Problems with LoVe

Veronica does go to work the next day. Logan knew she would but he finds that he is on edge waiting to hear from her. Logan tries to work on his latest script. The producer that he and Veronica met at an after party in New York sent him a book a few weeks after the première. Writing the outline had been a huge challenge and he was on top of the world when they accepted his outline and the first scene he wrote. Veronica had a surprise party for him the day he signed the contract to write the screenplay for the bestselling book. His friends and family were there and it had been a night of celebration for this new opportunity. He has really enjoyed working on the new script. He can tell it is going to be a blockbuster. It is a spy thriller with a side of romance. He knows he still has to work on his career even though he is worried about hers but today he can't seem to give the book his full attention.

In one of life's coincidences, the entertainment show that the PI sold the story to had Veronica Echolls' supposed affair as the lead story today. Most other stations picked it up and by tonight, it will be in the tabloids as well. The pictures and story are now out there for the public to see.

Logan called to apologize to Bryan but he had not accepted Logan's call. Logan did get a hold of Zack and he is so upset that he is thinking of leaving Bryan even though he knows that this situation is not Bryan or Veronica's fault. Logan can't imagine what damage has been done to Bryan's career. Like Veronica, Bryan has had his sights on becoming a FBI agent since he was in high school. At best, he is on desk duty until this blows over. At worst, it ruined his career. Logan is worried that both Bryan and Veronica will be transferred. Actually he is worried that Veronica will have to leave the FBI. He knows he shouldn't get ahead of himself but he doesn't know what she would do without her dream job and how that would affect her.

His publicist is going crazy. He wants to do some damage control but Logan knows that issuing a statement or denying the rumor will make no difference. There is nothing that can be done to undo the damage. At least he and Veronica are more used to the media attention and the judgments of the public. Bryan has no idea what the next few weeks are going to be like. Hopefully Zack can stay in the background and away from the speculation.

After he hangs up from talking to Zack, he is very tempted to go and see Dick and John. The trouble is, he is sure that seeing them while he still has a strong desire to punch them both is a bad idea. He is not his father; he can problem solve without using violence. Right now, his priority is supporting Veronica so he will stay home today in case she comes home.

Last night Logan had arrived in their bedroom and found Veronica already getting into bed. He went into the bathroom and got undressed and brushed his teeth before he went and joined her in bed. He pulled her into his arms and once she was settled, he commented, "I need to talk to Dick and John. I at least owe them the chance to explain. We have been friends a long time." When she doesn't make any comment, he squeezing her gently explaining, "I think you would give Mac or Wallace a chance to explain even if you don't think anything would justify their actions."

She stiffens and when Logan holds her from moving away from him, she says quietly, "I'm tired. I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow."

Worried about her emotional withdrawal from him, Logan whispers, "You are the most important person in my life..."

Before he can finish she pulls his hands away from her and moves across the bed putting space between them. She almost begs, "I just can't listen right now to how Dick and John have been there for you and are like brothers to you. Please just let me sleep. I am exhausted and I really don't want to talk to you about this tonight."

An upset Logan sees that pushing Veronica now would be a mistake. He wants to move over and hold her again but it is clear that she wants to be left alone. This is the first time since they got back together that she doesn't want to sleep in his arms. He lays there listening to her even breathing and worries. She has fallen asleep and he is thankful for that. She needs her rest. It takes him a long time to fall asleep. He is used to holding her and he is hurting that she is hurting. He woke to the sound of the shower shutting off and sat up in bed when she came back into the room and went into her closet. He offers to make her something to eat and she tells him she isn't hungry. Leaning down she kisses him and tells him she will see him after work.

Logan blocks Dick and John from his personal and home phone as they have both called him multiple times. He is not ready to talk to them Although he understands that they didn't plan on the PI selling the information, they did plan to break up his marriage. They know how much he loves her and how much it would hurt him if he and Veronica broke up so he is still in shock that they would do something that would devastate him because they don't think she is good for him or they think she will leave him someday. It doesn't make sense to make that day happen quicker if they believe she will leave anyways. No, this seems to be about punishing Veronica. When he does feel in control enough to talk to them, he hopes they have a better reason than what he suspects because although it would hurt him to end his relationship with them, Veronica comes first. He will wait to make his decision until he talk to them and that can wait until the situation settles down more.

There is one thing he can do right now though, Logan gets his phone out and depresses a button. When it is answered he says, "Eli, I have a job for you." After a pause where the young man is obviously waiting to hear what Logan wants him to do, Logan tells the PI that he doesn't want Keith involved and he would like to keep Veronica out of it for now. He explains, "I want you to find everything out about a PI in LA named Hank Gerada." Eli is game once Logan explains that he is the man who followed Veronica, took pictures and sold them to the tabloids. He adds quietly but firmly, "I want to find out the best way to destroy him." He listens to Weevil's response and then says, "Thanks man. I'll have Mrs. H. make sure the pool house is ready for you." He asks, "Are you going to bring Carmen and the kids with you?" Logan hangs up and puts his phone in his pocket as he focuses back on his computer. He really hopes Weevil finds a good way to show Mr. Gerada that he messed with the wrong target.

A few hours later Logan's phone rings and he sees that it is Casey calling. He depresses the answer button and to his consternation it is John on the phone. Amazingly John is annoyed that Logan has not answered his numerous calls and messages. Biting back a cutting retort Logan answers, "Actually I am not ignoring you; your number is blocked from my phone. I can't ignore calls and messages I don't get."

There is a short silence as John assimilates that Logan is mad enough to actually block his number. He cajoles, "Come on Logan, we have been friends for years."

Instantly pissed Logan drops into jackass mode, "Oh I know how good a friend you are. In fact, Hank Gerada was absolutely gushing about the lengths you would go to as my friend." Before John can say anything Logan adds, "Where are my manners? I forgot to thank you and Dick for all the recent tabloid coverage. As my close friends you both know what an attention whore I am."

John really uncomfortable by Logan's pointed remarks says, "Let me explain. We didn't think he would sell the story."

Continuing with his faux excited act, Logan interrupts, "Oh I didn't tell you our news. Veronica's superiors at the FBI think that perhaps she gets too much media attention here in LA so they are thinking of transferring us to the east coast." He adds in a bubbly manner, "I will buy a big mansion there so our friends when they want to see us can come and stay. Since you are such a close friend, you should keep an eye on your text messages for the address." Not really interested in hearing John's excuses right now for why he behaved as he did, Logan hangs up.

Casey listening on speaker phone gets a sinking feeling his gut. Logan is beyond mad. He is not even willing right now to listen to what Dick and John have to say. He looks at John and says, "This is not good! You guys have messed up big time."

Although Logan has talked to Casey since the tabloid stories came out, Casey knows that he has not been answering Dick's or John's phone calls or texts. Now he learns that they have been blocked. He knows that this recent stint of stories about her having an affair with another one of her coworkers has again put her career in the FBI in jeopardy. Casey feels very badly for the tiny blonde. She has been working hard at her career in the FBI and it is through no fault of her own that she is having difficulties. He doesn't mention to Dick or John that Veronica is upset. He suspects they wouldn't care; in fact they would be happy.

Casey had not thought about what would happen if Veronica was transferred. It actually makes sense that she go somewhere where there isn't as much media attention. Dick and John need to start thinking about the consequences of their actions. Now they have really stepped over the line. He has become close friends with Logan and he would really miss him if he goes.

John is petulant and defensive when Casey confronts him about the fact Logan may move away. Casey asks pointedly, "What about that guy at the FBI? You and Dick may have hurt his career and his personal life with your attempt to hurt Veronica?"

It is clear that John doesn't care and hasn't thought about the effect on Veronica's co worker. He says, "Well it looked like she was having an affair with him. Are you sure she is not?"

Frustrated Casey says, "That Bryan guy is gay."

John defensively tells his friend, "Well it's not my fault the PI was wrong or that he sold his information to the press."

"What if Veronica is transferred and Logan goes with her?" Casey asks. Not accepting the excuses, Casey adds pressing his point, "Veronica chose to stay here in California last time. This time I doubt she will be given a choice and even if she is, I wouldn't blame her for getting away from you and Dick and the press."

When John starts a tirade, Casey cuts him off reminding him that as good a friend they have been to Logan, he has been just as good back. He says, "Did you forget that Logan's infusion of cash helped your father keep his airline running?" Relentless he says, "None of your dad's friends would invest. It was Logan who stepped in and saved the day. Your family could have lost everything." Scathingly he adds, "Way to repay Logan."

"Fuck you," John spits out.

Casey stands and takes his phone back and says, "No John, Fuck you." He looks down at his friend and adds threateningly, "You better make this right John."

John asks, "How am I supposed to do that?"

Shaking his head Casey tells him angrily, "That isn't my problem. It was your decision to hire the PI. Now you need to fix the mess you made." He walks out of the room leaving John in the games room. He passes John's father in the doorway and in his anger just nods at him and leaves.

John Sr. looks at his son and asks, "What is going on?"

John Jr. tries to shrug off Casey's anger but unfortunately for him, his father had heard too much of the argument to be blown off. John Sr. says, "Is Logan mad enough to sell his stocks? He owns enough to be able to put the company in prime position for a takeover." John Sr. sees that his son is looking guilty and disgruntled. He says firmly, "'Come to the den. I think you should tell me everything that is going on." He turns abruptly and exits the games room.

John looks at the doorway where his upset father exited a couple minutes after his angry friend left a couple minutes after his other angry friend hung up on him. Yes, he is on a roll.

When Veronica gets home she looks exhausted. He immediately hugs her and tells her that he mixed a pitcher of margaritas for them and they can relax outside until supper is ready. Mrs. H. insisted on staying late so she could see Veronica and cook her a special supper. Veronica, sitting in the comfortable seats on the covered deck, sips her lime margarita and consciously relaxes. She tells her anxious husband that she is on desk duty for at least two weeks and that Mitch was honest with her telling her that he did not request her to be transferred but he is not sure what his superiors will decide to do. She understood and thanked him before she sucked it up and went to her desk and began work on the pile of paperwork waiting there.

Sadly she told him that Bryan was also on desk duty and that he had barely looked at her, "He sat at his desk doing paper work and not talking." Logan just sat beside her hugging her to his side and listening to her describe her day at work. Really there isn't much he can say. When she mentions that there is a new case and she can't even do any of the interviews, Logan grimaces a little knowing how much that would bother her. She takes another sip of her frozen margarita and tells Logan that Mitch has pulled another agent in to do the interviews and to go out with Tom.

Logan squeezes her shoulder and says, "I am so sorry this happened to you and Bryan." He talks about how Bryan ignored his calls and how Zack is so upset, he is thinking about leaving Bryan. Veronica takes a deep breath in and slowly lets it out. She slowly shakes her head and says, "I haven't seen a paper or television newscast but Phil tells me that the story broke today." She pauses and adds, "It's a big mess!"

Nodding Logan agrees, "I don't understand how my parents and Trina loved this attention so much."

"I don't understand why you are so worried about being like your father," she comments. He leans down and kisses her forehead thanking her for her observation.

Mrs. H. comes out and tells them that supper is ready. Veronica smiles at her knowing that she stayed tonight because she is worried and wants to support her. She untangles herself from Logan and stands to go over and walk inside. She wraps her arm around her the woman who looks after them with love and says, "I'm starved! What wonderful thing have you made for us tonight?"

A little relieved, the middle aged housekeeper lists what she made for dinner and dessert and Logan has to smiles as he knows that most everything she just listed is a favorite of the tiny blonde. He picks up their drinks and follows them inside prepared to listen to the two women gossip about family.

Logan sits at the table and smiles as enjoys the manicotti, garlic bread, salad and chocolate pie. He watches as Mrs. H. mothers Veronica and is able to take her mind off her work issues. Truthfully he enjoys watching the close relationship between them. Veronica really values her relationship with Alicia and Mrs. H. Logan thinks it is because she misses the relationship she had with her mother before alcohol took over. The last security report showed that Lianne was still in Arizona and she was at a different waitressing job. She calls Veronica once a month or so. Since Logan gets the bill for her phone he was a little disconcerted to see that she calls Jake Kane almost every day. He has Irene call her once a week and see if there is anything she needs. So far she hasn't wanted to go into rehab and the most she has needed is money to tide her over until she gets a new job.

He tunes back into the conversation to listen as the two women talk about Connie's pregnancy and what gift to get the new baby. Mrs. H. sews and has some friends who do crafts as well. She has many suggestions for specialty gifts.

Mrs. H. leaves after supper and Veronica sits on the couch in the living room. Logan sits on the other end of the couch and turns slightly to face her. It is time for them to talk about what happened. Veronica starts the talk by telling him that she is pretty sure that Bryan is going to request a transfer.

Logan can see Bryan requesting to be away from LA and Veronica. He tells her, "I don't know what to say."

Meeting his gaze she deadpans, "I guess there are some things you can't just throw money at to fix."

Recoiling a little he defends, "That is not how it is."

Upset she points out, "I should have helped steal millions of dollars from unsuspecting citizens or punched a police officer or broke a college student's jaw. You would be falling over yourself to help me then."

"That's not fair," he answers upset at the idea that she thinks he isn't helping her.

Shaking her head she agrees, "No it isn't fair. Bryan and I are trying to catch killers. Dick and John are spending their time that they aren't partying and acting like jackasses, plotting how to ruin my life."

A little angry he tells her, "I am not saying that what they did was right or that there is an excuse for how they behaved."

"You aren't saying any different though, are you?" she counters.

He shakes his head at her and points out, "I only said that I needed to talk to them. I didn't say that I would accept their reasons."

Shaking her head she stands and says confidently, "You will though." Imitating him she says, "You know what they mean to me. They are like brothers to me."

Angry and defensive he stands and counters, "What do you want me to do?"

Deflating a little she says, "I don't know Logan. All I know is that I tried with them. I really did." Taking a deep breath she tells him, "Now people think I am having an affair. My picture is all over the TV and tabloids. Bryan and Zack are collateral damage." Waving at him she asks, "Who is going to want to work with me when they will be in real danger of being accused of adultery and having their career in the FBI ruined?"

Logan sucks in a breath as he listens to her. She is right. Her career in the FBI is going to be limited. She can't work with a group or a male partner. Thinking he says, "Maybe you can get a female partner?"

Closing her eyes Veronica bites her bottom lip. She doesn't want to move or change departments again. She is happy where she is. She is part of a team and they are doing good work. Logan is talking like she can get a new female partner, move to a new section and her job will be great. Watching Logan is concerned as he sees her close off to him. It's been a long time since he had to watch her hide her thoughts and emotions from him. She half turns and looks out the window at the spectacular view. Turning back to Logan she says quietly, "I guess we will see, won't we?"

"Veronica, I am so sorry this happened. If I could fix it, I would," he tells her earnestly.

She crosses her arms over her chest defensively and tells him, "No, you're right! What's done is done. It can't be fixed. I am just going to have to wait and see what happens."

He steps towards her and takes her shoulders bending his head to look in her eyes, "Dick and John broke their promise to me and they tried to break us up but it's because I am an that the PI could sell the story."

"Are you kidding me?" she spits out. Imitating him again she says, "Dick and John only planned to break up our marriage, they didn't mean to ruin your career or make you look like a money grubbing, scheming, slut to the rest of the world." She pushes his hands away from her and raises her voice in her anger, "Well poor Logan. Your best friends broke their promise to you. You should go and talk to them about how hurt you are. Maybe you all can hug and make yourselves feel better."

Not impressed by her tone, he says, "Veronica, I am not feeling sorry for myself. I was just pointing out that the tabloid coverage is because we are Echolls."

Accusingly she says, "You are acting like it is OK that they hired a PI to try and break up our marriage."

"No, I'm not," he defends. "I just want to talk to them and find out why they did it."

"I am going to take a guess and say that they did it because they hate me," she tells him angrily. "Thanks for the support Logan," she shakes her head tired of the argument.

He steps closer again and starts, "I am on your side..."

Interrupting she tells him firmly, "No Logan, you're not. You believe that I deserve their remarks and their hatred because way back in high school and college I was a bitch to them and they didn't like how I treated you." Waving her hand she asks, "How long do I have to pay for that time?"

"This isn't about payback Ronnie," he assures her.

She pushes the hair back from her face and tells him, "I have been able to put aside my feelings about that time and them. I have tried to be civil and make things easier. I ignore their comments and I let it go that they brought Madison to our wedding. Why can't they put aside their feelings and just treat me respectfully or at least ignore me?" Meeting his gaze she asks, "Why don't you expect that behavior from them?"

"I do," Logan argues, "I tell them to be respectful to you. They have gotten better the last few months."

Stepping back from him she deadpans, "Thanks for your help Logan." She meets his gaze and tells him firmly, "We've tried it your way and look how that turned out. I am done trying to get along with them." She stands there for a second and to her consternation tears come to her eyes. She brushes them away angrily and adds, "I am going to have a soak in the tub and then I am going to read a book before I go to bed alone. I will be sleeping in one of the spare bedrooms tonight Logan."

"Veronica, no," he says quietly, "We need to talk about this."

Shaking her head as the tears trickle down her cheeks, "I'm done talking to you about Dick and John. Nothing changes." Meeting his gaze she bites her bottom lip before she adds brokenly, "I'm just done." She turns and leaves him standing there shocked, hurt and worried. This whole thing is escalating and it is getting out of his control. Veronica is running from him again. At least this time, she is just leaving their bedroom; not their relationship. It doesn't change the fact that she is so deeply upset with him that she doesn't want to sleep in the same bed as him.

The following day Logan got up after another fitful night's sleep; this time from trying to sleep alone in their big bed only to find that Veronica had gotten up and left early for work. He checks with her driver and he did drop her off at FBI Headquarters. He knows it is partially to avoid the paparazzi and having to deal with him.

After a workout and breakfast, Logan heads to his office to try and get some work done. The main difference today is that Veronica is not answering his calls. She merely texted him she is busy at work and will call him later. Bryan is still not answering his calls or messages. Zack tells him that right now he and Bryan aren't talking. He has gone to stay with some friends. Logan offers to put him up at a nice hotel but Zack prefers to be with his friends right now. Worried, Logan calls Phil mid morning. Phil tells him that both Veronica and Bryan showed up early and have both been working at their desks still not really talking to each other. Phil tells him the team is on its way to San Diego as there is a new victim. Logan wishes him luck and hangs up knowing that both Veronica and Bryan are going to be upset that they can't go to the scene with the team.

At noon, Logan calls Casey and asks him if Dick and John are staying with him. When he tells them they are, Logan says, "I'm going to go over this afternoon to talk to them."

Casey immediately agrees to call and tell them Logan is coming over. After he hangs up, he makes arrangements to go home as well. He should probably be there for this meeting.

Before Logan leaves for his meeting with Dick and John, Eli texts him that he is in LA and will be arriving at the mansion late. Logan texts him back that Mrs. H. has the pool house ready and that she will leave supper in the fridge for him to heat up when he arrives.

Alicia calls Logan and tells him that she is coming to stay for a couple of days. He is surprised to learn that she is coming alone. He thought for sure that Keith would come but Alicia merely tells him that it is the mother in her that is telling her to come and visit. She is going to arrive tomorrow. Logan arranges for a car to pick her up and tells Mrs. H. to make sure her room is ready.

A couple of hours later Casey, John and Dick sit on Casey's deck drinking a beer. The meeting with Logan could not have gone worse. When he arrived, he didn't make any small talk. He refused Casey's offer of a drink. He remained standing and he turned and looked at both Dick and John and simply asked, "Why?"

Dick started talking first and explained how they were just making sure that she wasn't having an affair. They care about Logan and want to protect him. With no expression on his face, Logan turned to John and said, "Do you have anything else to add?"

Disconcerted at how withdrawn and direct Logan was, John told Logan he agreed with what Dick said, adding, "We have been there for you for years even after Veronica broke your heart and left you."

The tall brunette looks over at Casey for a second before he says, "I was really hoping you had a real reason beyond the fact that you think I don't know how to protect myself and I am not a good judge of whether someone truly cares about me or is using me." He runs a hand through his hair and asks, "What has Veronica done to you in the last few years? I mean since way back in high school and college?" He looks pointedly at John to answer first.

"She's a bitch and she's going to hurt you," he answers.

Logan frowns and clarifies, "The question was 'What has Veronica done to you since college?"

John has to admit that she hasn't said or done anything to him. Logan puts up a hand to stop any more talk from John about what Veronica has done to others. He turns to Dick and says, "Same question to you. What exactly has Veronica done to you since she left after college?"

Upset Dick talks about how she threw him down on the cement. Logan interrupts and asks, "What did you say to her before she did that?"

Dick tells him that Veronica was being a bitch. Logan frowns and says, "I get that you were drinking but you called her names and followed her when she tried to leave the situation. You were partly to blame for the situation Dick." Ignoring Dick's indignant manner, Logan carries on, "What else has Veronica said or done to you since sophomore year of college?"

Disconcerted, Dick talks about her trying to send him to prison. Stepping closer Logan says, "She interviewed you and gathered information. In other words, she did her job. She is an agent not the DA." Pressing the issue he adds, "You were the one who got involved in the corporation. You were the one who broke the law. Veronica was the one who used her contacts in Federal prison to make sure you were safe and protected."

Waving his arms Logan sums up their discussion, "So far I am hearing that since college, Veronica did her job interviewing you and then pulled herself off the case. Then at my request she protected you in prison making sure you didn't get hurt or violated. She did throw you on the ground at a party but after she tried to avoid the situation and then warned you to stop." He pins Dick with his gaze and directly asks, "Am I missing anything? Has she contacted you, talked rudely to you or done anything to you other than that?"

"No but a leopard doesn't change its spots. She is going to leave you. We are just trying to protect you." Dick tells his friend.

Logan raises his voice, "Stop." He shakes his head and says, "This isn't even about me. You both know I can protect myself. "

Dick says, "You don't think clearly around her. She is kryptonite."

He takes a deep breath and lets it out before he asks, "What about the promise you made not to interfere in my marriage?" He adds, "The one you both made at the lunch we had after I got back from my honeymoon?"

"We were just checking to make sure she wasn't having an affair," John starts.

Logan looks at him and points out, "The FBI and I both interviewed Hank Gerada. I know exactly what you hired him to do." Waving his hand between them he said, "You didn't hire a reputable PI because you knew Veronica wasn't having an affair. You needed a guy who would make up the information."

Logan briefly looks at Casey and then looks back at Dick and John both sitting on the couch. He says, "Veronica tried to let the past go with you guys. She doesn't ask me not to see you. She doesn't complain to me when you talk rudely to her. She actually understands that I consider you both to be my true friends and she doesn't interfere. She let it go when you tried to upset our wedding day. All because she cares about me and wants me to be happy."

He meets each of their gazes and adds, "Now you two have tried to break up our marriage and your interference has brought the press to our doorstep again. I shouldn't have trusted you guys."

"Dude," Dick tells him, "We are your friends. We have been there for me."

Logan shakes his head and tells them firmly, "I can't trust you guys not to interfere in my marriage. I can't trust you guys not to talk about me to anyone that might go to the press. I am done with both of you." Without any further comments, Logan turns and leaves the room. Within seconds the three men hear the front door slam and then Logan get in the back of the waiting car.

There is a stunned silence as the three men take in that Logan is actually gone. He was deeply angry and they all know that he is very serious. He considers his friendship with Dick and John to be over.

Dick stands and throws his glass at the fireplace. It shatters loudly in the quiet of the room. "I knew she was going to cut us out," he comments bitterly.

Shaking his head, Casey says, "You guys fucked up big time." He gets up and goes over to the bar to mix Dick another drink. There are two rules to being a friend with Logan. You never talk to the press or anyone who might talk to the press and you don't mess with Veronica. He can't imagine that Dick and John thought this situation would end positively for them.

Logan has the driver take him to the Lynn Foundation. He needs to meet with Irene and go over the agenda for the board meeting next week. Now, of course, he needs to add an item. It is only a formality since he has controlling interest in the foundation but Dick and John need to be removed from the Board of Directors. He thinks about how long they have been friends and he feels choked that it ended like this.

Tonight he has to talk to Veronica. Logan is proud of how he handles his life now. He is not like his father or even his mother. He doesn't drink himself into oblivion when things go wrong. He doesn't get into fights anymore. He doesn't let anger, hurt or jealousy be an excuse to act badly. He deals with his problems by finding out all the information and then making his decision. He is a better man now. If she doesn't know that she is the most important person in his life then that is bad on him.

In the late afternoon, Logan gets a call from Keith. He had been expecting the call before now. He answers and after a few pleasantries, Keith says, "Son, I am concerned about the publicity and its effect on Veronica."

Sighing Logan explains that he talked to Dick and John and they didn't have a real reason for what they did so he has cut off his relationship with them. Keith says, "Well actually that doesn't surprise me." He shares, "I know they are like family to you and you are loyal to them but I know you love my daughter and would do anything for her." Logan is reassured that Keith believes in him; reassured and grateful as he values his relationship with his father-in-law. Keith adds, "None of us like to see Veronica hurting like this."

Deeply upset Logan agrees, "I don't like it either."

Keith tells his son-in-law, "Last time we talked about this, I was worried that things between Veronica and your friends would cause a rift between you and her. It seems that has happened."

"Honestly Keith I just never anticipated that they would try and break us up. That is on me but the press coverage is because we are Echolls. If I was not the son of Aaron and Lynn Echolls, the press would not have picked up the story," Logan shares. He adds, "I can't do anything about that. I wish I could, but I can't."

Understanding Keith points out, "You can't do anything about the press but how would you feel if Eli and Wallace ruined your writing career that you have worked so hard at and love so much? Especially if they talked rudely to you and tried to disrupt your wedding."

Logan admits, "I would be mad as hell Dad but I would let her talk to them and try to reason with them before she broke off their friendship." He adds, "I shouldn't have trusted Dick and John when they apologized for disrupting our wedding and promised to never interfere in my relationship with Veronica again. I guess I just wanted to believe them."

Feeling genuinely sorry for Logan, Keith says, "I am sorry that you have lost your friends. I wish it didn't have to come to that."

"Thanks," Logan says, "I know it had to be done but I will miss them."

Keith tells him, "Actually why I was calling was to mention that you might want to take Veronica on a short vacation. She could take a couple of days off work and you guys could get away for a 4 day weekend or something. It would get her away from the publicity, you two would be seen together in a happy situation and you guys could have some time to talk and work things out."

Thinking Logan says, "That is actually a great idea" Thinking aloud he says, "Roger has a huge yacht that he has offered for us to use. We would be able to moor at a secure facility and we could have all the privacy we need."

Keith adds, "You could invite some friends for part of the weekend as well."

Nodding Logan agrees, "That could be fun. I will talk to Veronica and see if she can get the days off." He adds genuinely, "Thanks Keith."

They both hang up feeling good about the conversation and more positive about the next few days.