A Favor 52

Posted by AdminM, ? Views, Released on February 11, 2025

Chapter 52

The guys started blowing up our group chat;

Tom: “Elaine, is it really over between you and Logan?” Eddie: “Logan just lost it a bit over what you did. Don’t be mad – we’ll knock some sense into him!” Evan: “When are you free? Let me take you and Logan to dinner.” Ted: “I volunteer as peacemaker! I can totally fix this!” Jonas: “Cut it out, guys. Couples fight – it’s normal. You’re all just running your mouths!”

I was confused about what triggered this sudden group chat explosion. There were only eight of us in there – the five chatting guys, plus Logan, Caleb, and me.

Caleb was the only one of Logan’s friends staying quiet, though he was actually the one I was closest

to.

IDM him: “What’s going on?”

Among the seven guys, Logan was third oldest and Caleb sixth. Some of them jokingly called me sister–in–law, even though Caleb knew me before Logan and I were official.

He and Logan were basically brothers by then. Sometimes I’d call him my brother too, but usually just

“Caleb.”

“Check Logan’s Insta story,” he replied right away.

whe

I knew he was keeping quiet in the group chat because he knew what was really going down between Logan and me.

I opened Instagram and there it was a fresh red rose with the caption: “Red roses are prettier anyway.”

Anyone who knew us knew I loved white roses.

That story was basically a public announcement that we were done. Based on our last phone call, it was also his way of hinting he was going official with Selene.

The guys were waiting for a response, so I liked Logan’s story and went back to the group chat.

“Thanks for caring, guys. Logan and I are done. We’re just friends now.”

Cue the shocked emojis and stickers flooding in.

I gave it a quick scan before hitting “Leave Group.”

I didn’t care what they’d say anymore.

But I couldn’t sleep that night. Kept dreaming about his friends asking why I broke it off.

I was up before dawn, eyes puffy from crying. After icing my face and putting on makeup, I packed some clothes and basics for my hotel stay.

By the time Maya got to the park, I’d already been working for a while. “Ms. Hart, did you pull an all- nighter?”

“No, just got here early,” I glanced at her. “Had breakfast?”

“Not yet.” Classic Maya – always barely making it to work, sneaking breakfast at her desk.

“Go eat first, then come back. Oh, and say goodbye to your desk naps. Not–happening on my watch,” I

■ 1436)

17:93

Chapter 52

warned.

Oders

Maya stuck her tongue out but nodded. “Fine, no naps – but you owe me a week off when we’re done. Gotta catch up on all that lost sleep.”

I’d be gone by then. Would I even have the power to approve her time off? Still, I agreed. Figured I could at least put in a good word when the time came.

We’d just ordered lunch when Caleb showed up out of nowhere.

“Let me take you to lunch,” he offered.

“Can’t. Meeting the lighting tech later,” I declined,

Caleb looked around

Park. “You’re really invested in this place.”

I smiled. “If you’ve got something to say, just say it.”

“That group chat exit of yours – either you’re really done with him, or you never loved him enough in the first place.”

I gave a slight nod. “Probably.”

“Know what Logan did when he saw that?” Caleb watched me carefully.

“Let me guess – left the group?”

He gave me a thumbs up. “You two really are in sync on that one.”

“Well, red roses suit him better now.” Just then, Maya jogged up.

“Ms. Hart, food’s here! Ready to eat?”

I turned to Caleb. “If that’s all, feel free to look around. I’m going to eat.”

“Go ahead. Think I’ll relive my childhood,” he said. Though he could be childish sometimes, he was Logan’s closest friend. That’s why we were close too. He never tried to change my mind – just asked what I thought and told me what I needed to know.