Almost Like A Country Song 5/? Troy, Veronica, Logan
Fic Title: Almost Like A Country Song 5/?
Author: Brandee
Pairings: Veronica/Troy eventually, Logan/Veronica, Logan/Parker, Wallace/OCC
Word Count: 5,178
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: S3 up to Papa's Cabin, pretty much AU after that..
Summary: He played her once, will she give him a chance to play her again?
Disclaimer: Mine? Nope!!!
Warnings: Eventually will be Troy/Veronica, with Logan tossed into the mix.. So yep, that's the warning.... Oh,and Piz and Veronica? Never, ever, happened..I mean never, nothing, nadda.
A/N:Katjs11 totally rules!! Thanks so much for all the beta help and advice on each and every chapter!! This fic will be filled with Wallace and Veronica friendship goodness, because without Wallace, would Veronica had ever been a marshmallow?
Chapter Four,
"You've been ignoring me for over a week."
Veronica felt a shadow loom over her as she carefully walked toward her next class. When she looked up Logan was somehow beside her, staring down at her with a tight smile. She had no idea how he had managed to sneak up on her without her even realizing it.
"What?"
"I left you a voicemail and a message on Myspace. I even took the time to send an email, my punctuation was top notch!" he spoke with a wave of the hand. Only Logan Echolls could make a hand gesture so strange look so right, Veronica thought to herself.
"I've been busy," Veronica shrugged. It really wasn't a lie, she had been busy. There had been classes, and cases, and the occasional night out with friends, so yeah, she really had been busy. She had also been ignoring Logan at all costs. She didn't understand why he had suddenly started trying to get in touch with her, and she was sure if it was really important he would just show up at her house anyway.
"You read my message on Myspace, you just didn't feel the need to reply. I think I should be insulted."
Veronica stopped in her tracks and forced her best perky smile. "I'm sorry, I just didn't have time to reply."
"Or call me back? Or respond to my email?"
"I'm a busy, busy girl," Veronica smiled. "You know how it goes. Cheating spouses usually don't bust themselves. Now that you have my attention, what was so important?"
Logan shrugged his shoulders. "I wanted to make sure you were okay about the whole bear thing at the carnival."
"It was a sweet gesture," Veronica nodded her head. "It was also like two weeks ago."
"And you've pretty much ignored me since then."
"Yeah, that kind of goes back to the whole being extremely busy thing…"
"Parker thinks you're mad at her. You haven't been talking to her much either."
There was a split second when anger flooded through Veronica's veins. How dare Logan come to her on Parker's behalf. She didn't need this, didn't need him coming to her because his girlfriend was upset with her. She looked up at him and saw him staring down at her, dark eyes waiting for her to respond.
Forcing a grin, Veronica reminded herself not to let Logan see her anger. "I've been hanging out with Wallace a lot lately. He's found himself a pretty blonde, and well, I've been more than happy to dispense my wealth of relationship advice onto him."
"I can tell Parker about the bear. If that's what this is all about, don't worry about it."
He stuck his hands in his pockets and Veronica lowered her head. Right, like she actually wanted Parker to know about something so private. The bear and what it stood for, had nothing to do with Parker. It was a memory from a long time ago, and as much as she liked Parker, it just wasn't something she would understand.
"Do you plan to tell her why you won me the bear? Are you going to explain to her why I lied for you?" Veronica quizzed.
"Why did you lie for me Veronica?" Logan questioned.
She shrugged her shoulders because really, she didn't have a answer for him. The words had spilled out of her mouth that night before she could stop them. She just couldn't imagine Parker, or Mac for that matter, finding out that Logan had won her the bear.
"I don't know, Logan. Maybe I thought it would be awkward for you to explain it to Parker?"
"Yeah," Logan agreed. "I just…I just don't won't things to be weird for us, you know?"
"Weird for us?" Veronica laughed. "Logan, when have things not been weird for us?"
"I just want us to stay friends. I want you in my life."
"Congratulations, we are officially an over-used cliché!" Veronica spoke, clapping her hands together.
"We are far from a cliché, Mars," Logan sighed.
"Really?" Veronica spoke, looking past Logan to see Weevil waving toward her. "I have to go. I have a case to work on with Weevil."
"You've got Navarro helping you? Is that really a good idea?"
Veronica shrugged her shoulders as she turned to go. "I don't know. I guess I could handle the cases on my own, but you know some people seem to thing that is a bad idea."
"Veronica wait…" Logan called.
Veronica let out a sigh. "I've really got to go Logan. Tell Parker I'll call her, and that I've been busy." With those words spoken, Veronica quickly rushed away from Logan, her mind whirling from the conversation they had just had.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So is there a reason you brought me back to your place?" Weevil questioned as Veronica set a plate of cookies on the counter next to him. She watched as Weevil eyed the cookies with a tiny smile. At first she had her doubts about asking him to help her with the cases, but when it came down to it, he was the best man for the job.
Veronica smiled brightly. "I had a plan actually," she spoke, taking a bite of one the cookies. "I was going to impress you with my cooking skills, and then, while my father the sheriff was away, I was planning on having my way with you," she said with a grin.
"And you thought a plate of chocolate chip cookies would do the trick?" Weevil questioned with a smirk. "You should at least serve em' in nothing but your apron."
"I don't own an apron," Veronica shrugged.
"Even better," Weevil chuckled.
"Actually I brought you here because the air conditioning is being worked on at the office. So what do you say we get to work? Ready to hear about the cheating spouses you're going to be going after?"
"You know I'm gonna call your bluff one of these days V," Weevil spoke with a wink. "Can't keep teasing a man like that. It's just wrong."
"And see, I thought that's what made our relationship work," Veronica smiled.
"Relationship? Veronica Mars, you really are getting soft on me," Weevil joked. "Next thing you know, you'll be using the F- word with me."
Veronica tilted her head, "F word?"
"Friend," Weevil laughed.
"Ooh, and I can make us a couple of those snazzy friendship bracelets too. Just don't tell Wallace, he's the jealous type."
Veronica watched as Weevil shook his head in amusement at her. They had always had an understanding, a partnership that just worked. She trusted Weevil in many ways, and although she knew her trust in him had wavered at times when it shouldn't, she was very glad he had hung around. She needed someone like him in her life, even if she wasn't willing to admit it out loud.
"The cheating spouses?" Weevil questioned, trying to get Veronica back on topic. "I want to know what I'm dealin' with here."
"Alana Seymour came into the office the other day. Every since her thirty-fifth birthday, she has suspected that her husband is cheating on her." Veronica sighed. "She thinks he's found a younger woman."
"Cause thirty-five is real old right?" Weevil frowned.
"Apparently it is to her sixty-seven year old husband," Veronica shrugged.
"He likes em' young?"
"And they like his money," Veronica nodded. "Lawrence Seymour is a high profiled lawyer; he also inherited millions when his parents died. Alana is his third wife, and she fears he's looking for a fourth, now that she's past her prime." Veronica grimaced.
"These rich folk are just messed up, V," Weevil sighed.
"Yes, but their screwed up sense of morality pays my bills," Veronica smiled.
"Can't argue with that logic," Weevil nodded. "So, you want me to follow this Seymour guy?"
"You are a quick study, Watson," Veronica smirked. "I need a few good money shots of ole' Lawrence with his pretty new play things to take back to Alana. There's only one small detail," Veronica sighed. "No way can you follow him in your car."
"You puttin' down my ride?" Weevil asked, arching a eyebrow.
"Do you really think you can blend in driving that lima bean of yours around?" Veronica questioned. "Mrs. Seymour gave us the money for a rental, one that will be less noticeable if you will," Veronica shrugged.
Weevil's eyes widened at the prospects of the rental car. "Don't keep me in suspense, what am I going to be driving? I've always wanted to try my hand at a Porsche."
"Oh, you funny boy," Veronica laughed. "You'll be driving a nice sturdy Sentra."
"Sentra? Like the Nissan Sentra?"
"Exactly."
"V, do I look like I should be drivin' a Sentra?"
"Sorry, the place didn't rent Harley's. And besides, we need practical."
"So upgrade me to a Maxima," Weevil shrugged.
"Maybe next time, if you get me the money shot," Veronica grinned.
"If this Seymour guy is cheatin', I'll get you the pictures," Weevil spoke boastfully. "Then maybe you'll serve me another plate of these cookies, wearin' that apron we talked about?"
"Right, that's going to happen," Veronica snorted.
"And while we're at it, Mars and Navarro Investigations? I think we should talk about that," Weevil joked.
"I'll stick that thought in my never gonna happen file. Who knows, I might even take it out one day for a good laugh," Veronica smiled as she grabbed another cookie from her plate and watched as Weevil chuckled to himself.
"So is that it? Follow this guy around?"
Veronica nodded her head. "I might need your help with another case that came in today."
"I'm listening," Weevil spoke grabbing another cookie.
"What do you know about that new bar that just opened up?"
"Dolan's? Not too much. There is a really hot English major workin' there though."
"Let me guess, tall, blonde and rich?" Veronica asked.
"Hey, they don't have to be tall and rich," Weevil spoke casually.
"Just hot and blonde?"
"Something like that."
Veronica rolled her eyes and Weevil shrugged his shoulders like it was nothing. She wondered if he had realized yet that he did indeed have a type. Someday she would like to ask him more about his relationship with Lilly, but today wasn't that day.
"Anyway," Veronica sighed. "A Tina Jenkins came in today, wanting me to check out the owner of the bar."
"Let me guess, she's married to the guy and thinks he's cheatin'?" Weevil asked with a smug grin.
"Not quite, my young apprentice," Veronica smirked. "Her daughter Clara is marrying the guy in a few months."
"And she wants to make sure he's good enough for her rich stuck-up little girl?" Weevil questioned.
"Sort of," Veronica nodded. "When Clara ties the knot she will receive three million dollars as a wedding present, just like her brother and sister received before her. Mrs. Jenkins wants to make sure that Matt Dolan is marrying her daughter for the right reasons and, you know, not for the huge check that follows."
"All this talk about inheritances is makin' my head hurt," Weevil grumbled. "All these rich people have to do is get married or wait for someone to die, and bam they're loaded."
"Not a fair world we live in is it?" Veronica shrugged. "Anyway, Mrs. Jenkins wants me to go undercover to the bar. She's heard rumors that this Dolan guy likes to flirt with cute, unassuming girls."
"And you need me to do what exactly?"
"It's possible I might need you there as backup, you know, in case my cover gets totally blown," Veronica frowned. "Apparently, I have a habit of putting myself into dangerous situations."
"You think?"
"Look, my dad knows about the case and is less than thrilled about it. So, to make him happy…"
"You've offered me up as your bodyguard? Veronica Mars, do you want me to protect you from the big scary bar owner?" Weevil asked his voice husky.
Veronica leaned against the counter and titled her head, "Weevil, you wouldn't rescue a damsel in distress if need be? I mean, I'm such an itty bitty thing," she spoke with a tiny pout.
"You had me at the head tilt, V," he smirked.
"Yeah, but you've gotta admit, the pout totally added to my performance right?" Veronica asked her voice perky.
"All was missing what that hair flip," Weevil agreed.
Veronica smirked, "I'm saving that for an emergency."
"I can't wait," Weevil almost growled causing Veronica to laugh. This partnership could actually work, she thought to herself. Working with Weevil was exactly what she needed right now. School, work, and a couple good friends might actually get her through the rough spot she was going through.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Troy knocked on Wallace's dorm room door and looked around as he waited for someone to answer. With the luck he had been having, Veronica would open the door and karate chop him to death. The door finally swung open and Wallace's roommate was staring blankly at him.
"Cohen, how's it going man?" Troy spoke with a smirk.
"It's Piz," the boy in front of him spoke with a grunt.
"Yeah Piz, sorry," Troy shrugged.
"It's cool. I mean, at least you didn't make a Pez dispenser joke," Piz mumbled. "Those never get old."
"I'm a little more original than that," Troy chuckled. "I was wondering if Wallace was around? I tried his cell and got voicemail so I figured I'd just stop by."
"He's in class," Piz answered back. "He should be out anytime though."
"Oh, okay."
"Want to come in and wait on him?" Piz questioned with a lopsided smile. "I've got a show to do in a little while, but Wallace should be back before then."
Troy nodded his head and looked around the room. He saw a guitar sitting near Piz's bed. "I guess you're into music?"
"It's my life," Piz nodded eagerly. "It's the one thing in this world that just makes sense to me. I mean it doesn't matter what it is, if I'm listening to it, or playing it, whatever it is, it just feels right," Piz rambled.
"Yeah? Guess I've never really got into it like that," Troy shrugged. "I mean I listen to music, but don't have the zest for it you do."
"Hey, we've all got something we love right? Music, writing, sports; everyone has their thing, you know?"
"Not really," Troy spoke honestly. "Guess I just never found my thing."
"Come on, we all have something we love," Piz spoke with enthusiasm. "What are your hobbies?"
"Up until a few months ago? Rehab and therapy," Troy spoke with a serious face.
"Uh, yeah okay then…" Piz spoke moving quickly to the mini fridge. "You want something to drink? Water, soda?"
"Water is cool," Troy spoke. "Dude, you do realize I was joking about the whole rehab thing right?"
"Yeah, yeah, of course," Piz nodded quickly as he handed him a bottle of water. "Of course you haven't been to rehab…"
"Actually, I have been to rehab, court appointed, father enforced rehab," Troy shrugged. "I just haven't really had time to find a hobby."
"Well, I'm sure you'll find your thing one day," Piz smiled.
"Yeah, maybe."
There was something about Piz that always made Troy uncomfortable. From what he had heard about the guy, he was a do-good, halo wearing boy next door. That kind of person, the kind that rarely made mistakes, always made Troy feel uneasy. Wallace had never seemed that way to him for some reason, maybe it was because he picked Veronica Mars as his best friend. No one that chose Veronica as a best friend could be a perfect angel.
"Wallace said you went to school with him and Veronica at Neptune for awhile?" Piz questioned as he handed him the bottle of water.
"Yeah, yeah I did."
"So, how did you become friends with them? Wallace and Veronica, I mean?"
Troy heard something in Piz's voice when he spoke Veronica's name. With a smirk, he nodded his head. "I dated Veronica for a little while actually."
"Yeah, Wallace mentioned that," Piz nodded knowingly. "So, you and Veronica, how long did you two date?"
"About a month or so. We tried to elope, but Sheriff Mars didn't really like that," Troy joked.
"Uh yeah, I would think not," Piz spoke awkwardly as he sat down on his bed and fumbled with the cap on his water bottle.
"Things ended when I uh, left town," Troy sighed. He really wasn't sure how much Piz knew about his situation with Veronica. He knew Wallace and Veronica were friends with Piz, but it didn't mean that the other boy actually knew all about his past.
"Veronica is a different kind of girl, isn't she?" Piz spoke wistfully. "I've never met anyone like her."
"This is your idea of casual conversation?" Troy asked with a tiny laugh.
"No," Piz stammered as he stood from the bed. "I just mean, she's one of a kind, you know?"
"One of a kind, yeah she really is," Troy agreed with a laugh. "So, have you asked her out yet?"
The shocked look on Piz's face made Troy smile. The question was a bit out there, but as he watched Piz's eyes grow wider and his mouth slightly gap open, he realized it was totally worth it.
"Veronica and I, we're friends," Piz spoke with a quick nod of his head. "Just friends."
"So you haven't asked her?" Troy questioned with a grin. Unless Veronica had changed, this Piz kid was not her type. Actually, Troy couldn't help but wonder if Piz had already tried his luck with Veronica and failed.
Piz took a gulp of his water and shrugged his shoulders nervously. "Veronica's a great girl, really great, but really we're just friends."
So maybe the guy hadn't asked Veronica out yet, Troy decided. From what he had seen from Piz so far, he doubted the guy had the nerve to ask someone like Veronica out.
"Dating Veronica was cool," Troy spoke finally. "I screwed it up though, but I guess you've already heard a little about that, huh?"
"Hey, we all make mistakes right?" Piz spoke with a self-deprecating grin.
Troy resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He wanted to like this guy, because he did seem like a nice guy. The problem was, the guy just seemed too nice, almost like he was trying to hard or something. Piz actually reminded him of a puppy he got for Christmas once. It had been so needy that as much as he tried, he just couldn't bond with it. Before he had a chance to respond back to Piz, the door opened and Wallace walked in holding his bag.
"Troy came by to see you," Piz spoke.
"Yeah?" Wallace asked. "You two get to know each other?"
"Something like that," Troy smirked.
"I've got a show to do," Piz frowned. "Good to see you again Troy," he spoke as he headed out the door.
Wallace turned to look at Troy, his eyes narrowed, "Piz looked like he was in a hurry. What'd you do to him?"
"Hey, I'm innocent I swear," Troy spoke with a laugh. "We were just talking… About Veronica."
"Veronica?" Wallace questioned. "Do I want to know?"
"He's got it bad for her, doesn't he?" Troy asked.
"Oh god, you're not going all girly on me too, are you?" Wallace asked with an amused smirk.
"He's just not her type, you know? I mean, at least he's not the kind of guy I'd imagine Veronica dating." Troy spoke honestly. "She's just always dated guys like…"
"You?" Wallace asked bluntly.
"Well, I don't know if I'd compare Duncan and myself, but she just has a type."
"Rich boys that do her wrong? Yeah, I kinda figured that one out after the fourth pint of rocky road," Wallace nodded.
"Hey, I've already plead guilty on all charges," Troy groaned. "I can assure you Veronica has sentenced me to life without parole, too."
"That's my girl," Wallace spoke with a laugh. "If it makes you feel any better, she has a history of eventually forgiving her ex's of their crimes."
"Yeah, not feeling too sure of that on my front," Troy sighed. "Anyway, I actually wanted to talk to you about my cousin."
Wallace feigned a look of worry. "Man, are you here to give me the rules?"
"Rules?" Troy laughed. "No dude, I was going to see if you wanted to help me throw her a surprise birthday party."
"Wait, Layla's got a birthday coming up? She hasn't mentioned anything to me about it."
"Yeah, it's next weekend," Troy nodded. "I just thought since she's not going to be able to go home where her mom is, maybe we could do a little something for her."
"A surprise party, huh?"
"Yeah, at the beach house, nothing too big," Troy shrugged. "I thought I could try out the new grill I bought, and you know, party the night away," he grinned.
"Do you think it's a good idea for you to be having a party?" Wallace asked, arching a eyebrow.
"Well I did just get some good stuff in I'd like to get off my hands and you know a party full of college kids is the perfect place," Troy snorted. "Seriously dude, am I going to have to fly a freaking banner that says Troy Vandegraff has changed?"
"Sorry man, but if it helps I have been hanging out with Veronica a lot lately. That girl tends to make everyone around her suspicious."
"Well I'm trying to stay away from Veronica," Troy spoke honestly. "I think it's better for everyone."
"Yeah, you're probably right," Wallace nodded. "So, this party for Layla, what are you thinking?"
"So does that mean you're in?" Troy asked with a grin.
Wallace rubbed his hands together and smiled, "I'm in."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Veronica!"
Veronica looked up from her lasagna to see Parker waving at her with one hand, and holding a tray of food with another. Veronica forced a smile as Parker made her way over to the table and sat down in front of her.
"Parker, hey how's it going?"
"Pretty good actually," Parker spoke with her usually perky tone. "Logan told me you've been busy lately?"
"Yep, busy as a bee," Veronica nodded. "Sorry, I haven't had time to stop by lately."
"It's okay, but we're really due another girl's night out soon!" Parker smiled.
Veronica nodded her head, and couldn't help but wonder if stabbing her lasagna in front of Parker would be too much of a hint of her displeasure in the idea. Something about a night out with Parker, hearing her talk about Logan, and how wonderful he was, just didn't seem like the kind of thing she needed right now.
"As much fun as that would be, I really don't know when I'd be able to do it. Things are just really intense right now with Mars Investigations. I've even had to hire extra help, and you know how I hate to admit I can't handle something alone."
"Yeah, Logan said you hired Weevil," Parker nodded. "He really dislikes that guy, doesn't he?"
"It's kind of mutual," Veronica spoke with a sigh.
"Why is that anyway? I mean what happened with those two?"
"It's complicated," Veronica shrugged. "It kind of dates back to high school."
"Right, more complicated high school stuff," Parker frowned. "Neptune High must have been an interesting place."
"Interesting is not the word I would use."
"You know, Logan really won't talk about high school much. I mean, I know it was pretty tough on all of you, just from what I do know, but still…."
"Pretty tough," Veronica snorted. "I guess that's one way of looking at it. The therapy was kind of fun though, you can realllly mess with a doctor's head if you try hard enough, you know," she added with a grin.
Parker laughed gently and Veronica stared back down at her food. Her friendship with Parker was just way too awkward now. She looked around the cafeteria and let out a tiny sigh of relief when she saw Layla walking toward the table smiling. If Wallace's new girlfriend could save her from the weirdness of the conversation she was having, she'd owe her for life.
"Veronica, do you care if sit with ya'll? Wallace was supposed to eat with me but something came up." Layla spoke as she smiled down at Veronica.
"Pull up a chair," Veronica nodded. "Have you met Parker?"
"Just for like a second at the carnival," Layla nodded as she sat down.
"Well let me give the proper introduction," Veronica smiled. "Layla, this is my friend Parker, Parker, this is Layla."
Parker's eyes sparkled slightly/ "Troy's cousin right?"
"You know Troy?" Layla asked, a bit confused.
"No, I just know that Veronica dated him once, but he seems like a great guy," Parker spoke enthusiastically.
"Yeah he is, now," Layla nodded.
"So you're from Tennessee?" Parker questioned.
"Mississippi," Layla spoke shaking her head. "I moved out here to be closer to my dad."
"I moved out here to get away from my parents," Parker joked. "Anyway, I need to get going, Logan and I are going bowling with Mac and Bronson tonight."
"Mac is going bowling?" Veronica inquired.
"Yep, I think it'll be a lot of fun!" Parker smirked as she stood and picked up her tray. "Get back to me about that girl's night out, Veronica. We so have to have one soon!"
"I can't wait," Veronica spoke with a tight smile.
"Ooh, Layla you'll have to come with us on our girl's night! We could all go bowling, and maybe to a movie?"
"Yeah, sounds like fun," Layla agreed with a smile.
Parker nodded her head. "I'll see you two later," she spoke as she turned and headed in the other direction.
Veronica looked over at Layla and noticed that she was watching as Parker left. "Parker's a really sweet person."
"She's dating your ex, right? The guy you just recently broke up with?" Layla asked.
Veronica let out a sigh. "Wallace has filled you in."
"Just the basics," Layla nodded. "I just don't see how you can be so nice to a girl that's dating your ex. Guess you're a better person than me, 'cause I'd be all kinds of upset with her."
"I'm glad Parker is happy. She deserves it and Logan, he's a great guy."
Her words spilled out almost as if they had been rehearsed, and Veronica had to wonder if Layla could read into that. If she was honest with herself, she felt like she was living through Duncan and Meg all over again. All she could do was put on a smile and pretend that she was perfectly okay with her friend dating her ex, because Logan wasn't hers anymore, and after his night with Madison she knew he'd never be again.
"He just doesn't see anything wrong with dating one of your friends?" Layla questioned. Frowning she lowered her head. "I'm sorry, I guess I'm being too nosey."
"I think you've just been hanging around Wallace too long. He's big on the anti-Logan train these days."
She saw relief flood Layla's face, and she couldn't help but wonder what Wallace and Troy had told the girl about her.
Layla smiled, "Wallace is a great guy, just doesn't want to see his best friend hurt."
"Yeah," Veronica nodded, "I guess you're right."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You really are the gossip king, you know that?" Veronica asked her best friend hours after she had talked to his new girlfriend.
Wallace flopped down on Veronica's bed and smiled up at her. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Layla."
"That girl is amazing, isn't she?" Wallace spoke with a smirk. "Got legs that go on for miles…"
"What did you tell her about Parker and Logan?" Veronica questioned, crossing her arms as she took a seat at her computer desk.
Wallace shrugged his shoulders innocently. "I just laid out the basics, V. Chill girl, I gave her the 101 intro course. The lady isn’t ready for the advanced class yet.”
Veronica rolled her eyes. She really didn't know why she couldn't stay mad at Wallace. She should be upset with him for being so gossipy about her relationships, but for some reason she couldn't muster enough anger to care.
"I'm fine with Logan and Parker, you know," she spoke with a shrug. "I'm okay with them dating."
"Yeah, well I'm not," Wallace spoke, sitting up. "The guy could have his pick of the girls on campus and he picks one of your two female friends? I thought the guy was smarter than Kane, but I'm starting to wonder…"
She understood that Wallace was protective of her, but at times, she thought he was more bothered by Parker and Logan than she was. Of course, she really couldn't say much, she would have easily ripped Jackie apart if she had been given the chance.
"We are not doing this again," Veronica hushed him. "I just wished you hadn't made Parker and Logan out to be evil creatures that had wronged me somehow."
"Evil creatures," Wallace snorted. "Veronica, you really do have a flare for the dramatic girl."
"Anyway...." Veronica trailed. "I want to hear about you and dream girl, what's going on there?"
"Troy's throwing her a surprise party next weekend for her birthday and wants me to help," Wallace spoke, grinning brightly.
"That sounds interesting…"
"Yeah, well you're coming, and I don't want to hear any excuses," Wallace informed her.
"I'm sure I have plans that night. I'll be on a stake out, with Weevil. Or you know, anywhere but at a party that Troy Vandegraff is hosting," Veronica stated firmly.
"You, tiny blonde thang, will be at Troy's house singing happy birthday to a girl that I'm really starting to like! In fact, I was kind of thinking you might offer to help with the decorating, since you know, you love your best friend so much and all?"
Veronica shook her head, "I did the double date of torture. This, this I won't do."
"Yes you will," Wallace laughed. "You'll do it for the same reason I do all the crazy things I do for you."
"I will consider going to the party, but I will not help decorate for it."
"Look if it helps, Troy said today that he's going to stay away from you. The boy doesn't want to cause you any problems, V."
"I don't hate him you know," Veronica frowned, standing up. "I know that might be hard to believe, but I really don't."
"Do you think he's changed?" Wallace asked.
"I suppose it's possible," Veronica frowned after a moment. "I'm assuming you think he's changed?"
Wallace looked up at his best friend and shrugged his shoulders, “Yeah, I kind of do.”
Author: Brandee
Pairings: Veronica/Troy eventually, Logan/Veronica, Logan/Parker, Wallace/OCC
Word Count: 5,178
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: S3 up to Papa's Cabin, pretty much AU after that..
Summary: He played her once, will she give him a chance to play her again?
Disclaimer: Mine? Nope!!!
Warnings: Eventually will be Troy/Veronica, with Logan tossed into the mix.. So yep, that's the warning.... Oh,and Piz and Veronica? Never, ever, happened..I mean never, nothing, nadda.
A/N:Katjs11 totally rules!! Thanks so much for all the beta help and advice on each and every chapter!! This fic will be filled with Wallace and Veronica friendship goodness, because without Wallace, would Veronica had ever been a marshmallow?
Chapter Four,
"You've been ignoring me for over a week."
Veronica felt a shadow loom over her as she carefully walked toward her next class. When she looked up Logan was somehow beside her, staring down at her with a tight smile. She had no idea how he had managed to sneak up on her without her even realizing it.
"What?"
"I left you a voicemail and a message on Myspace. I even took the time to send an email, my punctuation was top notch!" he spoke with a wave of the hand. Only Logan Echolls could make a hand gesture so strange look so right, Veronica thought to herself.
"I've been busy," Veronica shrugged. It really wasn't a lie, she had been busy. There had been classes, and cases, and the occasional night out with friends, so yeah, she really had been busy. She had also been ignoring Logan at all costs. She didn't understand why he had suddenly started trying to get in touch with her, and she was sure if it was really important he would just show up at her house anyway.
"You read my message on Myspace, you just didn't feel the need to reply. I think I should be insulted."
Veronica stopped in her tracks and forced her best perky smile. "I'm sorry, I just didn't have time to reply."
"Or call me back? Or respond to my email?"
"I'm a busy, busy girl," Veronica smiled. "You know how it goes. Cheating spouses usually don't bust themselves. Now that you have my attention, what was so important?"
Logan shrugged his shoulders. "I wanted to make sure you were okay about the whole bear thing at the carnival."
"It was a sweet gesture," Veronica nodded her head. "It was also like two weeks ago."
"And you've pretty much ignored me since then."
"Yeah, that kind of goes back to the whole being extremely busy thing…"
"Parker thinks you're mad at her. You haven't been talking to her much either."
There was a split second when anger flooded through Veronica's veins. How dare Logan come to her on Parker's behalf. She didn't need this, didn't need him coming to her because his girlfriend was upset with her. She looked up at him and saw him staring down at her, dark eyes waiting for her to respond.
Forcing a grin, Veronica reminded herself not to let Logan see her anger. "I've been hanging out with Wallace a lot lately. He's found himself a pretty blonde, and well, I've been more than happy to dispense my wealth of relationship advice onto him."
"I can tell Parker about the bear. If that's what this is all about, don't worry about it."
He stuck his hands in his pockets and Veronica lowered her head. Right, like she actually wanted Parker to know about something so private. The bear and what it stood for, had nothing to do with Parker. It was a memory from a long time ago, and as much as she liked Parker, it just wasn't something she would understand.
"Do you plan to tell her why you won me the bear? Are you going to explain to her why I lied for you?" Veronica quizzed.
"Why did you lie for me Veronica?" Logan questioned.
She shrugged her shoulders because really, she didn't have a answer for him. The words had spilled out of her mouth that night before she could stop them. She just couldn't imagine Parker, or Mac for that matter, finding out that Logan had won her the bear.
"I don't know, Logan. Maybe I thought it would be awkward for you to explain it to Parker?"
"Yeah," Logan agreed. "I just…I just don't won't things to be weird for us, you know?"
"Weird for us?" Veronica laughed. "Logan, when have things not been weird for us?"
"I just want us to stay friends. I want you in my life."
"Congratulations, we are officially an over-used cliché!" Veronica spoke, clapping her hands together.
"We are far from a cliché, Mars," Logan sighed.
"Really?" Veronica spoke, looking past Logan to see Weevil waving toward her. "I have to go. I have a case to work on with Weevil."
"You've got Navarro helping you? Is that really a good idea?"
Veronica shrugged her shoulders as she turned to go. "I don't know. I guess I could handle the cases on my own, but you know some people seem to thing that is a bad idea."
"Veronica wait…" Logan called.
Veronica let out a sigh. "I've really got to go Logan. Tell Parker I'll call her, and that I've been busy." With those words spoken, Veronica quickly rushed away from Logan, her mind whirling from the conversation they had just had.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So is there a reason you brought me back to your place?" Weevil questioned as Veronica set a plate of cookies on the counter next to him. She watched as Weevil eyed the cookies with a tiny smile. At first she had her doubts about asking him to help her with the cases, but when it came down to it, he was the best man for the job.
Veronica smiled brightly. "I had a plan actually," she spoke, taking a bite of one the cookies. "I was going to impress you with my cooking skills, and then, while my father the sheriff was away, I was planning on having my way with you," she said with a grin.
"And you thought a plate of chocolate chip cookies would do the trick?" Weevil questioned with a smirk. "You should at least serve em' in nothing but your apron."
"I don't own an apron," Veronica shrugged.
"Even better," Weevil chuckled.
"Actually I brought you here because the air conditioning is being worked on at the office. So what do you say we get to work? Ready to hear about the cheating spouses you're going to be going after?"
"You know I'm gonna call your bluff one of these days V," Weevil spoke with a wink. "Can't keep teasing a man like that. It's just wrong."
"And see, I thought that's what made our relationship work," Veronica smiled.
"Relationship? Veronica Mars, you really are getting soft on me," Weevil joked. "Next thing you know, you'll be using the F- word with me."
Veronica tilted her head, "F word?"
"Friend," Weevil laughed.
"Ooh, and I can make us a couple of those snazzy friendship bracelets too. Just don't tell Wallace, he's the jealous type."
Veronica watched as Weevil shook his head in amusement at her. They had always had an understanding, a partnership that just worked. She trusted Weevil in many ways, and although she knew her trust in him had wavered at times when it shouldn't, she was very glad he had hung around. She needed someone like him in her life, even if she wasn't willing to admit it out loud.
"The cheating spouses?" Weevil questioned, trying to get Veronica back on topic. "I want to know what I'm dealin' with here."
"Alana Seymour came into the office the other day. Every since her thirty-fifth birthday, she has suspected that her husband is cheating on her." Veronica sighed. "She thinks he's found a younger woman."
"Cause thirty-five is real old right?" Weevil frowned.
"Apparently it is to her sixty-seven year old husband," Veronica shrugged.
"He likes em' young?"
"And they like his money," Veronica nodded. "Lawrence Seymour is a high profiled lawyer; he also inherited millions when his parents died. Alana is his third wife, and she fears he's looking for a fourth, now that she's past her prime." Veronica grimaced.
"These rich folk are just messed up, V," Weevil sighed.
"Yes, but their screwed up sense of morality pays my bills," Veronica smiled.
"Can't argue with that logic," Weevil nodded. "So, you want me to follow this Seymour guy?"
"You are a quick study, Watson," Veronica smirked. "I need a few good money shots of ole' Lawrence with his pretty new play things to take back to Alana. There's only one small detail," Veronica sighed. "No way can you follow him in your car."
"You puttin' down my ride?" Weevil asked, arching a eyebrow.
"Do you really think you can blend in driving that lima bean of yours around?" Veronica questioned. "Mrs. Seymour gave us the money for a rental, one that will be less noticeable if you will," Veronica shrugged.
Weevil's eyes widened at the prospects of the rental car. "Don't keep me in suspense, what am I going to be driving? I've always wanted to try my hand at a Porsche."
"Oh, you funny boy," Veronica laughed. "You'll be driving a nice sturdy Sentra."
"Sentra? Like the Nissan Sentra?"
"Exactly."
"V, do I look like I should be drivin' a Sentra?"
"Sorry, the place didn't rent Harley's. And besides, we need practical."
"So upgrade me to a Maxima," Weevil shrugged.
"Maybe next time, if you get me the money shot," Veronica grinned.
"If this Seymour guy is cheatin', I'll get you the pictures," Weevil spoke boastfully. "Then maybe you'll serve me another plate of these cookies, wearin' that apron we talked about?"
"Right, that's going to happen," Veronica snorted.
"And while we're at it, Mars and Navarro Investigations? I think we should talk about that," Weevil joked.
"I'll stick that thought in my never gonna happen file. Who knows, I might even take it out one day for a good laugh," Veronica smiled as she grabbed another cookie from her plate and watched as Weevil chuckled to himself.
"So is that it? Follow this guy around?"
Veronica nodded her head. "I might need your help with another case that came in today."
"I'm listening," Weevil spoke grabbing another cookie.
"What do you know about that new bar that just opened up?"
"Dolan's? Not too much. There is a really hot English major workin' there though."
"Let me guess, tall, blonde and rich?" Veronica asked.
"Hey, they don't have to be tall and rich," Weevil spoke casually.
"Just hot and blonde?"
"Something like that."
Veronica rolled her eyes and Weevil shrugged his shoulders like it was nothing. She wondered if he had realized yet that he did indeed have a type. Someday she would like to ask him more about his relationship with Lilly, but today wasn't that day.
"Anyway," Veronica sighed. "A Tina Jenkins came in today, wanting me to check out the owner of the bar."
"Let me guess, she's married to the guy and thinks he's cheatin'?" Weevil asked with a smug grin.
"Not quite, my young apprentice," Veronica smirked. "Her daughter Clara is marrying the guy in a few months."
"And she wants to make sure he's good enough for her rich stuck-up little girl?" Weevil questioned.
"Sort of," Veronica nodded. "When Clara ties the knot she will receive three million dollars as a wedding present, just like her brother and sister received before her. Mrs. Jenkins wants to make sure that Matt Dolan is marrying her daughter for the right reasons and, you know, not for the huge check that follows."
"All this talk about inheritances is makin' my head hurt," Weevil grumbled. "All these rich people have to do is get married or wait for someone to die, and bam they're loaded."
"Not a fair world we live in is it?" Veronica shrugged. "Anyway, Mrs. Jenkins wants me to go undercover to the bar. She's heard rumors that this Dolan guy likes to flirt with cute, unassuming girls."
"And you need me to do what exactly?"
"It's possible I might need you there as backup, you know, in case my cover gets totally blown," Veronica frowned. "Apparently, I have a habit of putting myself into dangerous situations."
"You think?"
"Look, my dad knows about the case and is less than thrilled about it. So, to make him happy…"
"You've offered me up as your bodyguard? Veronica Mars, do you want me to protect you from the big scary bar owner?" Weevil asked his voice husky.
Veronica leaned against the counter and titled her head, "Weevil, you wouldn't rescue a damsel in distress if need be? I mean, I'm such an itty bitty thing," she spoke with a tiny pout.
"You had me at the head tilt, V," he smirked.
"Yeah, but you've gotta admit, the pout totally added to my performance right?" Veronica asked her voice perky.
"All was missing what that hair flip," Weevil agreed.
Veronica smirked, "I'm saving that for an emergency."
"I can't wait," Weevil almost growled causing Veronica to laugh. This partnership could actually work, she thought to herself. Working with Weevil was exactly what she needed right now. School, work, and a couple good friends might actually get her through the rough spot she was going through.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Troy knocked on Wallace's dorm room door and looked around as he waited for someone to answer. With the luck he had been having, Veronica would open the door and karate chop him to death. The door finally swung open and Wallace's roommate was staring blankly at him.
"Cohen, how's it going man?" Troy spoke with a smirk.
"It's Piz," the boy in front of him spoke with a grunt.
"Yeah Piz, sorry," Troy shrugged.
"It's cool. I mean, at least you didn't make a Pez dispenser joke," Piz mumbled. "Those never get old."
"I'm a little more original than that," Troy chuckled. "I was wondering if Wallace was around? I tried his cell and got voicemail so I figured I'd just stop by."
"He's in class," Piz answered back. "He should be out anytime though."
"Oh, okay."
"Want to come in and wait on him?" Piz questioned with a lopsided smile. "I've got a show to do in a little while, but Wallace should be back before then."
Troy nodded his head and looked around the room. He saw a guitar sitting near Piz's bed. "I guess you're into music?"
"It's my life," Piz nodded eagerly. "It's the one thing in this world that just makes sense to me. I mean it doesn't matter what it is, if I'm listening to it, or playing it, whatever it is, it just feels right," Piz rambled.
"Yeah? Guess I've never really got into it like that," Troy shrugged. "I mean I listen to music, but don't have the zest for it you do."
"Hey, we've all got something we love right? Music, writing, sports; everyone has their thing, you know?"
"Not really," Troy spoke honestly. "Guess I just never found my thing."
"Come on, we all have something we love," Piz spoke with enthusiasm. "What are your hobbies?"
"Up until a few months ago? Rehab and therapy," Troy spoke with a serious face.
"Uh, yeah okay then…" Piz spoke moving quickly to the mini fridge. "You want something to drink? Water, soda?"
"Water is cool," Troy spoke. "Dude, you do realize I was joking about the whole rehab thing right?"
"Yeah, yeah, of course," Piz nodded quickly as he handed him a bottle of water. "Of course you haven't been to rehab…"
"Actually, I have been to rehab, court appointed, father enforced rehab," Troy shrugged. "I just haven't really had time to find a hobby."
"Well, I'm sure you'll find your thing one day," Piz smiled.
"Yeah, maybe."
There was something about Piz that always made Troy uncomfortable. From what he had heard about the guy, he was a do-good, halo wearing boy next door. That kind of person, the kind that rarely made mistakes, always made Troy feel uneasy. Wallace had never seemed that way to him for some reason, maybe it was because he picked Veronica Mars as his best friend. No one that chose Veronica as a best friend could be a perfect angel.
"Wallace said you went to school with him and Veronica at Neptune for awhile?" Piz questioned as he handed him the bottle of water.
"Yeah, yeah I did."
"So, how did you become friends with them? Wallace and Veronica, I mean?"
Troy heard something in Piz's voice when he spoke Veronica's name. With a smirk, he nodded his head. "I dated Veronica for a little while actually."
"Yeah, Wallace mentioned that," Piz nodded knowingly. "So, you and Veronica, how long did you two date?"
"About a month or so. We tried to elope, but Sheriff Mars didn't really like that," Troy joked.
"Uh yeah, I would think not," Piz spoke awkwardly as he sat down on his bed and fumbled with the cap on his water bottle.
"Things ended when I uh, left town," Troy sighed. He really wasn't sure how much Piz knew about his situation with Veronica. He knew Wallace and Veronica were friends with Piz, but it didn't mean that the other boy actually knew all about his past.
"Veronica is a different kind of girl, isn't she?" Piz spoke wistfully. "I've never met anyone like her."
"This is your idea of casual conversation?" Troy asked with a tiny laugh.
"No," Piz stammered as he stood from the bed. "I just mean, she's one of a kind, you know?"
"One of a kind, yeah she really is," Troy agreed with a laugh. "So, have you asked her out yet?"
The shocked look on Piz's face made Troy smile. The question was a bit out there, but as he watched Piz's eyes grow wider and his mouth slightly gap open, he realized it was totally worth it.
"Veronica and I, we're friends," Piz spoke with a quick nod of his head. "Just friends."
"So you haven't asked her?" Troy questioned with a grin. Unless Veronica had changed, this Piz kid was not her type. Actually, Troy couldn't help but wonder if Piz had already tried his luck with Veronica and failed.
Piz took a gulp of his water and shrugged his shoulders nervously. "Veronica's a great girl, really great, but really we're just friends."
So maybe the guy hadn't asked Veronica out yet, Troy decided. From what he had seen from Piz so far, he doubted the guy had the nerve to ask someone like Veronica out.
"Dating Veronica was cool," Troy spoke finally. "I screwed it up though, but I guess you've already heard a little about that, huh?"
"Hey, we all make mistakes right?" Piz spoke with a self-deprecating grin.
Troy resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He wanted to like this guy, because he did seem like a nice guy. The problem was, the guy just seemed too nice, almost like he was trying to hard or something. Piz actually reminded him of a puppy he got for Christmas once. It had been so needy that as much as he tried, he just couldn't bond with it. Before he had a chance to respond back to Piz, the door opened and Wallace walked in holding his bag.
"Troy came by to see you," Piz spoke.
"Yeah?" Wallace asked. "You two get to know each other?"
"Something like that," Troy smirked.
"I've got a show to do," Piz frowned. "Good to see you again Troy," he spoke as he headed out the door.
Wallace turned to look at Troy, his eyes narrowed, "Piz looked like he was in a hurry. What'd you do to him?"
"Hey, I'm innocent I swear," Troy spoke with a laugh. "We were just talking… About Veronica."
"Veronica?" Wallace questioned. "Do I want to know?"
"He's got it bad for her, doesn't he?" Troy asked.
"Oh god, you're not going all girly on me too, are you?" Wallace asked with an amused smirk.
"He's just not her type, you know? I mean, at least he's not the kind of guy I'd imagine Veronica dating." Troy spoke honestly. "She's just always dated guys like…"
"You?" Wallace asked bluntly.
"Well, I don't know if I'd compare Duncan and myself, but she just has a type."
"Rich boys that do her wrong? Yeah, I kinda figured that one out after the fourth pint of rocky road," Wallace nodded.
"Hey, I've already plead guilty on all charges," Troy groaned. "I can assure you Veronica has sentenced me to life without parole, too."
"That's my girl," Wallace spoke with a laugh. "If it makes you feel any better, she has a history of eventually forgiving her ex's of their crimes."
"Yeah, not feeling too sure of that on my front," Troy sighed. "Anyway, I actually wanted to talk to you about my cousin."
Wallace feigned a look of worry. "Man, are you here to give me the rules?"
"Rules?" Troy laughed. "No dude, I was going to see if you wanted to help me throw her a surprise birthday party."
"Wait, Layla's got a birthday coming up? She hasn't mentioned anything to me about it."
"Yeah, it's next weekend," Troy nodded. "I just thought since she's not going to be able to go home where her mom is, maybe we could do a little something for her."
"A surprise party, huh?"
"Yeah, at the beach house, nothing too big," Troy shrugged. "I thought I could try out the new grill I bought, and you know, party the night away," he grinned.
"Do you think it's a good idea for you to be having a party?" Wallace asked, arching a eyebrow.
"Well I did just get some good stuff in I'd like to get off my hands and you know a party full of college kids is the perfect place," Troy snorted. "Seriously dude, am I going to have to fly a freaking banner that says Troy Vandegraff has changed?"
"Sorry man, but if it helps I have been hanging out with Veronica a lot lately. That girl tends to make everyone around her suspicious."
"Well I'm trying to stay away from Veronica," Troy spoke honestly. "I think it's better for everyone."
"Yeah, you're probably right," Wallace nodded. "So, this party for Layla, what are you thinking?"
"So does that mean you're in?" Troy asked with a grin.
Wallace rubbed his hands together and smiled, "I'm in."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Veronica!"
Veronica looked up from her lasagna to see Parker waving at her with one hand, and holding a tray of food with another. Veronica forced a smile as Parker made her way over to the table and sat down in front of her.
"Parker, hey how's it going?"
"Pretty good actually," Parker spoke with her usually perky tone. "Logan told me you've been busy lately?"
"Yep, busy as a bee," Veronica nodded. "Sorry, I haven't had time to stop by lately."
"It's okay, but we're really due another girl's night out soon!" Parker smiled.
Veronica nodded her head, and couldn't help but wonder if stabbing her lasagna in front of Parker would be too much of a hint of her displeasure in the idea. Something about a night out with Parker, hearing her talk about Logan, and how wonderful he was, just didn't seem like the kind of thing she needed right now.
"As much fun as that would be, I really don't know when I'd be able to do it. Things are just really intense right now with Mars Investigations. I've even had to hire extra help, and you know how I hate to admit I can't handle something alone."
"Yeah, Logan said you hired Weevil," Parker nodded. "He really dislikes that guy, doesn't he?"
"It's kind of mutual," Veronica spoke with a sigh.
"Why is that anyway? I mean what happened with those two?"
"It's complicated," Veronica shrugged. "It kind of dates back to high school."
"Right, more complicated high school stuff," Parker frowned. "Neptune High must have been an interesting place."
"Interesting is not the word I would use."
"You know, Logan really won't talk about high school much. I mean, I know it was pretty tough on all of you, just from what I do know, but still…."
"Pretty tough," Veronica snorted. "I guess that's one way of looking at it. The therapy was kind of fun though, you can realllly mess with a doctor's head if you try hard enough, you know," she added with a grin.
Parker laughed gently and Veronica stared back down at her food. Her friendship with Parker was just way too awkward now. She looked around the cafeteria and let out a tiny sigh of relief when she saw Layla walking toward the table smiling. If Wallace's new girlfriend could save her from the weirdness of the conversation she was having, she'd owe her for life.
"Veronica, do you care if sit with ya'll? Wallace was supposed to eat with me but something came up." Layla spoke as she smiled down at Veronica.
"Pull up a chair," Veronica nodded. "Have you met Parker?"
"Just for like a second at the carnival," Layla nodded as she sat down.
"Well let me give the proper introduction," Veronica smiled. "Layla, this is my friend Parker, Parker, this is Layla."
Parker's eyes sparkled slightly/ "Troy's cousin right?"
"You know Troy?" Layla asked, a bit confused.
"No, I just know that Veronica dated him once, but he seems like a great guy," Parker spoke enthusiastically.
"Yeah he is, now," Layla nodded.
"So you're from Tennessee?" Parker questioned.
"Mississippi," Layla spoke shaking her head. "I moved out here to be closer to my dad."
"I moved out here to get away from my parents," Parker joked. "Anyway, I need to get going, Logan and I are going bowling with Mac and Bronson tonight."
"Mac is going bowling?" Veronica inquired.
"Yep, I think it'll be a lot of fun!" Parker smirked as she stood and picked up her tray. "Get back to me about that girl's night out, Veronica. We so have to have one soon!"
"I can't wait," Veronica spoke with a tight smile.
"Ooh, Layla you'll have to come with us on our girl's night! We could all go bowling, and maybe to a movie?"
"Yeah, sounds like fun," Layla agreed with a smile.
Parker nodded her head. "I'll see you two later," she spoke as she turned and headed in the other direction.
Veronica looked over at Layla and noticed that she was watching as Parker left. "Parker's a really sweet person."
"She's dating your ex, right? The guy you just recently broke up with?" Layla asked.
Veronica let out a sigh. "Wallace has filled you in."
"Just the basics," Layla nodded. "I just don't see how you can be so nice to a girl that's dating your ex. Guess you're a better person than me, 'cause I'd be all kinds of upset with her."
"I'm glad Parker is happy. She deserves it and Logan, he's a great guy."
Her words spilled out almost as if they had been rehearsed, and Veronica had to wonder if Layla could read into that. If she was honest with herself, she felt like she was living through Duncan and Meg all over again. All she could do was put on a smile and pretend that she was perfectly okay with her friend dating her ex, because Logan wasn't hers anymore, and after his night with Madison she knew he'd never be again.
"He just doesn't see anything wrong with dating one of your friends?" Layla questioned. Frowning she lowered her head. "I'm sorry, I guess I'm being too nosey."
"I think you've just been hanging around Wallace too long. He's big on the anti-Logan train these days."
She saw relief flood Layla's face, and she couldn't help but wonder what Wallace and Troy had told the girl about her.
Layla smiled, "Wallace is a great guy, just doesn't want to see his best friend hurt."
"Yeah," Veronica nodded, "I guess you're right."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You really are the gossip king, you know that?" Veronica asked her best friend hours after she had talked to his new girlfriend.
Wallace flopped down on Veronica's bed and smiled up at her. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Layla."
"That girl is amazing, isn't she?" Wallace spoke with a smirk. "Got legs that go on for miles…"
"What did you tell her about Parker and Logan?" Veronica questioned, crossing her arms as she took a seat at her computer desk.
Wallace shrugged his shoulders innocently. "I just laid out the basics, V. Chill girl, I gave her the 101 intro course. The lady isn’t ready for the advanced class yet.”
Veronica rolled her eyes. She really didn't know why she couldn't stay mad at Wallace. She should be upset with him for being so gossipy about her relationships, but for some reason she couldn't muster enough anger to care.
"I'm fine with Logan and Parker, you know," she spoke with a shrug. "I'm okay with them dating."
"Yeah, well I'm not," Wallace spoke, sitting up. "The guy could have his pick of the girls on campus and he picks one of your two female friends? I thought the guy was smarter than Kane, but I'm starting to wonder…"
She understood that Wallace was protective of her, but at times, she thought he was more bothered by Parker and Logan than she was. Of course, she really couldn't say much, she would have easily ripped Jackie apart if she had been given the chance.
"We are not doing this again," Veronica hushed him. "I just wished you hadn't made Parker and Logan out to be evil creatures that had wronged me somehow."
"Evil creatures," Wallace snorted. "Veronica, you really do have a flare for the dramatic girl."
"Anyway...." Veronica trailed. "I want to hear about you and dream girl, what's going on there?"
"Troy's throwing her a surprise party next weekend for her birthday and wants me to help," Wallace spoke, grinning brightly.
"That sounds interesting…"
"Yeah, well you're coming, and I don't want to hear any excuses," Wallace informed her.
"I'm sure I have plans that night. I'll be on a stake out, with Weevil. Or you know, anywhere but at a party that Troy Vandegraff is hosting," Veronica stated firmly.
"You, tiny blonde thang, will be at Troy's house singing happy birthday to a girl that I'm really starting to like! In fact, I was kind of thinking you might offer to help with the decorating, since you know, you love your best friend so much and all?"
Veronica shook her head, "I did the double date of torture. This, this I won't do."
"Yes you will," Wallace laughed. "You'll do it for the same reason I do all the crazy things I do for you."
"I will consider going to the party, but I will not help decorate for it."
"Look if it helps, Troy said today that he's going to stay away from you. The boy doesn't want to cause you any problems, V."
"I don't hate him you know," Veronica frowned, standing up. "I know that might be hard to believe, but I really don't."
"Do you think he's changed?" Wallace asked.
"I suppose it's possible," Veronica frowned after a moment. "I'm assuming you think he's changed?"
Wallace looked up at his best friend and shrugged his shoulders, “Yeah, I kind of do.”