Can't Let Go - By Michelle Brewer Page 0,32

As she hurried back out to meet Logan, she glanced at the clock, wondering how late a local dress shop would stay open in an area like this.

He already had the truck running, reaching across the seat and opening her door once he saw her coming. She hopped inside and exhaled loudly. “So Logan, why, exactly, do you know where a dress shop is around here?” His chuckle warmed the interior of the truck.

“I spent some time out this way after I graduated, before I found a job. Got to know the area a little bit.” A few things began to make sense.

“I see—and a dress shop was something you paid a lot of attention to?” Her tone sounded playful, but really, she was almost nervous to hear his explanation.

“I went with Hayley once. She was looking for something to wear for some sort of special night out with Blake.” Abby imagined the scene—Hayley dragging Logan all over the place, talking his ear off, trying to get his opinion. A faint smile came to her lips.

“She liked surprising him like that.” Logan nodded and the two fell quiet once more, each lost in their thoughts. “Does it still seem surreal to you?” She asked finally, not really meaning to speak aloud, but not regretting it.

“I still can’t wrap my head around it, if that’s what you’re asking.” He sighed. “I mean, I’d just talked to him, Abby. He was so excited—they both were. And then this…” He shook his head, not finishing his sentence. Abby had some idea about what it was he was referring to. “Yeah, surreal is the word. I just can’t believe it.”

“I’m glad I’m not the only one.” Not only could she not believe that her friends were gone—snatched away at their happiest moment—but that she was here, with him. She had a feeling he agreed, but neither felt capable of admitting it aloud.

The rest of the drive was made in silence, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable one. Both were struck by how natural it felt, sitting at the side of their former lover. Even during moments of awkward tension—everything still felt right. Abby secretly reveled in the feeling, having thought she’d lost it forever. Hayley had always been the closest she’d come to finding her other half—at least until Logan had come into their lives.

“There it is,” Abby stirred herself from her thoughts, growing aware of the slightly more busy town around them. She was surprised to see so many people out and about at this time of night. Logan was pulling into the parking lot of a small plaza, directing the truck toward a shop with many dresses in the window. As they neared, she took in some of the wild designs and raised her eyebrows.

“You’re sure Hayley brought you here?” He chuckled then, nodding his head as he opened the door and exited the vehicle. Abby followed his lead, letting herself out and approaching hesitantly. As they neared the door, she noticed the hours—they would be closing in about twenty minutes. She bit her lip, knowing the rest of the shops would likely be closing at the same time. This would have to do.

But as soon as they entered, she changed her mind. The small shop was lined with dresses of varying styles—surely she would be able to find something.

She was immediately drawn to the shades that reminded her of spring and lightness—colors Hayley had always insisted Abby was born to wear. Abby thumbed through the selections, waiting for something to catch her eye. “You two lovebirds shopping for a special occasion?” A gentle voice drawled behind her and she turned, her eyes darting between the older woman and Logan.

“Oh! No—we’re not—” Abby started.

“I mean, we used to be—” Logan added on.

“We’re just looking,” Abby said, her cheeks flushing red.

“Oh, I’m sorry. You two just have the distinct look of two people in love.” The older woman smiled. “You say you used to be?”

“It was a long time ago,” Logan explained uncomfortably.

“Well, maybe it’s just some leftover spark.” She smiled again, something that could be described as either wise and knowing or endearingly eccentric in her eyes. “You just let me know if you need any help.”

“Thank you,” Abby responded, returning to her browsing, grateful for a distraction. She certainly didn’t need anything more regarding her feelings for Logan floating around in her mind. She felt his eyes on her back, but she refused to turn around, needing the time to regain her