Chapter 32: Chapter 32

- All right, I think that's enough, isn't it?

Still in the middle of a laugh, Missy looked at Logan's displeased face, who continued to glare at the family nonstop, as they all brought out more and more albums from his childhood to show Missy his embarrassing moments, such as a sequence of photos in which he, a child just over two years old, ran away from the bath completely naked and started running around the house, or the album of school presentations in which the photograph recorded the moment when he, a little boy of seven, raised his fist to hit a colleague who had stolen his hat. Not to mention the countless adorable and funny pictures of him as a plump baby playing in the bath or eating dirt before Gwyneth or Daniel could stop him.

- Oh, come on, Missy hasn't gotten to know you well enough yet, as Mom suggested… – Diana laughed wickedly, putting another CD inside the DVD player – She hasn't even watched the recording of that fashion show where the another model tried to grope your ass in the middle of everyone and you made him fall off the stage.

"I know you guys would love to keep humiliating me in front of my girlfriend…" Logan growled, as Missy broke out in laughter when the video showed him lunging forward in a flash, watching mercilessly as the other man behind him stumbled and fall on people in the audience - But I think Missy and I have a home to go back to today... - He looked sternly at the clock above the television, proving that it was past eleven at night.

- Oh, but already? - Devon lamented, with a smile as evil as Diana's - You haven't even reviewed the classics. It's not a real family reunion if we don't rewatch Diana's coming out party video at least three times!

- Children, stop teasing your brother. -Gwyneth complained, although she was also smiling as she turned off the DVD player-It's really late. Ellie and Derek are already asleep and you all have work tomorrow.

- Your mother is right... - Daniel amended, moving the wheelchair around the room to collect the things that were on the coffee table - Besides, you will have enough time to continue torturing his brother. you two weeks from now, on his birthday.

- Your birthday! - Missy exclaimed, perplexed - God, I didn't remember I was so close!

- Do not worry. - Logan smiled awkwardly - After all, I never do anything big. We just gather here and eat something…' She watched him scratch the back of his neck awkwardly, and she knew perfectly well where that embarrassment came from.

The year before, she herself had chosen not to attend Logan's birthday, no matter how much Megan had insisted, since she knew that her presence bothered him and it didn't seem unfair to force him to live with her on such a special day.

It was almost amazing how different things would be this year. She would be there not only as a guest, but also as his girlfriend - even if only technically.

And, with luck, she would take the ideal gift with her, in case her plan really works...

- Well, then it's settled! - Paul smiled excitedly at her - On his birthday, we're going to show you the video of the Preschool presentation where he was so small and it was so tight to go to the bathroom that...

- All right, we've reached the limit. - Logan grunted, getting up from the couch and gently taking Missy along with him - See you in two weeks!

- None of that! - Megan grumbled - If I see Missy in just 15 days again, I swear I'll sue you.

- Don't worry, sis. I promise I won't disappear again. - Missy promised, separating herself from Logan just enough to give her sister a tight hug. - We'll see each other this week, I promise.

- It's really good. Megan snarled, though Missy knew her well enough to know she was being stubborn on purpose. After all, the way her older sister looked at her and Logan left no doubt how pleased she was to see them together and happy, especially after everything that had happened.

- See you later, my dears. - Gwyneth approached them to kiss them both, after they had already said goodbye to everyone else in the room – You'll come back to see me soon, won't you, honey? she asked Missy directly, her eyes pleading.

- Of course, Gwyneth. – Missy laughed, giving him another tight hug – I promise you won't even have time to miss me.

- I doubt it. – She smiled affectionately, before turning to Logan with a severe expression, but also deeply worried – And as for you… Take care, okay?

- Don't worry, Mom. – Missy watched Logan give a small tense smile and gently squeeze her mother's shoulder, almost as if he was consoling her – See you soon.

Once outside the Knights' house, Missy watched the dark night sky above them and took a deep breath of the cool breeze as they walked to their car. It was funny how, a long time ago, she had forgotten what it was like to feel that light. And not just after what happened at Mrs. Newton. Honestly, she was now able to realize that she was always walking on eggshells when it came to Liam. In 09 months of relationship with him, she had never felt comfortable or light around him or his mother. And now she realized that it was because she was always being judged, criticized and charged, even silently. Mrs. Newton wanted to use her to rise socially and Liam didn't have the courage to deny his mother's orders, remaining in that relationship only out of obedience and a mere whim, trying to force her to go to bed with him probably just to feel that he was taking advantage of the situation.

It was really sad how she used to think that what they had was true and could evolve into something deeper. In the end, they were doomed to fail from the start. A pity that Liam simply hadn't had enough character to be honest and break up with her straight away instead of deceiving and humiliating her that way.

But honestly, that didn't matter anymore. Not after such a good day, with such wonderful people, who made her feel so good...

Which was why, as soon as her eyes collided with her reflection in the rearview mirror as she climbed into the passenger seat of Logan's car, Missy quickly averted them, trying to focus on something else. Heavens, she was feeling so good. She didn't want to let that bad feeling of inferiority get over her again. She wouldn't allow the image of her own face to remind her of all the horrible things that had been said to her or how she felt hearing them. And if avoiding mirrors – and avoiding even herself – was what it took to keep her from feeling that way again and that wound in her chest from opening up again, then she would avoid them forever – even if that was possibly one an attitude that her therapist would condemn immensely.

- Missy? - Logan called her softly and, as soon as she turned to him, trying to control her reactions, Missy realized that he was looking at her speculatively, almost as if her face wasn't clear to him.

- Yes there is? Something wrong? she stammered nervously when he didn't speak again.

- No... Nothing. – he said slowly, still looking suspicious – I was just wondering… How about we go to your apartment? I wanted to end the night…properly. He smiled seductively, making her heart race and her mind feel profoundly grateful. Yes, indeed, one night with Logan was all it took for her to forget even her own name, let alone those sensations that threatened to overwhelm her again.

Smiling, Missy felt her chest warm a little more as soon as they set foot in her apartment and saw Rey bounce up to them, giving her a few welcoming licks before jumping into Logan's lap, clearly overjoyed to see him again. , even if he had been there just the day before.

- Hello, Rey. Yes, I missed you too. - Logan laughed, gently stroking the gray fur, before taking her in his arms and starting to take her to one of her beds, in the service area, which had become her new little room after it became quite clear that the Missy's room always became a “no go” place when Logan was around – But I guess it's late for young ladies like you to be awake, isn't it? Come on, I'll put you to sleep, okay?

With a contented sigh, Missy stood waiting for him, practically flinging herself on his neck to kiss him as soon as he walked back into the room, but the kiss, though sweet and warm, only lasted a few seconds before Logan he pulled away gently, again with that sly, speculative look on his face.

- Did you have fun today? he asked, although she had the distinct impression that wasn't what he wanted to question her about.

- Of course. Your family is just wonderful. There's no way not to feel good being with them. Missy beamed.

- I'm glad to hear that. - He also smiled a little, until his expression became worried - But... There's something I really need to know... - Logan stared at her intensely for a minute, before continuing, making her blood run cold - What's the matter? answer to the question Eleanor asked you earlier today about your clothes? Why don't you use them anymore, Missy? he asked, sounding almost distressed.