Toxic: Logan's Story (Torn #4)(14)

I pulled up into my parking spot next to the house. That was one of the main reasons I’d wanted this house so much. In Morgantown, a college town, it was hard to find off-street parking. As many drunken idiots as there were around here, it was a relief to know I wouldn’t wake up one morning to find a huge dent or worse on my car.

The house was dark with the exception of the living room. The TV was on as well as a small lamp, which meant Amber was actually home for once. Lately, she’d been gone more than I had been. I wasn’t sure where she would go, but I had a good idea. I was pretty sure she would go out and do the same thing I was, but I wasn’t sure why. That wasn’t Amber, but neither of us were perfect.

Who am I to judge?

I walked into the living room to see Amber sitting on the couch.

She looked up and smiled. “Hey. I’ve been waiting up for you. Where did you go?” She shut off the TV.

I shrugged. “Just wanted to get out of the house for a little while. What’s up?”

“Sit down. I want to talk to you.” She patted the couch beside her.

“Okay…” I sat down and gave her a confused look. “I’m sitting. What do you want to talk about?”

“I’m not sure if you’re going to be really happy or really pissed off when I tell you this.”

“You’re moving out, aren’t you?” I asked, finally catching on.

She laughed. “Ha-ha. Nope. You’re still stuck with me. It’s about Chloe.”

She’s pregnant.

She finally dumped him.

He cheated on her, and she’s coming home.

The first thought made me sick to my stomach, but the others actually made me happy. I was a sick individual.

“Drake called me earlier. He and Chloe want to get married, but she’s apparently freaking out about planning a wedding. He wants me to get it all ready for them, and he’ll bring her back here. It’ll be a surprise for her. He gave me all the details—where he wants it, who to invite, and all that crap.”

Married. I closed my eyes and willed my hands to stay at my sides instead of finding something to throw. Married. She would be tied to him forever. She wouldn’t be my Chloe anymore. She would be Chloe Allen.

Fuck.

“When?” I spit out.

Amber shrugged, pretending not to notice the bite in my tone. “Whenever I have stuff ready. He only asked for a few things, so it’ll take me, like, a few days tops to get it ready.”

“Why are you helping him?”

She shrugged again. “Because he makes Chloe happy. He’s screwed up before, but I really think he cares enough about her to do what’s right. He’ll take care of her, Logan. You know he will.”

I shook my head. “How many times has he hurt her? He’ll do it again.”

“It’s her life to live, Logan—not ours.” She paused before continuing, “Are you upset because she’s marrying him? Or because she’s not marring you?”

I glared at her. “This has nothing to do with me, Amber.”

“You still love her, Logan. I’m not stupid. You think you hide your emotions so well, but you don’t.”

“Whatever. I just don’t want to see her get hurt again.”

“Damn it, Logan! Talk to me! I’m your best friend, too, not just Chloe!” Amber shouted, surprising me.

“What do you want me to say, Amber? That I never got over her? That I’m pissed off because of what they did to me? That I think this marriage is a mistake?” I shouted right back.

“That’s exactly what I want you to say. I want you to talk to me. Stop acting like nothing gets to you, and talk to me like you used to!”

“I don’t want your pity, Amber.”

She frowned. “I don’t pity you, Logan. I never have. What Chloe did to you was stupid, but I’ve never looked down on you or pitied you for it. We all f*ck up. We all get f*cked. It happens. You just have to remember that those things shouldn’t change who you are. You can’t stop living because of what they did to you.”

“I haven’t stopped living. What on earth are you talking about?” I asked.

“When’s the last time you went out on a date? Hell, when’s the last time you got laid?”

I laughed. “You don’t want me to answer that, Amber.”

“Yes, I do! Talk to me. I want to help you!”

“I’ve had sex every week for the last year!” I spit out. I didn’t even care anymore. I just wanted her to leave me alone.

Her eyes widened in shock. “You have a girlfriend, and you didn’t tell me? Who is she?”

“I don’t have a girlfriend. I haven’t had one since Chloe. Let it go, Amber, please.”

“You said you’ve had sex constantly. If not with a girlfriend, then who? Do you have a f*ck buddy?” she asked.

“I have lots of f*ck buddies, Amber.” I sighed. “I’m done talking about this. Just let it go.”

She studied me for a minute, unsure of what to say after my confession. “Fine, I’ll let it go—for now.”

My shoulders sagged in relief. “Thank you.”

“You’ll come to the wedding, won’t you? Chloe will want you there.”