Chapter 15: Chapter 15

- So... Are you and Logan together now?

Fidgeting uncomfortably, Missy went back to combing her hair, looking away from the analytical expression of her sister, who was sitting on the couch in her apartment, with Rey sleeping quietly in her lap. Despite countless moments of stuttering and indescribable embarrassment, she had at least managed to tell Megan all about her revenge plan with Logan as she prepared to have dinner with him that night. At first, she'd thought the plan would just boil down to Logan spreading the word around the agency that they were now together and going on their first date that night—with possibly more—until the gossip reached Liam and Suzan. So when Logan had suddenly said he'd pick her up at seven for real dinner – like on a date – she'd freaked out a little. I mean, lightly.

Who was she kidding? She was still panicking at the thought of being in a fancy restaurant next to Logan. Her mother had already taken her and Megan to several, of course, but that kind of place had been etched negatively in her mind because of Victoria's criticism and the constant comparisons she used to make between other girls, always prettier, thinner, classier... And Missy, with whom there always seemed to be something wrong. Of course, she knew Logan was too kind to make comments like that, but… Could it be that, inside her mind, he secretly started to think like his mother? Would she start to regret having to pretend to be her boyfriend?

She had been absolutely right the previous afternoon, when she'd thought that confidence wouldn't last long.

Less than a day into the revenge and she was already bursting with anxiety and tension.

- Not really together... - Missy reinforced, talking to her sister to try to distract her mind from those troubling ideas - It's really just to annoy... You know who.

- Melissa Edith Sutton is taking revenge on someone... – Megan repeated to herself slowly – Hell must be frozen over at this hour.

Missy couldn't help but laugh a little – In my defense, Logan had come up with the whole plan. I just agreed.

'Well, at least he had something to do, after all…' Megan grumbled.

- Don't talk like that, Megan. I already forgave him for the way he ignored me in the past. Logan is being nothing more than a perfect gentleman, I swear. – she blushed a little, strategically not mentioning the ardent kisses that the two had exchanged the night before, before he left her at home; As excited as she was to start exploring her sexuality, she still didn't exactly feel comfortable telling Megan that, for the first time in her life, she was... Horny - I really think you need to stop holding grudges against him.

- I don't hold a grudge just for the way he treated you. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's largely because of that. – Megan hurried to explain, which made Missy laugh – But it's also because he… Well, he should have acted very differently than he did back then. – Her sister gave an exhausted sigh – I think that, now that they are developing this evil plan together, you will finally know what I'm talking about, soon.

- You... You really don't care that I'm taking revenge? Missy bit her lip fearfully.

- Ah, little sister... – Megan laughed – First, you need to learn what real revenge is. Second, after what they did, if you told me you wanted to set them both on fire, I would buy the gas with a smile on my face. I still can't believe you didn't accept Logan's proposal to put them both out on the street.

- I think I would feel more guilty than avenged if I did that... Even after everything. – Missy sighed, going to her room to change, since the time she had agreed with Logan was approaching and Megan had finished doing the soft makeup she asked – It wouldn't be… fair.

- Well, they weren't fair to you. – even across the distance, Megan's snarl was nothing more than perfectly audible – And besides, you would have done yourself a favor by putting those two good-for-nothings out of the agency. But honestly, I don't think it's far from happening. I see how Logan, Devon and Diana look on in disgust whenever they walk by, especially after what they did to you. They're getting more and more intolerable, especially with this shitty craze for...

- From what? Missy asked fearfully as she walked back into the room, smoothing the skirt of her dress over her legs.

- Isn't this dress that mom gave you for your birthday? Megan asked curiously, and Missy couldn't tell if she was genuinely surprised or just trying to change the subject.

- And yes. Why? Was it too bad? Missy looked down at herself, insecure, looking at herself in the mirror was still strangely difficult, but she hoped that would improve when her therapy sessions started next week. Until then, she would have to keep avoiding her own reflection, especially if she wanted to keep any sanity… Which meant she didn't know exactly how the dress had looked on her. Of course, he was her size, but... Maybe it didn't look really good. And, failing to look at herself in the mirror, she would never know. Of course, the model was beautiful, with the black velvet fabric hugging her body to the knee-length skirt, with long sleeves of a dark, sheer fabric and a demure V-neck that wasn't exactly plunging. While it wasn't the style of dress she would normally buy for herself, it was the only one of her mother's gifts, at least in terms of clothing, that she considered she might someday wear. And, well, apparently the day had arrived.

- Of course not, Missy. It was perfect on you. – Megan smiled – Enjoy that you are experiencing revenge for the first time in your life and add a little arrogance to the package too. I've already said that the only thing that makes an outfit beautiful is if you like it and feel good about it. That's why I don't understand… – her sister narrowed her eyes – Why wear a dress that mommy gave you, instead of one of her favorite dresses? Wouldn't that make you feel more at ease tonight?

She usually would, if she could still look at her clothes without wanting to cry about feeling insignificant.

- II thought he would be more appropriate. – she stammered quickly – And we weren't talking about that…

'You don't have to hear about them, Missy…' Megan mumbled, her head down.

- Logan and I agreed that part of the plan involves that they have to see us together. – Missy went to sit next to Megan on the sofa, while she continued to talk, hesitant – That means that soon I'll try to go back to my office, so... There's no point in sparing me from hearing about what they're doing . Soon I will be seeing it with my own eyes. Maybe it's even good... Be prepared for what I'm going to find. – she concluded with a sigh.

- You will get it. – Megan encouraged her, hugging her – And you'll be able to see with your own eyes how ridiculous they both are. Especially that idiot Newton. I was right that I never liked him. – she snarled – They are showing off all the time now, in front of everyone, making out and kissing… – her sister pretended to throw up, while Missy remained still, feeling that information give small and sharp twinges in her already bruised heart. – It's hell. All superiors have already warned them that relationships are not prohibited in the company, but exhibitions like this are. But it does not matter. – Megan lifted her head to smile excitedly and evilly at her – I can't wait to see their faces when you and Logan are making out in the middle of everyone.

Missy tried to smile at her joke, but obviously it wasn't successful, as Megan soon rushed to comfort her, given her trembling expression.

"Damn it, I knew I shouldn't have said anything." Sorry, little sister. – Megan kissed her cheek gently, before caressing her face affectionately – This will soon pass, you'll see.

- I hope so. – Missy sighed heavily, leaning over a little so she could hug her sister and rest her head on her shoulder – I guess I'm not exactly jealous, you know? It's just... It's such a horrible feeling to think that they humiliated me like that and now... They're just together, without any regrets. Liam didn't even try to talk to me to explain or apologize. – she sniffed, trying to control the tears – It's so depressing to know that, while I was trying so hard to make our relationship work and thinking everything was fine… They were laughing at me. Even though he's a terrible person for what he's done... It still hurts to know that after so many months together, I just never meant anything to him, you know? It makes me feel... Like I'm not worthy of being important to anyone.

- Oh, Missy... - Megan hugged her back even tighter and kissed her hair, her voice sounding choked up - I hate him so much for doing this to you... But we're going to get through this together and you it will get better. You'll soon realize that all these feelings are just shit some shitty guy put in your head. They are not who you are. Not even close. – Her sister kissed the tip of her nose affectionately, as her father used to do when one of the two was sad – Remember how dad used to repeat that the whole universe was made just for us? – Megan sniffled, laughing shakily – Well, there is no way to disagree that he was right. So never let someone else make you feel smaller than you really are. Always feel as if the entire universe was made especially for you.

- Thanks, sis. - Missy sniffed, wiping away some tears that had been stubborn to flow.

- Lucky I had that waterproof mascara. – Megan laughed, wiping her own tears, when the intercom rang – Oh, it must be your prince charming. I'll ask him to come upstairs, okay? – Her sister hurried to get up, clearly trying to compose herself.

Seeking to compose herself too, Missy remained curled up on the couch, stroking Rey's soft fur, still asleep, while trying to stop her mind from imagining what the night would be like. With luck, she would have fun with Logan. Maybe she could just focus on his presence and not feel out of place in this posh environment. Maybe she was lucky and no one would look at her judgmentally, as her mother usually did. Maybe she could manage not to embarrass herself so much...

Maybe she just wasn't succeeding at controlling her imagination.

- There you are, Don Juan! – she only realized that Megan had gone to open the door for Logan when she heard her speak, clearly excited – Will you bring my girl home early tonight? Or will I have to rescue her from her thirsty clutches tomorrow morning?

- If you and my brother don't stop with those little jokes, I will personally make sure that Devon is responsible for heading absolutely all the longest and most exhausting work trips that come along... No right to company! - Missy heard Logan threaten, not only coldly, but also with a touch of anxiety in his voice, so much so that she could have sworn she heard him quickly whisper something like "it's not the right time for this yet", but surely he must have it was just your imagination.

- All right, all right. Always so sensitive… – even if they weren't in the room yet, Missy could almost see her sister rolling her eyes sarcastically as she spoke that sentence – Well, hold her chin before it breaks the floor, because she looks beautiful!

- As if she wasn't always already... - Logan was commenting, when he and Megan finally entered the room and his green eyes fell on her.

Awkwardly, Missy tried not to fidget where she was as he, eyes wide, jaw really gaping, and arms - which held a bouquet of flowers and a small box - frozen at his sides, watched every inch of her from the loose hair, down to the dress and the dark shoes with small heels. When he remained petrified, saying nothing at all, Missy tried to joke a little.

- Was it that bad? She forced a smile, embarrassed.

- No, no, of course not. – Logan denied quickly, shaking his head gently as if he wanted to concentrate – You… You look amazing. – he finally said, sounding out of breath – Stunning. Like always. – He smiled at her, looking dazzled and Missy couldn't help but blush deeply and look away to the floor – I… I brought you some presents. - Logan approached her, surprisingly, also looking a little shy... But she had to be wrong. After all, why in the world would Logan Knight be shy? – They are simple, but I hope you like them. - She looked up again to see him holding out the bouquet and box with a sweet and charming smile.

Shyly, Missy smiled back at him. Thank you. She needn't have bothered. – Gently, she took the huge bouquet of pink peonies, so big that she could easily hide behind it – They are my favorites. – Missy smiled, touching the delicate petals with enchantment – How did you know?

Logan looked like he was about to speak when Megan cut him off.

- Before he doesn't give me the credit I deserve, I was the one who tipped him off. -Her older sister smiled proudly, as she took the bouquet from her hands – I'll find a place for it.

- Well... - Logan made a face in her direction, before turning back to Missy and extending the small black box, closed with a silver bow - This one I chose by myself. I know you like sweets, so I wanted to try to bring you something that suited you... - he explained while Missy untied the bow, extremely curious - I hope I got it right.

Lifting the lid, Missy gasped in delight to find a long row of tiny spheres so bright and colorful they looked like tiny planets. And, as she noticed the inscriptions with names and flavors next to each candy, she realized that they were exactly that: tiny, perfect representations of the solar system in the shape of chocolate.

- This is amazing! – She breathed, a huge happy smile spreading across her face as she looked closely at the adorable little chocolates – They are so beautiful, Logan! Thanks! – in ecstasy, she approached him, in the impetus to hug him, but her legs stopped her in mid-stride, deathly embarrassed, when she realized what she was about to do. To her surprise though, Logan stepped forward, enveloping her in a hug so gentle that she soon felt comfortable enough to wrap her arms shyly around him for a few seconds as well.

- Seeing that smile on your face is the greatest thank you I could receive. – He whispered in a low voice against her ear, making a shiver run through her body from top to bottom before he let her go, leaving her blushing deeply – You don't know how happy I am that such a simple gift made you so excited.

-Huh... Well... - Missy smiled, suddenly aware that her exaggerated reaction could have been a little embarrassing - I just like these things a lot... Cute. And I really like astronomy too, so... - she tried to explain, getting more and more shy - Sorry if I exaggerated. I just loved it, thank you.

- I hope I can make you exaggerate more often from now on. - The crooked smile he gave was both sweet and mischievous.

Missy could only swallow, her cheeks tingling, as Megan walked out of the kitchen, looking pleased to see the opened box in Missy's hands.

- If you're wondering why it looks so much like a jewelry box... - her sister laughed casually, approaching the two with a mocking smile - It's because he wanted to buy one for you and then got frustrated when I said that you wouldn't like it as much as a candy.

- Well, I... - Missy stammered, stunned - I couldn't accept something so expensive...

- Yeah, Megan warned me about that. – Logan forced a smile at his sister, before turning to her with a very kind expression – But the smile on her face made this exchange worthwhile. I promise to buy you more tomorrow.

- Oh, no... No need. - Missy started to deny it, when Logan suddenly stiffened, surprised, and they both looked at the floor at the same time to see Rey, now quite awake, smelling the bottom of Logan's pants fearfully.

- You must be the Rey. – Logan smiled and Missy's heart melted when she saw him reach down and reach out his hand to his puppy, allowing her to take her time sniffing him carefully, before barking happily and allowing him to pick her up – My nephews love to talk about you, you know? He chuckled when Rey started licking his chin hungrily, wagging her tail happily.

- She liked you a lot. Missy smiled fondly at the scene before her. Liam had never liked Rey very much and the feeling was mutual. Neither one of them liked being too close to the other, and she hadn't even wondered if her little dog felt the same way about Logan. However, Rey seemed to have adored him, as her tail kept wagging.

- Oh, yes, I liked you a lot too. – Logan continued to laugh, before trying to put her down again – Does that mean you give me your permission to take Missy to dinner? I promise she will be safe with me. – he teased, with a solemn tone of voice, but, to Missy's surprise, Rey barked excitedly, placing one of her paws on his arm.

- Well, you can let me take care of this young lady. – Megan laughed, picking up Rey, who was trying to jump on Logan again – And I'll make sure she's well fed before I leave. Soon I'm going to have dinner with Paul and Diana. We have a lot to gossip about. – She laughed, making it clear that Logan would certainly be the subject of that gossip – As for you, I think you have a long night ahead of you, huh? – Her sister waggled her eyebrows suggestively, making Missy blush fiercely, while Logan simply smirked and cheekily agreed, wrapping Missy's hand in his.

- You're absolutely right. See you later, Rey. – He scratched under her ears quickly, before throwing a playful smile in Megan's direction – See you later, charlatan.

As Megan's expression faded with rage, Missy joined Logan in her laughter as he led her by the hand out of her building and toward her car.

- Why did you call her a charlatan? she asked curiously as he opened the passenger door so she could get in.

- She and I had a little disagreement two years ago. – he gave a nostalgic, almost melancholy smile, when he got in the car too – I think it's better that you ask her about it in person, later. Megan tells this story much better than I can. Or at least that's what my family says. - Logan shrugged, relaxed.

- So... - she bit her lip nervously when he started the vehicle - Shall we go to a restaurant that Suzan and Liam go to?

- I really hope not. - Logan snarled restrainedly, but still looking enraged just by that mention - I would hate to have to look at their faces again today. – he remained somberly focused for a moment, before finally speaking again, sounding worried and, mainly, disturbed – Missy… If you're asking this because a part of you still wants to see him or has some hope that they'll get back together being together, I'm sorry to say this, but I think it's not healthy...

- Oh, no, no. I would never go back with him. – Missy hurried to explain herself – And… Seeing them makes me very sick. – She admitted sadly, still anxious for him to understand that she didn't miss what she had with Liam, not even remotely-I didn't ask because of that, I swear.

- So why? He continued to look at her with concern.

- Well… I was wondering… – she blushed while stuttering – If it's not to make them angry… Why did you invite me to dinner, then? – Her eyes met his, shyly-Was it just because you didn't want to risk someone finding out it was a lie, after you told the agency that we were going out?

- There are your arguments again... - A sad smile lifted the tip of his lips - Missy, the only reason I made this invitation is solely because I want to spend more time with you. – Even driving, he lifted one of his hands and took hers, caressing it with his thumb.

- Well, uh... W-what restaurant are we going to? - Feeling that usual shiver run through her at his touch, Missy tried to remain calm.

- La Saveur Dorée. – he quoted, in perfect French, making Missy's blood run cold – Diana praised this French restaurant a lot and I thought… Missy? – Logan's tone changed suddenly, looking apprehensive when he noticed her expression – Missy, what's wrong?

- Hmmm.... Nothing. She swallowed hard, avoiding his gaze.

- Of course there's something wrong. – he disagreed, now even more worried – Missy… – he called her again and, when she insisted on saying that everything was fine and continued avoiding his gaze, Logan suddenly parked the car, placing his hands on her face at the exact moment where they stopped – Missy, tell me what made you like this. - Even if his tone of voice was gentle, there was still an imposingness there that was impossible not to notice.

Bewildered, Missy tried to explain. “Nothing's wrong, I promise. It's just that… My mom already took Megan and me to this restaurant once and…” She swallowed hard, knowing surely that argument would make no sense. Was there really a casual, sensible way to tell him that she felt like everyone in that restaurant looked at her askance as her mother started criticizing her, without sounding crazy or spoiled?

-Oh, yes, your mother… – Logan grunted – And let me guess, she was criticizing everything she did, just like at Megan and Devon's wedding, isn't she?

Missy was absolutely amazed that he still remembered the event from earlier that year. Her sister's wedding had been just after the new year and Victoria, newly arrived from Paris, ended up spending every moment at Missy's side, from the ceremony to the reception. Obviously, her mother wasn't satisfied with her choices: her dress, her shoes, her hair, her new office... And she made sure to make that very clear, especially when Megan was there to be compared to Missy: elegant, perfect and with a handsome, wealthy, and influential husband, whose career Victoria had more than approved of. In fact, Missy had noticed that some of the Knights and her sister had sensed her discomfort and started trying to get her away from her mother. She just hadn't thought that Logan had noticed it too. After all, he still avoided her like the devil back then.

- Uh, not exactly... - Missy rushed to defend her mother - It's just... It's a very refined restaurant and, unlike my sister, I was never very good at remembering some etiquette rules. And I'm also very clumsy. – She smiled shyly – The last time we went there, mom hated the clothes I wore and I ended up making her look awkward in front of the people who were there. That's why I was a little surprised when you told me the name, because it was a bit... unpleasant situation that day. But is all right now.

- I've met your mother very few times until today, Missy, but if there's one thing I've noticed, it's that she doesn't spare criticism of anything or anyone, no matter how harsh those criticisms are. He looked at her with a dark look.

- She means nothing. – Missy folded her hands in her lap, still feeling that she should speak in favor of Victoria, even if Logan was a little bit correct – What happens is that she is excessively sincere, sometimes. Dad used to help her measure her words a little more, but after he left, I think she's become even more of a perfectionist. She hate to see something that you think is wrong or ugly. - Missy explained, while shrugging her shoulders, knowing that, unfortunately, her mother always seemed to see something wrong or ugly when she looked at her.

- There's a big difference between being honest and being rude, Missy. – Logan sighed – I know we are talking about your mother and that you love her, but, with all due respect, just knowing that she was with you in that restaurant, I understand perfectly why it must have been a traumatic event for you. – he grunted lightly, leaning over the steering wheel for a few minutes, until he finally straightened up again, now sporting a confident smile on his face – You know what? Change of plans. What is the address of your favorite restaurant? he asked casually, as he turned the ignition again and turned on the GPS screen.

- But...? But what about your reservation at that restaurant? - Missy gasped, perplexed - I know it's very expensive and hard to get. I don't want you to waste it…' She was cut off when he lifted one of his hands and pressed a finger gently over her lips.

- Promise me something? – he opened a crooked and dizzying smile when asking that question; feeling hypnotized by those tender green eyes, Missy could only nod – During this night, try to talk only about what makes you happy. No worries, sadness or fears. Promise?

After a moment of trying to recover from the hypnotic effect that look had on her, Missy finally managed a shy smile and just nodded.

- Good? – Extremely satisfied, Logan caressed his lips with the tip of his finger one last time, before touching his face tenderly – Will you tell me the name of your favorite restaurant now?

-Yes, I will ... - Feeling comforted by her words, Missy leaned her face against the hand that was stroking her - Thank you, Logan. Again, alias.

With another one of his dazzling smiles, Logan just nodded nonchalantly.

- There's nothing to say thank you. After all, my only goal tonight is to make you happy.