Page 93 of Four More The Merrier

"That's all I can ask for." I put my hat back on and turn to leave, then pause. "Thank you, Abby. For being there for her."

Abby catches my arm before I can turn away, her grip surprisingly strong. "Wait." Her eyes shine with unshed tears. "You don't understand what she gave up to chase this dream. Her family, her security, everything."

"I know she-"

"No, you don't know." She releases my arm, wrapping her cardigan tighter around herself. "That girl in there? She worked double shifts just to afford gas money to get to Nashville. Lived off ramen noodles for months."

The sound of Quinn getting sick again drifts through the apartment. Abby winces.

"Look, I get it - y'all are big stars with reputations to protect. But Quinn?" She shakes her head. "Quinn's special. And I'm not just saying that because she's my best friend. That girl's got more talent and heart than anyone I've ever met."

"We know." My voice comes out rougher than intended. "Trust me, we know."

"Then don't be stupid." She fixes me with a stern look. "Figure this out. Because if y'all break her heart, I'll come after every last one of you - even if you are twice my size."

I can't help but crack a smile. "Yes ma'am."

The metal stairs creak under my boots as I head back down to the truck. Each step feels heavier than the last as Abby's words echo in my head. Quinn gave up everything to chase her dreams. And now she's pregnant, scared, and probably thinking those dreams are over.

Unless we can prove otherwise.

42

QUINN

Istare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, willing my stomach to settle. "I can't do this, Abby."

"You're going to have to face them eventually. It's not like they're in the dark anymore." Abby leans against the doorframe, arms crossed.

"What if they hate me? What if they changed their mind and want nothing to do with..." I press my hand against my still-flat stomach.

"Then at least you'll know. But from what I saw yesterday, those boys aren't going anywhere."

My phone buzzes - another text from Beau asking if I'm still coming. I haven't responded to any of their messages.

"Fine." I grab my purse. "But you're driving me. Not only because I don't have a car, but I don't trust myself not to make the uber guy turn around halfway there."

"Already got my keys." Abby dangles them with a grin.

The drive to the hotel feels both too long and too short. My heart pounds harder with each floor the elevator climbs.

"Want me to wait?" Abby asks as we reach their floor.

"No. I need to do this alone." I squeeze her hand. "But keep your phone on?"

"Always."

I walk down the hallway on shaky legs, counting room numbers until I reach theirs. Before I can knock, the door swings open. Lyle stands there, relief washing over his face.

"You came." He steps back to let me in.

The suite feels crowded with all four of them here. Beau sits in an armchair, leg bouncing nervously. Jarron paces by the window while Austen leans against the wall, arms crossed.

"Sit." Lyle gestures to the couch. "Please?"

I perch on the edge of the cushion, hands clasped tightly in my lap. The silence stretches until I can't take it anymore.

"I'm sorry I left without saying anything," I whisper.

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