Page 39 of Viking

LOGAN: I hope girls’ night is going well. I miss you!

My stomach dips.

LILA: They want to meet you. See if you pass the test.

LOGAN: I’ll pass ;)

LILA: You’re pretty confident.

LOGAN: I am. How about we grill out at my house on Wednesday? Bring your friends. Tell them I’ll pass every test they throw at me.

I glance up from my phone and realize I’ve been smiling at it. Ivy and Alinna are watching me, amused looks on their faces.

“She’s got it bad,” Alinna says laughing and holding up her glass.

“That she does, my love.” Ivy knocks her glass against Alinna’s. “To Lila and Logan.”

“To Lila and Logan,” Alinna repeats.

I bring my glass to theirs. “And to not getting my heart broken.”

Because Lord knows it’s already his.

Hampton, Virginia

May 27, 2024

6:38 p.m.

Lila

The kitchen is filled with familiar, comforting sounds and smells. Sizzling beef and vegetables as I chop them up for the stir-fry I’m making for dinner. The clock ticks away the evening, but I’m not in a rush. It’s one of those nights where everything feels easy. I smile to myself knowing Logan will be here soon as I carefully slice through the broccoli.

The phone buzzes on the counter, and I smile when I see Mom’s name flash on the screen. With a quick swipe, I answer, pressing the speaker icon so I can continue chopping.

“Lila, honey,” Mom says, her voice warm, softened by the crackling static of the old family landline. It makes me nostalgic.

“Hey, kiddo,” Dad adds, his voice steady as ever. “How’s life treating you?”

“Busy, but good,” I say, stirring the pan. “Just making dinner. What about you guys?”

“We’re good,” Mom answers easily, but there’s a slight hesitation—one only noticeable because I know her so well. “Your dad refuses to slow down, as usual.”

“You know me,” he says, amusement in his voice. “Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t.”

“Don’t tell me you’re working past midnight again,” I tease, already knowing the answer.

“Maybe,” he admits, his deep chuckle rolling through the phone. “But I’ll take a break for dinner soon, don’t worry.”

I shake my head, smiling as I drop the rice into the pot and lower the heat. “I’ll believe it when Mom confirms it.”

“So,” Mom says lightly, shifting the conversation. “Tell us what’s new with you.”

I hesitate for only a second. “Actually…I’m seeing someone.”

The words hang in the air for a beat too long. I hear the slight pause on their end too, the space where an unspoken thought lingers.

Mom recovers first. “Oh?” Her tone is interested, but there’s something else there, something careful making me realize just how long it’s been since I’ve told her about anything more than a casual date. “That’s wonderful, sweetie. He must be special.”