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The painting in front of irl at her feet On the wall beside it, there’s a quote--I think it’s froht and reasoned as a child But when I grew up, I put away childish things"

I glance down at my ankle, whereof the knife holster that’s wrapped around iously, every day

It’s al the le it safe Refusing to take the biggest chance of all

I need to put away childish things Like high school crushes and bodyguard dreams I have to put them behindthe heart on the table for hiehay took a dark turn…but the point is: Logan either wants me like I want him or he doesn’t

And it’s ti-like-a-horse’s mouth Then I can move forward Move on, with or without him But I really, really hope it’s with hie and I have wandered over to a small alcove in the corner, and I putto tell you"

He s"

And then we speak at the sao"

When my words penetrate, he slides his hands into his pockets and his forehead crinkles "Wellthis is uncouybutthere’s so time and I have no idea how he feels about ive it a chance"

George looks at me for a few moments Then he leans over and kisses my cheek

"Whoever he is, he’s a lucky man"

I smile a thank-you

"I’ll have the car drop you wherever you want to go"

"No, that’s okay I’ve got it covered" I put uards, who shadowed us here tonight, stay with him while I walk out of the back door of the museum and hail a taxi It’s tirab the lemon with both hands and suck until o well, I’ll get to s

I’VE SEEN ENOUGH EIGHTIES MOVIES--Pretty in Pink, An Officer and a Gentleo I’h the double doors of the bar with the breeze blowing my hair back, search the rooround an kisses the hell out of s me up and carries hties s on the door, tearing a little I step in a puddle onround music

Jesus Christ on a candy cane

I keep uys s outside the tavern next door--and then I cup my hands around my face and peek in theof Katy’s Pub

There’s a small front room with a wooden bar and a few round tables and chairs I see a hallway in the back that aa pool stick Logan sits at the bar, his brown hair falling over his forehead, a tall glass of dark beer in front of hith auburn hair leans his way on her elbow And then Logan chuckles at soht, white teeth, his eyes crinkling with laughter

Jealousy--green and ugly--steaht, it’s as if lued to the glass

And then it gets worse

A little girl, with swinging blond pigtails and a pacifier in herout from behind the bar The fean beats her to it, scooping the toddler up into his strong ar his finger playfully,her smile around her pacifier And the wo up at them both