Page 21 of Thirst Trap (Carter Brothers)

Hence my being there.

I wouldn’t have been anywhere else.

I loved Quinn.

I’d always love Quinn.

Even if our love wasn’t enough for him.

Ande started to sniffle, and Keene, the man who was slowly starting to burrow his way into her heart, took her hand, pulling her into his embrace.

Just as I was about to take the space that Ande’s body movement allowed me, Quinn caught my shoulder and pulled me right into his body.

I hated, absolutely loathed, the way I wanted to melt into him.

I stayed stiff for as long as I could, but then I felt him starting to shake, and realized he was barely hanging on.

He needed me.

I raised my hand and caught his finger. Just one. Like I’d always done.

His hand was too big for me to hold it comfortably, and like always, he squeezed my fist between his two fingers.

I felt my stomach lurch.

The music started, and then the slide show began, and I lost my battle with my tears.

Quinn didn’t cry.

He probably never had before.

He certainly hadn’t done it in my presence.

So I cried for us both.

I cried all the tears and hated myself just a little bit more.

Addison was Ande’s other half.

She’d be lost without her.

But she and Quinn had shared a special bond. They’d always loved watching Anime together, and now he wouldn’t have that outlet. Who would he get ideas from about what Anime show to watch next? Who would he talk about his favorite episodes with?

I’d tried, and failed, to get into Anime for him.

It just wasn’t something I’d ever been able to fall in love with.

“And all the family, would you please stand up and make your way to the reception area?”

Everyone stood up, including me.

Quinn dropped my shoulder but caught my hand in his as he led the way out of the seats.

I followed behind, checking over my shoulder as I did to make sure that Keene had Ande.

Keene made eye contact with me, and I nodded my thanks.

I liked Keene.

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