Page 57 of The Forsaken
Rhys was expecting her when she arrived. “Quinn, have a seat,” he said solicitously. “Would you like a cup of tea or some mineral water?”
“I’m all right, thanks,” Quinn replied as she looked over the contract.
“I need you to sign a release form as well,” Rhys announced. “Since the series finale deals with your own family, we need to have it on record that we have your permission.”
“Of course.”
“Quinn, I really am sorry,” Rhys said as he glanced over the forms and replaced them in a file folder. “I had no way of knowing…”
“I mean to find my sister, Rhys.”
“So is it true, then? Have you confronted Sylvia?”
“Yes, yesterday. Her reaction was all the answer I needed,” Quinn replied bitterly.
“Why? Why did she split you two up?”
“Sylvia said my sister had difficulty breathing, so she left her at the hospital, and took me to the cathedral.”
“Not the most sound decision, but given that she was only seventeen and had just given birth to twins, I don’t suppose she was feeling very pragmatic,” Rhys remarked.
“Rhys, I don’t blame her for that, but I do blame her for not telling me. We’ve known each other for almost a year now and she never thought to mention that I have a twin sister. Had I never run into Reverend Seaton, I would have gone through my entire life never knowing I have a twin.”
“Yes, that was unfair of her. What will you do?”
“I’ve decided I need to take a step back. I’ve asked Sylvia not to call me.”
“And the boys?”
“I don’t see why I can’t maintain a relationship with them. They are my brothers, after all, and they are grown men.”
Rhys nodded. Quinn could see there was something on his mind, and he appeared to be debating whether to share his thoughts with her. “Have you eaten?” he asked.
“Not since breakfast. I had a cup of tea after my yoga class, but I’m getting peckish.”
“Can I take you to lunch? I’m hungry, and I hate eating alone.”
“Don’t I know it.” Quinn chuckled. “Sure. I’d love to have lunch with you.”
“Any particular cravings?”
“Don’t laugh.”
“Never.”
“Fish and chips,” Quinn confessed. “Gabe would have a coronary. He’s making sure I stay away from fried, salty foods.”
“Dictator,” Rhys said with a laugh.
“He’s worried about me,” she replied, suddenly feeling defensive on Gabe’s behalf. He was driving her mad, truth be told, but she understood his reasons and tried not to row with him about his overprotectiveness. He was motivated by love.
“You’re very lucky to have a man like Gabe. He’s one in a million.”
“That’s quite a compliment coming from you.”
“It’s the truth.”
Rhys waited until they were settled in the George with plates of food in front of them before broaching the subject he’d clearly been waiting to bring up since Quinn had walked into his office. She knew him well enough at this point to be able to tell when something was weighing on his mind. Rhys sprinkled some salt over his chips and bit one, chewing thoughtfully. “Quinn, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
