No Second Chances

Old Flames, New Trouble

The restaurant was dimly lit, giving off a warm, intimate vibe. Chandeliers hung low, and the soft glow from the candles flickered on the polished wood of the tables. The conversation around the table was light-hearted at first, with Chris and Maya keeping things cheerful as the waiters brought in platters of gourmet dishes and bottles of expensive wine.

Logan sat at the far end of the table, mostly silent. His eyes kept flicking toward Samantha, who was sitting just across from him. They shared several awkward glances but neither said a word, the tension between them as palpable as ever. Samantha, despite trying to keep her focus on the food, couldn’t shake the growing unease.

As the drinks began to flow, someone suggested a game. “Take a Shot,” Maya called it. The rules were simple: answer the question or take a shot. The bottle was passed around the table, and soon enough, it was Samantha’s turn.

“So, Sam,” Maya grinned mischievously, “is there anyone you’re seeing right now?”

Logan, who had been feigning disinterest, suddenly perked up. His gaze locked onto Samantha, awaiting her response. For a brief moment, Samantha hesitated, glancing at Logan before shaking her head with a sly smile. Instead of answering, she reached for the shot glass and downed the drink.

The night wore on, and the alcohol began to take its toll. Samantha kept taking shots every time she was asked a personal question, and soon enough, Logan noticed her eyes beginning to gloss over. He knew she couldn’t handle her liquor well, and before she could down another shot, Logan leaned forward and placed a firm hand on hers.

“That’s enough, Sam,” he said in a low voice, his touch igniting a familiar sensation in her that she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Samantha jerked her hand away, her cheeks flushed with alcohol and anger. “I can take care of myself, Logan,” she snapped. “I don’t need you looking out for me anymore.”

The mood at the table shifted, the awkwardness thickening as their colleagues exchanged glances. Chris tried to laugh it off, but they all knew the tension between Samantha and Logan was spiraling.

Then, Logan’s phone buzzed on the table. The screen lit up with a familiar name: Vanessa. His wife.

Samantha’s eyes caught the notification, and despite her blurred vision, she saw it clearly. “Your wife’s calling,” she slurred, her voice bitter as she struggled to formulate her words. “Why don’d yo_you go home…home to your wife, huh?”

Logan’s jaw tightened, but he ignored the ringing. “You’re drunk, Sam. Let’s get you home.”

The rest of the team had begun calling it a night, leaving the restaurant in pairs, and soon enough it was just Logan and Samantha. She could barely walk on her own, so Logan moved to lift her onto his back. As he carried her out into the cool night air, she clung to him, her drunken mind lost in memories.

“L…Logie,” she murmured, her breath warm against his neck. “I missed you.”

Logan’s heart ached, but he knew better than to believe her words. She wasn’t herself. As they made their way to his car, his phone buzzed again. Vanessa. He ignored it, knowing he needed to get Samantha home safely first.

Just as Logan approached his car, headlights swept across the parking lot. David Crane stepped out from the shadows, having been quietly observing the scene unfold. Logan stiffened.

“David,” he called, trying to keep his voice steady. “Give me a hand here. I need to get her home.”

David raised an eyebrow, noting the way Samantha was draped over Logan’s back. “Sure,” he said, but his tone was cautious. He moved to take Samantha from Logan, and Logan gave her over, his mind already back on his Vanessa missed calls. He’s almost never been this late outside since they got together.

Samantha, in her drunken haze, didn’t notice the switch. She continued to mutter Logan’s nickname she used to call him back in the days while reaching for David as he carried her toward his car.

“Logie,” she whispered, her lips brushing against David’s neck. “I want you.”

David froze, but before he could react, Samantha leaned in closer, her lips inches from his. Mistaking him for Logan in her intoxicated state, she kissed him, her hands wrapping around his neck.

David, shocked, nearly stumbled backward, but Samantha held on, completely unaware of the mistake she was making.