Home for the Holidays

My stomach drops as I look down at my phone. I don’t have to read the message to know my flight isn't only delayed but cancelled. The people around me all let out curses and groans.

My eyes start to burn with tears. I’m a terrible crier. My face turns red and starts to swell. Not to mention I can’t do it quietly. And I know I’m about to burst into tears. I’ve been so freaking homesick.

I grab the handle of my carry-on bag, needing to get away from everyone to breathe. I walk quickly, not sure why I think I can find somewhere to be alone. I take a sharp turn, thinking I’m going into a dark nook, but the door is open, going down a long hallway. I head down it, the sounds of the people behind me fading away as I break into some waiting room.

I drop down into one of the chairs, burying my face in my hands before I burst into tears.2Logan“Don’t kill me.” I look up from the email I’m reading on my phone as Kelly and I make our way to the airport. We’ve been in LA for a week now, and I was ready to get the hell out of here. Though it may not be all that terrible if I got stuck out here over the holidays. At least I wouldn't have to see my family. That would be a nice perk.

“What did you do?” I know it can’t be over the Canister deal. The three-day grace period to break the contract is over, and I made a killer deal on a shipping port.

It was going to not only make me millions on my imports, but it was going to save me money as well. Land like that is hard to get out there. A decade ago, my family owned one there. Then my father went and sold it because he needed the money. In the long run, it only hurt the company. That was all my father seemed to do when it came to Duncan Imports and Exports.

Under his reign of the company, he blew through a few billion dollars, taking the company to its knees about the same time I was graduating college. I stepped into a mess and started cleaning it up. It wasn't long before my father was off the board and I had taken his spot. My grandfather was on the committee and voted his own son out and me in.

I’ve turned things around not only because it is my job but because it’s my family name. And to be totally honest, it was also a small fuck you to my father as well. It’s always nice to get a few in on that bastard.

“I can’t do the holidays with you and your family.”

“What?” I pull at my tie I still have on. “Why the hell not? We’re engaged.”

“Tell them I’m sick?” Kelly suggests.

“They’ll think you’re knocked up,” I say dryly. That would spread like wildfire.

“I’ve met someone. I’m sorry, Logan. It was fast, and well, I’m pretty sure I’m in love and hope that maybe one day soon she’ll let me knock her up.” I stare at Kelly waiting for her to laugh and tell me she’s joking. But her laughter never comes. Shit.

This whole fake engagement shit started when the board suggested I settle down to put some people at ease. Kelly actually made the suggestion. It worked out well. With her being into women, she could still date and no one would think she was out cheating on me. As for me, I didn't get to do anything. It wasn’t only due to the whole engagement thing. I don’t have the time or inclination to date for real.

I drop my head back, closing my eyes. I can already see my mother trying to hook me up with someone. She is all about image. Not much matters to her other than that. She was pissed when I told her Kelly and I were engaged.

Kelly didn't come from a rich family or bring any connections that my mom deemed as worthy to the table. That was another perk to being engaged to her. It made my mom mad. I’d be lying if I said that didn’t give me some sort of pleasure.

“I’m going to miss you taking my mother on.” I let out a long sigh. Kelly never let my mom get away with her backhanded compliments. She didn’t outwardly call her out on them; she just tossed them right back at her, and Kelly’s cut to the bone. It was entertaining to watch. “I guess I’m supposed to say congratulations,” I grumble.

“Come on. We had to break up at some point. Everyone is already asking why we haven’t gotten married yet.” I don’t say anything. There isn't anything to say. She found someone. I’m happy for her. Kind of. Marriage and the whole kids thing looks miserable, if you ask me. My parents can’t stand each other. Who would willingly sign up for a lifetime of that bullshit? Not me. No fucking thanks.