The night we danced

Logan

She was late. Almost thirty minutes late and I was about done waiting. She had promised to be over by five so that we could talk. And yet it seemed that once again I was left the fool when it came to Lilly.

It had been exactly three weeks since Lilly had ended our last phone conversation with the statement that she was done with me. I had been tempted to kiss the girl—I never denied that—but I hadn't actually done it. I had watched my father repeatedly hurt my mother over the years with his constant affairs that I would never allow myself to cheat on anyone—especially not Lilly. I loved her. But she refused to believe me.

I had been furious with her after she hung up. She had claimed I was a cheating bastard and was no better than my father. Lilly had hit me in two weak points; one because I hated my father and wanted to be nothing like him, and two, because she was the one who cheated. The first time she cheated I found out because she told me. She claimed it would never happen again and begged for my forgiveness. It did happen again, and while I had never actually caught her in the act, it was hard to miss Lilly's friends giggling as they ogled her latest conquest.

Duncan had avoided the topic of his sister intentionally, but I noticed the car when I stopped by their house. It wasn't anyone we knew but Lilly was definitely seeing someone. I never saw the guy and knew that if I did, my reaction wouldn't be welcoming.

But here I was. Once again, giving in to what was probably a bad idea. But I didn't know how—or really want—to end things with Lilly. I wanted to make it work. I knew we could be happy if she would just talk to me. And ever since I'd met Veronica I had wanted it more than ever and she made me believe it was possible.

Veronica was an unexpected but welcome surprise. At only five foot two, she was a force to be reckoned with. Not only was she gorgeous, meaning there were always guys hitting on her, but she was vicious. Her tongue was so sharp she left most men with their tongues hanging out and their brains scrambled. It was hilarious to witness and I incredible thankful not to be on the receiving end.

I had first spotted her when she was talking to Satan's triplets; Madison, Shelly and Ashley. The flash of blonde had made me think of Lilly, initially, but that faded when she'd opened her mouth. She was funny and honest. And while she wasn't well endowed like Lilly, I hadn't been able to keep my mind from wandering what it would be like if she was naked in my lap. What can I say, I'm a teenage boy. I'm not going to ignore a hot chick no matter how hung up on another girl I am.

It wasn't till after I saw Duncan talking to her that I realised she'd been the girl he'd invited. He had explained to me the events which had unfolded at the art gallery and how not only was she hot, but had left Dick's pride wounded. What he had failed to mention was how smart she was. She loved art and literature, and had some great opinions about some of my favourite movies. It really shouldn't have surprised me that Duncan hadn't really thought further than her looks. He was so hung up on Meg that most of the time if he was with a blonde he was picturing Meg. Besides, Duncan had no interest in anything unless it was Meg, surfing, soccer or video games. Don't get me wrong, I love surfing and video games myself, but books and art always interested in me. My mum had always encouraged my love for art and reading, much to my father's disgust, and it had been nice as we sat by the water to find someone I could openly discuss it with.

Veronica even went as far to give me relationship advice. Solid advice that I figured most would see it as obvious but I hadn't been able to follow through with. I had also been surprised by her bluntness. Veronica and I had spent some of our evening flirting back and forth, somewhat, and with Duncan nowhere to be seen I hadn't seen the harm in being overly nice. The last thing I'd thought would happen was that she would end up getting me to open up about my fucked up relationship and having her give me solid advice—and solid it was—as we shared a bag of marshmallows. I couldn't argue with her, and it's not because I somehow believe anyone who tries to argue with her loses, but because I did need to talk to Lilly. Or at least make Lilly talk to me properly. No distractions! No letting Lilly have her way. We needed to have a real conversation. Of course to do that, Lilly needed to show up.

The longer it took Lilly to arrive, the more nervous I had become. I had spent the morning unable to focus on anything. Reading was pointless. Video games just led to me becoming more frustrated because I kept dying. So I paced. Back and forth. I was waiting for the carpet to tear beneath my feet as I moved back and forth.

When it hit the forty minute mark, I couldn't take it anymore. I was done waiting. If Lilly couldn't bother to show up on time then I wasn't going to wait around for her. It was just another one of her things, by making me adhere to her and just accepting that she was allowed to show up whenever.

Downstairs in the kitchen I found my mum. She was dressed like the well known actress she was. A perfectly fitted white pant suit and a pair of red souled tan heels. She was sporting a pair of sunglasses on her head and held a coffee up in her hand. Her over hand held her phone to her ear.

"I want both, Albert," she said, staring at a magazine she had on the breakfast bar in front of her. "Tell them I'll pay four hundred for both." She took a sip of her coffee and looked up at me. Her face brightened as she saw me.

I smiled warmly at her and took a seat on one of the stools to let her finish her call.

"Yes…yes, that's fine," she said.

It was good to see her so happy. It always happened when my father wasn't in town. He'd been gone since the beginning of summer shooting his latest role in some action adventure with Tom Cruise and Charlize Theron. I had hoped as a child that she would one day find the strength to divorce him and take me away, but that day still hadn't come. Maybe once I was out of the house and out of his reach she would, but until then, I enjoyed the days it was just the two of us.

"Thank you, Albert. I'll see you soon." Mum placed her phone on the counter and tilted her head to the side. She asked, "I thought you had plans with Lilly."

I sighed. "Seems she got a better offer."

She frowned. "I don't know why you let her treat you like this. I'm sure there is another girl out there that would understand how lucky she would be to have you."

I contained my scoff. She sometimes didn't realise how hypocritical she could be. Instead, I said, "I love her, mum."

She sighed sadly and gave me a small smile.

I said, "The whole point of her coming over was for us to work out our issue and for once have a proper relationship."

She nodded. "And I'm proud of you for realising that you need to have that talk. But if Lilly isn't even interested in trying to talk, I somehow doubt you'll get to where you want to be."

I leaned my arms on the counter and frowned. I hated thinking about Lilly and I never working this out. I always tried to tell myself Lilly was still young and that one day she would realise I was all she needed. That was then proceed by me looking at my pathetic self in the mirror and letting myself to man-up. Lilly either wanted me or she didn't.

Mum reached out and squeezed my arm. She said, "Maybe you should consider ending it for good. You and Lilly have been apart longer than you've been together in these last two years."

"Mum…"

She cut me off. "I know, I know. I just want you to be happy. You should be treated with the respect you deserve." The sad look in her eyes told me she wanted the same thing. There was no respect in the relationship she shared with my father, only fear.

I smiled warmly and pulled her into a hug. "I love you, mum," I said.

"I love you too."

After a long moment, she pulled back and asked, "What about that new girl you've been hanging out with?"

I smirked. Veronica.

"She makes you happy." She grinned widely.

"Veronica is my friend."

"That you talk about constantly. Are you sure you don't have a crush?" she teased.

I chuckled. "Of course I have a crush on her. She's great; funny and smart, and she's hot. And I'm a teenage boy."

Mum laughed walked around the island to the fridge. It was good to hear her laugh. Without my father around she laughed freely and didn't drink. She was the mum I remember as a little boy before he hit her for the first time.

"You just like her because I told you she's a fan of your work."

Mum grinned. "The girl has good taste. And she likes you, so that makes her even better."

I smiled as she patted my cheek.

Before we could say anything further the door bell rang, followed by the door opening and Lilly's voice echoing through the house.

"Loogaaan! Where are you, lover?" she called.

Mum gave me another smile before I turned to walked back towards the front door.

Lilly was standing in the foyer. She was looking up at the ceiling as she spun on the spot. When she noticed me she grinned widely and made an appreciative humming. "My god," she said, "I forget how delicious you are." She moved over to me and flung her arms around my neck. "I can't wait for you to remind me who I belong to." She lifted her head to kiss me.

As our lips brushed I remembered what was supposed to be going on. I grabbed her hands and unwound her from my body and took a step back.

She pouted. "What's wrong?"

"You're late," I said.

Lilly rolled her eyes. "Not that late." She tried to move her arms but I held her still.

"We need to talk," I said.

She tilted her head to one sigh and let out a whine. "Can't we talk after you've made a mess of me?" She bit down on her lip.

I was tempted. It would have been so easy to kiss her senseless. To throw her over my shoulder and let my jealously over run me as I reminded her exactly who she kept leaving, but I knew it wouldn't solve anything. It was going to be that endless circle I wanted to avoid. Besides, our sex life was never the issue.

"No," I said. "Talk first."

She huffed and pulled back her arms. "Fine, let's talk."

Lilly strolled past me towards the main living area. I followed. She dropped onto one of the couches and lifted her feet to rest them on the coffee table. Instead of sitting beside her, to avoid temptation, I moved past the couch to stand behind one of the arm chairs.

She asked, "Are you scared of me?" Her eyes darkened as she twirled a piece of her hair around her finger.

I frowned. She was teasing me.

"So," she nudged, "talk."

"I wanted to talk about us."

Lilly sat forward. "I'm all for us. You. Me. Your bed. Hell, right here."

"Lilly, please."

She scoffed and dropped back into the couch. "What? We both know that we are at our best when there's no words involved."

"That is the problem."

"I wouldn't say it's a problem." She winked.

"But it is. Yes. The sex is great."

"Better than great."

It was my turn to scoff. "Apparently not, because you still get bored and you leave."

Lilly sat up and said, "I don't get bored, Logan."

"Really? Cause I can't really understand what other reason you feel the need to constantly break up with me and then go off to fuck all of these other assholes."

She leaped up and pointed at me. "Hey, you ruined it the last time. You kissed that slut."

"I didn't kiss anyone!" I snapped.

She stomped her foot. "Yes, you did. The girls told me."

"Those girls are brainless morons who would do anything to score themselves some points with you."

"Well, what do you want from me?"

"How about actually talking to me and giving me a chance to share my side?"

"Would you have given me the same a chance?"

"Yes! And I have. More than once."

"I told you the truth when it happened and I felt horrible."

"No, you told me the truth because you knew it would get back to me. That's what happens when you fuck one of my friends."

"It was a drunken mishap. It was nothing."

"You seriously don't hear how hypocritical that is?" I yelled. The level made her jump slightly. I took a calming breathe and lowered my voice. "You dumbed me for a kiss, that never fucking happened, but you fuck a guy and it's nothing."

"Logan…"

"No. I'm sick of this. I am so over being your second choice Lilly."

"What? So you're done with me?"

"No. I don't want to be done with you."

"Then what do you want?"

I gripped the top of the chair and said, "I want us to have a proper relationship."

"What?" she looked at me, confused.

"I want us to be a real couple. I don't want to just be your fuck buddy. I want to take you to dinner, to the movies. I want to show you off and know that all of those guys can look but I'm the only one who gets to touch you. I want to know that when I leave your house that you aren't texting some other guy, just waiting for your next chance to dumb me so you can fuck him. I want to have actual conversations with you where we talk about things."

Lilly looked uncertain. She had her arms crossed and she was tense.

"I want to be able to tell you that I feel insecure and for you to comfort me and tell me it's okay."

She dropped her head and looked down at her feet.

"And for you to tell me about your day. For you to tell me how you feel. I want to share things that we don't share with other people."

I ran my hands through my hair and waited. I wanted her to say something but it didn't look like she knew what to say. Silence sat heavy between us. It wouldn't have surprised me if she turned and ran. It would be a very Lilly thing to do, avoiding the emotional stuff. But she didn't run, she just stood there.

"Lilly?" I asked.

She looked back up at me and then said, "I don't know how to give you what you want."

I walked around the chair and reached for her. I pulled her into my arms and rested my chin on her head. "So, let's work it out. We don't have to start with everything. We can start small."

Lilly wound her arms around me and shifted her head so she could look me in the eyes.

"I don't expect you to do a complete 180 and suddenly share every single thing with me. But if we are going to do things, I want to do it properly." I pressed a kiss to her forehead and brushed back her hair.

Lilly forehead crinkled and she asked, "Can I think about it?"

The words hurt, I wouldn't lie about that. The fact that she wasn't instantly saying, 'yes, let's do it' felt like a knife in the gut. She wasn't sure about her feelings for me and so all I could do was nod. If I said no she would most likely leave and that would be it.

"Sure," I said.

Lilly pulled herself from my arms. She grabbed her bag, which she'd dropped on the couch and said, "I think I should head home."

I tucked my hands into my pockets and nodded.

"I still need to get a dress for the gala. Are you coming still?"

I nodded again. "Mum needs a date because my dad's not in town."

Lilly fiddled with her handbag. "Right. Then I guess I'll see you there."

She turned her back to me and walked towards the front door. With every step she took I wanted desperately for her to spin around and tell me she loved me and that we would work it out. I wanted her to kiss me and tell me that she promised to not leave me, but she didn't. She walked out the door without a glance back.

The knife in my chest twisted and I felt a lump form in my throat. It was possible that I had officially ended our relationship once and for all. She could decide that she didn't want to open up and that I could only have what we already had, but I didn't think I could handle that. I loved her. So much. But first loves didn't always last.

I heard Lilly start her car and drive away, and I closed my eyes and swallowed the pain. I rubbed my face before walking out of the living room towards the stairs. I needed something to distract me, something that would keep me from thinking about Lilly. I grabbed my wallet and keys from where they sat on my dresser and walked across the landing to my parents room. Mum was standing at the foot of her bed comparing dress options.

The Reynolds and Specter Gala happened once a year. The law firm held an auction where all of the raised funds went to a yearly charity. All of the firms big clients along with a number of special guests attended. Mum had been one of their clients since she had started acting, and even though my father had tried to convince her that she would be better off with his own, she had never allowed him to change her mind.

Normally, Mum took my father with her. He would often complain about having to show up, but always did. This year, since he was on location filming, I had offered to keep Mum company. I hated these type of events but I would do just about anything for my Mum.

Mum glanced up at me and said, "I take it your talk didn't go well?"

I crossed my arms and leaned against the door frame. "Well, I stuck to the plan and actually spoke with her. So that's progress."

"But?"

"But, Lilly couldn't give me an answer. She wanted to think about it."

Mum frowned. "I'm sorry, baby."

I shrugged. "I'll just have to be patient."

The look in my mum's eyes told me she wanted to say a lot but she didn't. Instead, she picked up two dresses and held them up for me.

"Which one do you like best?" she asked.

The first one was a black floor length dress. It was a velvet material with a corseted silhouette and long sleeves. The second was a dark green gown, also floor length. It's sleeves were slightly puffed and the material was covered it a glimmer of sparkles. Both would look wonderful on her.

"The black," I said. It was more classic.

Mum grinned. "I think so too."

She laid the green dress down and walked the black dress over to her mirror. She hung it from the top.

"Do you have any plans for lunch?" I asked.

She shook her head. "My plan was to enjoy the peace and quiet while your father is away."

"How about we go for lunch at Marco's?"

Mum's eyes lit up. She loved Marco's. "That sounds perfect. Let me just freshen up."

Marco's was a rooftop bar and grill by Dog Beach. It was very popular but a place that we didn't get to visit when my father was home. He only ate in restaurants that he considered high class. Marco's did not fit that list. I thought it was great, as did my mum. It was more catered to the middle class, but the food was great as was the view.

Mum and I arrived at Marco's a little after 1. I held open the door for Mum and we were greeted by the hostess. She smiled warmly and seated us outside by the railing. The table itself had a great view but was slightly blocked off by one of the vine trellis. I directed Mum to sit in the chair hidden by the trellis to give her some privacy.

"This was a great idea," said Mum.

I took my seat and nodded. "Me too. We don't do this enough."

"Maybe we should make it a monthly thing. Just the two of us," she suggested.

It sounded nice, but the second my father realised we were doing such a thing he would ruin it. But rather than ruin the moment, I said, "Sounds like a plan."

It didn't take long for a waitress to arrive and take our order. We happily chatted about my friends, the gala, a few upcoming art shows she wanted to attend, and my writing. Mum was one of the only people I had ever shown. She had caught me in my room, typing away, and had managed to ween it out of me. I didn't mention it to my friends or my father, or Lilly.

As our food arrived, I was about to dig in when I heard a familiar laugh. I turned my head and spotted Veronica. She was standing by the bar talking to the bartender. The male bartender was smiling widely as he pour her a drink. Veronica flicked her hair over her shoulder and leaned her body forward. I smirked. She was flirting.

"Who are you looking at?"

Mum's question broke my focus. I turned to her and said, "Veronica is here."

Mum smiled. "Where?" She looked around the trellis and spotted Veronica at the bar. "She's cute."

I didn't disagree.

"Maybe she'd like to join us."

I narrowed me eyes at my mum. She looked at me with a cheeky grin.

"What?" she asked.

"I thought this was mother son time?"

She shrugged. "I want to meet her. You haven't stopped talking about her."

Before I could argue, Veronica jumped in.

"I hope the 'her' you are referring to is me? I might get jealous that you have another friend, Logan."

Veronica had somehow appeared directly beside our table without me even seeing her move from the bar. I turned to look up at her and took in her smirk. The first time I had seen that smirk I felt the attraction tingle in my lower body. Veronica was stunning. She was so different from Lilly but she was just as eye drawing.

"I hate to break your heart, but I do have other friends," I said.

Veronica's smirk only widened. "Well, I always did thrive when I had competition."

"I look forward to seeing the end result."

"Are you sure?" she asked, turning her head, "It can sometimes get a little messy."

Mum chuckled. "I like you."

Veronica grinned. "And I love you," she said. "I'm sure Logan embarrassed me by telling you that I'm a fan."

Mum said, "Don't be embarrassed. It's heart warming."

"I'm glad. I'd hate to be one of those crazy fan girls. I like to believe I am gracefully enough to be mature."

I laughed. "Mature? You sure about that?" I teased.

Veronica narrowed her eyes and thumped me in the shoulder.

"Ow!" I said.

Mum laughed as Veronica smirked.

"Careful, Logan," said my mum. "She's a tough one."

Veronica said, "I like to keep him on his toes."

"Good, he needs it."

"Hey," I exclaimed.

Mum and Veronica chuckled.

Mum asked, "Veronica, did you want to join us?"

Veronica lifted her hands. "I didn't want to intrude. I was just grabbing a drink. Dress shopping is exhausting."

"You wouldn't be," I said.

My mum was always welcoming to my friends. She treated them all with warmth. The girls I brought home were always a different story. Lilly, well, mum had a very strong opinion about her. The couple that I had very briefly date between Lilly, Mum had always shaken her head and told me I could do better. And even though Veronica was only a friend, I liked how easily they seemed to get along.

"Please, I insist," said Mum.

Veronica nodded. "Sure, why not."

The first few minutes were general chit chat. Mum and I ate while Veronica enjoyed her drink, while stealing a few of the chips that had come with my steak. I'd offered to get her something but she seemed happy stealing my food.

Mum asked, "So you're staying with your grandparents while your here?"

Veronica said, "Not directly. They own the beach house. My mother lives there, so I'm staying with her."

"It must be nice to spend some time together."

Veronica scrunched up her nose "I haven't seen much of her actually. We don't have much of a relationship."

"That's a shame. I'm sorry to hear that."

Veronica waved her off. "Oh, it's fine. I came to terms with the fact that my mother wasn't ever going to have a real role in my life a long time ago. My dad's all I really need. He's wonderful. And my grandparents have always been good."

Mum asked, "What do you grandparents do?"

"Logan didn't mention them?" Veronica looked at me, surprised.

"It never came up," I said.

She said, "My grandmother is a partner of a law firm. My grandfather's a writer."

"Would I know anything he's written?" asked Mum.

"It's possible. He's got a number of best sellers. Robert Reynolds."

Mum's eyes widened. "Wait, Robert Reynolds? That's Dianne husband, isn't it?" Mum looked at me.

I nodded.

"You're Lianne's daughter?" she turned back to Veronica.

Veronica nodded. She looked surprised. "You know my mother?"

Mum sat back in her chair and sighed. "Not really. She attends Dianne's Gala normally. Dianne introduced us briefly. She's…"

"Not what you'd expect from such a successful couple?" offered Veronica.

"Well, yes. Then again, we all have our demons. Some of us aren't very good at controlling them."

"That we can agree on," said Veronica.

"Does that mean that your dress shopping is for the gala tomorrow?" asked Mum.

Veronica nodded. "Grams sprung it on me. I had no intention, however, she seemed insistent that as her granddaughter I come. Mind you, I didn't bring anything for a formal event, so I've spent the last two hours trying on anything I can find. And I've had no other opinions other than eager store personnel who are trying to make a sale."

Mum's face lit up. Dread filled me as I knew what was coming.

Mum said, "I know some great places. If you'd like some company."

Veronica grinned. "That would be so great. But you and Logan are having some time together. I've already interrupted your lunch."

I shook my head. "It's fine."

Veronica narrowed her eyes at me. "And you really want to go dress shopping?"

No. The answer was no. I'd suffered through shopping with Lilly, it was boring as all shit. But the excitement on my mother's face made it hard for me to say no.

"Want to? Not really, but I'm happy to go along with you both," I said.

Mum clapped her hands excited. "Perfect."

I couldn't help but smile. I had doomed myself to a dull afternoon, but Mum was happy, and it was worth it. And Veronica always found ways to make me smile.

Under my mother's direction we headed away from Dog Beach to Central Lane. It was the kind of strip that catered to the 09ner's of Neptune. Designer stores flashed their designer prices drawing in the wealthy.

By the time I had parked the car, Veronica and my mum were in a discussion about where to start. Mum was throwing out her favourite designers while Veronica seemed happy to just wander. Veronica also kept throwing in jabs about my car. When the valet had returned with my Xterra, Veronica hadn't missed a beat before picking on the bright yellow colour. She amused not only herself but my mother at my expense. If we had been alone, I wouldn't have missed a beat by biting back that I definitely didn't need to compensate for anything, but in the presence of the woman who gave birth to me, I merely glared at the pesky-blonde who just giggled and went on.

The first shop we were in for all of five minutes before Veronica screwed up her nose and we left. The second didn't fare much better. Mum directed us across the street to another store that as we entered the sales clerk from behind the desk rushed over.

"Mrs Echolls, it's so wonderful see you."

The sales clerk was an older woman, in her fifties I would say. She was dressed in a very stylish black pant-suit and had blue glasses sitting on her head.

Mum said, "You as well, Eleanor."

"I see you have some additions with you today. Shopping for something special?" asked Eleanor.

Mum reached over and placed her hand on Veronica's arm. "Veronica needs a dress for a gala event we are attending tomorrow."

Eleanor nodded. "How wonderful. I have some great options that would suit your skin tone, my dear. Anything you like in particular?"

Veronica said, "I don't like anything over the top. I like simple. So no lace patterns or sparkles."

Eleanor nodded along. "Alright. And I would say you're a size four?"

I furrowed my brow. "How do you know that?" I asked.

Mum laughed. "Eleanor is very good at her job, dear."

Eleanor said, "When you have been dressing people for twenty years, sizing is easy to determine. The challenge we may have will be Veronica's height."

Veronica pouted slightly.

I grinned and said, "Might need to find something in the kids section."

Veronica narrowed her eyes at me. "Oh, ha ha."

"Come on, children," said Mum, "play nice."

"I will if she does," I said.

Veronica merely shrugged, making Mum and Eleanor laugh.

"Alright, enough dillydallying. Let's shop."

And so the waiting game began. Eleanor's store was set up with a comfortable waiting area near the changing rooms. I took a seat on one of the chairs, crossed my legs and pulled out my phone. I patiently waited as Veronica and Mum moved about the store with Eleanor, pulling dresses of all kinds. Veronica would nod her head at some and screw her face up at others. After almost thirty minutes, Veronica moved into the changing from with several gowns.

Mum took a seat with me and said, "It was very kind of you to change our plans for Veronica."

I said, "I don't mind. We didn't really have anything set after lunch."

"I know, but there are plenty of other things you would prefer to be doing rather than waiting on us."

"While that may be true, I enjoy seeing you happy."

Mum grinned. "And you like Veronica."

I smiled. "Yes, that too."

"She's a wonderful girl. Even more than you described."

"She's definitely not like the other girls my age."

Mum nodded. "You can say that again. She seems so down to earth. Not spoiled at all."

The door to the changing room opened and Veronica walked out. The dress she had on was black. It had a corset bodice with tulle skirt. It was a little long and pooled around her feet.

"That's nice," said Mum.

Veronica glanced at herself in the mirror.

"Would you like some heels, dear?" asked Eleanor.

Veronica nodded. "That would be great."

Eleanor walked over to the wall and pulled a pair of black platform heels from the back. She walked over and handed them to Veronica who quickly slipped them on. The heels gave enough height that the dress just touched the ground.

"It's well fitted," said Eleanor. "Shapes your body nicely."

That it did. It showed off her assets nicely. It looked good on her.

Veronica glanced at me. "Thoughts?"

"You look good."

Veronica glanced back at the mirror and pursed her lips. Then said, "I think it can be a maybe."

And the next three dresses went the same. Eleanor would point out the best points of each option. Mum gave her own critic and complements. And at the end, Veronica would ask me. Out of the one's I saw, the first one had been my favourite so far.

Veronica walked back into the changing room to put on the last dress as my phone buzzed. I pulled it from my pocket to see that I had a voice mail. I stood up and walked across the store to listen to the message.

"You have one new message."

"Hey, Logan."

I frowned. It was rare Lilly actually called me Logan. She preferred her pet names.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't tell you what I know you wanted to hear earlier. I know I hurt your feelings when I asked for time but I really didn't know what to say to you. It isn't in my nature to be honest about my feelings. I mean…you've met my parents, they haven't exactly taught me how to be open."

It was true. Celeste Kane had always been rather harsh towards Lilly. She adored Duncan, her baby boy, but Lilly was always in trouble and the first one to be blamed.

"It's just easier to avoid all of that. I just wanted to have fun with my youth. And I thought that was our plan too. To have fun. To enjoy life. But I guess I can be selfish." She scoffed. "What am I saying? Of course I'm selfish. I take what I want and don't give a shit who I hurt. Even if it's you…does that make me a bad person? Probably. I know you deserve better. You are one of the best people in my life. Out of everyone, you and Donut are probably the only two who I care what you think about me. Everyone else can go fuck themselves."

I closed my eyes and let out a huffed laugh. That I didn't doubt for a moment. She had never really cared about other people's opinions. It was what made Lilly so appealing, she was just so blasé about everything that when you are filled with anxiety that you just want some of what she has.

In the background their was laughter and what sounded like music. There was a loud scream followed by a splash of water and a guy calling Lilly's name.

"Yeah, one sec," she said. "Look, I've gotta go. I hope you can forgive me for making you wait. But I really just don't know how I feel. You mean everything to me, Logan. I just need to…"

"Babe, come on."

The guy's voice was closer, right beside her. I could hear the sound of smacking, lips on skin, followed by a deep moan.

"Or maybe we should stay right here," said the guy.

My phone beeped. "You have no other messages."

I clenched my jaw. I shouldn't be surprised she'd taken off and found some guy to fuck for the afternoon. It seemed even as she tried to explain herself she couldn't take the time to leave her message without some asshole being all over her. I was tempted to call her back, to tell her to forget it and just fuck off. I didn't want her back if this was how she wanted to be because I was sick of having my heart ripped out of my chest.

A hand on my shoulder startled me. I jumped and turned to look into Veronica's concerned eyes. Her hand squeezed my shoulder lightly.

"You okay?" she asked.

I nodded and shoved my phone into my pocket. "Yeah, I'm fine."

The frown on her face told me my lie wasn't convincing.

She said, "Lilly?"

I wanted to know how she could read me so easily. No one else seemed to be able to tell. Or maybe they just never cared enough to ask.

"That obvious?"

Veronica gave me a sad smile. "Your mum may have mentioned that you guys had a talk this morning and that it didn't go too well."

I sighed heavily. "You could say that. She said she needed time to work out what she really wanted. And it seems that to do that she had to go party with some of her friends and hook up with some other asshole."

The desire to break something flared in my stomach. It would have been easy to grab anything, like one of the store's signs and smash it against the wall.

Veronica broke my train of destructive thoughts and said, "Maybe she needs to be shown just what she is missing to make her realise what she wants."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Have you mentioned me?" she asked.

I shook my head. "Not directly. I haven't really seen her since I met you. She avoided me at the last party."

"But she'll be at the Gala?"

I nodded.

"Good. Let's give her a taste of her own medicine. If she can throws boys in your face, you can throw me in her face." She smirked.

I asked, "Are you sure? Lilly can be nasty."

"Hey, she can bring it. No rich bitch scares me."

I couldn't help but smile.

Veronica took a step back and said, "Now, thoughts?"

It was then I finally noticed her dress. Veronica spun in a circle showing off her last option. She looked stunning. The dress was a pale rust colour. It was a draping stretch satin that fell from one shoulder and wrapped around her waist, with a split in the dress starting from the top of her left thigh.

"You look amazing."

"Why, thank you," she grinned. She looked over to Eleanor and my mum who were talking by the changing room. "Eleanor, I'll take this one."

Eleanor grinned. "Fantastic."

Veronica turned back to me. "Now I just need shoes." She winked.

She turned to walk back towards the changing room but I reached out and took her hand. She stopped and looked at our hands before looking up at me.

I said, "Thank you, Veronica."

She squeezed my hand. "You're my friend, Logan. There's no thanks needed."

She took a step back towards me and pressed a kiss to the corner of my mouth. Just like she had the night we had met on the beach. As we had said goodnight, she had kissed the corner of my mouth. I had wanted nothing more in that moment then to kiss her properly, to find out what she would taste like. I wanted to know what her body would feel like pressed up against mine and to run my fingers through her hair. But she hadn't let me.

Veronica didn't pull back completely. Her breathe brushed over my cheek and the same desires from the night filled me again. I couldn't tell if Veronica was affected in the same way, but I wanted to find out.

Her hands touched my lips and but she didn't say anything. She smiled and pulled back, walking over to the dressing room to take off the dress. I watched her walk and as she disappeared noticed my mother looking at me. A grin on her face. I shook my head at her but I knew what she was thinking. But it wouldn't happen, at least, it couldn't, not while I was working things out with Lilly. Veronica was my friend.

I sighed. A friend that I was deeply attracted too.

I cheered with victory as Dick cried out in protest as his character died on the TV.

"No!" he yelled, "not again."

I laughed. "Suck it!"

Dick frowned at me and shook his head. "Asshole."

I smirked and stood up. "DK, your turn. This losers too easy."

Dick grumbled under his breath as Duncan laughed and took my seat, as they started another match.

After shopping with Veronica and my mum, I had come home to find the boys waiting. Dick was already on my couch in the pool house with his younger brother, Cassidy, playing video games. I invited over Duncan, Luke and Casey, but Duncan had been the only other guy free. Once he had arrived we took turns playing and ordered pizza. It was the perfection distraction.

Not only was it keeping my mind of Lilly, but it kept me from think about Veronica. After the moment in the dress shop, my mind had wandered as we had gone on to buy shoes. I found myself wondering how different it would be if I dated a girl like Veronica rather than Lilly. Hell, it was Veronica I was picturing. Someone who got my humor, who made my mum laugh, who was nice to every person she interacted with. It also made me wonder how Veronica was so bloody single. There had to be guys lining up wanting to date her. She had briefly mentioned an ex-boyfriend during conversation, but hadn't shared much. Only that it had been a mistake to date him.

Either way, I wanted to spend the evening thinking about anything but the girls in my life. So the boys, video games, pizza and alcohol was the plan.

I walked over to the fridge and grabbed another beer when the door to the pool house opened. Luke walked in with John.

"Hey, boys," I said. "Didn't think you were free?" I said to Luke.

"Plans changed," said Luke.

John smirked. "The girl he was going to see apparently got a better offer."

Luke frowned and shoved him. "Fuck off."

The boys laughed.

I ignored the voice in my head that was screaming about Lilly wanting something better and took a large gulp of my beer.

"Hey, did you guys hear about the party that Sean threw this afternoon?" asked John.

Dick said, without looking away from the TV, "I wouldn't say it was a party. More of a drug fueled orgy."

"Seriously?" asked Luke. "I thought Sean had stopped that drug crap?"

John shrugged. "He was inhaling a line of something when I got there. I took that as my cue to skip out before someone called the Sheriff's department."

"Smart idea," I said.

"It wasn't just him sniffing that shit down," declared Dick. "He had a few chicks all over him for the good stuff according to Beav."

I frowned. "Dick, why were you even there? You hate Sean."

He shrugged as he managed to kill Duncan in the video game. "Ha-ha! I'm the best." He hopped up and turned to look at the group. "Maddie wanted to go. She said Lilly invited her and the girls."

"Lilly was there?" I asked.

Dick nodded.

It had to have been where she was when she called me. The voice on the phone. Was it Sean? I finished my beer as the boys swapped turns on the game. I pulled out my phone and walked out of the pool house and stood by the pool. I played Lilly's message and listened. The guy that spoke, it did sound like Sean. Was she fucking him for drugs? Or just to make me angry?

"You alright, man?"

I turned around to see Duncan.

I deleted the message from Lilly and shook my head. "Lilly's driving me crazy."

"What else is new," he said.

"She took off on me today, claiming she needed to think and it turns out she decided to go to Sean's party and get high instead." I shoved my phone into my pocket.

Duncan frowned. He never said a bad thing about Lilly. He would defend her, always. But he would never call her out on her shit. I suppose I couldn't really blame him. Lilly was his big sister. He would never take sides, I knew that.

I said, "Don't worry. I don't expect you to take my side."

"I don't agree with the way she treats you," he said.

I almost laughed. "That's a first," I said.

He narrowed his eyes at me. "Dude, you're my best friend. I was never happy when you started dating her in the first place. No guy wants his friend banging his sister."

I couldn't argue with that.

"But that doesn't mean I think it's okay that she treats you like shit. But I do just want her to be happy. I want both of you to be happy."

I nodded my head slowly.

He continued, "And maybe…just maybe—and this is not because I'm her brother—you both would be happier if you weren't together."

I let out a groan and rubbed my face. It seemed everyone was saying the same thing. Veronica had mentioned it. My mum had mentioned it. Now Duncan. Would Lilly and I be better off apart? Maybe. Did I want to officially end it for good? Not really. I loved Lilly. She was…Lilly. I couldn't imagine never being with her again. But maybe…just maybe, it wasn't meant to be.

"Dude, I hate this emotional crap," said Duncan.

I scoffed out a laugh. "Too girly for you?"

He nodded.

I walked over and nudged his shoulder. He nudged me back. I shoved him slightly harder and he stumbled towards the pool.

"Careful," he scolded.

I smirked and pretend to try and shove him.

He glared. "Oi!"

I laughed as he moved a few steps away.

After a moment of silence, I asked, "Do you think Lilly loves me?"

Duncan nodded without hesitation. "I know she does. I just don't think Lilly's love for you is the same as your love for Lilly."

That I couldn't argue with. I had been in love with Lilly, I think, from the moment I laid eyes on her. I was hooked and hadn't been able to think straight since. But Lilly had never been still long enough for ever to tell me how she felt. I don't actually ever remember hearing her say the words, not once. I think we had gone on for so long that I had just told myself that she loved me, but maybe she didn't. I mean, she called me 'lover' but I have no doubt that all of the guys she was fucking got the same privilege. So maybe I wasn't any better than all of the other guys. There was nothing special about me. I was just another sucker on Lilly's long list.

"Come on," said Duncan, "don't dwell on Lilly. Not tonight. Let's get back to the guys. Drink some beer and keep kicking Dick's ass."

I nodded. "At least I'll keeping kicking Dick's ass, you can't seem to keep up."

Duncan rolled his eyes and turned back to the pool house. I lingered by the pool and took a deep breath. There were so many things I wish could be different. But Duncan was right. I could dwell later.

I fiddled with the cuffs of my shirt as I sat beside my mother.

The town car had arrived at exactly seven to pick us up from the hotel. As the Gala was in Los Angeles, Mum decided to book us a room at a hotel and drive back the next day.

We had driven up to LA around lunch time and while I had bummed around the hotel room, Mum had pampered herself at the spa. She had returned glowing and on the phone with her manager who seemed to be trying to encourage her to read for a TV role. Mum, as she had done for the last ten years, was refusing, much to her agents—and my—annoyance. The call ended when her make up team arrived at five, and then by ten to seven, she was dressed and fussing over my suit. She had tried to get me to wear a bow tie to go with my suit but I had refused. I already felt over dressed, but the bow tie would cross the line.

And now, we waited. There was a cue of cars dropping off guests for the Gala and it was about our turn.

Mum squeezed my hand and said, "You don't need to pose for any photos."

It was kind of her. She knew I hated the spectacle of it all. "I appreciate it. But I'm your date, and I not?"

She grinned. "You are."

"Then I can grin for a few photos."

Mum cupped my cheek. "You are the best son a mother could ask for."

I smiled warmly at her as the town car pulled forward and then a moment later Mum's door was open. A gloved hand reached down and assisted Mum with climbing out of the car. There was a crowd from the sounds of it and plenty of cameras flashing as Mum stepped out. I followed, pulling myself across the seat. Mum waited for me, a few steps away, smiling at the photographers. When she turned back to me, I held out my arm and we moved towards the black carpeted entrance.

It took a grueling thirty minutes to make it up the stairs and into the venue's main ballroom. The large space was decorated with flowers and lights, with round tables draped in maroon clothes were placed around a large central dance floor. There was a stage in the centre, with a large project screen behind it. To the right of the stage was a 12 piece orchestra; they were playing an upbeat song that already had a few couples moving about the floor. What pleased me the most was the bar, to the far left of the room, a long bar with multiple bartenders, was waiting for me.

Mum squeezed my arm and said, "Thank you for that."

I forced my smile back onto my face. It had sucked. Every photo. "Anything for you, Mum."

One of the few reasons I forced myself to stand beside her as strangers yelled at us for attention was so that there were no headlines about 'lonely Lynn.' The few times Mum had attended certain events alone, rumors spiraled about where my father was. Why was she alone? Trouble in paradise? It didn't matter that everyone knew that my father was in a different country shooting a new movie, Mum being alone was a big deal. And it was a bigger deal when it upset my father. He didn't like the idea of anyone thinking that our family was anything but 'happy'. So I would stand there and tomorrow, the headline—if there was one—would be Lynn and son.

"How about a drink?" I asked Mum.

She nodded and we walked through the crowd towards the bar. We paused briefly along the way, Mum stopping to greet a few familiar faces. Some of them I recognised, others I didn't. I ended up leaving Mum with the last group to order our drinks. As I returned to Mum were a martini for her and a scotch for myself—thanks to bartenders that didn't bother to ask for ID—she was hugging an older woman who was dressed in a dark navy blue dress.

"Dianne, so good to see you," said Mum.

Dianne smile was never something I wouldn't consider warm. It was polite but firm. The look was enough to terrify any grown man into spilling his secrets. It was probably what made her such a good lawyer.

"Lynn, you look incredible as always." Dianne turned to me. "And Logan, look at you. What a handsome young man you've grown into."

I handed Mum her drink, which she thanked me for, and said, "Mrs Reynolds."

"I've been happy to hear that you've be staying out of trouble. I haven't received any calls about any mischief you and your friends like to cause." She narrowed her eyes.

I shrugged my shoulders. "The summer has only just begun."

Mum smacked her lips and shook her head. "He is kidding." The look in her eyes told me I had better be.

I smiled at her and took a sip of my drink.

"Either way," said Dianne, "I am glad you are here and not your father." She screwed up her face in disgust. "I can't stand how he parades himself around."

It was a joy to be around someone who hated my father as much as I did. I held in my chuckle and took a another sip of my drink.

"Grams, that is just rude." Veronica's voice called from behind Dianne.

Dianne turned and Veronica came into view, and the sight made the scotch catch as it slid down my throat. She was gorgeous. I had seen her in the dress she had chosen when she had tried it on only yesterday, but she looked even more amazing with her hair pinned up and the black heels she had chosen.

"It isn't rude," said Dianne, "it's honest. Lynn has always known I disapprove of her husband."

Veronica stepped forward and shook her head at Dianne. "Even so, Lynn doesn't need to hear it. Besides, she got Logan out of her marriage so something right has come from it." She glanced at me and winked.

Dianne waved her hand and moved on. "So, you have met then, I take it?"

"I met Logan on the beach and then I gate crashed his lunch date with his mum yesterday. Lynn helped me find my dress," explained Veronica.

"And it looks fantastic on you," said Mum. "Even better than it did yesterday."

Veronica smiled widely. "Thank you. I think the heels really sell it."

"You do look wonderful, dear," said Dianne. "And thank you for coming. Did your mother arrive yet?"

Veronica's smiled faltered. "No idea. I left straight after you and Gramps."

Dianne sighed. "Never mind. I'm sure I'll find her at the bar at some point. If you'll excuse me." She turned and moved through the crowd.

Veronica moved closer to Mum and said, "Sorry about her. She's in a mood."

Mum patted Veronica's arm. "Oh, don't worry yourself. Dianne and I have known each other for so long that it doesn't phase me. I know Aaron can be difficult sometimes."

Veronica gave her a smile that said a lot more than she had. It was one she had given to me any time we spoke about Lilly. I hadn't mentioned much to Veronica about what my father was really like. She knew we had a tense relationship but I kept the messy details to myself.

"I see a few people I want to say hello too. Logan, you stay with Veronica. I doubt she knows anyone here and you can't abandon the girl," said Mum.

"Are you sure?" I asked her. I had every faith that Veronica would be fine on her own if she was but I also would prefer to stay with her than make small talk with Mum's friends.

Mum nodded. "Positive. You have fun."

Veronica said, "I need a drink. Join me?"

We moved towards the bar and I finished the scotch and ordered another, along with a glass of champagne for Veronica. I slid the glass into Veronica' fingers and said, "You do look great tonight."

She grinned. "Why thank you. You scrub up nice yourself."

"This old thing? It's gotten through a number of premiums and events."

"Is that why your missing the bow tie? Did you lose it during on of your wild nights?"

I shook my head. "No, it's buried in the bottom of my closet where it shall stay forever. I hate wearing them. Makes me feel like I'm being strangled."

She nodded while sipping her drink. "Mmmm, I can understand that. My dad hates wearing them too. If he is forced into it, he has a collect of clip ons that are very convincing."

"Now why didn't I think about that. A clip on might solve all my problems."

"Until your stripping and your dates realises it all a ploy."

"Would a clip on really make that much of a difference?"

She shrugged. "There's something able untying the bow that is so satisfying. It's kind of sexy."

"Noted. Bow tie is sexy in the bedroom."

Veronica grinned. "So, how are you feeling?"

"I spent most of the day trying to not think about Lilly and have failed miserably."

"She hasn't reached out again?"

"Nope. Not since her voice mail yesterday."

"Well, that means plan reality check is a go."

I laughed. "Plan reality check?"

"What? Change your mind?"

"No, I just find it cute that you've given the plan a name."

"You say that now, but just wait. You'll look back on this day and realise that plan reality check changed your life."

I couldn't control the smile on my face. That light feeling had taken over my chest and the worrying that had haunted me all day had disappeared, and it was all thanks to the stunning blonde beside me. In a matter of words she had made me feel better, whether or not that was her goal, I couldn't be more thankful for her.

"Now, rules for the plan."

"Rules? That's no fun."

Veronica narrowed her eyes and lifted her finger. "Rules make it so we both are comfortable."

I smirked.

"What?" she asked.

"The thought that you could make me uncomfortable is amusing."

Her eyes lite up like I had set her a challenge. She said, "Careful, Mr Echolls. You might find yourself on the receiving end of your own reality check."

I moved myself closer to her so that my hip bumped hers and leaned into her personal space. I whispered. "Maybe that's exactly what I need."

Veronica didn't back away. She lifted up her head so out noses were millimeters away. She smiled and tilted her head to the side. She opened her mouth to say something, but stopped and her eyes moved from me. She shifted her hand and placed it on my arm as the other blonde in my life appeared.

I turned to see Lilly in all of her 'Lilly' glory. She was dressed in a sparkling gown that hugged all her curves deliciously. Her hair was pinned up and she was drawing the gaze of every man in the room.

"Lilly." Her name slid from my mouth as she glanced between me and Veronica, who I was slightly surprised hadn't moved away from me. The thought of moving myself away flickered through my mind but then I remembered the plan. Plan reality check. Show Lilly want she's missing. Veronica hadn't stepped away because she was doing as she had mentioned.

"Heyy, Logan and Logan's friend." Lilly shifted her stance, in a way I'd seen her do before when she was eying of prey. Her eyes flickered up and down Veronica's body.

"Veronica Mars." Veronica smiled politely.

Lilly furrowed her brow. "Mars? Hmmmm. I don't think I've ever heard of you before."

"Probably not. I'm not from LA."

Lilly nodded slowly. "That would explain it. Logan, where'd you dig this one up?"

I said, "Actually, Duncan introduced us."

"Donut?"

"Yeah. They met in a art gallery and he invited her to the bonfire. We met and have been hanging out since."

"Is that so?"

"Your his ex right?" asked Veronica.

Lilly's body snapped straight at the word ex. "Why?"

Veronica shook her head. "Oh, no nothing. I just understand it better now." Veronica glanced up at me. "I just need to go to the bathroom, I'll be right back." She moved and pressed a kiss to the corner of my mouth. It was quick and I barely had processed it before she strolled away. My eyes stayed locked on her as she gracefully moved through the crowd and disappeared through a door.

"What does that mean?" snapped Lilly.

I spun my head to look at her, pulling myself out of my daze. I had no idea what had really just happened. Veronica was just going on about the plan but had now abandoned me. Weren't we supposed to make Lilly jealous? Or had I gotten it wrong? Maybe I did need to hear the rules, because I had no idea what to do.

"Logan, what the hell?"

I looked at Lilly's face. Her cheeks were flushed and forehead tense. "What?" I asked.

"She understands it better now? What did you tell her?"

I looked for an answer but wasn't sure what to say.

"Why did you even bring a date? I thought you wanted to get back together?" she asked.

"I didn't bring her as a date. She was invited."

Lilly scoffed. "Please, there has never been anyone named Mars that is relevant enough to be a client of Reynolds and Specter."

"Because you know everyone."

Lilly crossed her arms.

"And besides, you made it abundantly clear yesterday that you don't want what I want, so I think that settles things, don't you?" I asked.

Her face softened. "I told you I just needed to think. Not to go find another blonde knock off to amuse yourself with."

I laughed. "Oh, she is definitely not a knock off. And besides, isn't that what you did. Went and found someone else to knock."

Lilly licked her lips. "Logan…"

I shook my head. "Not tonight, okay." The last thing I really wanted to do was hash it out in a room full of adults that would moan and groan about annoying teenagers. Lilly might be what I ultimately want, but I wasn't in the mood to hear her excuses. I need another drink. I turned back to bar and hoped by the time that the bartender handed me another scotch Lilly would disappear as I sat down on one of the stools. And it seemed my wish came true, because by the time I turned, Lilly was across the room with her brother and parents, and Veronica was walking back towards me.

I frowned as she stopped next to me. "What the hell?" I asked.

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Was she flustered? Start panicking?" she asked.

I nodded and looked at her confused.

"Good, I can work with that."

"Okay, can you explain? I think I need those rules, cause I'm confused. And what do you understand exactly that got her so worked up?"

Veronica chuckled. "Nothing really. I was just playing mind games, something I have no doubt she does to a lot of people just to amuse herself. If she's smart it won't take her too long to realised what I did."

"So you intentionally messed with her?" I asked.

Veronica nodded. "That is the plan. Reality check, remember? Lilly needs to realise that if she isn't careful, soon she will be a distant memory and you'll find someone else."

"She called you a knock off so I don't think she's too concerned."

"Knock off, huh?"

"Yep."

"Sounds like she's just trying to cover her fear. By insulting me, she is trying to make herself feel superior. But anyway, the rules, to help you for the rest of this evening."

I turned to face her, my knees grazing her thighs. "Okay, hit me."

"Touching is allowed. Nothing too grabby."

"So no ass or breasts?"

"Exactly. Hand just above my butt is fine. Kissing on the cheek is welcome, as is the shoulder, hand, etc."

"Lips?" I asked before I really thought about it. But glancing at her glossed lips I wondered what it would actually be like. I can't imagine that she would taste bad. And was she gentle? Or did she prefer to be kissed firmly? Did she liked a lot of tongue? I know Lilly did, but she was always in such a rush to get out our clothes to really enjoy the kissing. Veronica looked like the kind of girl who would enjoy it slow and drawn out.

Veronica paused, then said, "Let's not say yes, but I won't say no. It might be needed but we'll leave it in reserve."

I gave a firm nod.

"Also, make sure to make it seem like you can't keep your eyes off me."

That wouldn 't be hard.

"Don't get caught staring at her, she'll thrive off that and think she's winning."

I sighed. "I think I can manage that."

"Perfect."

"Ladies and gentleman, if you would please take your seats." A man had stepped up to the microphone on the centre stage and was holding what looked to be cue cards.

"Come on," said Veronica. "I had Grams seat us together."

I let her lead me towards the front of the room. Mum was already seated beside Robert Reynolds, Dianne's husband and Veronica's grandfather. The seat next to her was labeled with my name, and the one next to me said, Veronica. I pulled out Veronica's seat, earning a bright smile from Veronica before taking my own seat.

"Veronica, love, you look wonderful," said Robert. He was a tall man, lanky with a slight hunch. Probably from all of his time spent writing. He was wearing a dark grey suit with a patterned tie, and had a pair of dark green glasses.

"Thank you, Gramps. You look very handsome yourself," said Veronica.

Robert grinned. "Your Grams tried to force me into one of those monkey suits. I told her she'd need to feed me more bananas before I'd wear such a thing."

Veronica laughed.

Dianne took a seat beside Robert and said, "I let you wear the grey suit, why are you still complaining?"

Robert leaned towards Dianne, a look of pure love filled his face as he looked at her. "I would never complain about you, my love."

I glanced at Veronica who was smiling widely while observing her grandparents.

"No, of course not." Dianne rolled her eyes.

"Gramps, how is the next book coming?" asked Veronica.

He wiggled his nose and squinted his eyes. "It's meh at the moment. Looking for some inspiration." His face turned to me. "What about your writing Logan, your mother was telling me that you've started writing."

My cheeks warmed as I felt all eyes turn to me. I glanced at Veronica who was looking at me with pleased surprise. I shrugged my shoulders slightly. "Oh, it's not much. Just dribble really, something to pass the time."

Robert tapped his fingers on the edge of his glass. "Some of the greatest stories ever written started out as dribbles on a page."

"Robert would know," said Dianne. "The number of restaurant we have left in a hurry because he doodled something on a napkin and then needed to get home to flush it out." The displeased look on her face didn't match the amusement in her eyes.

Robert grinned sheepishly. "The muse strikes when she strikes, my dear."

"If I could have your attention, ladies and gentlemen." The host on the stage glanced at his cards before he continued. "On behalf of Reynolds and Specter, I welcome you to this evenings Gala Charity Auction. All of tonight's proceeds will go to the Los Angeles Homeless Society who aim to assist the many homeless men, woman, and children in our fine city."

A loud applause echoed through the room.

"A number of items will be auctioned tonight during our live auction which will begin in a few moments time. There is also a silent auction being held in the smaller ballroom out the main doors and directly across the hall. That will remain open until eleven o'clock this evening."

Veronica shifted in her chair beside me. I turned to glance at her and noticed the once empty seat beside her was now occupied with another blonde woman. Dressed in a fairly plain black dress, behind the look of exhaustion that seemed deeply ingrained on the women's face were details that were familiar. The same nose and cheekbones as Veronica. She had to be Veronica's mother, Lianne. The details offered up by Veronica had been very few. From what I understood, Veronica had no relationship with the woman. Veronica had been raised by her father, and while Dianne and Robert had visited her occasionally, Lianne had never been around.

Lianne noticed my gaze and offered me a polite smile before turning to listening to the man on stage.

While I wished my own father had been vacant from my life, I didn't understand why anyone would ever want to not be a part of Veronica's. She was so warm and vibrant, all of which shone brightly besides the fact that she'd never had a mother.

Veronica's hand moved and nudged my arm. She tilted her head and gave me a small smile. I returned it as another applause moved through the crowd.

"What's happening in that head of yours?" asked Veronica.

I glanced away from her to look at her mother.

Veronica sighed. "Yes. The answer is yes, and no, I'd rather not."

I nodded. Perfectly understandable.

"Nice of you to show up," said Dianne.

Veronica and I turned to the table. Dianne was frowning across the table at Lianne who looked uncomfortable.

"It took longer to get here than I thought," said Lianne.

Dianne let out a firm huff. Robert reached out his hand to take Dianne's. He said, "Either way, you look lovely, my dear."

Lianne's shoulders lowered. "Thanks, Dad."

Veronica picked up her glass of champagne and took a sip and said, "Grams, who selected the charity this year?"

"Harvey chose this one."

Robert's eyes widened. "You mean the man actually got to have a say?"

Dianne gave him a pointed frown.

"I must find the man and congratulate him."

We all chuckled as Dianne rolled her eyes.

The evening went on and I found myself in a pleasant state of buzzed and enjoyment. Veronica kept me entertained throughout the auction as well as the meal. We spoke about nothing in particular as we drank a little too much and had a rather amusing time making my mother bid on a weekend get away at a private cabin in the San Gabriel Mountains. I thought it would be hilarious seeing my parents hiking or skiing—depending on the time of year—while Veronica just enjoyed out bidding the other bidders on my mother's behalf.

When the main auction was over the dance floor was opened. The music changed from mellow to upbeat and more than a few couples stepped out to swing themselves around the floor. I was very surprised when Veronica jumped up and dragged Robert out into the mix. I'd never seen the man dance before and it was clear why. Dianne and I did get a good laugh out of it while it did last.

My mum did disappear once the dancing started. She seemed to go off to find some friends which she mingled and I did spot her on the dance floor more than once as the night went on. I also noticed that Lianne slipped away as well. Where she went, I wasn't exactly sure, but I did see Veronica's relief and Dianne's annoyance at her absence. Neither of them said a thing but the look they shared told me all I needed too.

I stood by the bar getting myself some much needed water. I was feeling the happy buzz but I knew dehydration would be a bitch in the morning if I didn't drink up. As I was finishing off my second glass, Veronica popped up beside me. She let out a giggle as she dropped herself onto the bar stool.

I asked, "And what mischief have you caused?"

She smirked. "Oh, I managed to get what I came here for. The diamonds are secretly stashed away for collection in the morning and now I'm here make a toast to my success."

"Diamonds? I don't think they were real."

She gives me a mock gasp. "Damn. I guess the mysterious man with the sunglasses and baseball cap was lying to me. Oh well."

I chuckled.

"See much of Lilly?" she asked.

I shook my head. Since the earlier conversation Lilly hadn't really been in my mind. I had been too distracted by another blonde. I couldn't even recall any glimpses of her.

"Good."

"How is that good?" I frowned.

"While you've been ignoring, I've been observing. And from the number of times I've caught her chewing on her bottom lip, I think it is safe to assume she is all sorts of worried."

I couldn't buy it. Lilly didn't get nervous, at least not outwardly. I glanced around the room looking to spot her to see for myself and it took only a moment to find her sparkling dress. Regret at my decision to find her hit the moment I saw her.

"You might want to think again," I said.

Veronica looked over her shoulder to see what I had found. Lilly, lipped locked with a guy on the dance floor. She looked rather comfortable pressed up against him.

Veronica sighed. "Well, if she wants to play it that way, we up our game."

I lifted a brow at her.

"Come on," she said. She slipped off the stool and held out her hand.

"What's happening?"

"We are dancing."

I let her lead me from the bar and into the crowd of people. The music itself was a slow waltz, nothing too crazy. Veronica placed her hand on my shoulder and my hand moved to her waist. I adjusted my pose as my earlier years of dancing lessons kicked in. Veronica's face lit up as I led her to the beat.

"Lessons?" she asked.

I nodded. "Forced lessons. For my mother. I put a stop to it once I realised girls didn't really dig guys who took ballroom lesson."

She chuckled. "Let me guess, you were thirteen?"

"Eleven, actually."

"Well, I can tell you that eleven year old me would have thought eleven year old you was very cool."

I squeezed her waist before moving to twirl her around, making her laugh, as I dipped her. As I righted her, she grasped the side of my face.

"Keep going, she's looking," she said.

My mind blank for a second. Lilly is watching. Veronica pushed me to keep dancing and kept her eyes on me. I could see that she was worried but I kept going. She was here helping me because she was my friend. I didn't want to let her down and ruin it by letting my stupid brain mess everything up.

I pulled Veronica in closer, our bodies barely an inch apart, as the music slowed to something a lot more intimate. "Is this okay?" I asked. My hand rested as low as a dare go. Any further and she'd probably smack me.

Veronica nodded and leaned her head against my shoulder. "Perfect."

As we turned, Lilly caught my eye. She was still dancing with the same guy, still lip locked with the same guy. His hands had a good handful off her ass—real classy—and Lilly hand was gripping his collar firmly.

Veronica must have felt my body tense because her hand lifted to cup my face and she turned my head to look at her. Her thumb stoked my cheek and her eyes locked with mine. She was so calm, and her eyes were filled with warmth that made the tension fade.

How? Veronica was able to flip a switch inside me that just made everything feel better. My anger was disappear. I would forget about all of the crap tearing my up on the inside. Forget that Lilly was even in the same room. In the short time I'd known her she'd managed to get so far inside me that I didn't know what would happen if she suddenly disappeared.

Lilly's laugh cut through my thoughts and my eyes snapped back to her.

"Hey, stop. Look at me."

I looked back at Veronica.

"She's doing it to get your attention."

I nodded and ran my tongue across my dried lips. Ignore Lilly. It couldn't be that hard, right. She laughed again and I closed my eyes and sighed.

Veronica's hand on my cheek shifted and slid to come the back of my neck, her thumb resting just in front of my earlobe. She whispered, "I know of a way to get her to stop."

I opened my eyes and took in the way Veronica had narrowed her eyes. "That would be great, because I don't know how long I can take it."

Veronica leant back her head and smiled. "You're stronger than you think."

I wanted to laugh because it was bullshit, at least I thought so. Someone strong wouldn't let themselves to be continually manipulated by the same girl over and over again. Someone who was strong would just end it and walk away. That wasn't me.

"Stop thinking," Veronica scolded. "You look like you're going to explode."

"Me? Explode? Not possible. I'm far too important to do that to myself." I took the chance to twirl Veronica again, making her smile as she faced me again.

"I was more concerned about you making my dress dirty," she teased.

For a few moments I was able to enjoy having Veronica in my arms. She managed to make me smile and forget once again, until Lilly—so loudly—reminded me of her presences. And it wasn't a laugh this time, but a moan. I turned away from Veronica to see Lilly with her back pressed against the guy she'd been kissing, her eyes were closed and his face buried into her neck. She slid one hand into his hair and let out a moan as his lips moved across her skin.

My stomach churched at the sight. My hands twitched to punch the asshole she was all over. And my head was yelling at me to just run. But before I could do anything Veronica's hands grasped my face. She pulled my gaze from Lilly and back to her and kissed me.

My body stiffened as her soft lips pressed against mine. They were soft, oh so soft. The shock of the kiss seemed to lock my body for a moment, I was unable to accept that her lips were against mine. I only snapped back to reality, my body finally finding the ability to move when her lips parted—only just—from mine. I lifted my hand to capture her face and caught her lips with my own before she could end it too quickly. Veronica gasped slightly against my mouth, her lips parted as I applied more pressure and held her flush against me.

I had played this moment over in my head, more than once, since the night I had met her. So many different scenario had played out that would finally lead to me discovering just what she would taste like. And my imagination was absolute trash because the reality of it all was so much better. She tasted sweet, like a mixture of honey and rosemary. And my body seemed to burn at her touch as she moved her hands from my chest and up to grip the back of my neck

A moan escaped me as her tongue found mine. My hand dug into the material of her dress on her lower back. And she smiled into the kiss.

I didn't want it to end, I wanted to keep going to deepen in more so I could memorise every inch of her, but the need for air broke up apart. We both gasped for air as I leaned my forehead against hers. My thumb stroked her bottom lip, wiping away the slight smear of gloss on the corner of her mouth. Veronica's eyes sparkled as she let out a small giggle, her cheeks were flushed. She lifted her own hand to wipe my mouth clean.

I shifted my head, the idea to kiss her again screaming louder than anything else. But as I moved to do so, Veronica's head turned. "I think she got the message."

I paused my movement and followed her eyes to see Lilly's date standing by himself, looking flustered and confused. And beyond him, moving through the crowd, was Lilly. I lifted my head and felt the heat of the moment fade as I realised what had just happened. Veronica had kissed me to make a point to Lilly. We both knew that Lilly had been flaunting the guy in front of me intentionally and so Veronica did what she had promised and helped me out, at least, she thinks she helped me out. Lilly's retreating form made it seem like Lilly may have just learned a hard lesson about what it feels like to have your heart ripped from your chest, but instead of worrying about what would happen next between Lilly and I, all I had been consumed with was kissing Veronica again.

I didn't understand Veronica's ability to simply make me forget everything else. My mind quickly became so consumed by her that everything about Lilly just…vanished. Even as I watched Lilly storm away, I had no desire to chase after her. Lilly wasn't one to give up and just leave, she fort tooth and nail just she left the other person—normally girl—crying. Lilly didn't lose. But it seemed that Veronica was her match. And if it had been any other girl that had left Lilly in such a state to make her leave I somehow know that I would have followed her, but I didn't. I just watched her until she disappeared.

"You okay?" Veronica's hands rested on my shoulders.

I turned back to look at her and nodded.

She tilted her head. "You don't look okay."

I didn't really know what to say. I was overwhelmed by all the thoughts running through my mind. The desire to kiss Veronica was still there but it was now held down by the realisation that she hadn't just kissed me because she wanted too, she had kissed me to make Lilly jealous, which is what I had wanted. Right?

"Did I take it too far?" she asked.

I shook my head. Even with the knowledge that the kiss was different for both of us, I don't regret it. I could still taste her on my tongue and I didn't want to forget that.

"No. No you didn't. I just…" What was I supposed to say? I didn't know how to tell myself what I was really thinking.

"You just what?" One of her hands slid from my neck and stopped on my chest. Her eyes glimmered with the need to understand.

I shook my head and smiled. "Nothing, I'm just being a guy."

She narrowed her eyes and then smirked. "Did my kiss frazzle you that much?" Her tone teased.

Yes. Yes it did.

"I thought you were some big stud? Have all the girls lied to me?"

"Oh, I wouldn't say you frazzled me. It is certainly something I wouldn't mind a repeat of." I wiggled my eyebrows and swept us back into the dance, keeping her distracted from trying to sort out my muddled mind.

"It was a solid kiss."

"Maybe we should repeat it just to make sure it wasn't a once off?" I lower my head back to hers as I spin us around.

She grinned widely. "Maybe." Her hand gripped the back of my neck. "If you behave."

"I can behave."

Veronica threw her head back and laughed and we continued to dance. I kept a smile on my face and our conversation light, and while we teased one another about the kiss, I couldn't stop myself from looking back at her mouth and wanting to taste her again.

The elevator was slow as it climbed, and for the first time ever, I was grateful at the slow pace. I wasn't ready for the night to end, which again, was a first.

The gala had ended after the final auction had closed and most of the guests had left. My mum and I had lingered longer than normal, mainly because I was keeping Veronica company. Her grandparents had been occupied for most of the evening and with her knowing very few people, I hated the idea of leaving her on her own. Not that she would struggle by herself, I had every belief that she would find a way to keep herself entertained. But as the clock struck midnight, it was all finally done and I escorted my mum and Veronica out to the cars that were waiting. And as Mum said her final goodbyes to Veronica's grandparents, I learned that Veronica was staying at the same hotel as us, so instead of climbing in her own car she joined us.

The car ride was quiet, and I was occupied with the feeling of Veronica's head that she had felt comfortable enough to tuck against my shoulder as she spoke softly with my mum. And when we got to the hotel, I couldn't drag my eyes from her as I helped her from the car and then followed her and mum towards the elevators. My eyes ran down the length of her body, I did stare at her ass, and when she glanced over her shoulder and caught me red-handed, she merely smirked.

I leaned against the back of the elevator as we climbed in and Veronica pressed the fifteenth floor. Our rooms were only a few doors apart from one another. Veronica stopped at her room and bid my mum goodnight, with a kiss on her cheek, Mum walked down to our room leaving us alone. Veronica pulled out her room key and entered her room. She glanced over her shoulder at me and nodded her head for me to come in.

The door clicked closed behind me softly as Veronica rested against the round dining table before the window. Her expression was soft, her eyes locked with mine and I could see the thoughts running through them. What she was thinking, I would never be able to tell, but I wanted her to be able to read my own thoughts.

The kiss we had shared had played on repeat. Everything in me wanted to close the space between us and kiss her again. I wanted to know if it would be just like the first one, electric. I also wanted to know if she had the same want to kiss me again or had it all just been an act for Lilly. The idea that she had only kissed me to get to Lilly, while it had been the plan, it hurt more than I thought it would.

"Careful, there. You think any harder and I might have to believe you actually use your brain." Veronica grinned and lifted a foot to remove one of her heels.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't mislead you like that."

"Oh, good. I have enough to worry about when it comes to your love life. Your intelligence would just be far too much."

"You worry about my love life do you?"

She shrugged. "Maybe not so much your love life as just you."

I decided to close the gap, stopping we were we barely a step apart. Without her heels on, her head only reached my chest, so she had to crane her neck up to look at me. "Why are you so focused on me? My own friends don't care so much."

She lifted her hand and pressed it against my chest, stopping me from getting closer. "Maybe that says something about your choice of friends?" She raised her eyebrow.

I lowered my voice. "You're my friend, aren't you?"

"Yes, I'm you're friend."

"So I make some good choices. It's good to know I'm not a total idiot."

"You're not an idiot."

"Really? Cause I don't think a smart guy would let a girl trod all over him like I've let Lilly do to me."

Veronica's hand moved. It slid up my chest and cupped my cheek. "Sometimes the heart isn't rational. Or smart."

I pressed my face into her hand, letting my eyes fall closed. Her touch was warm and comforting. I turned my face and kissed her palm. "Definitely not rational."

"Logan—" I grasped her wrist and cut her off by pulling her towards me. Her body pressed against mine, my other hand wrapped around her waist as I lowered my head to capture her lips. It was sweet but firm, and she let out a small moan. I broke it as quickly as I had done it. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes locked on my mouth.

"Sorry, I've wanted to do that again since—"Her mouth smashed back against mine. I groaned as her hand gripped the front of my shirt and yanked my head lower for her to reach. Her mouth opened and I quickly followed, letting our tongues meet furiously.

I expected her to stop, for her to pull back and tell me that was enough. The kiss at the gala had been for a reason, there was no reason for us to do anything further. But she didn't. In fact, as I dropped her wrist, she brought it up and pushed my suit jacket off my shoulders and down onto the floor before she tackled the buttons of my shirt. I slid my hands up her sides and around to the back of her dress. I found the top of the zip and paused as I felt the hook. I placed my hands on her hips, broke our kiss, and spun her around. Veronica gasped for breath and pressed her back against my chest. I kneaded my hands into her hips, pressing firmly as I lowered my mouth and nose to her neck. She let out a quiet moan as I kissed her shoulder, suckling at the skin. My hands reached the clasp of her dress. I popped open the hook before pulling down the zip. I pushed one hand into the back of her dress, touching her bare back. No bra. I smiled against her skin and moved my mouth up to her cheek. She turned her face towards me and I kissed her again. I used my other hand to pull the strap from her shoulder and let her dress slip down her, leaving her almost completely bare and she was exquisite.

Veronica turned slowly, her hands sliding across my bare chest before going to my belt. She smiled against my mouth as she popped the buckle open and drew the belt out of my pants. I shifted, slightly awkwardly, and kicked off my shoes before using the carpet to roll my socks off my feet as Veronica's hands slipped into the waistband of my pants. She broke our kiss and nudged our noses together.

I cupped her cheek and locked eyes with her. They were bright we a flurry of emotions. Excitement, thrill, pleasure. Made my stomach twist as she popped open the button, her hands brushed against my growing excitement making my whole body twitch with want.

"You okay?" Her words were soft and her eyes narrowed.

I nodded. My heart was pounding in my chest. I couldn't remember a time where I had felt such a rush going through me. Sex with Lilly was always exciting, but I was almost dizzy as I admired Veronica.

She stretched herself up, giving me a soft slow kiss. She unzipped my pants and pushed them down, leaving us both standing there in nothing but our underwear. I moved my hands down from her waist, over the smooth lace of her black panties and across her ass cheeks—which were firm under my touch—and cupped the back of her thighs. Veronica reached forward to wrap her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist as I lifted her and moved us towards the bedroom.

As I reached the bed, I put one knee down on the bed and lowered Veronica down onto the soft sheets, our lips breaking apart. I held myself above her and stared at her for a moment before I lowered my head and pressed a kiss to the centre of her chest. I used my lips and my nose to leave a trail down the centre of her body, pressing kisses and suckling on certain points. Veronica shivered under my attention, her hands grasping at my shoulders. One hand moved through my hair, tugging at my roots. As my head reached the level of her pantie covered pussy, I hooked my finger in the waist and tugged them down. Her panties easily slid down her legs and I flung them behind us, the action made her giggle. I glanced up at her as I lowered myself, I blew out air against her wet folds and made her head fall back against the bed and she let out a small cry.

Veronica's legs shifted around my head. I slid one hand around one thigh, hooking it over my shoulder as I used the other fingers on my other hand to brush across her folds. Veronica whimpered as I slid my finger back up and then into her. I lowered my mouth to her mound, sticking out my tongue to move between her outer lips to find her clitoris. I applied light pressure with my fingers as I started to suck. Her body bucked against my mouth, her hand tangled with the short strands of my hair as her nails sunk into my shoulder. I groaned against her heat pushed two fingers further inside of her.

I increased my pressure as I listened to Veronica's moans and frantic breathes. Her body rocked against me, her walls squeezing against my fingers.

"Fu-ck!" she cried.

I moved my tongue from her clitoris to her lower folds and lapped at her, sliding my other hand further around her thigh to press my thumb against the small bump.

Her body trembled. "Looogaan." She squeaked and her back arched as an orgasm wracked through her. And as I continued to moved my tongue over her, her body became slack on the bed as she breathed heavily.

I untangled her leg from my shoulder and licked my lips as I climbed back up her body and situated myself between her thighs. I pressed my lower half against her, my cock nestled against her hot centre. Her hands cupped my cheeks and pulled my face down to hers. Veronica kissed me and then slid a hand under my arm and grasped at my ass, pulling my body harder against hers. She slid her hand beneath the band of my briefs and pushed them down enough to wrap her fingers around my cock. I groaned into her kiss as she squeezed me. She moaned and slid her hand down to the base before stroking my full length. She used her foot to push my briefs down till they reached my ankles, giving me the chance to shake them off my foot. I rocked our bodies together, the heat and the wetness from her folds, her hand around my cock pulled heated groans from both of us.

"Get—inside—me," she grunted against my mouth.

I moaned as her nails dug into my skin. "Condom." I had one. Always did. But it was in my wallet, which was in the pocket of my pants which weren't close by.

"Pill," she gasped.

I broke our kiss. I had never had sex without a condom. I had always been safe with Lilly, mainly because the idea of having to go home to my father and admit that I'd knocked a girl up would lead to something far worse than I'd ever experienced. That and some people didn't care about spreading their diseases.

Veronica lifted her head from the bed. "You're clean, yeah?" Her breathing was heavy.

I nodded. "I've just never…"

She smiled. "Aren't you a good boy." She kissed me. "Too many guys jump at the chance to go without."

I sighed and then groaned as she pressed her hips into me, her hand squeezing me. "The consequences wouldn't be worth it."

Veronica bit down on her lip. Her nails scrapped up my back. "You sure?"

"I have one," I rushed out. "It's just…" My words failed me as she rocked again. "Fuck it." I pressed my lips back to hers and moved one hand down to hook Veronica's leg around my hip and line myself up with her opening.

I broke the kiss and pressed our heads together as I pushed the tip of my cock into her folds. Her hand slipped away and wrapped around my waist. I locked eyes with her as I started to rock my body, slowly in and then out. With every thrust in, my cock deeper and deeper into her and it was so much better. Her walls were like hot velvet wrapped around me, gripping my cock in a way that I had never felt with a condom.

Once I was fully seated, her legs tightened around me and I increased the pace. Veronica's mouth fell open and she squeezed her eyes as I thrust in harder and harder. Her body lifted up against mine, her legs and arms gripping me firmly. I pressed my lips to any inch of skin I could find, her neck, her shoulder, her chest and down towards her breasts. I kept one arm around her waist, holding up her hips as I thrust forward and used the other to hold myself up so I didn't crush her. I found one of her nipples with my lips and twisted the numb between my lips.

I didn't want it to end. I could feel my stomach tightened with every thrust. The coil straining on and on until finally it would snap. Veronica's own body was climbing, her walls clenched around me with every movement, my name falling from her lips as she asked me to move harder, deeper. Her body felt so perfectly locked with mine, I struggled to find the words I wanted to say to her as she pulled my mouth from her nipple. She guided my face back to hers and she kissed me. It was sloppy and a mess of tongues and panted breathes, and her eyes were wide. The need to cum trembled in them as I felt her body tremble in my hands.

"Logan." My name was a whisper against my lips.

"You feel…so good," I grunted. "Fucking—perfect."

She whimpered as I shifted the angle of my thrust, somehow find a inch of her I hadn't manged to touch. And with one more firm thrust she cried out, her mouth still against mine, her nails scratching across my back that if for once if I looked in the mirror and saw blood I wouldn't be mad. Her walls clenched so fiercely around my cock that my own coil snapped and the euphoric pleasure of my orgasm shook me.

I slowed my thrusts, moving us threw the waves of our orgasms before settling myself down. My weight still held mostly on my arms but I lowered myself to lean on my foreheads. I closed my eyes and rested my head on her shoulder as I slowed my heart and tried to capture my breath.

Veronica moved a hand over my back and stopped at the base of my neck. She pressed a kiss to my cheek and said, "Do you do that with all your friends?"

I grinned and let out a low chuckle. No. But she wasn't just a friend, not really.