Foul Play (Whithall University Book 1) (4 page)

When Allie doesn’t say anything I notice her begin to fidget uncomfortably with some shopping bags.

“What?’’ I ask. Stopping what I’m doing, I place the can of beans I’m holding down on the counter, turning to face her. Allie might not tell me anything, but sometimes her facial expressions say it all.

“Nothing,’’ she tells me evasively, but even if the tone in her voice didn’t give her away, the guilty expression on her face says it all.

“Bullshit,’’ I utter, calling her out. “Now tell me what you’ve got to say.

Pausing she seems to mull it over before turning back to me, a sad expression on her face. “Look, I don’t get in between yours and Logan’s friendship; I always stay out of it because I love you. I’ve tried to explain so many times that he isn’t who you think he is, but I’ve never found the right words. I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t even think you’ve seen the other side to him, he’s always hidden it well when you’re around and he does it well,’’ she whispers, and I’m conflicted about what to feel. I know she’ll never lie to me. She has no reason to. But I know Logan too. This whole situation is becoming a mess, fucking with my head.

“Tell me what happened between you,’’ I implore on a whisper, needing to know.

“I wish I could tell you. I really do,’’ she whispers back sadly and I notice her hands tremble and her eyes begin to water, making me feel like shit for pushing her.

It just makes me even more confused than I was to begin with. Surely if he had hurt her then she’d tell me. She has to know if he did I’d erase him from my life. And mostly, I’d hope she wouldn’t put herself or me at risk. But the more everything runs through my mind, the more I think about Logan. The notion of him hurting Allie, or anyone really is just ridiculous and absurd.

He’s not that person. He never has been. He’s always stuck up for people, had their backs even if he wasn’t friends with them.

When we were in middle school Shelly Palmer was getting loads of crap off other kids, teasing her about her looks and the fact she would be going to the school dance alone. It went on for weeks until Logan stepped up and publicly asked her to the school dance.

It’s not just that but he’s only ever been protective when it comes to me. He’s never hurt me once.

When James Smith cheated on me, everyone in our high school knew. He embarrassed me in front of everyone, all of my friends. Logan had been there comforting me. He stood by me through it all and even beat the shit out of James for cheating on me and for turning everyone against me.

Not wanting this whole thing to distract me or ruin the move, I let it go, turning to Allie with a small smile. “Let’s just forget about Logan. We should spend the day unpacking, get this place to feel like home.’’

“Okay,’’ she agrees quietly, staring at me intently.

I’m just putting the last of the cupboard food away when Allie walks up beside me, kissing me on the cheek.

“He could have changed, Willow. I don’t really know. I’ve not let myself know. All I know is what I see. If you’re happy with your friendship, then I’m happy. I learned a long time ago not to let other peoples judgments effect my own,’’ she tells me. “I love you, always. Now get started on unpacking the DVD’s,’’ she orders playfully, smacking my arse on her way out.

I giggle rolling my eyes at her retreating back. Her words make sense and as curious as I am about what happened between them, it was a long time ago and we have all changed. Logan has never done anything to hurt me.

So taking Allie’s advice, I forget what everyone is feeling towards Logan and stick to my own judgment.

“Let’s do this,’’ I yell cheerfully, ready to start my new life.

Later that night Allie and I are sitting on the floor in the front room eating some Chinese, worn out from unpacking. Yes, we spent over seventy quid on food shopping and still ordered in. In all fairness we’ve worked our arses off unpacking, finally giving all our belongings a place.

“I think you ordered too much,’’ I groan, sitting back against the sofa, rubbing my stomach.

“Never! There’s never too much food,’’ she gasps in disgust. It still amazes me how someone so small can eat so much food and not put on a single lb.

“My belly is screaming otherwise,’’ I chuckle, jumping when our door buzzer rings. We both turn to each other with wide eyes before looking back at the phone.

“I’m not answering it,’’ she rushes out, looking at the phone like it’s a defending object.

Walking slowly over to the phone, I lift it from the wall, tentatively bringing it to my ear. “Hello?’’ I whisper.

“Willowwwww,’’ Logan’s voice slurs through the phone.

I roll my eyes grinning. “What are you doing here?’’ I laugh.

“I’ve brought pizza and movies. Let me up, it’s raining,’’ he shouts, over the speaker.

“Oh, alright,’’ I tell him, buzzing him up. Before I drop the phone back in its receiver, I hear him singing some
Justin Bieber
song, and I burst out laughing.

“Who was it?’’ Allie asks from behind me.

“Logan. He’s brought a movie and pizza,’’ I tell her, hoping she won’t disappear to her room.

She doesn’t seem happy, but I know she’s trying hard not to show her dislike about him coming here, especially since it’s half nine at night.

“I’ll go...’’ she starts to make an excuse, but I cover her mouth with my hand, shaking my head.

“Oh no, you don’t. You can stay with me and watch whatever movie he’s got. If its blood and gore we both know I’ll need you,’’ I chuckle lightly, but deadly serious. I remember the last time I let Logan choose a movie. I ended up running to the bathroom and throwing up. His mum made me leave shortly after. When I got home my mum thought I’d been drinking. I was ill for days afterwards. It’s why I hate watching any kind of gruesome movies. Well, that and the fact they’re just down straight gross. 

“Okay, but I’m going to get changed,’’ she groans and moves to her room. I frown when I notice she’s wearing her pyjama shorts and tank top. It’s not like they’re revealing. It has me looking down at my own attire and realise I should probably go put on something else too.

Rushing into my room, I strip my shorts off and change in to some loose pyjama trousers. Throwing my hoody over my head I make my way back down the hall, just in time for the front door to knock.

Smiling wide, I open the door to Logan, shocked when I see he isn’t alone. He’s brought Jamie, his friend with him and I can’t say I’m exactly thrilled about seeing him here. There’s just something about him that freaks me out.

“Willow, my bestie, we bring you gifts,’’ he laughs, holding a pizza box up to my face. The smell of pepperoni would normally have my mouth watering, but with the Chinese I just ate my body weight in, the smell actually makes me feel a little queasy.

In his other hand he holds up a DVD. The cover has me squealing with glee. “Is that MockingJay part two?’’ I shout, snatching it out of his hands.

“Yeah,’’ he grins, stepping in the hallway. His eyes move over my shoulder the same time I feel Allie step out of her bedroom. “Joining us Allie or are you going to mope in your room and read all night?’’

Allie doesn’t answer him, instead she looks at me and smiles. “Want me to grab some Pepsi?’’

I’m about to tell her I’d love one when Jamie steps forward, interrupting. “We got beers and wine,’’ he states, his voice deep. He also looks high and in need of a good shower but I don’t comment on either.

“I’ll just have a Pepsi, thanks,’’ Allie remarks politely.

“You can’t just have one? Or are you too stuck up to drink my wine now?’’ Logan asks her, his voice snarky and kind of mean. Not a tone I’ve heard him talk in before. Since everything’s happened I can’t stop myself over analysing everything he does now.

“Logan,’’ I snap, furious he’d talk to her like that. She’s only ever been polite to him, just like now. “If you’re going to be an arsehole you can just leave now.’ My voice is firm, angry and I hope he reads the truth in my words. He means a lot to me, but Allie means a lot more.

“Babe,’’ he grins, and I have to bite my lip to stop myself from growling in annoyance at him calling me by that awful nickname and the fact he find this amusing. “I’m only playing.’’

“I don’t care, Logan. There’s no need to be rude when she’s been nothing but polite,’’ I tell him.

“Hey, it’s fine. One glass won’t hurt,’ Allie rushes in, her voice quiet as she grabs the carrier bag from Jamie.

“I’ll pour them,’’ Jamie adds quickly, ready to take the bag back.

“I can do it,’’ she tells him, heading into the kitchen.

I don’t want her to feel pressured to drink, just so it keeps the peace and I don’t want her to have to put up with his attitude just for me. This is her home too.

“Come on, I’ll put the movie on. But Logan,’’ I warn, my eyes meeting his. “You talk to her like that again you’ll have to leave. I won’t have her being treated like that.’’

He pouts, giving me those sad eyes of his that I can’t stay mad at. Needing to look away before I do something stupid and forgive him, I go to leave; I take one step into the front room when two large arms wrap around me, carrying me into the front room. Once I’m back on my feet, I turn, a grin on my face as I playfully slap his arms away. “You stink of beer.’’

“Only had two, babe. And promise, I’ll be on my best behaviour,’’ he salutes, and grins when he sees the food containers on the coffee table. “You ate? I bought pizza for us.’’

Laughing, I leave him to sulk so I can put the movie in. “It’s gone half nine, Logan. Not everyone eats late.’’

“True,’’ he chuckles, taking the pizza box from Jamie and sitting down on the sofa.

The movie is ready to press play when Allie walks back in, drinks in her hand.

“Here you go,’’ she says to Jamie, passing him his bottle. Walking over, I help her by taking mine and Logan’s, placing both on the coffee table before grabbing the remote.

“Don’t press play,’’ Logan warns and I watch as he rips the pizza lid off, then throw half of the pizza on to it. He doesn’t stop there though; both he and Jamie pile their boxes with our leftover Chinese.

“Eww, that’s disgusting,’’ I gag, looking at the pile of pizza, chicken balls, and rice piled up on his box.

Logan laughs sitting back in his chair, shrugging his shoulders. When he’s comfy, I lean over Allie to flick the light off before sitting back into the sofa and pressing play.

I’ve been dying to see this movie for what feels like forever. The last one ended epically with Peeta strapped into a white jacket going wild in a chair.

“Hope she chooses Peeta,’’ Allie smiles as the film begins, Katniss’ bruised neck coming into view.

“No talking,’’ Logan shouts far too loud, coughing when food gets stuck down the wrong pipe.

“Serves you right,’’ I laugh, not bothering to help him.

“Didn’t mean to say it that loud,’’ he chuckles, clearing his throat before shovelling more food into his trap.

“Me too,’’ I whisper conspicuously to Allie, earning myself a poke in the ribs from Logan.

“Hey,’’ I snap playfully. “Watch the movie.’’

We’re at the part where Katniss and her group of rebels are walking through the sewers when Jamie snatches the remote from off the coffee table, pressing pause on the movie.

“I’ll get us some refills,’’ he announces, his eyes flickering to Logan for a brief second, as if to ask for permission.

“Yeah, mate. I’ll have another,’’ Logan answers, downing the rest of his bottle, passing the empty to Jamie.

“I’m okay,’’ Allie answers, but he takes her half full glass anyway like she didn’t answer.

“I’m okay too,’’ I tell him, amused when he picks up my empty glass.

“Just one more drink to toast you guys finally being here. You’re game,
right Allie
?’’

Allie looks to me before shrugging uncomfortably. I smile gently before turning back to Logan. “One more,’’ I tell him, emphasising each word. “I don’t want to suffer with a hangover when I’m job hunting tomorrow.’’

“That’s the spirit,’’ he laughs. Jamie walks back in, handing Allie and I our glasses. She puts hers straight on the coffee table untouched while I raise mine to my lips, my throat feeling parched.

I’m just about to take a sip when the door knocks, causing me to spill wine down my hoody.

“Crap!’’ I cry, wiping the wine away. “It must be one of the neighbours; I’ll get it,’’ I mumble, putting the glass of wine down next to Allie’s. I hear Logan ask why one of the neighbours would be knocking, but I don’t hear Allie’s reply. I don’t know if it is a neighbour, but it’s the only explanation I’ve got. No one can get into the building without a key fob or without being buzzed in by a resident.

Opening the door, expecting it to be a stranger, I’m surprised to find Alec on the other side, his hair and coat soaking wet.

“Alec,’’ I greet surprised, moving forward and kissing his cheek.

“Can we talk?’’ he asks, looking sadly at me.

Please don’t break up with me. Please don’t break up with me
, I chant over and over again as I invite him inside.

When we’re inside I begin to feel awkward, my palms sweaty when I realise the cause for our argument is sitting in the front room.

I begin to shuffle on my feet, wondering how I can explain Logan being here so late. “Yeah, of course we can talk. How did you get into the building?’’ I ask, shutting the door behind him.

“Someone who lives in the building let me in,’’ he smiles.

“Come on, Willow, I want to finish the movie and I need my cuddle buddy back,’’ Logan shouts and I fight the urge to groan.

Alec turns to me accusingly, his lips thinned, his eyebrows pulled down together, with a face full of fury.

“Cuddle buddy?’’ he barks out, frustration marking his face. “I thought you were just friends.’’

“We are,’’ I rush out, realising how bad this must look. If he just took the time to get to know Logan he’d know how harmless his comments and actions are and that he has nothing to worry about. “Let me just get rid of them. Go sit in my room and get comfy,’’ I smile.

“I’ll wait here,’’ he replies sarcastically, moving into the kitchen. Once his gaze sweeps over the front room through the opening, his jaw hardens and his eyes narrow.

Not wanting any drama or a fight to break out between the two, I waste no time in rushing into the front room, turning the big light on.

“Hey, guys, goin’ to have to call it a night. Alec is here and we need to talk,’’ I announce, hoping they leave quietly.

“I’ll clear up,’’ Allie offers, scrambling out of her chair to start cleaning up our mess.

Both lads get up, slower than Allie. A look passes between the two before they grab their shit.

“Do you need me to stay?’’ Logan asks quietly when he reaches me, one hand on my hip.

“No she doesn’t,’’ Alec maliciously warns him, his tone matter of fact.

“Easy mate, I was just checking with Willow,’’ Logan frowns before looking down at me, his face softening. “Thanks for tonight,’’ he tells me sincerely. Leaning in he gives me a hug, pecking me on the cheek. “Let’s go,’’ he calls to Jamie.

Alec walks them out whilst I stay in the front room, unsure of what to do. Alec seems really pissed and I’ve never felt such fury coming from him before. The front door slams loudly, echoing through the flat causing me to jump.

“Just friends?’’ he yells, storming into the front room.

Taking a step back I look up to him, a serious expression on my face. “Yes. There is nothing going between Logan and I, and there never will be either. And I hate that you keep implying that there is,’’ I snap.

“Then why is it whenever I’m around he’s all over you,’’ he roars, throwing his hands up in frustration.

“I’m going to bed,’’ Allie announces, her eyes wide as she rushes down the hall to her room. Poor girl probably doesn’t even know what to do with herself and is already regretting moving in with me.

“You need to calm the fuck down,’’ I bite out, trying to calm my breathing.

“I don’t fucking believe this,’’ he shouts, punching the door a few times, the noise turning my stomach.

“Alec,’’ I scream, running over and grabbing his arm, not wanting him to hurt himself.

Banging on the door shakes the room startling me. Moving past Alec who is leaning against the front room door, breathing heavily, I open the front door.

The banging continues so I make sure to open the door slowly, my hands shaking somewhat from Alec’s behaviour. I’m surprised when I come face to face with a stormy looking Cole and CJ.

“What?’’ I begin to ask what they’re doing here but they take one look at me and barge past me, Cole moving like lightening as he pins Alec to the wall next to the kitchen and front room doorway.