Interrogation Specialist 7

Veronica's Choice

On Wednesday afternoon, Logan meets Casey for lunch. Casey having attended a barbecue at Kim's the previous weekend, spends the first few minutes of their time together updating Logan on the gossip of the old gang from Neptune. Logan is not surprised to hear that Madison is getting a divorce. Logan grimaces when Casey tells him that Madison made a point of telling him to make sure that Logan knows she is going to be single again. Casey laughs at Logan's reaction to the news and orders a drink when the waitress arrives.

Logan orders a drink as well and then listens attentively to the rest of Casey's gossip. He is pleased to hear that Luke is coming to LA to play next month. He makes a note in his phone calendar to go and see him play. They discuss getting a group of guys to go. When the waitress arrives with their drinks, they order. Casey notes that Logan doesn't even bother to flirt with the cute waitress; he all but ignores her interested looks and manner. The young man wonders if something is bothering his friend or if he is just not interested in the cute brunette. Casey smiles at her easing the sting of Logan's blatant disinterest.

Before their meals arrive they talk about how Casey's business is doing and Logan's writing. Logan talks about the next fundraiser for his foundation and Casey agrees to come. Logan tells Casey his assistant is already sending out the invitations. Happily he tells his friend how this fundraiser should put the Foundation over the top to buy the land for the second location. They discuss what contacts they have to help with the design of the new building. Casey is really pleased to see how excited Logan is about the second location. He inwardly smiles as Logan shares, "I actually have lot of ideas for the residence and education areas."

Teasing his friend Casey returns, "Of course you do." He adds, "Remember the designer is going to be donating a lot of his or her time."

Logan smiles at Casey's manner. He knows that he gets overly involved and it is a running joke with all his friends that he is worse than an 09er girl at a fashion show. His eyes sparkling, Logan returns, "Just for that I am going to tell Irene that you are thinking about doubling your donation."

It is Casey's turn to grimace as Logan's assistant is a very assertive when she wants something whether financial or otherwise. Immediately backing down the publishing CEO says, "I am sorry."

The two close friends are laughing when the waitress comes back with their entrees. Again Casey notes that Logan completely ignores the advances from their waitress. Logan, over the years, has become a master at putting out 'not interested' signals but once most women figure out who he is, they can become persistent.

Before the waitress can talk again, Casey smoothly cuts in asking Logan who all he has invited to the fund raiser. He gives some suggestions on other potential candidates for an invite and Logan types them into an email to his assistant.

After a few minutes of enjoying their entree, Casey asks, "Is there something on your mind?"

Logan looks up from his meal and sees his friend's concern. He sighs and admits, "I saw Veronica again."

Immediately Casey feels concerned about how the conversation went. The last one really upset Logan. He looks at the tall dark former leader of the 09ers and asks, "Did she let you have it again?"

Taking a deep breath, Logan confides, "No, but I feel shell shocked."

Logan goes on to explain how much better their conversation went and gives him a brief synopsis of all he and Veronica discussed. After he takes a few bites of his meal he muses, "I wish I didn't have to ask her to protect Dick in prison. She has such a negative view of him from high school and college and of course now her opinion of him is even worse because she feels he is culpable for his part in the investment fraud." Pausing Logan adds, "It doesn't help that he is the stereotypical wealthy playboy."

If anyone understands the issues and responsibilities of wealth, it is Casey. His own parents were willing to have him deprogrammed when he explored a life without the trappings of wealth. Now Casey has found a balance in his life. He enjoys his money and he uses it to help others. He has control of his wealth; it doesn't control him.

Logan understands money as well. He carries on with his thought process, "We grew up not knowing anything different. We were given whatever we wanted and accepting that as our due. A lot of our old 09er classmates are still like that."

A little defensively Casey adds, "Quite a few of them work though. They have gone to college and are graduated."

Logan nods his agreement. "Veronica never understood how to enjoy wealth. She was always uncomfortable when Lilly, Duncan and I told the hired help what to do or when we expected to be waited on first." He looks at his friend and adds, "Truthfully she reined our attitudes in somewhat while she was with us. I caught her giving apologetic looks to many salesclerks, waitresses, drivers and of course our housekeepers."

Casey can just picture a young Veronica feeling badly at how Duncan, Lilly and Logan talked to someone they deemed to be there to help them. He listens as Logan carries on, "She had difficulty even asking Mrs. Navarro to make her something." Logan admits, "She didn't like our attitudes at times even when were in middle school."

Nodding Casey tells Logan how Veronica didn't really seem to belong when she was out with a group of their friends. He says, "I noticed that she was very quiet a lot of the time."

Sighing Logan agrees. He admits, "I didn't even notice how uncomfortable she was around us. I guess I never saw how we must have looked to her always talking about what we wanted and taking for granted that we deserved the latest fashions and things we asked our parents for."

Meeting Casey's gaze Logan adds sadly, "Now I have been reading the statistics about abuse and I wonder how many others there were like me that no one noticed." He adds, "The money we spent on lunch when it was our turn to buy for the 09ers was more the whole food budget for Veronica and her father for the month."

Agreeing Casey says, "We were very sheltered by our wealth. That is true."

"Veronica saw us like the rest of the students did back then," Logan muses.

Casey ventures "She sees you are different now though?"

Logan nods and says, "We got interrupted because some guy she works with needed her help but I think we cleared the air between us." He looks out the window for a few seconds before he looks back and tells his friend how happy he was that Veronica told him that she did admire him. She was impressed at this writing career and how he started the Foundation to honor his mother.

Very pleased Casey says, "I am glad that she sees you have grown up." He pauses and then asks, "That is what you wanted, isn't it?"

Nodding Logan immediately tells Casey that Veronica's opinion of him is really important. He adds, "That is why I was so shocked when she told me I was the only person to apologize for how she was treated back in high school; including Duncan." He adds meaningfully, "She apologized to me for being so closed off in high school and college and for running from our relationship."

Casey, although surprised, can see Logan is deeply touched that Veronica has such a good view of him. He smiles and says, "I'm glad. It's good she sees her part in your relationship issues." He pauses and then questions, "What does this mean for your relationship with Veronica?" Inwardly amused, Casey now understands Logan's complete disregard for the waitress. He is back focused on Veronica Mars. When he dated Veronica in high school, he noticed other women but he was definitely not interested.

Logan looks at his friend and meets his gaze. Sincerely he tells his close friend how he wants with all his heart for Veronica to give their relationship another chance. He adds, "She is the one who got away."

Lightening the mood, Casey teases, "I'm worried though. If you are right and she isn't interested in your money, you really don't have anything else to offer."

Logan makes a rude gesture. Casey laughs as he reaches over and picks up the check when the waitress brings it. .

The next afternoon Logan stretches his shoulders as he walks towards his office. He looks into the break room door as he walks past wondering if his assistant is in there as he can see she is not at her desk. He stops in surprise as he notices Veronica sitting in there drinking coffee with Irene.

He walks slowly into the room and both women look up and smile when they see him. He notices his assistant is watching his reaction to seeing Veronica and of course Veronica's reaction as well. Logan knows that Irene has seen the tabloids and of course, she is aware of his past relationship with Veronica. Although he is not at his office often, he is aware that his coworkers speculate about his relationships and of course lately he has been in the tabloids because of his last two altercations at the coffee shop with Veronica. He has read the speculation on their faces but none of them has talked to him about his past or Veronica.

To Logan the tabloids have speculated enough. Veronica is the girl who solved her best friend Lilly Kane's murder, the bus murders, caught the Hearst rapist and helped solved the Dean's murder before she even got into the FBI. Now she has finished college and entered the FBI. Logan is the rich son of two famous actors. His story is tragic; mother committed suicide and father slept with and killed his high school girlfriend. Stories of his physical and mental abuse at the hand of his famous father never seem to get old. Many tabloids still speculate that he may have had his father murdered. He is known as a rich, handsome, confirmed bachelor. Some reporters believe that Logan, after his childhood, doesn't want to marry. Others speculate he never got over his love for his childhood sweetheart Veronica Mars. The fact she is still unmarried is also of interest.

Logan smiles at Veronica and asks, "Have you had lunch?"

Nodding she admits, "I have but," she adds hopefully, "I was thinking I would take you to my favorite ice cream place." She stands to go over towards him. She adds enticingly, "They have the best chocolate almond ice cream."

Amused he retorts, "Isn't that your favorite?"

Smiling she agrees, "So it is." Pondering she adds in a vacant voice, "I imagine they have strawberry as well."

Laughing he reaches over and pulls her in for a hug. He tells her, "I'm done here. We can leave now."

Veronica easily goes into his arms and returns his hug. She sighs happily. She loves to be hugged by Logan. He gives the best hugs. He wraps his long arms around you and folds you into his warm comfortable body. He smells so good!

Logan's assistant watching sees the comfort this couple has conversing and of course, touching each other. Veronica seems to fit in his body. They know each other well.

Logan pulls back and looks at his assistant noticing her interest. He introduces them, "Ronnie I see you have met Irene?"

Veronica looks over and smiles saying, "Yes she was nice enough to have coffee with me."

Logan keeping an arm around Veronica leads her towards his office. He says, "Let me get my laptop and we can go."

Irene watches as Logan walks with Veronica towards his office. She can't hear what they are talking about but it is obvious these two are close; closer than even the tabloids have reported.

Logan looks across the table at Veronica as she eats. He smiles as she enjoys her ice cream just as much as she used to. He says, "How did you find out about this place?"

She answers, "The owner is an uncle to one of the guys I work with. He makes the ice cream from his own recipe."

Logan admits, "It is really good."

She smiles at him. The ice cream parlor is busy so they just talk about their families, friends and common acquaintances. As they leave the store he asks, "My place or yours?"

Frowning a little at his wording, Veronica nonetheless answers, "My place would be better. I doubt the tabloids will be waiting for us there." She long ago accepted that his natural arrogance was a part of him that she really didn't want to change although she didn't have to let him know that.

Logan smirks at her and changes the subject as he walks her towards her car, "I like your new car."

Veronica gets in her Mustang as Logan holds open the door for her. He had not been surprised that she owned a convertible. She loved driving with the top down on the LeBaron. She says, "I got a good deal on it." He walks around and gets in the passenger seat having to squeeze his legs in. She smirks at him as it reminds her of how he disliked the passenger leg room in her car in high school.

She had been surprised that he was driven most places. He used to love to drive his Xterra. He had explained that he has a truck for the beach and he also has some cars for driving for fun but most days while he is working, he is driven and works on the way to and from the office or his meetings.

A few minutes later they have arrived, parked and gone up to her condo. Logan looks out over the view of the city and comments, "This is really a great view."

Leaning in the patio doorway watching Logan, Veronica answers, "But it is not the ocean."

Nodding as he looks out he says, "It is still nice though."

He turns and looks at her. Dressed in her light jeans and light yellow blouse, she looks comfortable, fresh and really beautiful.

"You were sweet and cute when we were young. Then you cut off that long, silky hair, wore the combat boots and you were totally hot." He pauses and walks over standing directly in front of her. Reaching up he runs his hand up her arm to her neck and gently pushes her hair back over her shoulder. Softly he finishes, "You are so beautiful!" Keeping her gaze he shares, "No matter how you wear your hair or how you dress, I am always affected."

Deeply touched, Veronica admits, "I am glad."

"Part of me wishes we could have stayed together; worked out our issues; learned to be normal together,' he shares as he steps even closer and slowly lets his hand caress her shoulder and neck through the silky blouse and he runs his hand down her back finally resting his hand on her hip.

Although she doesn't speak, Logan can see his words and touch are having an effect on her. Continuing he tells her about how he thinks that when they dated in high school and college they were both looking for normal and the other person couldn't provide that. He goes on to tell her that he left his life in Neptune and has found his normal now. He works, lives in a house where no one is abused or made to feel less of themselves and he has been able to avoid most of the pitfalls that many of the Hollywood youth get caught up in.

Veronica is listening closely and she has to agree that Logan has grown and is now leading what he sees as a normal life. He is a writer working mostly on screen plays and he has started a foundation for abused women and children. She has to admit, Logan is a productive member of society. He of course has an expensive mansion in a part of town that most people can't even drive through. He travels extensively, has a garage full of expensive vehicles and can get reservations or get into any club he wants.

He gently pulls her closer getting her attention as he looks down at her. "The other part of me knows that it was impossible for us to learn to be normal together. We had to have this time apart. Both of us had to grow and to learn what we needed in life."

Slowly he puts his other hand up and runs it over her cheek to the back of her head holding it gently but securely. He meets her gaze directly as he talks to her, "I think now we can be together as a couple. The past is there but it doesn't have the hold on us it used to. I know the real you and you know the real me. Now I want to get to know this Veronica and I want you to get to know this Logan."

He lifts the hand from her lower back and raises it up and gently caresses her cheek and runs his thumb slowly over her lips. Her heart skips more than one beat and her breath catches at the intimate touch. Finishing he says, "I can be the man you need Veronica and although you have always been the woman I wanted, I think now you can be the woman I need as well." He gives her a moment to process what he has said so far and then he finishes, "We will still have that unbelievable chemistry and now we both have the normals we needed."

Logan smiles at the surprised look on her face. She had not been expecting him to feel they should get back together. He reassures her, "I think it is the right time to mesh our lives together. We are both strong enough to be an anchor for the other person as well as ourselves and we can face the future together." He says, "I know we belong together and I want to see if we can make it." He adds quietly, "I have missed you."

He stays close but doesn't kiss her. He waits to see what she has to say. This impresses Veronica more than anything he has said so far. This more mature Logan knows that their physical chemistry is a powerful draw and although he still wants to touch her, he is also very interested in what she has to say.

She thinks about what he is telling her and what he is offering. Logan is the only man she has ever really loved. No one else has been able to take her to the highs he does or the lows he did. Now he is saying that he is more stable and could really be there emotionally for her. He believes they won't cause each other the lows; that they can be good together.

He is waiting to hear if she is willing to give their relationship a real shot. Logan is ready to be the man she needs and let her be the woman for him. He is ready to have a real relationship.

She finally reaches up and gently caresses his cheek. "I had kind of given up on the idea we could be together. I have been married to my work so to speak." She shares.

Logan nods that he is listening and understands. He waits for her to finish. She is even more impressed that he doesn't try and persuade her. He is truly interested in hearing what she wants and needs. This Logan seems ready to really try and understand her. He is much better at communicating his thoughts and feelings and she has to admit she is really impressed.

She thinks about how to word what she wants to say, "I am really thrown that you feel a real relationship between us is possible and you feel we are both ready."

She sees he is really listening and understands what she is saying. "I know you won't be surprised at this but I have thrown myself into my career and I haven't been focused on my personal life." She smiles at him when she sees him smile. He does understand her tendency to put work first. "I am busy at work," she tells him, "but I think I am ready to have a home life as well."

Meeting his gaze meaningfully she finishes, "You might be right and this might be the time to see if our relationship can make it."

Watching him carefully she sees the looks of relief, gratitude and happiness cross his face. He can see she is going to agree to date, truly date him.

He teases, "Veronica Mars and Logan Echolls dating again. Is the world ready for it?"

She smiles one of her genuine smiles and says, "That would be the world's problem. The real question is: Are we ready?"

He nods and says, "I think we are. Let's find out."

He finally leans down and kisses her.

He had a dinner meeting with the Board of Directors for the Lynn Foundation so he had his car pick him up and he made arrangements to pick Veronica up the next night for dinner. On the ride to the meeting Logan sat smiling after he put on the shirt, suit jacket and tie his driver brought him. He couldn't blow off this meeting to be with Veronica but for the first time he really wanted to. This Foundation is his baby and he has been really motivated to make it work. Tonight though there is a blonde pixie who he would rather be with. It's a good feeling to have something personal to look forward to.

The next morning Logan sits in his den in front of his computer. He finds that he is not focusing on the screenplay revisions he is supposed to be working on,. Instead he is thinking about a tiny blonde woman who means the world to him. If he was writing this part of their relationship as a story, he would have the main character make sure that the girl he loves feels as special, beautiful and desired as she is. He gives up writing for the moment and leans back in his chair as he thinks. He looks out the window at the beach and lets his mind wander as he does when he is in a particularly difficult part in his writing. He thinks of spending time with Veronica and freely lets ideas pop into his head. This first date is important. He wants it to be a special night that she will remember; he wants it to start their relationship off on the right foot.

Veronica sits in the break room and eats her lunch. She picked up a tuna sub on the way back to the office. Derek is at his desk working on a lead but she needed a break. She lets her thoughts go to her date tonight with Logan. Although they both agreed to try their relationship again and technically they are back together, tonight feels like it is an important date. She thinks about what to wear and mentally runs through the outfits in her closet. She thinks about the new navy dress she found on sale a couple of months ago. She hasn't had a chance to wear it yet but it might be perfect for an important first date. It has inlayed side panels in black that look odd on the hanger but on her, they surprisingly made her figure look hour glassed. She had to buy the dress once she tried it on. The skirt ends just above her knees and with her shoes on, her legs actually look long and slim. It is sexy but not over dressy. It is sleeveless and has a v neck line that shows but does not expose. She thinks about how she will do her hair and if she has time to do her nails before Logan arrives to pick her up.

Derek looks into the break room and sees his partner lost in thought. It is not a pondering a puzzle type look. No this is a girlie look. They have been together a few years and he really likes being her partner. She is smart, driven and best of all, they work well together without any drama. He had not been pleased when he was given a female partner much less one who is one hundred pounds soaking wet and looks like a cheerleader. Now he is grateful that his first partner retired early leaving him saddled with one of the new graduates as his partner. Looking at her he wonders who is putting that look on Veronica's face. As far as he knows she doesn't date much. At least she doesn't talk about her personal life often. He leaves her to her thoughts and her lunch. He can talk to her about the case later.

At promptly 7 pm, her doorman rings to tell her a car is waiting for her. A little surprised she realizes that Logan has sent a car to pick her up. He only said they were having dinner, he actually didn't say where. Resigned and, if she dares to admit it to herself, excited, she tells her doorman she is on the way down. Pulling her coat on, she grabs her small black purse, locks the door and heads to the elevator. She looks in the mirror in the elevator and sees that her hair looks good pulled into a loose bun at the back of her neck. Her diamond earrings and necklace complete the look. She has on red nail polish and lipstick. She looks put together. What she doesn't see is that her eyes are sparkling and she looks really beautiful.

The waiting driver opens the back door of the car and she slides in gracefully noting the luxurious interior. There is muted music and a plate of fruit with bottled water for her to enjoy during the drive. Veronica sits back and looks out at the city noticing that the driver is staying in the downtown area. It is a short drive when the car stops in front of a newly opened luxury hotel just built on the edge of the downtown area. The hotel made the news in that he choose to build in an area of downtown that has a less than savory reputation. The owner bought up many blocks of land and the area around the hotel is filled with exclusive boutiques and restaurants. The doorman opens the door and assists Veronica out. He tells her that Mr. Echolls is waiting for her inside. She looks up at the magnificent new hotel and then after a brief hesitation she heads into the hotel. As she expected the inside of the hotel is expensively decorated and the guests are treated to the best from the second they arrive. A well dressed young woman in a suit with a black jacket introduces herself as Denise and tells her that Mr. Echolls is waiting for her in a private dining area. She waves towards the elevator and walks with Veronica obviously going to take her where she needs to go. It is a glass elevator and of course has a wonderful view on the way to the top floor.

They get in the elevator with Denise telling Veronica about the hotel and the luxuries that it offers. She tells Veronica about the 360 degree restaurant on the third floor from the top and how it offers a magnificent view of the city and the ocean during the meal. She continues with her pitch as the elevator rises , "There are private dining areas on the second floor from the top and the top floor is a penthouse that the president is scheduled to stay in when he comes to LA." She hints, "We have one of the best spas in the city."

Fortunately for Veronica the ride up to the top floor goes smoothly and quickly and she is able to exit the elevator leaving Denise behind. Logan is waiting for her dressed in an expensive suit making her forget all about Denise. He smiles as soon as he sees her and walks forward to greet her with a kiss to her cheek and then he steps back to look her over. He says sincerely, "You look stunning Veronica."

She smiles back happy to see him and returns, "You look very handsome."

He puts out his arm and escorts her to their private dining room. The Chef from the restaurant below is renowned and Logan knows that Veronica will enjoy this meal. In the private dining area, they will be able to talk and won't be disturbed by their fellow dinners staring at them or taking their picture. This first date is private and important. Logan is determined to show Veronica they belong together.

He carefully escorts her to her seat and then sits himself. Their private waiter magically appears and pours the champagne Logan ordered. Veronica looks out the window and has to admit that the view is really amazing. One direction you see the ocean and the other direction, there is a wonderful view of the downtown area. There are spectacular fountains on the grounds surrounding the hotel. All in all, it is really wonderful.

Logan starts the conversation by asking Veronica how her day went and she turns back to look at him. Although the view out the floor to ceiling windows is fantastic, she has to admit that looking at Logan is even better. Smiling at his interest she tells him that she and Derek have been assigned to a new case. Right now there is a lot of research involved and it can get a little tedious at times. Under questioning she talks about how long she has worked with Derek and her career transfer to LA. She tells him about Derek's wife and children and how he is a really good partner, husband and father.

In turn she asks about his writing career and how it started. Logan talks about what writing means to him and he is open with his worries and hopes for his career. Although he is very private, he knows he can trust Veronica and it is really nice to share his passion for writing with someone. She is also very interested in the Lynn Foundation and asks a lot of questions about it. He talks about his vision, goals and how much work he has done so far. Near the end of their discussion he tells her about the fundraiser next month and asks her to attend with him.

She smiles happy that he believes they will still be together and that she is going to be able to share in his dream.

Logan is right in that the meal is wonderful. He preordered so the waiter brings out the courses as they are ready while Veronica and Logan just enjoy the evening. It is a beautiful night, they are both excited to be starting their relationship, the champagne is excellent and the food is superb. Best of all they reconnect and find out what they have done since they parted in college.

Before dessert Logan asks Veronica what her plans are for the rest of the weekend. He is surfing the next morning but asks her if he can see her the next evening. He tells her that he has tickets to a concert the following Saturday night and asks her to go. She is thrilled as it is one of her favorite bands. She thinks about what she would like to do the next night and suggests, "Have you ever been to the Oceanview Theater?"

When he shakes his head she enthuses, "Oh it is a great place! I think you will really like it there." She discusses how it is an old theater that has been restored and it primarily shows old movies. she adds, "Tomorrow night 'The French Connection' is showing."

He has to smile. It is a perfect date movie for them. There is a mystery, good acting and no one he knows is involved in the movie. He teases, "If you promise to buy me soda and a popcorn, I am there."

Laughing she agrees adding, "I will even buy you some Snowcaps."

They discuss show times and he agrees to pick her up an hour ahead. He says, "We could eat afterwards."

Nodding she says, "Sounds good."

He is amused when he completely loses her attention when dessert arrives. It is a Pavlova covered in fresh strawberries and drizzled in chocolate. She momentarily looks up at Logan and comments, "You remembered."

He watches as she picks up her spoon and takes a bite. Her face gets its "OMG this is so good' expression and his smile grows. He had first tried the dessert in New Zealand when his mother was filming a movie there. He was young but he remembered the marshmallowy taste and took Veronica to a restaurant and encouraged her to try it knowing her love for marshmallows. She had predictably loved it and it had been arousing for him to watch her eat it. She had moaned and then licked her lips as she ate it.

Veronica moves her chair closer to his and pushes her dessert plate in-between them. She scoops up some of the Pavlova and strawberries and feeds it to him. It is really good and together they share the rest of the dessert. The mood between them now more romantic.

Unable to resist Logan leans down and kisses her. She tastes like strawberries and marshmallow sweetness and he savors the flavor and the feeling.