|
  |
*
Logan rests on the stoop outside May's apartment, a cigar in his teeth, sleeves rolled up in spite of the cold weather. He's been dealing with a few other things lately, so he hasn't gotten to check in on his favorite widow in a bit. As a peace offering, he's brought a rather sad looking potted plant with him, something that's barely begun to sprout, along with a six pack of beer. His wild hair is tucked underneath a black stocking cap and he's definitely in need of a shave.
*
There was just that odd feeling, it wasn't any sort of sense but a feeling that something.. well. Was amiss. So with a glance outside, and a look outside, she sees the man sitting upon the stoop, and a shake of her head is given. A whistle cracks out, one that sounds akin to a bird as she calls out afterwards.. "Mr. Logan?" Keys were dangled from her grip, and soon tossed downward for him to catch. Once she was satisfied? She disappears from the window all together, she just didn't feel like taking the stairs to let him in.
*
Logan catches the keys and makes his way up, coming inside. He shrugs off his wool-lined coat, hanging it up by the door and making his way in, "May," he says, nodding in greeting. "An' I told ya, it's just Logan. Ain't much of a mister - I ain't worn a tie in a long, long time," he says.
He sets down the plant carefully, along with the beer, "I hadn't gotten to check in on ya as o' late, figured I was overdo to see how yer doin'."
*
Breakfast was already steaming on the stove as he enters, a soft little hum upon her lips as she looks up and over with a smile. "It's a habit." She says, her features still pale even though her nose, and the surface around it was as red as a cherry. Not to mention, she sounds like she was stuffed! "But, I'm moving still, seems like this cold is getting a bit worse and I can't shake it."
Her shoulders shrug, but she returns to the stove to continue to cook. "Shoes off, please. Biscuits are in the oven, eggs and bacon will be done soon. Pancakes are already on the plate. Pull up a chair."
*
Logan laughs softly, "One thing's for sure, anytime I come by to see you, I'm gonna leave with a full belly," he says. He does as he's asked, removing his shoes and taking his seat, leaning back in his chair. He frowns a bit, "You been to see the doc? I ain't much for sawbones myself, but they're supposed to be pretty good these days, probably got a pill you could pop to knock that cold right out," he says. He really doesn't know anything about medicine, he's never needed it much.
*
"Well, I love cooking. It's a comfort. All you need to do is ask if you need." She smiles a little, then turns towards him as the food itself begins to simmer, picking the eating tray from the corner to carry it to rest in front of him. "No, I haven't been to see the doctor. My nephew came by the other day.." Speaking of. "..got me some cough medicine. I should be fine soon." She smiles towards him, then glances over towards the beer. "Don't think those would go well with pancakes. Juice?"
*
Logan grins, "On the contrary, the sweetness o' the syrup brings out the hops," he winks. "But juice'll do me just fine," he says.
"I'm glad to hear yer nephew's keepin' up with ya. Too many young folks today don't look out fer their folks," he says. "Although it's hard to believe you got a grown nephew, you don't look like yer much past high school yerself."
*
May couldn't help but look playfully disgusted at this revelation, but then nods. "I'll put it in the fridge for later.." But, she stops herself, her cheeks flushing just a touch as she gives a shake of her head. It was wrong of her to assume that he'd.. well. Stay. "Yes. I mean, I suppose it's a good thing, yes! I do miss him a lot, and it gets a little bit lonely without him here. But.. it may be few and far in between now. He thinks I'm dating." She says this, slightly amused, even as she moves into the kitchen to put away the beer, then starts to plate up the breakfast for him to eat.
"One flapjack or more?"
*
Logan raises an eyebrow, "More, absolutely. I ain't fool enough to go on a diet 'fore I come over here," he says. "An' is you datin' such a crazy idea?" he says, a little more softly. He's made his interest in her known, but he doesn't want to pressure her. She's dealing with her grief in her own way. He respects it, he understands it. Doesn't mean he doesn't want different.
*
May chuckles as she begins to spoon the pancakes onto his already full plate, even going through the motions of cutting it after buttering it and pouring on the syrup. Soon, everything was ready, and a tall glass of orange juice accompanies the meal which was soon set upon the tray in front of him.
"In a sense.." She says quietly. "..I've been with Ben my entire adult life, and cared for Peter since he was ten when his parents died. I suppose, maybe he feels that he can't see me with any other? Or.. I shouldn't be with any other..?" She looks almost sad, but she puts on a smile.
"He's okay with it though.. if I were to date. I.. would like to.."
*
Logan nods softly, eating slowly and carefully, his fork cutting through the pancakes. "Sounds like you've had an excellent life. And I can understand not wanting it to change," he says. "Change can be real damn hard, especially when you don't know where it's goin', what's on the other side," he says.
"Maybe just something simple at first - a night off from cooking, a chance to go to a nice restaurant, sit down, have a glass o' wine. Maybe with a bit o' company."
*
"We did.." May admits fondly, turning to settle upon her couch, her feet soon kicked up as she curls herself beneath her blanket. She doesn't have food, but there was a nice little glass of juice waiting for her if she chose to partake. "I haven't been on a date in.. god knows when.."
But she does lift her head to watch him for a moment, her eyes squinting, as if she could actually see him in a suit.. "You'd wear a suit? An actual suit? Mr. Logan, I'd think you'd look rather dashing if you did.."
*
Logan arches an eyebrow and takes a long sip of his juice, "I ain't worn a suit since…" he thinks for a moment. His wife's funeral is what immediately comes to mind. Almost twenty years ago. Hard to believe that. "It's been a long, long time," he says softly.
"But, if it would get me a date with you? Yeah, I'll strap on the ol' noose," he grins. "You like Italian, Miz Parker?"
*
Heck, truth be told, the last time May had actually dressed up was.. well.. Ben's funeral. The random bridge club meetings didn't really count. "Well.." This seems to bring her to life a little, her smile pressed, and it was grand and shy, even as she avoids his gaze to take up a cloth that she begins to cross-stitch into. "I.. yes I do! I mean… how do we plan for this?" She asks, looking into his direction briefly. "I.. well.. I'm free most nights. Sometimes during the day, though I do have to check on the neighbors to make sure that they're fine.." She fidgets a little.. "Though I suppose a breakfast date is out of the question, since.. well.." She laughs uneasily.. her cheeks reddening even more.. "Gosh."
*
Logan smiles, "Breakfast, lunch, dinner…coffee in the middle o' the night…you say the day an' I'll be there, May," he says. "I guess it's usually done around weekend time. How about Friday?" he says. "Gimme time to get my suit dry cleaned, at least." he says.
*
May blushes, finally reaching over to grab her glass of juice.. middle of the night? Gosh.. he's bold!
"I ah.. Friday is good! It's.. really good. I'd like that. Yes.." She pauses. "Five o'clock?"
*
Logan smiles, "Five o'clock," he smiles, "Gives us a little daylight to get there. Parking can be rough on Friday night, so we can take a cab together," he says.
"Now I just gotta remember where I packed that suit away…maybe I should get a new one," he says. "It might be a little out of style."
*