Chapter 103
Logan
After I left Alyssa's old apartment, I was at a loss as to where to look next. I let out a deep breath as I looked around, wondering where to look next. When I left New York, I hadn't really thought it out. I guess I should have hired a private investigator to find her first. But this was something that I wanted to do alone.
I got back in my car and drove to downtown Nashville. The sun was still high in the sky. Nashville was the best. I hadn't realized just how much I'd missed it until just now. Almost of its own accord, my car drove to the Powder Keg Tavern. It had always reminded me of Alyssa.
"May I help you?" a gum smacking, bleached blonde waitress asked.
"Table for one," I said, loosening my tie. Somehow, here in Nashville, I didn't feel as comfortable wearing one.
She smiled. "Well, all right then. Right this way."
I smiled as I followed her to a secluded table and looked around. The place wasn't busy yet, but I was sure it would fill up fast.
"What can I get for you, sugar?" she asked.
"Draft beer," I said as I slid into the booth, needing a drink after the flight. "I'll also have a cheeseburger and fries."
She nodded. "I'll have that to you in a bit," she said, and then walked away.
Exhilaration filled my body as I waited. In the short time since I'd been here, I felt more like myself than I had in years.
"Here you go, honey," the waitress said as she set my beer down onto the table. "My name's Judy if you need anything."
"Judy," I said to myself, and then I remembered something that Alyssa had said. "Hey, Judy?"
She stopped and looked back at me, raising her eyebrows. "Yeah, sugar?"
My eyebrows knit together in concern. "Do you remember a girl named Alyssa Collins? Alyssa Case?"
A broad smile spread across her face. "Sure, I remember her! I was the one who introduced her to Tasha Granger when she first came to Nashville. In fact, she still comes in here on occasion. How is she?"
"Well, I'm trying to find her," I replied. "Do you happen to know where she lives?"
She shook her head, lost in thought. "No, I don't. But she still comes in with Craig Savage and Frank Mallory."
I nodded, fearing that she was seeing Craig, remembering that Frank was married.
As if reading my mind, she added, "She comes here on business a lot."
I nodded. "Thanks."
She smiled. "Is there anything else I can get for you?"
I shook my head. "No. Thanks."
"Well, just holler if you change your mind." She smiled as she patted my arm.
"Thanks, Judy," I said, forcing a smile as I watched as she walked away.
Of course, Frank and Craig. I didn't know why I hadn't thought of them before.
Within minutes, Judy was back with my burger. I nodded my thanks, and she walked away.
When I bit into it, it was just as I had remembered as the juices ran down my arm. There was no burger in the world that compared.
When I finished the last bite, Judy laid the bill on the table. "Just out of curiosity, how do you know Alyssa?"
I let out a deep breath. "We were engaged, years ago." I shrugged. "I just came into town and thought I'd look her up."
She nodded as she bit her lip, then she patted my arm again. "Good luck," she said as she walked away.
"Thank you," I said.
After throwing the money on the table along with a generous tip, I headed out to my car. It wasn't dark yet, and I only had until closing time. I just hoped that Craig worked late.
I was surprised that I remembered the way to his office as I drove down first one street then another. Within minutes, I pulled up in front of Craig's office. I locked up the car and headed inside.
"Good afternoon!" a pretty receptionist with brown hair, cut into a neat bob, greeted me, a bit too cheerful. "May I help you?"
"I'd like to see Craig Savage," I said without smiling.
Her smile faded. "Do you have an appointment?"
One corner of my lips curled into a smile as I leaned against her desk. "No, but he'll see me. Is he available?"
"What's your name?" she asked, her voice shaking.
I had no intention of making her nervous, so I took a step back. "Logan Ambrose."
"I'm sorry, but he's in a meeting right now."
I walked past her toward a closed door that I was sure was his office, not responding.
"Sir!" she yelled after me, teetering on her heels as she struggled to keep up. "You can't go in there!"
I burst into his office, but he wasn't there. "Where is he?"
"He's in the conference room, but you can't go in there!" his receptionist yelled as I stormed past her, walking down the hallway, opening doors, surprising people, but I was beyond caring. Finally, I opened a door and Craig stood. He had been sitting at the head of a long table with four men, two on either side.
"Logan," Craig said, a bit too calmly. "To what do I owe the honor?"
Security came in through the door behind me and the four gentlemen suddenly looked nervous. Craig held a hand up to the security guards, letting them know that everything was all right. The security guards left, but the receptionist just stood there, unsure of what to do.
"It's okay, Olivia," Craig said as he calmly held up his hand. Then, he turned to the men, sitting dumbfounded around the table. "Gentlemen, would you excuse us for a moment?"
"Sure," one said. They all nodded as they got up from the table and walked out the door.
Olivia was still standing there.
"Olivia, would you give Mr. Ambrose and me a moment?" Craig asked.
She nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Shut the door on your way out, please," Craig instructed. Once she was gone and the door was closed, he turned to me. "Logan, it's good to see you. To what do I owe this honor?"
