Contents
Chapter 18
Overview
As the new semester nears, Logan’s run with Hannah and Dean leads to an unexpected reunion with Grace. Logan apologizes and admits he wants a real relationship, not a distraction. Grace forgives him but declines a date, saying not right now. Logan leaves rejected yet newly hopeful.
Summary
In late August, Logan feels better about the summer—time with his mom, no major fights with his dad, and skating with the Miners. Still, Grace hasn’t returned his voicemail apology. He heads to campus for training, where Hannah and Dean rope him into a run.
During the run, Hannah teases Dean, and they banter to the park. There, Logan spots a blonde he realizes is Grace, now with dyed hair and makeup. He stops, sending Hannah and Dean ahead while he approaches Grace at the gazebo.
Grace’s reception is cool. Logan asks for five minutes and apologizes for V-night, admitting he’d convinced himself he wanted his best friend’s girlfriend but really wanted what that couple has: a relationship. He says he liked—and still likes—Grace, explaining stress and confusion fueled his mistake.
Grace remains guarded, saying they barely know each other and she won’t restart anything. When Logan asks for a date, she refuses and tries to leave for lunch with her dad. Logan walks alongside, making small talk as she reveals she spent summer in Paris and her mother pushed a makeover, including the hair color.
Near her house, Logan pleads for one chance and reminds her of their earlier good moments. Grace confronts him for humiliating her and using her as a distraction, then softens slightly: she forgives him and is open to being civil—even coffee someday—but not dating right now. Logan accepts the setback yet clings to hope in her phrasing.
Who Appears
- Logan (John Logan)Protagonist; runs with friends, encounters Grace, apologizes for V-night, admits he wants a real relationship, asks for a date, is refused but hopeful.
- Grace IversChanged her look after summer in Paris; coolly hears Logan’s apology, forgives him, declines a date, leaving possibility open for the future.
- Hannah WellsJoins the run, playfully spars with Dean; her presence leads to the route where Logan finds Grace.
- Dean Di-LaurentisRuns with Logan and Hannah; jokes and postures, initially doesn’t recognize Grace after her makeover.
- Grace’s fatherObserves from the porch as Logan pleads with Grace before she declines a date.