Fic: Covergirl (Logan/Veronica, Lynn) PG-13
Title: Covergirl
Author: absfabulous1
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 3,000
Characters/Pairing: Logan/Veronica, Lynn
Spoilers: First season, but AU from 1.15- Ruskie Business
Summary: Lynn lived, and to Logan's horror, has just posed for Playboy.
Warnings: There's my (poorly) photoshopped cover of Lisa Rinna's Playboy issue behind the cut, but it's just the cover, so it's pretty tame.
Author's Note: This was written for vmfic_gameon round #1 word table challenge. I used: pout, phone, bed, acknowlegement, admire, react, news and sham.
Veronica was, by nature, a curious person. But by no means did she ever need to know how her boyfriend’s mother waxed her bikini area.
She slipped the magazine back into the large manila envelope that was addressed to the apartment she shared with Logan. At least the editor had been considerate enough to warn Logan about the upcoming cover, though Veronica feared it might already be too late. Gossip in Neptune spread faster than Paris Hilton’s herpes, and if issues were already being printed…
Maybe he didn’t know. Maybe she could sit him down and somehow gently break the news.
She jumped when she heard the front door slam hard enough to break off its hinges, and then a Logan-shaped blur was moving through the kitchen, flinging his backpack on the table but never slowing, and then passing Veronica without acknowledgment. She watched worriedly as he stormed down the hall to their bedroom and kicked the door shut behind him.
Yeah, he knew.
~*~
Lynn called later that night but Logan refused to talk to her.
“He’s…busy,” Veronica lamely lied.
She could hear Lynn’s exhale over the line, and it allowed her to perfectly picture his mother’s plump pout. Veronica really liked Lynn, despite her many flaws, but she had to side with Logan on this one.
“I know he’s probably upset,” Lynn began.
“He found out from Dick,” Veronica interrupted, unable to hide her anger. “So yeah, he’s pretty upset.”
She was silent at that, and Veronica looked to Logan, who was hunched over the breakfast bar eating a bowl of Captain Crunch. She knew he was listening in on every word even as he feigned disinterest.
“I really didn’t want it to happen like this,” Lynn finally said. “I don’t want him to be angry with me.” Veronica wasn’t sure how to respond, and she already felt her defense slightly weakening at Lynn’s unease.
“I was hoping we could go out to dinner this Friday night,” she continued. “I’d really love the chance to talk to him and explain things. And I would love for both of you to meet Eric.”
“Eric?” Veronica repeated into the phone, and Logan turned to look at her then, his mouth still full of cereal.
“He’s the man I’m seeing now. He’s a photographer.” She paused thoughtfully. “Maybe…maybe you could talk Logan into it? Please, honey?”
There was something about Lynn Echolls that could still make Veronica feel like a shy fourteen-year-old girl. Veronica had never been particularly captivated by Aaron, even during the early days of her friendship with Logan. But Lynn, with her kind smile, impeccable style and sweet compliments that Veronica could almost believe were genuine, was someone she had always liked and, before everyone’s world came crumbling down and the truths tumbling out, admired.
“I’ll see what I can do,” she said, wearily eyeing Logan. He stood as Veronica disconnected, and she rolled her eyes as he wordlessly placed his bowl and spoon into the sink before heading back to their room. “Logan-”
“I have to study.”
She felt waves of frustration rolling over her as he once again closed the door behind him. Veronica sighed, annoyed. She was annoyed with him for shutting her out, she was annoyed with Lynn for putting him in this position in the first place, and she was annoyed with herself for getting caught in the middle of it.
Sure she would be frozen out for the rest of the night, Veronica trudged to the living room and flopped down on the couch, lazily thumbing the remote. She bypassed Jeopardy and a repeat of Lost before the familiar face on E! caught her eye.
‘And speaking of hot mamas, Lynn Echolls’ Playboy cover hits the stands next week and we’ve got an exclusive look at the steamy pics.’
Veronica’s mouth dropped open in shock as the photos appeared on screen, and even the use of strategically placed cartoon stars didn’t make it feel any less R-rated. Lynn’s lithe body, tanned and toned, was right there for the whole world to see. The whole world, including her son and his obnoxious and horny friends.
Full-frontal. Dick must’ve loved that.
She turned off the television before heading to the bedroom. Logan was sitting at his desk, his textbook open in front of him, and Veronica peered at him cautiously from the doorway.
“Hey.”
He glanced up at her for a second before returning to his reading. “Hey.”
“Do you…want to talk about it?”
“Talk about what?”
She rolled her eyes as she pushed away from the door frame and fully entered the room, and several sarcastic comebacks were on the tip of her tongue but she knew it really wasn’t the time for that. “What are you studying?”
He leaned back in his chair, the front legs lifting from the floor as he stretched his arms, his tee shirt rising with the movement to reveal a flash of his hard stomach. “I don’t know. I’ve been reading the same damn sentence for the last hour.”
She sat on the edge of the bed, apprehensive. “She wants us to go out to dinner with her on Friday night,” she finally blurted out.
“No,” he replied firmly, his eyes down as he once again leafed through his book.
“She wants us to meet her new boyfriend,” Veronica forged ahead, eager to get it out and over with as quickly as possible.
“Oh. Well in that case, hell no.”
“Fine,” she groaned, standing and walking toward the door. “But I’m just the messenger here so you can cut it with your attitude toward me.” She left the room then, not turning around to catch the look of guilt crossing over his face.
Lynn and her impeccable timing called back a few minutes later, and Veronica couldn’t even fake sympathy when declining the invitation. “How did you expect him to react?” she asked when Lynn sighed sadly. “You…you know how he is.”
Her question was met with silence, and for a split second Veronica almost felt guilty for snapping at Lynn. She had grown used to defending her, just as Logan would sometimes defend Lianne (it was always easier when it wasn’t your mother), but Lynn’s actions was affecting Veronica’s relationship with him now, too, and it wasn’t something she appreciated.
She looked up to find Logan standing next to her, wordlessly holding out his hand for the phone, and she passed it over to him reluctantly. “Where and what time Friday?” he asked bluntly, his tone acerbic. He rolled his eyes and repeated the question, firmer now, and Veronica surmised that Lynn had started rambling at the sound of her son’s voice. “We’ll be there.” He hung up at that, and he smiled tightly at Veronica as she watched him suspiciously.
“Why the sudden change of heart?”
“You say that like I’m not known for my kindness and ability to forgive,” he replied, grinning innocently. He ignored her raised brow and turned away, saying “I really should get back to my studies,” over his shoulder before heading back to the bedroom.
~*~
That Friday evening, Veronica emerged from their room dressed in a strapless cream colored dress with her hair up in a twist. Logan was lounging on the sofa in nothing but red plaid sleep pants, and he looked up appreciatively as she stood in front of him. “You look pretty.”
“And you look like you still need to shower and shave and we’re supposed to be there in 45 minutes.”
“What? I’m ready,” he protested lazily, his eyes now back on the television screen.
“You’re going to wear pajama bottoms to the restaurant?”
“Why, do you think it’ll embarrass her?”
He was giving her a preview of their night, and her jaw clenched angrily. “Go get dressed,” she demanded in a low voice.
Logan held out his hands defensively. “I was going to put on a shirt to ensure service!”
“GO!” she roared, and soon Logan was sulking off to the bathroom.
She had to fight with him further to get him into a suit and tie, and they were more than fifteen minutes late to the restaurant as a result. Logan continued to lag behind her as she followed the maître d' to the table, where Lynn and her date were already seated. “I’m sorry!” she began to apologize, but her words fell dead when she spotted the man to Lynn’s right. He couldn’t have been more than 25-years-old, and Veronica readied herself for the fallout just as Logan came to stand next to her.
“That’s okay, honey! We just ordered some drinks. Veronica, Logan, I want you to meet Eric.” Lynn positively beamed as she turned to her boyfriend, oblivious to Veronica and Logan’s open-mouthed shock.
“Logan, man, it’s really nice to meet you. Your mom talks about you nonstop.” Eric rose from his seat, offering his hand in a shake, but Logan ignored him.
They were both quiet as they settled in across from them, and a prompt waiter further delayed the awkwardness of conversation. But after their orders were in, Veronica felt the need to break the silence. “So I hear you’re a photographer?” she offered, smiling at Eric. She had successfully side-stepped referring to Lynn directly, because even after dating Logan on and off for more than four years, she still wasn’t sure how to address his mother. Lynn had kept her last name, but Mrs. Echolls no longer applied and Ms. Echolls seemed too formal (though not for Playboy, apparently). Veronica never felt comfortable using her first name, and she was pretty sure that if Lynn had her way, Veronica would be calling her ‘mom’ already.
“I am,” he said, smiling at Lynn who was grinning proudly as she clutched his arm.
“That’s actually something you two have in common,” Lynn told him. “Veronica takes the most amazing pictures. I’ll tell you, this girl is so talented in so many ways, and it’s just not fair that she’s that beautiful, too.”
Veronica bashfully ducked her head, and Logan’s eyes narrowed as he felt his girlfriend slipping over to the Team Lynn camp. The awkwardness persisted, everyone acutely aware that he hadn’t offered a word since arriving.
“So how did you meet?” Veronica asked, once again trying to calm the waters.
“I shot Lynn’s photo spread a few months ago,” Eric answered, flashing a mouthful of blindingly white porcelain veneers, and Veronica inwardly cursed herself for inadvertently opening those floodgates.
“You work for Playboy?” Logan asked in a low voice, like he was daring Eric to say yes.
“For the last couple of years, yeah. It’s a great gig, dude. I was lucky to get a job there right after college.”
“Ah, so you graduated from college already. That’s funny, because I was just about to ask if you were in my political science class.”
Lynn’s eyes nervously darted from her son to her boyfriend. “Uh, I told you about Logan being pre-law, right? He’s been studying for his admissions test like crazy.”
“You mentioned it,” he replied, his eyes unyieldingly locked with Logan’s.
“I have been busy lately,” Logan said, finally looking over at his mother. “That must’ve been why I missed your call warning me about the cover, right? Because I know you wouldn’t let me find out from anyone else.” She looked away guiltily as Logan snapped his fingers. “Oh, wait, that’s exactly what happened.”
“Logan…” Lynn began hesitantly, but she trailed off.
“So Veronica,” Eric said, breaking his glare from Logan. “What do you do?”
“Oh…not much.”
“Veronica’s studying criminology at Hearst, too,” Lynn broke in, once again beaming over at her son’s girlfriend. “She’s probably going to end up with the FBI, she’s so brilliant.” Veronica sunk lower in her seat, thoroughly embarrassed, but Lynn didn’t seem to notice. “I know Logan’s looking at law schools on the east coast, just in case.”
“What made you want to get into law, Logan?”
He shrugged, but even that casual gesture was simmering with hostility. “It probably had something to do with Aaron’s trial. You know my dad was charged with murder, right?” he challenged. “I love my mom and all, but she has terrible taste in men.”
“Logan!” Veronica growled warningly.
“Logan, behave,” Lynn added, her face flushed.
“Oh I’m sorry, am I humiliating you?”
Eric gently rubbed Lynn’s shoulder as he stood from the table. “I think I’m going to go get a drink at the bar,” he announced.
Veronica took his cue and stood as well. “And I’m going to head to the ladies’ room. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
They both shuffled off to opposite sides of the restaurant, leaving Lynn and Logan to duke it out. “I know you’re angry,” Lynn began once their significant others were out of sight. “And I’m sorry you feel embarrassed-”
Logan had been slouching in his seat, trying to affect an air of casualness even as he radiated tension. “You have no idea how I feel,” he bit back.
“For the first time in a very, very long time,” Lynn continued, “I feel really good about myself. I did this for me, and I knew you wouldn’t understand if I told you about it sooner. I was trying to keep the peace-”
“Bang up job there, Ma.”
She sighed. “-for as long as I could.”
They fell into a hard silence before Lynn decided to speak up again. “I know you won’t believe me, but I did this for you, too.” She waited for Logan’s scoffing before continuing. “The entire time I was married to your father, he controlled the purse strings, and he let me know it. Nothing was ever really mine. The money…it’s not really mine, even now.” She cleared her throat nervously. “I’m so, so proud of you and I want to pay for law school. With my money. I don’t want your father anywhere near your accomplishments.”
He stared back at her, his anger slowly dissipating in spite of himself. ‘It’s like blood money, though,’ he thought to himself. ‘But worse. It’s boob money.’
“In case you haven’t noticed,” he said, his tone more gentle now, “I don’t have a problem spending his money. That bastard owes us after everything he put us through.”
“But I wanted to do this for you,” she said.
“Couldn’t you have just like, got a job or something?” he asked helplessly.
She smiled, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. “I did think about trying acting again, but the roles I was being offered…I thought Playboy might be less embarrassing for you.”
He sighed as he looked over her shoulder, toward the bar. “And this Eric guy? Should I start calling him ‘daddy’?”
“We’re hardly serious,” she smiled. “But he makes me feel really good.”
“Please don’t elaborate.”
“I want you to be nice to him. Do you think we can at least get through this dinner together?”
He nodded, raising his head to meet her eyes again. “I’ll…just not talk.”
She grinned. “Honey, that’s more than I could ask for.”
Veronica had been standing off to the side, waiting patiently for the first sign of some sort of truce, and so she approached cautiously. Lynn smiled happily as she watched Logan visibly relax at the sight of his girlfriend. She knew that she was far from forgiven, but they were on their way.
~*~
“So how’re you feeling now?” she asked, toeing off her heels as she fell back on their bed. They had been silent for most of the car ride home, opting to simply hold hands over the center console, but now Veronica felt like they could try that talking thing.
“Okay,” he shrugged.
“You’ve…you’ve forgiven her for worse,” she said softly, and he nodded. They both thought back to that night at the hotel lobby, where they watched Lynn emerge from the elevator wearing a red wig and thick sunglasses. The fight that ensued sent Logan crashing into Veronica’s arms, tears raining down his face as he cried about his mother leaving him, about her not wanting him. It took years for him to get past that suicide sham, his one comfort always being that it brought him closer to Veronica, and their relationship was what sustained him.
“We’ll get past it,” he told her, smiling as he moved to lie next to her on the bed.
“What about Eric?” she teased.
“Charming young man, isn’t he?”
“Hey, there comes a time when every child has to let their parent grow up. I got over my dad and Elyse. You’ll get through this.”
“You hate Elyse. You only went along with them moving in together so you could move in here.”
“Ah, but they don’t know I hate her. For me, that’s progress.”
He grinned, reaching over to cup her face in his hand. “Just tell me you’ll never pose naked.”
She nuzzled against his palm, shifting on the mattress so she could get closer to him. “Pumpkin,” she said, smiling innocently as she draped her leg over his hip. “I’m not sure that’s a promise I can keep.”
You can check out my other fics here.
Author: absfabulous1
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 3,000
Characters/Pairing: Logan/Veronica, Lynn
Spoilers: First season, but AU from 1.15- Ruskie Business
Summary: Lynn lived, and to Logan's horror, has just posed for Playboy.
Warnings: There's my (poorly) photoshopped cover of Lisa Rinna's Playboy issue behind the cut, but it's just the cover, so it's pretty tame.
Author's Note: This was written for vmfic_gameon round #1 word table challenge. I used: pout, phone, bed, acknowlegement, admire, react, news and sham.
Veronica was, by nature, a curious person. But by no means did she ever need to know how her boyfriend’s mother waxed her bikini area.
She slipped the magazine back into the large manila envelope that was addressed to the apartment she shared with Logan. At least the editor had been considerate enough to warn Logan about the upcoming cover, though Veronica feared it might already be too late. Gossip in Neptune spread faster than Paris Hilton’s herpes, and if issues were already being printed…
Maybe he didn’t know. Maybe she could sit him down and somehow gently break the news.
She jumped when she heard the front door slam hard enough to break off its hinges, and then a Logan-shaped blur was moving through the kitchen, flinging his backpack on the table but never slowing, and then passing Veronica without acknowledgment. She watched worriedly as he stormed down the hall to their bedroom and kicked the door shut behind him.
Yeah, he knew.
~*~
Lynn called later that night but Logan refused to talk to her.
“He’s…busy,” Veronica lamely lied.
She could hear Lynn’s exhale over the line, and it allowed her to perfectly picture his mother’s plump pout. Veronica really liked Lynn, despite her many flaws, but she had to side with Logan on this one.
“I know he’s probably upset,” Lynn began.
“He found out from Dick,” Veronica interrupted, unable to hide her anger. “So yeah, he’s pretty upset.”
She was silent at that, and Veronica looked to Logan, who was hunched over the breakfast bar eating a bowl of Captain Crunch. She knew he was listening in on every word even as he feigned disinterest.
“I really didn’t want it to happen like this,” Lynn finally said. “I don’t want him to be angry with me.” Veronica wasn’t sure how to respond, and she already felt her defense slightly weakening at Lynn’s unease.
“I was hoping we could go out to dinner this Friday night,” she continued. “I’d really love the chance to talk to him and explain things. And I would love for both of you to meet Eric.”
“Eric?” Veronica repeated into the phone, and Logan turned to look at her then, his mouth still full of cereal.
“He’s the man I’m seeing now. He’s a photographer.” She paused thoughtfully. “Maybe…maybe you could talk Logan into it? Please, honey?”
There was something about Lynn Echolls that could still make Veronica feel like a shy fourteen-year-old girl. Veronica had never been particularly captivated by Aaron, even during the early days of her friendship with Logan. But Lynn, with her kind smile, impeccable style and sweet compliments that Veronica could almost believe were genuine, was someone she had always liked and, before everyone’s world came crumbling down and the truths tumbling out, admired.
“I’ll see what I can do,” she said, wearily eyeing Logan. He stood as Veronica disconnected, and she rolled her eyes as he wordlessly placed his bowl and spoon into the sink before heading back to their room. “Logan-”
“I have to study.”
She felt waves of frustration rolling over her as he once again closed the door behind him. Veronica sighed, annoyed. She was annoyed with him for shutting her out, she was annoyed with Lynn for putting him in this position in the first place, and she was annoyed with herself for getting caught in the middle of it.
Sure she would be frozen out for the rest of the night, Veronica trudged to the living room and flopped down on the couch, lazily thumbing the remote. She bypassed Jeopardy and a repeat of Lost before the familiar face on E! caught her eye.
‘And speaking of hot mamas, Lynn Echolls’ Playboy cover hits the stands next week and we’ve got an exclusive look at the steamy pics.’
Veronica’s mouth dropped open in shock as the photos appeared on screen, and even the use of strategically placed cartoon stars didn’t make it feel any less R-rated. Lynn’s lithe body, tanned and toned, was right there for the whole world to see. The whole world, including her son and his obnoxious and horny friends.
Full-frontal. Dick must’ve loved that.
She turned off the television before heading to the bedroom. Logan was sitting at his desk, his textbook open in front of him, and Veronica peered at him cautiously from the doorway.
“Hey.”
He glanced up at her for a second before returning to his reading. “Hey.”
“Do you…want to talk about it?”
“Talk about what?”
She rolled her eyes as she pushed away from the door frame and fully entered the room, and several sarcastic comebacks were on the tip of her tongue but she knew it really wasn’t the time for that. “What are you studying?”
He leaned back in his chair, the front legs lifting from the floor as he stretched his arms, his tee shirt rising with the movement to reveal a flash of his hard stomach. “I don’t know. I’ve been reading the same damn sentence for the last hour.”
She sat on the edge of the bed, apprehensive. “She wants us to go out to dinner with her on Friday night,” she finally blurted out.
“No,” he replied firmly, his eyes down as he once again leafed through his book.
“She wants us to meet her new boyfriend,” Veronica forged ahead, eager to get it out and over with as quickly as possible.
“Oh. Well in that case, hell no.”
“Fine,” she groaned, standing and walking toward the door. “But I’m just the messenger here so you can cut it with your attitude toward me.” She left the room then, not turning around to catch the look of guilt crossing over his face.
Lynn and her impeccable timing called back a few minutes later, and Veronica couldn’t even fake sympathy when declining the invitation. “How did you expect him to react?” she asked when Lynn sighed sadly. “You…you know how he is.”
Her question was met with silence, and for a split second Veronica almost felt guilty for snapping at Lynn. She had grown used to defending her, just as Logan would sometimes defend Lianne (it was always easier when it wasn’t your mother), but Lynn’s actions was affecting Veronica’s relationship with him now, too, and it wasn’t something she appreciated.
She looked up to find Logan standing next to her, wordlessly holding out his hand for the phone, and she passed it over to him reluctantly. “Where and what time Friday?” he asked bluntly, his tone acerbic. He rolled his eyes and repeated the question, firmer now, and Veronica surmised that Lynn had started rambling at the sound of her son’s voice. “We’ll be there.” He hung up at that, and he smiled tightly at Veronica as she watched him suspiciously.
“Why the sudden change of heart?”
“You say that like I’m not known for my kindness and ability to forgive,” he replied, grinning innocently. He ignored her raised brow and turned away, saying “I really should get back to my studies,” over his shoulder before heading back to the bedroom.
~*~
That Friday evening, Veronica emerged from their room dressed in a strapless cream colored dress with her hair up in a twist. Logan was lounging on the sofa in nothing but red plaid sleep pants, and he looked up appreciatively as she stood in front of him. “You look pretty.”
“And you look like you still need to shower and shave and we’re supposed to be there in 45 minutes.”
“What? I’m ready,” he protested lazily, his eyes now back on the television screen.
“You’re going to wear pajama bottoms to the restaurant?”
“Why, do you think it’ll embarrass her?”
He was giving her a preview of their night, and her jaw clenched angrily. “Go get dressed,” she demanded in a low voice.
Logan held out his hands defensively. “I was going to put on a shirt to ensure service!”
“GO!” she roared, and soon Logan was sulking off to the bathroom.
She had to fight with him further to get him into a suit and tie, and they were more than fifteen minutes late to the restaurant as a result. Logan continued to lag behind her as she followed the maître d' to the table, where Lynn and her date were already seated. “I’m sorry!” she began to apologize, but her words fell dead when she spotted the man to Lynn’s right. He couldn’t have been more than 25-years-old, and Veronica readied herself for the fallout just as Logan came to stand next to her.
“That’s okay, honey! We just ordered some drinks. Veronica, Logan, I want you to meet Eric.” Lynn positively beamed as she turned to her boyfriend, oblivious to Veronica and Logan’s open-mouthed shock.
“Logan, man, it’s really nice to meet you. Your mom talks about you nonstop.” Eric rose from his seat, offering his hand in a shake, but Logan ignored him.
They were both quiet as they settled in across from them, and a prompt waiter further delayed the awkwardness of conversation. But after their orders were in, Veronica felt the need to break the silence. “So I hear you’re a photographer?” she offered, smiling at Eric. She had successfully side-stepped referring to Lynn directly, because even after dating Logan on and off for more than four years, she still wasn’t sure how to address his mother. Lynn had kept her last name, but Mrs. Echolls no longer applied and Ms. Echolls seemed too formal (though not for Playboy, apparently). Veronica never felt comfortable using her first name, and she was pretty sure that if Lynn had her way, Veronica would be calling her ‘mom’ already.
“I am,” he said, smiling at Lynn who was grinning proudly as she clutched his arm.
“That’s actually something you two have in common,” Lynn told him. “Veronica takes the most amazing pictures. I’ll tell you, this girl is so talented in so many ways, and it’s just not fair that she’s that beautiful, too.”
Veronica bashfully ducked her head, and Logan’s eyes narrowed as he felt his girlfriend slipping over to the Team Lynn camp. The awkwardness persisted, everyone acutely aware that he hadn’t offered a word since arriving.
“So how did you meet?” Veronica asked, once again trying to calm the waters.
“I shot Lynn’s photo spread a few months ago,” Eric answered, flashing a mouthful of blindingly white porcelain veneers, and Veronica inwardly cursed herself for inadvertently opening those floodgates.
“You work for Playboy?” Logan asked in a low voice, like he was daring Eric to say yes.
“For the last couple of years, yeah. It’s a great gig, dude. I was lucky to get a job there right after college.”
“Ah, so you graduated from college already. That’s funny, because I was just about to ask if you were in my political science class.”
Lynn’s eyes nervously darted from her son to her boyfriend. “Uh, I told you about Logan being pre-law, right? He’s been studying for his admissions test like crazy.”
“You mentioned it,” he replied, his eyes unyieldingly locked with Logan’s.
“I have been busy lately,” Logan said, finally looking over at his mother. “That must’ve been why I missed your call warning me about the cover, right? Because I know you wouldn’t let me find out from anyone else.” She looked away guiltily as Logan snapped his fingers. “Oh, wait, that’s exactly what happened.”
“Logan…” Lynn began hesitantly, but she trailed off.
“So Veronica,” Eric said, breaking his glare from Logan. “What do you do?”
“Oh…not much.”
“Veronica’s studying criminology at Hearst, too,” Lynn broke in, once again beaming over at her son’s girlfriend. “She’s probably going to end up with the FBI, she’s so brilliant.” Veronica sunk lower in her seat, thoroughly embarrassed, but Lynn didn’t seem to notice. “I know Logan’s looking at law schools on the east coast, just in case.”
“What made you want to get into law, Logan?”
He shrugged, but even that casual gesture was simmering with hostility. “It probably had something to do with Aaron’s trial. You know my dad was charged with murder, right?” he challenged. “I love my mom and all, but she has terrible taste in men.”
“Logan!” Veronica growled warningly.
“Logan, behave,” Lynn added, her face flushed.
“Oh I’m sorry, am I humiliating you?”
Eric gently rubbed Lynn’s shoulder as he stood from the table. “I think I’m going to go get a drink at the bar,” he announced.
Veronica took his cue and stood as well. “And I’m going to head to the ladies’ room. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
They both shuffled off to opposite sides of the restaurant, leaving Lynn and Logan to duke it out. “I know you’re angry,” Lynn began once their significant others were out of sight. “And I’m sorry you feel embarrassed-”
Logan had been slouching in his seat, trying to affect an air of casualness even as he radiated tension. “You have no idea how I feel,” he bit back.
“For the first time in a very, very long time,” Lynn continued, “I feel really good about myself. I did this for me, and I knew you wouldn’t understand if I told you about it sooner. I was trying to keep the peace-”
“Bang up job there, Ma.”
She sighed. “-for as long as I could.”
They fell into a hard silence before Lynn decided to speak up again. “I know you won’t believe me, but I did this for you, too.” She waited for Logan’s scoffing before continuing. “The entire time I was married to your father, he controlled the purse strings, and he let me know it. Nothing was ever really mine. The money…it’s not really mine, even now.” She cleared her throat nervously. “I’m so, so proud of you and I want to pay for law school. With my money. I don’t want your father anywhere near your accomplishments.”
He stared back at her, his anger slowly dissipating in spite of himself. ‘It’s like blood money, though,’ he thought to himself. ‘But worse. It’s boob money.’
“In case you haven’t noticed,” he said, his tone more gentle now, “I don’t have a problem spending his money. That bastard owes us after everything he put us through.”
“But I wanted to do this for you,” she said.
“Couldn’t you have just like, got a job or something?” he asked helplessly.
She smiled, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. “I did think about trying acting again, but the roles I was being offered…I thought Playboy might be less embarrassing for you.”
He sighed as he looked over her shoulder, toward the bar. “And this Eric guy? Should I start calling him ‘daddy’?”
“We’re hardly serious,” she smiled. “But he makes me feel really good.”
“Please don’t elaborate.”
“I want you to be nice to him. Do you think we can at least get through this dinner together?”
He nodded, raising his head to meet her eyes again. “I’ll…just not talk.”
She grinned. “Honey, that’s more than I could ask for.”
Veronica had been standing off to the side, waiting patiently for the first sign of some sort of truce, and so she approached cautiously. Lynn smiled happily as she watched Logan visibly relax at the sight of his girlfriend. She knew that she was far from forgiven, but they were on their way.
~*~
“So how’re you feeling now?” she asked, toeing off her heels as she fell back on their bed. They had been silent for most of the car ride home, opting to simply hold hands over the center console, but now Veronica felt like they could try that talking thing.
“Okay,” he shrugged.
“You’ve…you’ve forgiven her for worse,” she said softly, and he nodded. They both thought back to that night at the hotel lobby, where they watched Lynn emerge from the elevator wearing a red wig and thick sunglasses. The fight that ensued sent Logan crashing into Veronica’s arms, tears raining down his face as he cried about his mother leaving him, about her not wanting him. It took years for him to get past that suicide sham, his one comfort always being that it brought him closer to Veronica, and their relationship was what sustained him.
“We’ll get past it,” he told her, smiling as he moved to lie next to her on the bed.
“What about Eric?” she teased.
“Charming young man, isn’t he?”
“Hey, there comes a time when every child has to let their parent grow up. I got over my dad and Elyse. You’ll get through this.”
“You hate Elyse. You only went along with them moving in together so you could move in here.”
“Ah, but they don’t know I hate her. For me, that’s progress.”
He grinned, reaching over to cup her face in his hand. “Just tell me you’ll never pose naked.”
She nuzzled against his palm, shifting on the mattress so she could get closer to him. “Pumpkin,” she said, smiling innocently as she draped her leg over his hip. “I’m not sure that’s a promise I can keep.”
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