Just One Drink

Logan arrived at the office earlier than usual, the city still wrapped in that muted calm that only existed before the rush of ambition took over. The parking garage was nearly empty, his footsteps echoing as he made his way to the elevator. He liked mornings like this, quiet, uninterrupted, predictable. They gave him a sense of control before the chaos of the day set in.

By the time he stepped into his office, his jacket was already off and draped neatly over the back of his chair. He loosened his tie, rolled up his sleeves, and powered on his system. His screen lit up instantly, flooding with emails, financial summaries, board notes, and reminders. Today wasn’t just another workday. There was a board meeting in less than an hour, and several unresolved issues still sat at the back of his mind. He had so much he needed to take care of before leaving for the Christmas holiday.

His receptionist fetched him his cup of coffee. He doesn't start his day without his coffee, he likes it black. He hadn’t even taken his first sip of coffee when his phone rang.

Logan glanced at the screen, recognizing the number immediately. He answered. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, Mr. Russo,” the agent said warmly. “This is Victor Reynolds. I’m calling with an update on the apartment search.”

Logan leaned back slightly, attention sharpening. “Go ahead.”

“Yes,” Victor continued. “We’ve shortlisted two properties that match what you described.”

Logan’s fingers paused on the keyboard. “I’m listening.”

“The first option is a three-bedroom bungalow,” Victor said. “It’s within the city, a quiet neighborhood, very secure. It has a spacious patio and a small private garden. It feels… homely. Cozy. Ideal for someone who values privacy.”

Logan pictured Melody instantly. He could imagine her standing barefoot on a patio like that, coffee in hand, sunlight brushing her skin. He didn’t interrupt.

“The second property,” Victor went on, “is a bit farther out. On the outskirts of town. It’s a more modern, open plan design, floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s right next to a park and close to a lake. Very scenic. Very peaceful.”

Logan nodded slowly. Both sounded right in different ways.

“I’d like to see them in person,” Logan said. “I’ll be coming with the lady.”

“Perfect,” Victor replied. “I look forward to meeting you both, just give your time and I'll send you a description on how to get here.”

“Three pm would be great.” 

“Three it is Sir.”

“Thank you.” Logan said, ending the call.

He set his phone down and exhaled, briefly allowing himself to think about Melody again. Finding her a place felt oddly personal, more intimate than he cared to admit. He told himself it was practical. Nothing more. He wasn't in love with her, he just liked that she was naive but smart and simple. Right now, it was safe to say they were friends. He still wasn't over his ex girlfriend.

“Hey, Logan.”

He looked up. Ava stood just inside his office, tablet in hand. He hadn’t noticed her earlier.

“Ava,” he said. “Are you good?”

“Yes,” she replied casually, then tilted her head. “Are you moving out of your place?”

He frowned. “Why would you think that?”

“I wasn't eavesdropping but I overheard you talking about getting apartments,” she said lightly. “I know some great agents if you’re moving.”

“I’m not,” Logan replied.

“Oh,” she said quickly. “Then?”

“I’m looking for a place for my girlfriend.”

The word landed heavily. Ava’s eyes widened like she's just been stabbed behind her back, by someone she considered to be a friend. “You have a girlfriend?”

“Yes.”

“That’s impossible,” she said flatly. “Since when?”

Logan’s expression hardened. “Since when did my personal life become your concern or part of your job description?”

She scoffed softly. “You never mentioned, besides we have a history together.”

“Was I supposed to?” he cut in. “That’s not what I'm paying you to do Ava. You handle office matters and that’s it.”

She noticed it then, the shift in his tone. Her questions were beginning to irritate him and she could hear it in his voice. He wanted nothing more than for her to just fuck off.

“I’m sorry,” she said quickly, embarrassed. “I just came to let you know the board meeting starts in ten minutes. Some members are already inside the board room.”

“Thank you,” Logan replied coolly. “You can leave now.”

She hesitated, then turned, heels clicking sharply as she walked out. The door closed harder than necessary.

Logan stared at it for a moment.

Yes, he and Ava had history. More than once. But it had never been exclusive. He didn’t owe her explanations or access. Still, her entitlement irritated him.

He turned back to his screen, forcing his focus back to work as the meeting loomed.

………

Melody folded the last piece of laundry carefully, smoothing the fabric before stacking it neatly on the couch. The apartment smelled fresh, clean cotton, detergent, and a faint hint of lemon cleaner. She liked it that way. 

She’d just gotten off the phone with Logan and he said they'll be meeting an agent to look at two properties and he'll be picking her up by 3:00pm.

That meant she had time.

She moved through the apartment with purpose, wiping down surfaces, arranging pillows, making sure everything looked right. Tara had gone to work exhausted, and Melody refused to let her come home to a messy house. Tara needed rest. This was the least she could do.

As she folded another shirt, her phone rang. The call was from an unknown number.

She hesitated, then answered after the second ring. “Hello?”

“Season’s greetings, Melody.”

She frowned. “I’m sorry, who is this?”

“I’ve been waiting for your call,” the voice said. “But you never called back.”

Her confusion deepened. “I’m sorry… who are you?”

A soft laugh. “My bad. It’s Blake.”

Her eyes widened. “Blake?”

“The charming man you met at the art exhibition, we also got to meet at the mall when you were grocery shopping.”

“Oh my God,” she gasped. “Blake, I’m so sorry. I meant to call you. I really did. Things have just been…”

“Busy,” he finished. “I figured.”

She smiled. “Thank you again. I really appreciate it.”

“I just flew back into New York,” he said. “And I was hoping you’d do me the honor of having lunch with me.”

She laughed softly. “Oh, Blake… I don’t know. I have an appointment at three.”

“Just one drink,” he said gently. “I’m going through a rough time. I could really use a friend. Please don't say no, all you have to do is listen to me pour out my heart.” He laughed at his own joke.

Melody was forced to laugh too, even though it wasn't funny. She hesitated.

“I’ll take you wherever you need to go after,” he added. “I promise you'll make it just in time for the meeting or appointment you have.”

She sighed, then smiled. “Fine. Send me the address.”

“That’s the spirit,” he said warmly.

She ended the call and stared at her phone.

She knew she’d probably made a mistake.

But she was lonely and bored out of her mind. And one drink couldn’t hurt.

She finished folding the laundry, then walked into her room, scanning her closet thoughtfully. She needed to wear something formal, but simple and comfortable. She settled for a beige dress and jeans jacket.

Just one drink, out of courtesy.