Page 71 of Bitter Truth

It reminds me so much of Vivian even though the two of them are completely different people. Vivian is loud and brash and sassy with zero filter. Quinn is one of those relentlessly positive, eternal-optimist types who smiles through everything and always knows how to say just the right thing.

But what they both have in common is they are great listeners.

So I spill the tea. All the dirty bits. About my shitty apartments and horrible roommates and barely scraping by and everything that happened with Paul.

And she listens, gasping at all the right moments and reaffirming me when we get to the hardest parts.

Vivian was right.

I do need someone here to talk to. As incredible as it is to have Wes, there’s something really important about having a girlfriend. And while I’m sure Quinn has plenty of friends around town, I am all too happy to have her take pity on me and lend an ear.

“Jeez Louise, girl. I’m so sorry you had to deal with all that. That Paul guy sounds like a real piece of work.”

Downing the last of my wine, I set my now-empty glass on the table with a clink. “Oh, he was.”

“Well, at least you’re back here now.”

I snort. “Because this is exactly where I want to be.”

The words fall flat as soon as I say them, and I briefly catch a look on Quinn’s face that she’s heard them the same way. Like an insult.

But before I can say anything, her smile is back.

“I’m sure our small town can at least serve as a temporary reprieve from the insanity before you figure out what your next big dream is, right?”

There isn’t anything unkind about her words. In fact, I imagine she’s being incredibly gracious. I can’t help wondering if what I said is boiling beneath her skin.

Because the residual feeling of having said it is still boiling beneath mine.

“Absolutely.” I glance down and see that her drink is empty, too. “Do you want me to grab you another Shirley?”

Quinn shakes her head. “Nah, I think it’s time for me to head out.” She rubs the top of her belly. “This little goober makes me a whole lot more exhausted than I ever plan to be, and the idea of splaying out on the couch to watch TV sounds like exactly what I need tonight.”

I feel bad. We spent the entire time we’ve been here talking about me.

“How about we make a date soon for you to come ride around the vineyard with me? I wanna hear all about the baby and how your life has been.”

I don’t imagine it when I see a tiny wrinkle between Quinn’s brows smooth out.

“I’d love that.”

We crawl out of the booth and embrace, then she gives me a wave and leaves.

I thought I’d have more mixed feelings about spending time with Quinn. When I look back on our friendship, it always seemed like she was friends with everyone and I only had her. But tonight felt good. Like slipping on an old sweater that I used to love and realizing it still fits and still makes me smile.

Maybe I really can mark find a friend off the official task list.

I roll my eyes. Vivian has me brainwashed.

A familiar face catches my eye, and my stomach twists, a giddy feeling beginning to thrum through my veins at the sight of Wes. He strides toward the bar, where he leans up against the counter next to a half-empty beer, a coaster resting on the top.

He must have arrived earlier, while I was talking with Quinn. I can’t believe I didn’t notice him, especially because I can’t seem to pull my eyes away from where he stands, enjoying the view that his long, lean frame and killer ass provides.

Quinn’s departure had me thinking I was ready to leave, but I feel my interest in sticking around rejuvenated.

And with that thought, I head his way.

Chapter Sixteen

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