my car outside your house a few hours,” she told Cyd.
“ ’Course not,” Cyd said. “Have a good time.”
Stephanie glanced between Heather and Logan. “Hmm.”
Cyd pushed her. “Mind your business.”
Heather smiled. “I know what you’re thinking—but it’s not like that. For some reason, God’s just giving me real friends. I’ve never had that.”
Stephanie came closer. “If God’s giving you real friends like him, girl, you know you’re blessed.” She peered over at him. “Our family has known Logan for years. He’s a really good guy.”
“I’m so glad you came over,” Kelli said, hugging Heather.
“I would’ve been mad if I missed it. Now I can say I was one of the first to hear the hit song ‘I Will Love You.’”
“Whatever.”
“Seriously. And I’m expecting big things from the rest of the songs you two will write.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not sure yet about any of it,” Kelli said. “But if it does work out, would you consider doing background vocals? Cyd said you’ve sung some beautiful solos at church.”
The question took Heather off guard. “That would be a dream come true. But much as I’d love to say yes, I’m still feeling like music is a no-go for me right now.”
“Heather, we’d better leave,” Logan said, turning from his conversation with the guys.
They said good-byes and scurried out. Logan opened the passenger door, and Heather got in, then watched him walk to the driver’s side. When they were on their way, she said, “Hey, I just learned something else about the new Heather.”
He glanced at her. “What’s that?”
“I used to get this skitter thing whenever I saw you. You know, because you’re so cute.”
He tossed his eyes in embarrassment. “Wait. Used to?”
“Yep. Skitter’s gone. Just noticed it. Guess I really am starting to see you as a big brother.”
“Cool. Never had a little sister. Maybe God thinks I need one.” He paused, rubbing his chin. “That was off the cuff, but there’s probably truth in it. I don’t have any women in my life who I really talk to. Maybe because women tend to make it known that they’re interested in me romantically. I only share that to say I think I’ve put a wall up—or maybe God put it up. Until I’m ready for a serious relationship, I don’t see the point in letting anyone get close.”
Heather stared at him, appreciating his honesty.
“So, seems like God is up to something here,” Logan said. “Who knows? Maybe He wants to show you it’s possible to have a man in your life who doesn’t have an agenda. And maybe He’s taking my wall down a bit. I spend a lot of my time ministering to people, but funny thing is, I don’t have to share a whole lot of myself. Maybe I’ve gotten too comfortable with that.”
“I noticed that in the choir,” Heather said. “You were always there, always available, but it was also clear you kept your distance.”
Logan grinned and waggled his eyebrows. “Yeah, betcha didn’t know that beneath the praise-and-worship leader exterior was a big kid who could spend hours at the go-kart track or Six Flags.”
“Now we’re talking,” Heather said. “No offense to the love-of-sports thing, but I’d go-kart racing in a minute and I could ride the Screaming Eagle all day.”
“Is that your favorite too?” He looked at her. “Every year they’ve got some newer, fancier roller coaster, but give me the Screaming Eagle over all of them.”
“Well.” She looked at her watch. “Don’t know if you realize it but it’s August. Park’s only open a little while longer. And I don’t know about you, but I haven’t been this year.”
“I haven’t been in two years. So pack a lunch because when we go, we’re staying all day.”
Heather laughed. “Any chance we can ditch the ballpark right now for the amusement park?”
“Not on your life.”
“WOO-HOO!”
Heather high-fived Logan, and they came to their feet with the rest of the crowd, pumping fists and cheering wildly as the ball sailed clean over the wall.
“Grand slam, baby!” the guy behind them yelled. “How ya like them apples?”
Heather peeked at the guy to her left. A Reds fan, he’d been battling the guy behind them throughout the game. Until this moment Cardinals fans had been dejected, thinking the game lost, and Mr. Reds had been talking trash. Now he was the only one around them still sitting.
“I knew Pujols would knock it out,” Logan said, beaming. “He is such a clutch player. What a way to end it.”
Pujols did his victory lap around