Page 10 of Something like Love

“My dad, well…he’s a senator. And a powerful one at that.”

My mouth hangs open because I wasn’t expecting that answer.

“He has a lot of connections, Mia. But he’s trying to do this underground so it won’t affect his name. If this were to get out, you can imagine what it would do to his career. But if push comes to shove, he would do what’s right, regardless of the scandal it would cause.”

My brain can’t process this without short-circuiting, and I get out the only coherent word I can manage to express. “Why?”

“Why? Why is he helping you?” she questions, unsure what I’m asking. “Because I asked him to. My father lives in Washington DC. He left me with my mother, thinking I would be better off staying in my hometown when they divorced. But I knew he really wanted to focus on his career, and I’m okay with that. I have never asked anything of him before, so when I asked him to help me, he knew it was important to me, and he said yes.”

My eyes widen at her confession, and I really don’t know what to say because a simple thank-you seems like an unsatisfactory response.

As corny as this makes me, I whisper, “I love you, Abi. You’re my best friend, and I really don’t know what I would have done if I’d never met you.”

Abi sniffs at my honesty, and I’m glad I went with my gut.

“You can thank me in person when you come home.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” I quickly reply, wiping away the unfallen tears from my eyes.

Abi chuckles but turns serious. “Have you seen your mom?”

A groan slips past my lips, and Quinn rubs my back in support.

“I take that as ayes, and that it went well,” Abi says sarcastically.

“Yeah, something like that,” I reply with a tired smile.

“We have a lot to catch up on when you come home.” I’m thankful she’s not pushing a conversation I can’t bear to have over the phone. “I haven’t told Tristan about Quinn and what he did.”

I nod, looking at Quinn. “Good idea. The less he knows, the better.”

“It’s not that,” Abi says, concern touching her tone. “It’s…he’s different. This is really getting to him, and I think if he found out about this, it would be the final thing to tip him over the edge, and no amount of reasoning would be able to keep him from finding you.”

I bite my lip, feeling my heart break. “Please look out for him. I couldn’t live with myself…” I stop, unable to finish.

Quinn wraps his arm around my middle, kissing my head softly.

“I promise I will. You just missed him, actually. He went to Night Cats.”

As soon as she mentions the one place I could call home, my feet feel unsteady and weak. Bracing one hand against the glass for support, I lower my head in defeat. Will this always be my response to a place where my fondest memories are held?

“Sorry,” Abi whispers when I remain silent.

One day, I know I’ll be able to deal with these emotions without having a mental breakdown. But sadly, today is not that day.

“It’s fine, Abi. Don’t sweat it. I better go. I’ll call you in a couple of days to check in. Say hi to Tristan from us.”

“Take care.”

“You too.” I hang up with a sigh, not letting go of the receiver. “Did you know Abi’s dad was a senator?”

Quinn shrugs. “I knew he was powerful and in politics, but not a senator.”

“Well, at least we got the good guys on our side. Here’s hoping they can clear our names, as I’m not keen on being a fugitive my whole life.”

Quinn surprises me by pulling me into his embrace by my belt loops. “How does it feel to be in the arms of a criminal?”

“Crime has never felt so good.” I loop my hands around his neck, toying with the soft hair at his nape.

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