She hadn’t missed Logan’s serious tone, or the fact Sean said three. She wasn’t going to pry. He had his past. She knew. He hadn’t forced her out of her, she would give him the same respect.

  ‘It’s great. Very welcoming. Thanks to this guy.’ She patted Logan’s chest and gave him a reassuring look. He smiled and relaxed. ‘The weather is touchy.’

  ‘That’s Britain. We’ve had some lovely weather recently.’ Sean still had Robbie who was pulling at his blue scarf. ‘So, you are coming out, Logan?’

  ‘We were going to watch a film.’

  ‘Go. We can watch a film anytime. Have fun.’ She smiled. She took Robbie back and pushed Logan towards the bathroom to shower.

  Whilst he was getting ready, Emilia and Sean sat on the couch chatting.

  ‘So, what happened to his mother?’ Asked Emilia. ‘If you don’t mind me asking?’

  ‘She died. Unfortunately. A car accident.’ It was hard to talk about.

  ‘I’m so sorry, that’s awful.’

  ‘What about his father? The same?’

  ‘No, he took off.’

  ‘Oh, I’m sorry too.’

  ‘Logan’s been great though. I don’t know how he was single. Good with kids, great cook, very easy on the eyes.’

  ‘He got hurt. It’s not my place to tell you, but he got hurt bad, and went off the rails a bit.’

  ‘Oh?’

  ‘Yeah, that’s why he went to America. To clear his head. Don’t hurt him, Em. He wouldn’t manage it again. If you don’t want to be with him one day, just tell him straight. Don’t betray him. For me. Best friend to girlfriend.’

  ‘I won’t. I promise.’ He’s been too good for me to intentionally hurt him.’

  ‘Thank you. I know I wind him up, but I love him like a brother. He really likes you. I’ve never seen him like this with anyone.’

  ‘Anyone?’

  ‘Anyone.’

  ‘Wow, thanks. I guess. So, how did you meet?’

  ‘We were both working in a bar at uni. I had a one-year old son who I had to bring with me and I really struggled. Logan sort of helped me out with that. Gave me some respite. Not only did I have a one-year old, I had lost the love of my life in a crash.’

  ‘He likes to take in the strays.’ She smiled. They heard his bedroom door open.

  ‘What are you two gossiping about?’ He was wearing a dark blue button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up and some dark jeans.

  ‘Nothing.’ Said Sean.

  ‘You look handsome.’ She smiled, as he walked over. He picked up Robbie and gave him a cuddle. ‘Enjoy yourself.’

  ‘I think your mummy wants to be rid of me. What’s she hiding? Or does she want you all to herself?’ He placed little kisses on his head which made him squeal.

  ‘She wants you to have a good night out. Don’t worry about us.’ She smiled, kissing him and taking Robbie. ‘I’ll be here when you get back.’

  Sean noticed the way he looked at her. Not even with Sophie had he seen him look like that. He knew his friend was in deep, he just hoped Emilia’s promise was sincere.

  ‘Ready?’ Asked Sean.

  ‘I guess. Which pub?’

  ‘Carlos’.’

  ‘Oo good.’ Emilia followed them to the front door. ‘See you later, my love.’ He said, with another kiss goodbye.

  ‘Goodbye. Look after him, Sean. Don’t let him do anything you wouldn’t do.’ She smirked. ‘Or at least bring him back in one piece.’

  ‘Two pieces?’

  ‘Three if you avoid the face.’

  ‘I’m right here.’ They ignored him.

  ‘Curfew?’

  ‘What am I? His mother? He’s a big boy, he doesn’t need one.’

  ‘Again, right here.’

  She laughed and waved them off. ‘Get lost, trouble makers.’

  The lads were a few drinks in. America had been discussed as well as jobs and careers. Duncan revealed that May was pregnant with their fourth child. They had a boy, two twins girls, and another on their way. Alex was still with Rachael. Sebastian and Amanda were newlyweds. Paul had an eight-year old daughter. Adrian and Sean were satisfied with their lives. It was Logan’s turn for questioning.

  ‘So, what’s this bird of yours like, Logan?’ Asked Alex. Only Sean, Duncan, and Adrian had met her out of his friends. And Duncan was only briefly.

  ‘She’s out of his league.’ Said Adrian. ‘Way too good for him. She’s funny, intelligent, and beautiful.’

  ‘May I remind you that you have a wife.’ He said.

  ‘Aye, well Em can’t be compared to my stunning wife. But for you, she’s too good.’

  ‘She really has a great sense of humor. If it wasn’t for her, he would have been boring and stayed home.’

  ‘Stayed home and got laid. It’s the honeymoon period, mate. Whenever the babe is asleep, she’s diving all over me. Now I’ve missed out on a great evening, to spend it with your sorry arses.’ He sighed.

  ‘You’ve got time. Adrian’s right though. She’s a really nice girl.’

  ‘Great at footie.’

  ‘Or soccer in her case.’ Laughed Alex, attempting an American accent.

  ‘Not your usual type.’ Said Adrian.

  ‘And what’s that?’ He asked.

  ‘Curly dark hair, dark eyes. Bit curvy. Very serious and mature. Usually older than you.’

  ‘What’s Emilia like?’ Asked Sebastian, a curious look in his eye.

  ‘Blonde. Quite lean. Physically fit. Wouldn’t fight her. She could knock you right out.’ Chuckled Sean.

  ‘Deep green eyes.’ Said Logan.

  ‘Serious when it comes to her son, but more carefree than his previous women. She enjoys herself and lets herself loose, like she isn’t worried to make a fool of herself, whereas all your previous girlfriends, well… they were uptight.’ Said Adrian. The truth poured out of him when he was tipsy.

  ‘I haven’t even had that many serious relationships. Three main ones aside from Em.’

  ‘You look differently at her.’ Said Adrian.

  ‘And talk about her differently.’ Said Sebastian. ‘You always kept quiet about your others. You can’t seem to contain yourself about this one whenever I see you.’

  ‘Could she be the one?’ Asked Paul.

  ‘Oh yeah.’ Said Adrian.

  ‘Can I get a fucking word in?’ He snapped. The men obliged. ‘There was nothing wrong with my previous girlfriends. One cheated. One got bored of me. One had a secret husband and child. Yes, Emilia is a single mother, who is strong, funny, and drop dead gorgeous. We share a bad past. She is extremely out of my league, but she thinks opposite, which is mad. Her son is the most delightful little boy and yes. I do believe in time, she could be the one. She’s caring, flirty, supportive and we get on great as friends. Does that answer all your bloody questions?’ He asked.

  ‘When do we get to meet her?’ Asked Paul. ‘She sounds perfect for you.’

  ‘What was her last name?’ Asked Sebastian. Logan hadn’t missed the way he listened intently.

  ‘Ford.’ He said, taking a sip of his beer. ‘And you meet her when you meet her. I don’t want to frighten her away with you lot.

  ‘Emilia Ford. That name sounds so familiar.’ Sebastian had been the only calm one when interrogating him. ‘I knew an Emilia Ford when I was working as a security guard in America for a few years. She sounds just like you describe, but then one day, she disappeared. Never came back. We got on great. We worked the night shift together. She told me she went to jail.’ The men gasped. ‘Some arsehole set her up when she was really young. Left her to take his fall.’ Logan was pale.

  ‘Is it her?’ Asked Alex.

  ‘I… yes. It must be.’ Said Logan.

  ‘She was in jail?’ Asked Adrian.

  ‘She was eighteen. It wasn’t her fault. Don’t let that change your opinions of her. Please, don’t tell everyone. It’s private and she’s sensitive about her past. She had an awful upbringing, it was a rough part of her life.’

  ‘Don’t worry, Logan. We won’t tell anyone. It’s a secret between us men. Agreed?’ Said Alex. For once, Alex was the mature on in the situation, but he could relate. ‘All of us here have had a bad part of our lives. I was in jail. You two lost your loves. Duncan lost his brother. You three had a tough upbringing. All of us have been off the rails at some point. We should respect her.’ He said, holding his drink. ‘To Emilia.’

  ‘To Emilia.’ They all repeated. Logan and Alex had a rough start in their friendship and found it hard to get on at first. They had come to blows at times. They slowly warmed to each other but were never the closest. But, right now, he had never had more respect for someone. Logan patted his shoulder and Alex nodded at him.

  The conversations split off and different men spoke to each other.

  ‘Thank you, Alex. You didn’t have to do that.’

  ‘Don’t mention it. It was for her. I know what it’s like. Being locked up.’ He had been locked up twice for thievery. A year each. ‘I cleaned up my act. I deserved to go. She didn’t. She doesn’t need discriminating against.’ Logan smiled and bought him a beer.

  ‘We didn’t have the best start did we?’ He chuckled.

  ‘I’m surprised I don’t have the bruise from the first time you hit me still.’ He laughed.

  ‘Sorry, I was upset.’

  ‘Well, I should never have insulted Sarah. I deserved it. I don’t want to make the same mistake with Emilia.’

  ‘Shall we put it all to bed?’ He asked.

  ‘Go on then.’ They clinked their drinks and had a brotherly hug.

  ‘Logan. I’m sorry about before, I didn’t mean to drop Emilia in it. I just… I remember her being so lovely and I’d love to see her again.’ Said Sebastian. He looked really guilty.

  ‘It’s fine. It’s the women I don’t want to shun her. I knew you lot would be okay. I was more worried about it if she makes friends with the girls.’

  ‘You know those girls aren’t like that. If it really is the same woman, you’re a lucky man.’

  ‘Thanks, Seb. You must come and see her. I’m sure she would love a familiar face.’ He smiled.

  ‘Definitely. Maybe we can arrange something next week?’

  ‘Of course. I’ll leave it as a surprise. How does that sound?’

  ‘Thanks, mate.’

  ‘Oi, oi, wankers!’ Alex walked over with a very large tray of shots. Seven each. ‘Time for a little brotherly bonding.’ He shouted.

  ‘Why do you insist on playing this game?’

  ‘Come on. Seven shots. We each go around saying one thing we’ve done, and if one of us can think of something we have all done, they can leave theirs for the next game.’ Said Alex. He was well known for his party games. ‘One thing I do know, is that you dickheads aren’t leaving here until they’re all gone!’

  ‘Alright, you start. Mr. Alcoholic.’ Said Adrian.

  ‘Okay, drink if you’ve hit two people in this group.’ Said Alex.

  Logan, Alex, and Sean all drunk. They had hit each other, but Logan had also hit Adrian.

  ‘Drink if you’ve slept with someone on the first date.’ Said Sean.

  All but Duncan and Adrian.

  ‘You two make me sad. No wonder you hate this game. You’re pathetic.’ Slurred Paul.

  ‘It’s also the reason we don’t get massive hangovers.’

  ‘Drink if you’ve been in handcuffs.’ Said Paul.

  They all drunk except Logan.

  ‘You all have? Adrian? Oh… ew. No. No. My poor brain.’ He cried.

  ‘What can I say? Fiona likes it.’ He smirked.

  ‘Stop, I’m gonna be sick.’

  ‘I can’t believe Adrian has but Logan hasn’t.’ Sean was smacking the table in his laughter.

  The men all had a laugh. It was strange the variety of reasons each man had been in them.

  ‘Drink if you’ve showered with someone else other than a lover.’ Said Adrian.

  Adrian drunk, he said his navy days. Alex – prison. Then Sean and Logan looked at each other guiltily, then drunk.

  ‘You two showered together.’ Asked Adrian.

  ‘It was in uni. It was a dare. We had boxers.’ They defended.

  ‘Now they do it on a regular basis.’ Laughed Alex.

  ‘Drink if you know one Bieber song all the way through.’

  Everyone but Alex. Most because of their children. Logan claimed to like his music. Alex said if he knew any, he’d have been stabbed.

  ‘Alright, drink if you’ve been caught in the act.’

  ‘This poor boy only a few hours ago.’ Laughed Sean.

  ‘You didn’t catch us in the act! You know why? Because you cock-blocked me, mate!’

  Everyone but Adrian.

  ‘Can Logan break us all?’ Grinned Alex.

  ‘Drink if you’re currently in love with a woman.’ That did it. Every one of them.

  ‘You love her?’ Asked Adrian. ‘You love Emilia?’

  ‘I really do. Everything about her. I know it’s soon. But I do.’

  ‘She really has got you, hasn’t she?’

  ‘Indeed. I don’t know what to do without her. She really had pulled me deep. I can’t tell her yet, she’s not ready. I know that.’

  A few more games occurred and by the end, they were all very drunk. Duncan was first. Then Sebastian. Sean and Alex tried to outdrink each other, which lead to them all stumbling back to Alex’s apartment. His girlfriend was out, so they had no worries. They continued drinking at his until they were all in very high spirits.

  Duncan and Adrian were singing their hearts out. Logan was watching from the couch. He had a beer in his hand but wasn’t drinking much of it, he was tired now. He was Emilia and his bed. Sean had thrown up with Paul who were now feeling sorry for themselves in the corner.

  Sebastian sat beside him, nearly on him he was so drunk.

  ‘Go-’ hiccup. ‘Home.’

  ‘I’m fine. Just content actually.’

  ‘I know, but you looked bored and tired.’ He burbled.

  ‘I am tired. I guess I’ll say goodbye.’ He gave him a hug and a pat on the back, the same with Alex, Paul, and Sean. Duncan gave him a long speak about wooing Emilia. Adrian protested about him leaving.

  ‘This isn’t the Logan I know. He would be out all night being the life of the party, taking a girl home at the end of the night.’

  ‘Maybe he grew up, and he has a girl waiting for him at home, who he really wants to get back to.’

  ‘You mean your twue love?’ He teased.

  ‘I never said that.’

  ‘You didn’t have to.’

  ‘I’ll see you tomorrow. Fi won’t be happy if you aren’t well for your date tomorrow. We’re babysitting remember?’

  ‘Shit. Oh well. See you tomorrow, baby bro.’ He said, hugging him tight.

  Logan walked home, he was fairly drunk. Maybe not as bad as some of the men, but he was still stumbling about and hiccupping. He fumbled with his keys in the door and dropped them.

  ‘Bloody hell.’ He tried again – success. The apartment was dark. It was 3am. She wouldn’t mind. As long as he was quiet. Or as quiet as a drunk man could be. He walked to the bathroom and washed his face, drank lots of water and brushed his teeth. He missed putting his toothbrush in the pot but insisted he would sort it tomorrow. He stumbled to his room. No Emilia. He wasn’t sleeping on his own. He knew that for sure. He went to her room, Robbie was sleeping sweetly in his cot, his night light shining. Probably more for his own benefit. He pulled the cover up on him but didn’t attempt a kiss goodnight. He wasn’t risking headbutting him.

  Emilia had left his side of the bed with the covers pulled down, ready for when he returned. He pulled off his shirt and pants and snuggled into bed. She was fast asleep; his drunkenness clearly hadn’t disturbed her. She was wearing some shorts and a tank top. Less than she usually did, but then again, they usually slept in his room, which she complained was freezing. He had to rethink his life choices if it meant she sleep in less. Her room was very toasty. Too hot for him. He didn’t care though, he wanted her in his arms. He inched closer and snaked his arms around her, snuggling into her. He let out a sigh and closed his eyes. It didn’t take him long to fall asleep.

  Chapter Six

  Emilia woke with strong arms around her, but he felt different, he was holding her tighter than usual. Even she had woken up like this every day since their first time, something about him seemed off. Then she realized. He was still fast asleep. Usually, he was just dozing, always being the one to wake first. But, right now, he was in the very depth of sleep. She knew he wouldn’t be feeling his best later, so she left him to it and closed her eyes again, turning to snuggle into his chest.

  ‘Ow, my head.’ Moaned Logan. His comment roused her from sleep. ‘Jesus.’

  ‘Have fun last night?’ She smirked, kissing his jaw.

  ‘My eyes are closed but I already know you have a Cheshire Cat grin on your face. Do you like to see me suffer, love?’ He dreaded opening his eyes and letting the light in.

  ‘No, of course not. However, I was lacking in… entertainment last night, but the wait was worth it. This is far funnier, I’ve never seen you hungover.’

  ‘It is a rare occurrence. I remember the morning you were hungover. I made you pancakes, where are mine, eh?’ He said, jabbing her ribs and making her laugh.

  ‘I’m not good at pancakes. Maybe I can offer something just as good?’ She kissed his lips and he squirmed.

  ‘Sorry, love. Not in the mood. I feel really sick.’ He groaned.

  ‘Wow, you really are sick.’ She pulled away from him, which he protested against. ‘I’m just getting something. Shh, go to sleep.’ She got up and kissed his forehead.

  Emilia found a suitable sick bucket and placed it on his nightstand. She took Robbie and fed him his breakfast, Logan didn’t need a crying baby in the house. She played with him and took him and Roger for a walk. When she returned, he was still in bed snuggled up at 12pm. Definitely not like him. The bucket had been frequented.

  ‘Lovely.’ She disposed of it and cooked him some lunch. ‘Logan. You need to eat something. You’ll feel better.’ She heard a massive groan. She placed his toast on the side and sat by him. She stroked his hair and smiled. ‘Maybe it’s a good thing lads night out aren’t often.’ He agreed. ‘Do you feel better at all?’ He nodded slightly, then tapped the bed.