Page 38 of Just My Ex

Marley’s mouth twists to one side, and her eyes flash. “You do know how angry everyone is about this, right? Not me.” She gives up a laugh. “I don’t care. But my parents have been discussing what to do because it’s all just so confusing. Grandpa loved all of us. We wonder if he changed his will under some duress.”

I finish chewing. Enough of the nonchalant show. I swallow and then begin. “Marley, your grandfather gave Quinn the money because she’d built a strong relationship with him. Not a week went by without a visit from her. She helped him. He said so in the will.”

“I better head back to check on Navie …” Quinn mutters. She dabs the corner of her mouth with her napkin and scrapes the chair back.

“Well, for her to keep it all is selfish … according to my parents and the friends I’ve talked to about it.” She knocks back the rest of her drink. “Like I said, I don’t care.”

“The judge says I’m not under any obligation to discuss this with the family, so I made the decision not to.” Quinn’s posture is rigid, and she’s squeezing her fabric napkin tightly.

“Why?” Marley’s head slopes to one side, peering at us both. “Why can’t there be a discussion? His own son doesn’t even get a penny? Dad tried to contest it, Quinn. But as you know, the will says if he’s successful, it would all go to AA. I just think you’d be better off discussing it with everyone—”

I keep my voice even and try not to scowl. “She’s not going to, Marley. Is that why you came? To talk about something that you’re claiming you have no interest in?”

“I came to talk some sense into you, Quinn.” Marley’s forehead hardens.

“Henry, it’s fine. Marley is welcome to express her opinions on the matter.” Quinn’s expression is just as hard. “I just wonder why now? I’ve seen you many times since the reading, and you’ve seemed fine with everything.”

Marley shrugs. “I was trying not to concern myself with it. I was trying to be fine with it, Quinn. But itisunfair. And when you quit work all the sudden, I was worried.”

Worried? About Quinn or herself?

“It was nice to see you again, Marley, but Quinn and I are heading back to the suite. Have a good night.” I put some money on the table and stand to help Quinn with her chair.

Marley points to the bills. “Ha! Your brother makes you pay for the meal?” She clenches her jaw as she turns to Quinn. “I’d just like to say, if you keep Grandpa’s money, we can’t be friends anymore.” Her breezy tone is laced with disdain.

Quinn’s bottom lip trembles. “Really, Marley? Because of money? Because I’m following Grandpa’s wishes?”

I leave my arm in place and breathe in her scent for a moment—or two—before stiffening away. I have to keep this professional, especially around Marley.

But no one can talk to Quinn like that.

And of course I paid for the meal. I’m not going to take charity from Sebastian.

I owe him plenty already.

We leave The Summit and beeline for the door of the suite, Quinn clutching her bag. Halfway to the suite’s door, she opens the purse, rifling through it. “My key—”

“I got it.” I tell her and remove it from my back pocket. I scan it and the door clicks open.

Do I get her settled inside? Or does that break the rules?

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Quinn

My head is thick with a dull pain. What was that animosity from Marley? I wasn’t prepared for that.

I probably should have been, but in my defense, I’ve seen her at work several times since the will reading, and she acted normal. Totally fine. Granted, we didn’t discuss the inheritance because how do you just say to your cousin:

Hey, sorry you don’t get any of grandpa’s money and I get all of it!

You can’t do that.

But she really did seem normal. Warm, even. Like nothing had happened.

Obviously, she’s not like that now.

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