and walking away.
"Blue eyes, look at you! You look real beautiful darlin'. Happy birthday." Her dad gave her a kiss and continued working.
"Hey guys!" Kitty shouted. A round of hey's went towards them. Bobby got up and gave them both a hug. "Happy birthday Marie, you look real nice tonight."
"Why thank you Mr. Drake."
"What about me?" Kitty asked teasingly.
"Why Miss Kitty Pryde! You look amazing. How about we dance?"
Marie laughed at her two friends. She joined them on the dance floor with another guy friend. She loved this.
Logan watched Marie dance with her friends as he was wiping the bar down. He was wondering why a jealous feeling was coming over him. He knew he had make a mistake offering to take her for a ride on the bike, but he couldn't help but feel guilty not getting her anything for her birthday.
"See anything you like out there Logan?"
"Huh?" Logan asked and turned to face Scott who was also looking out onto the crowded floor.
"Who is it that's got your fantasies going? Is it the blond at the jukebox or the redhead at the pool tables? You always went for redheads didn't you?"
"Naw I'm more of a brunette kind of guy," Logan said without thinking.
"Brunette, huh lets see if I can spot her." Scott's eyes started to scan the floor looking at all the brunettes.
Realizing his mistake Logan quickly said, "I haven't seen any here my type tonight."
Just then Scott's eyes landed on his sister. Then he looked back at Logan who had busied himself with a customer. / He couldn't be into Marie./ Scott dismissed the idea and went to fixing drinks.
"Excuse me everyone!" Jack shouted from the microphone on the stage. No one paid attention so he pulled the plug on the jukebox. "Now that I got everyone's attention, I have announcement to make."
Marie looked up from where she was dancing, she didn't know what her daddy was up too. "What the hell is he doin'?" she asked Scott as he walked up.
"Just relax, Marie," he told her.
"My daughter, Marie Ann Summers has a birthday today. She is now 18. Now Marie is my only daughter, and we have a song that we used to dance too when she was a little girl. I promise we'll crank things back up after this but I wanna dance with my daughter. So wadda ya say, blue eyes want to dance with me?"
The crowd cheered and some shouted happy birthday'. She noticed her uncle Tony at the bar making a scene trying to embarrass her.
Marie smiled and nodded. Then she saw Scott start the jukebox again.
When Marie heard the song she had to fight back tears. It was the same one that her momma and daddy used to dance too. The song was 'Baby Blue' by George Strait.
She looked so much like a lady
But she was so much like a child
A devil when she held me close
An angel when she smiled
Logan watched as Jack danced with Marie. He smiled at the words of the song, thinking that they described Marie perfectly.
She always held it deep inside
But somehow I always knew
She'd go away when the grass turned green
And the sky turned baby blue
Baby blue was the color of her eyes
Baby blue like the Colorado skies
Like a breath of spring she came and left
And I still don't know why so
Here's to you and whoever holds my Baby Blue tonight
"Daddy, thank you for letting me have a party here tonight. And for letting me start to work here next weekend."
"Your welcome, I'm sorry that I can't give you a car just yet, but your welcome to use my truck anytime."
"I know Daddy, and I don't need a car right now anyways."
"Marie, you look so much like your mother when she was your age."
Marie laid her head on her dad's shoulder and thought about her mom. She really couldn't remember her that well. What she does remember is mostly from pictures and that's all.
She brought colors to my life
That my eyes had never touched
And when she taught me how to care
I never cared so much
I try not to think of her but I fall asleep and do
And drift off where the grass is green
And the sky is baby blue
"Alright, Logan that's the second time I've caught you staring at my sister. What's going on?" Scott asked as he walked up behind the bar. "Please tell me you don't have the hots for my sister."
Logan looked at Scott, he could tell he wasn't angry, he might even be teasing Logan. Before Logan could respond Scott continued, "Because you know Marie is no longer jailbait, and when she starts working here all those guys are going to be hitting on her, and she needs someone to keep and eye on her."
Logan stared at Scott in confusion. "Are you saying that's cool with you if I find your sister attractive? Wait... I mean if I do, because I don't, but believe me Scooter you don't want guys like me going after your sister." And with that Logan walked away to get someone a drink.
"Hell, Logan you're an alright guy... maybe you know a little old for her but you're a good guy," Scott said with a small laugh.
"Listen Scott, I'm not after your sister okay? But I will look after when she's out on the floor, alright."
"Thanks Logan. Like I said you're a good guy."
"And I'm only 11 months older than you, Scooter so I don't wanna here any old man shit coming from you."
"Yeah I know. I can't believe I'm gonna be 27 this year. I'm ready to settle down and get married, but its like I can't find the time to find the right girl."
Logan looked over towards the door and he heard Larry hollering at someone. He couldn't see who it was but he had a feeling.
"What do you think is going on over there with Larry?" Scott asked noticing the commotion too.
"I don't know. Watch the bar while I go check it out."
"You can't come in, you'll have to leave," Larry said as he let more people inside.
"Why the hell not?" John asked.
"Like I said before were only allowed so many people due to fire hazards and shit."
"Like hell.. I need to see Marie."
"Is there a problem Larry?" Logan asked walking up. He could see that John still had marks on him from the last time Logan saw him.
"Yeah there is," John began, he was clearly drunk. He didn't seem to recognize Logan. "This bastard won't let me in. And won't tell me why the hell not!"
"Well, that would be because I told him not too," Logan said smoothly, he was leaning up against the door way with arms folded across his chest.
"Who the hell are you?" John asked.
"I'm the man that gave you this shiner," Logan said as he reached out and touched the tip of John's nose.
"Why you son of a bitch!" John lunged at Logan and started swinging his fist. He hit Logan one good time and threw him off for a second. Logan just looked at John and rubbed his jaw. Larry asked Logan if he wanted him to get Tony. Logan just told him not yet, then he swung one at John and knock him down to the ground. As Logan walked back to the door John came back and started fighting again.
"Aww, hell boy! Why couldn't you just had stayed down," Larry mumbled. Then in his deep voice boomed over the noise "Tony! Jack! We have a situation out here!" Logan and John were still at it when Tony and Jack walked up, along with the whole bar.
"Uncle Tony! Are you gonna do anything?" Marie asked as Logan got hit and blood flew out of his mouth.
"It's best for them to fight it out, besides Logan almost has him out," Tony replied.
Just then Logan realized that there was a crowd. He saw Marie in the front so he decided to put an end to it. With one last punch he knocked John back down to the ground and this time he didn't get up.
"Alright son," Tony said grabbing John "let's go. Jack I'm gonna need you and Larry to give me a statement."
"Marie take Logan up to his apartment and clean him up," Jack told his daughter. "Scott you watch the bar."
Marie took Logan's arm and put it over her shoulders, so he could lean against her. "I'm fine." Logan told her as they reached the door to his apartment.
"Just relax and let me help you."
Marie got some ice for him to put on his eye, she went across the hall to get the first aid kit from her apartment. When she returned Logan saw that he had got blood all over her white shirt. "Sorry about your shirt."
Marie looked down at her shirt, "Oh that's alright, I'll just bleach it. Lean back so I can put this bandage on your lip."
As Logan leaned back he watched Marie with his good eye. He took in the curves of her face, as she focused on her task. He raised his hand to rest on her hip, he did this to brace himself and to push her away incase she hit a sore spot. Then she turned and got a wet rag to wipe the rest of the blood.
"You know John was the first boy I ever kissed. Just incase you thought I've been nothing but a tease to him. I thought he actually cared for me, that is until I realized I am one of the few girls in this town who he hasn't had and that's why he was interested in me."
"I didn't think that." Logan hissed as she rubbed the rag across his cheek bone.
"I'm sorry, its just that you had dirt on your face. I'm sorry you got in a fight too." As Marie looked Logan over she absentmindedly began rubbing her fingers through his hair to get the dirt out.
"It wasn't your fault, he jumped me first.." Logan realized he was enjoying her fingertips on him too much and he knew it had to stop. He grabbed her wrist and pushed them gently away. "Thank you for your help, but I better get back downstairs."
Marie smiled a thin smile and started gathering up her first aid kit. "You know, you better be a fast healer, because I'll be expecting my first long bike ride soon."
Logan turned to question her, "What do you mean first'?"
"You never know Logan, I might like it so much you'll have to give me another one." Then Marie walked out before Logan could respond.
Kitty and Bobby were talking to Scott when Marie came back down stairs. "Marie look at your shirt! It has blood all over it," Kitty said.
"Yeah Logan's nose was bleeding bad at first."
"Is he okay?" Scott asked.
"He'll be down in a second, he's changing his clothes. Oh I hate that John! Why the hell did he have to come here on my birthday."
"Well you shouldn't have to worry about him anymore," Bobby began, "he took and offshore job, he's leaving in two days."
"Well that'll make JJ happy," Kitty said.
"It'll make us all happy," Marie commented.
"Well I'm outta here, its gettin' late," Bobby said getting off the bar stool and gave Marie a hug over the bar since she was still standing behind it.
"But its only eleven."
"Yeah but this farm boy has to help daddy mend fences in the morning," Bobby said laughing.
"I'll walk you out," Kitty told him
"Bye Marie happy birthday!"
"Bye thanks for comin'."
"You know I think those two might like each other," Scott said, "I saw the way they danced with each other tonight."
"You think so? Or are you just jealous because Kitty didn't give you her undivided attention tonight."
"Grow up Marie."
Marie walked over to the rest of her friends and explained what happened. They all said they had to go home too. Marie said goodbye half heartedly. She felt as though her birthday bombed.
"Marie! Telephone!" Scott called from the bar.
"Hello?"
"I called to tell you happy birthday because it sounds like its been pretty awful so far."
"Hey JJ, so you heard huh?"
"Yeah that bastard! How's Logan?"
"He's not too bad I fixed him up. As a matter of fact he's coming back downstairs now."
"Sorry I couldna been there."
"That's alright JJ, Where are you anyway?"
"Some club close to school. I'm on a payphone, and my time is about up. Love ya sis, and happy birthday."
"Love ya too. Bye."
Marie hung up the phone and turned to see her dad walking towards the bar, he looked like he could hurt someone. /Here it comes./ "Would anyone like to clue me in on what the hell happened tonight?" Jack asked.
"Dad," Scott began "last weekend when Logan, JJ and I went fishing, Marie met with John at the same location..."
Jack turned to glare at Marie, who had her head down.
"...she didn't know we were there so we moved closer to check it out. JJ didn't like the guy and was upset about Marie meeting him. When we got closer John was yelling and about to hit Marie..."
Jack sucked in a deep breath and muttered "Son of a bitch!"
"but Logan," Scott pointed to Logan who was standing behind him still holding ice too his eye,"stepped in before he was able too. And I got Marie out of there, JJ stayed to discuss' things with John."
"And I told Larry not to let him in whatsoever, so when he kept pushing Larry I walked over to see if I could help," Logan said.
Jack turned to look at his daughter who was still not looking at anybody. He saw that Kitty had come from somewhere and had wrapped a arm around Marie for comfort. Then he looked around the bar there was still a large crowd and the music was going pretty loud. He turned to face Marie again. "Logan your done for the night so get some rest. Scott do you mind running the bar for awhile?"
"No, sir I don't mind."
Jack and Marie walked silently upstairs.
"Logan you should get some rest, you look like shit," Scott told as him as Logan sat down at the bar.
"That's because I feel like shit, besides I'm not going to get any rest tonight with this headache." Logan had gotten rid off the ice and was holding a long neck bottle up to his head.
"He did get you pretty good there across the jaw, and the eye and the upper lip and..."
Logan looked up at Scott with a raised eyebrow, "You keep that up and a lot people are going to think were twins." Scott walked away laughing at his friends comment. "I don't think so pal, you have way more facial hair than me."
Jack and Marie sat down at the small kitchen table across from each other. "Marie, why did you see that boy after I told you not to?"
"I don't know why. When we would talk he didn't sound like the type of guy you and JJ said he was."
"Did he ever hurt you?"
"Once he grabbed me because I walked away from him, but that's when I decided to break it off. I swear I haven't seen him since that day that Scott told you about."
"Well I'm not mad at you. Just pissed that I didn't pay more attention."
Marie got up and hugged her father "I love you daddy and I promise to listen from now own."
"I love you too, blue eyes. Alright I'm goin' downstairs. Are you gonna come back down?"
"Yeah I'm going to change my shirt first."
When Marie came downstairs she saw that mostly everyone had moved out. Her dad was calling out last call for alcohol' and Scott was putting up glasses, while Logan who was still sitting down counted the tips from the huge jar that sat on the bar. Kitty was helping him straighten out all the bills.
"You guys need any help?"
"You can start cleaning the tables and puttin' the chairs up." her dad told her.
"So Marie besides the big fiasco with John, did you have a pretty good birthday?"Kitty asked her.
"Yeah it was alright." She had her back turned to everyone putting up the chairs.
"Well, You know its still your birthday," Scott said,"for like ten more minutes."
Marie turned around to look at everyone. Kitty and Scott both sounded like they were being mischievous. When she faced them she saw a small cake with a candle and one small present. "Oh you guys!" Then her dad, Scott and Kitty started to sing "Happy Birthday." Logan just sat back out of the way and watched the whole scene, he tried to smile but it hurt to much. He watched as Scott and Marie told the story of when their dad had tried to bake a cake one year while he was drunk. He watched Marie as she laughed and was glad that her birthday ended on a high note.
While Kitty was busy talking with Scott, Marie walked over to Logan, "Shouldn't you be in bed?"
Logan looked at her with a small smile and said, "Probably."
"When are you gonna take me for my birthday ride?"
"When the wind won't hurt my face."
"Just don't get in anymore bar fights alright?"
"Well, kid if you don't date anymore jerks I won't have too."
"Trust me, my first jerk will be my last one," Marie said smiling. "Thank you for keeping him outta of here, and I'm sorry you have to be in pain because of me."
"Well a few of my friends seem to think your worth it. So I guess its okay."
Marie gathered up her courage and leaned in real close so she could whisper, "So tell me Logan, do you think I'm worth it or did you just fight' em because he threw the first punch?" As Marie walked away she smiled back at him.
Logan looked down at the beer he was drinking. "Oh yeah darlin' your worth it, that's for sure," He mumbled to himself. He shook his head in disbelief at his own admittance and said, "Your in deep shit Logan Carter, deep shit."