Contents
Chapter 16
Overview
While grinding through off-season training and garage work, Logan clashes with his drunken father, who berates his ethics and hockey prospects. Jeff intervenes, and Logan avoids home. Later, customer Tori Howard aggressively propositions him; after wavering over Grace, Logan chooses to go with Tori, signaling a bid to move on.
Summary
In June, Logan grinds through an exhausting routine of workouts and long days at his family garage. After advising customer Bernie to patch a punctured tire rather than replace his worn set, Logan is confronted by his father, who is clearly drunk and furious he didn’t “upsell.”
Logan’s father publicly berates him, slurring about money, accusing him of caring more about hockey, and mocking that he was never drafted. Jeff steps in, gently steering their father back to the house. The encounter leaves Logan hurt and resentful, and he stays late at the shop to avoid going home.
After closing, a taxi drops off Tori Howard to pick up her serviced car. Tori openly flirts, describing her new dual-shower setup and inviting Logan to try it. Logan’s thoughts drift to Grace and months of unanswered calls, and he hesitates.
As Tori presses, Logan weighs his lingering hopes about Grace against his loneliness and fatigue. Concluding that Grace is not responding and tempted by Tori’s offer, he signals his agreement, deciding he “could really go for a shower,” effectively choosing to move on—at least for the night.
Who Appears
- John LoganExhausted from training and garage work; endures his father’s drunken tirade; stays late; ultimately accepts Tori’s invitation, trying to move past Grace.
- John Logan Sr.Drunk and volatile; demands aggressive upselling, insults Logan’s hockey prospects; is escorted away by Jeff.
- Jeff LoganLogan’s brother; intervenes to de-escalate their father’s outburst and brings Logan dinner later.
- Tori HowardFlirtatious customer; boldly invites Logan to her new dual-shower, prompting him to give in.
- BernieConstruction foreman customer; opts for a tire patch despite Logan’s advice to replace worn tires.