Whocouldresistthisman?

AmylookedatQuinn,standingtherewithhisdarkhairshininginthelightfromthestreetlamp.He
hadbeenherknightinshiningarmortonight,ridingupoutofnowhereandvanquishingherenemies.
Herheartswelledwithold,foolishemotions.

Eventhoughitwasn’tthesmartestthingtodogivenherunrequitedcrush,Amypressedakissto
Quinn’scheek.Hisarmscamearoundher,andthenextthingsheknewshewasclampedagainsthis
chest.Hiswoolcoatwasassoftassilkbeneathherhands,hisbodybeneathitbigandstrong.Amy
closedhereyesandinhaledthesmellofexpensivewoolandsubtle,woodyaftershave.

Arushofwarmemotionwashedoverher.Onelook,onetouchandshewasthinkingaboutallthe
thingsshe’dneverhave.Itwastoohard.Toocruel.Yetstillshewantedhim.

DearReader,

ThisbookwasinspiredbymygoodfriendHelen’srecountingofhowsheandherhusbandmoved
fromfriendstolovers.Theywererenovatinganoldtheater,andthroughthelonghoursoftalking
andworkingtogethertheyfellinlove.Naturally,suchagreatreal-lifestorygotmyimagination
tickingover.WhenIclosedmyeyes,however,Ikeptpicturinganoldcinemaratherthanaplayhouse,
andthustheGrandPictureTheatrewasborn.

IhavealwayslovedArtDecoarchitecture.Therearesometrulyamazingoldcinemasinmyhome
townofMelbourne,andwhenIvisitedFlorence,Italy,afewyearsagoIfellinlovewiththeOdeon
Cinehall,astunningArtNouveaucinemathatjusttookmybreathaway.Ifyouareeverinthatneckof
thewoods,Ihighlyrecommendavisit—theyplaylotsofEnglishlanguagemoviesandwatchinga
filmtheremakesyoufeellikeroyalty.

IhopeyouenjoyQuinnandAmy’sstory.Ilovehearingfromreaders,andyoucanfindmye-mail
addressatmyWebsite,www.sarahmayberry.com.

Untilnexttime,

SarahMayberry

HerBestFriend

SarahMayberry

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

SarahMayberrylivesinMelbourne,Australia,withherpartner,whoisalsoawriter.Whenshe’snot
gazingoffintospacethinkingaboutthecharactersinherlateststory,shelovesgoingtothemovies,
yoga,meditationandshoeshopping(notneccessarilyinthatorder!).She’shopingthatbythetime
youreadthisshewillbetheproudownerofanewpuppy—breedyettobedecided.

BooksbySarahMayberry

HARLEQUINSUPERROMANCE
1551—

ANATURALFATHER

1599—

HOMEFORTHEHOLIDAYS

HARLEQUINBLAZE

380—

BURNINGUP

404—

BELOWTHEBELT

425—

AMOROUSLIAISONS

464—

SHE’SGOTITBAD

517—

HERSECRETFLING

ThisbookwouldnotexistifIdidnothaveChrisbymyside.

Havinghisstorysmartsandendlesspatienceonmysidemakesallthedifference.Loveyou.

IalsowanttothankHelenforsharingthestoryofherreal-liferomancewithme—thanksforgiving

meAmyandQuinn!

Andlast,butneverleast,thankstoWanda.BlessthedayIendeduponyourdesk.

CONTENTS

CHAPTERONE

CHAPTERTWO

CHAPTERTHREE

CHAPTERFOUR

CHAPTERFIVE

CHAPTERSIX

CHAPTERSEVEN

CHAPTEREIGHT

CHAPTERNINE

CHAPTERTEN

CHAPTERELEVEN

EPILOGUE

CHAPTERONE

A

MY

P

ARKERSLOWED

herstepsassheapproachedtheGrandPictureTheatre.Thesettingsunpainted

theoldcinema’scrumblingwhiteSpanishMissionfacadepinkandapricot,andforamoment—ifshe
squintedandreallyusedherimagination—shecouldpicturetheGrandasithadoncebeen:elegant,
beautiful,atestamenttoabygoneera.

Fourmoredays.

ThenthesalecontractwouldbesignedoffandtheGrandwouldbehersandshecouldstartmaking

theimageinhermindareality.

Amysteppedclosertothedoubleglassdoorsattheentrance.Thefrontwindowshadbeencovered

withnewspaperforyears,butasectionontherightdoorhadpeeledaway.Shestoodonhertoesand
shadedhereyeswithherhandssoshecouldseethroughthegap.Inside,themarbleparquettileswere
dullwithdirtandgrimewhilecrumplednewspaper,oldboxesanddustballsdottedthefloor.The
oncestunningconcessionstandwasscarredwithage,themirrorsbehindittarnishedandchipped.It
wouldtakeweekstosetthingsrightinthere.Andthefoyerwastheleastofherproblems.Waydown
onherToDolist.

Theroofneededfixing,thestuccoonthefacadehadtoberenewed.Theplumbingwasshotandthe

wholeoftheinteriorsmelledofdampandmold.Shehadherworkcutoutforher,thatwasforsure.

Shesmiled.Shecouldn’tfreakingwait.

“Amy.Thereyouare.Itriedyouatthestorebutyourmothersaidyou’dleftalready.”

ItwasRegHanover,councilchairman.Eventhoughhewaswearingyetanotherofhistrulyhideous

ties,shebeamedathim.OnFriday,thisportlymiddle-agedmanandhisfellowcouncilmembers
wouldbesigningovertheGrandtoherinexchangeforherhard-wonsavingsandasizablebank
loan.Rightnow,shelovedhim,uglytieandall.

“Reg.Heythere.Iwasjustdrooling,”shesaid.“Prematurely,Iknow.ButIcouldn’thelpmyself.”

Reg’sfacewaspinkfromthewalkfromherparents’hardwarestore.

“Yes.Well.Aboutthat.”Heclearedhisthroatandsmoothedahanddownhistie.Thisonewasbeige,

withapictureofablackhorserearingonit.Reallybad,evenforReg.

Sheshiftedherattentiontohisface.Therewassomethingaboutthewayhecouldn’tquitemake

himselfmeethereyes.Andthewayhekeptswallowingnervously.

“Istheresomekindofproblem?”

“Amy,there’snopointinbeatingaroundthebush.I’mjustgoingtosayit—we’vehadanother

offer.Andwe’regoingtotakeit.”

Amyblinkedafewtimes,tryingtomakesenseofhiswords.“Idon’tunderstand.”

“UlrichConstructionhascomeinwithalast-minuteoffer.Thecouncilneedstothinkofthewhole

community,andwebelievethisisthebestoutcomeforeveryone.”

Hesoundedstiff,asthoughhe’dbeenrehearsinghisspeechinhismind.

“Butwehadadeal.Acontract.”

“No,Amy,wehadaconversation.Aconversationisnotlegallybinding.”

Shegaped.Shecouldn’tbelievehewasbeingsoslippery.

“Wenegotiatedacontract,Reg.Ihaveacopyathome.Youweregoingtosignitatthisweek’s

meeting.”

“I’msorry,butwehadabetterdealcomein,andwetookit.Iknowyou’redisappointed,butthat’s

thewaythesethingsgo.”

Hecheckedhiswatchthenglancedupthestreet,asthoughhehadbetterthingstodothanbreakher

heart.

“Haveyousignedoffonthedealyet?”sheasked.

“No,butwewillonFriday.”

“Iwanttotalktotheothercouncillors,”shesaid,crossingherarmsoverherchestandliftingher

chin.

“Fine.They’llallbeatthemeeting.Membersofthepublicarewelcome.”

Membersofthepublic?YesterdaythecouncilhadbeenreadytosignoverownershipoftheGrand

toherandtodayshewasamemberofthepublic?

Shewasstilltryingtofindsomethingtosaythatdidn’tcontainthewordssneakyratfinkwhenReg

reachedoutandpattedherarm.

“It’sprobablyforthebest.Itwasunlikelyyouwereevergoingtobeabletorestorethisbigold

placeonyourown,anyway.”

Hewalkedaway.Amystaredathisretreatingback.Shewasatalossastohowtorespond,howto

feel,whattothink.

Formorethantenyearsshe’dlivedandbreathedthedreamofbuyingtheoldtheatrethathergreat-

grandfatherhadbuilt.She’dlainawakeonmorenightsthanshecouldcountregildingthedecorative
moldingsinhermind,reupholsteringthesectionalseating,polishingthefloors,imagininghow
gloriousitcouldallbeifshecouldonlyscrapetogetherthemoneytopurchasethetheatrefromthe
localcouncil.

She’dinvestedthesmalllegacyhergrandparentshadleftherandsavedherwagesfromworkingin

herparents’hardwarestoreandtakenanyextraworkthathadcomeherway,planningfortheday
whenshe’dhaveenoughforadeposit.

Andfinallyshe’dmadeit.Atleastshe’dthoughtshehad.

Theshockwasbeginningtowearoff.Shedidn’tunderstandhowanotheroffercouldcomeoutof

theblue.TheGrandhadbeenaneyesoreonthemainstreetofthesmallVictoria,Australiatownof
Daylesfordforyears.Ithadceasedoperatingasacinemaintheeightiesandhadbeenemptyfora
longtime,eversincetheantiquesdealerwho’dbeenrentingthespacehadfoundbetterpremises.No
oneexceptAmyhadseemedtogiveatossabouttheoldplace.AndyetsuddenlytheGrandwasahot
ticket?

Sheneededtoknowmore.ShepulledouthercellphoneanddialedherfriendDenise,whoworked

atthemunicipaloffice.Ifanyoneknewthedetailsofthisotheroffer,itwouldbeher.

“’Nise,it’sme.Ineedsomeinsideinfo.Butonlyifitwon’tgetyouintrouble.”

“Fireaway.I’mallyours,babe,”Denisesaid.

“UlrichConstructionhasputinalast-minutebidontheGrand.Ineedtoknowwhattheirprop

says.”

“ButtheGrandisyours!Itypedupyourcontractmyself.”

“It’snotsignedyet,’Nise.”

“Oh.Crap.Themeeting’sthisweek,isn’tit?Givemefiveminutes,I’llcallyouback.”

AmypacedinfrontoftheGrandwhileshewaited,armscrossedoverherchest.ItwaslateApril

anditwasgettingdarkerandcolderbytheminute,butshedidn’tcare.Shewasn’tleavingthisspot
untilsheknewforsurewhatwasgoingon.Thatherdreamreallywasover.

Sevenminuteslater,herphonerang.ItwasDenise,andwhenshetoldAmywhatshe’ddiscovered,

Amyliterallyfeltdizzywithshock.

UlrichConstructionwantedtobuytheGrandandknockdowneverythingbutthefacade,replacing

itwithafour-storyapartmentblock.Theywantedtodestroytheintricateplasterworkonthedomed
ceilinginsidethetheatre,smashthemarblestairwaytothebalconysection,scraptheMuranoglass
wallsconces.TheywouldpaylipservicetopreservingtheGrandwhilewipingouteverythingthat
madethetheatresounique.

“Youwantmetocomepickyouupandpoursomewineintoyou?”DeniseofferedwhenAmywas

silentfortoolong.

“No.Thanksforthis,’Nise.Ihavetogo.”

Amyendedthecallandpressedherpalmagainstherforehead.

Sheneededtothink.Sheneededtogetpastthepanicthatwasmakingherheartraceandher

stomachchurn.

Sheneededalawyer.

Yes.Absolutely.Thatwasdefinitelythefirststep.Sheneededasmart,sharpmouthpieceinasuit.

Someoneformidablewhocouldarmherwiththenecessaryinformation.

Shestartedsearchingherphonecontactsforanumbershehadn’tdialedinmonths.

Therehadbeengoodreasonsforthat,ofcourse.Sensible,sanitypreservingreasons.Butthiswas

anemergency.Allbetswereoff.HeroldschoolfriendLisadealtwithpropertylawallthetimein
Sydney.She’dknowhowtohandlethis.She’dtellAmyiftherewasanywayshecouldstopthis
disasterfromhappening.

Amyfoundthenumberasanunwelcomethoughtslunkintohermind:WhatifQuinnanswers

insteadofLisa?

Amyfroze,staringatthenumberonthescreen.

Afteralltheseyears,shestillcouldn’tthinkofQuinnWhitfieldwithoutfeelingaskipof

excitement,closelyfollowedbyathumpofdread.

Dumb.Anddangerous.Hewasmarried.Theyweremarried.Hertwobestfriends.

Whichwaswhyshe’dbeendeliberatelytryingtodistanceherselfrecently.Notreturningphone

calls.Beinglazywithe-mails.Freezingthemout.

Butitwasn’tasthoughshe’dgonetoschoolwithamillionlawyers.ItwaseitherLisaoralawyer

chosenatrandomfromthephonebook—anarrangementthatwouldcomecompletewithaheftybill
hertightrestorationbudgetcouldnotafford.

HopefullyLisawouldpickupandnotQuinn.Andifitwashim…well,Amywoulddealwithit.She

pressedthebuttonandlistenedasthephonerang.

Comeon,Lisa,pickup.Pickup,pickup,pickup.

AclicksoundedandsuddenlyQuinn’svoicewasinherear.Herstomachtensed—thensherealized

itwasonlyarecording.

“Hi,there.You’vecalledtheWhitfields.Wecan’tgettothephonerightnow.Leaveamessageand

yourcontactdetailsandwe’lldoourbesttogetbacktoyouassoonaswecan.Unlessyou’reselling
lifeinsurance,thenyouknowwhatyoucando.”

Ithadbeennearlyeighteenmonthssinceshe’dspokentoQuinn,buthesoundedexactlythesame.

Shecouldevenimaginetheslightsmilehewouldhavebeenwearingwhenherecordedthemessage.

Self-aware,wry.Charmingasallhell.

Theansweringmachinebeepedandshetookaquickbreath.

“Lisaand,um,Quinn.Longtimenospeak,huh?Lis,Iwasactuallycallingtotalktoyou.Ineed

somelegaladviceandit’skindofurgent—”

“Amy.Hey.Howthehellareyou?”

Amy’sheartbangedagainstherribcageasQuinn’sdeepvoicesoundeddowntheline.Nota

recordingthistime.Therealthing.

“Quinn.Hi.”

Sheclosedhereyes.Hesoundedsogood.Andsopleasedtohearfromher.

Andwhynot?She’dbeenthe“bestperson”athiswedding.They’dgrownupnextdoortoeach

other.He’dtaughtherhowtofish,andshe’dtaughthimthebestwaytoclimbtheappletreeatthe
bottomofherparents’yard.They’dlearnedtoridetheirbikestogether,andthey’dbeenpunished
togetheranynumberoftimesfortoomanyprankstocount.Rotteneggsintheair-conditioningvent
atschool.ReleasingQuinn’spetferretinclass.Fillingtheneighbor ’sexhaustpipewithwaterfrom
thegardenhose.

Theirexploitshadbeenlegendary.ThenLisamovedtotowntheyearofAmy’sfourteenthbirthday,

andeverythingchanged.

“I’mgood,thanks.Howaboutyou?”shesaid.

“Keepingbodyandsoultogether.Man,it’sbeenalongtimesinceIheardyourvoice.”

“Yeah.”Sheswallowedthelumpinherthroat.Wonderedifheguessedshe’dbeendeliberately

pushinghimaway,orifhethoughtitwasjusttimeanddistancethathadcomebetweenthem.

“Iwasthinkingaboutyoutheotherday,actually,”hesaid.

She’dbeenabouttoaskifLisawashome,buthiswordscaughtherbysurprise.“Really?”

“Yeah.Iwasthinkingaboutthewedding.Thenightbefore,actually.HowyouandIwentdowntothe

lakeanddrankallthatbeer.Remember?”

“Iremember.”

Howcouldsheforget?She’dmatchedhimbeerforbeer,desperatetoprolongeverylastsecond

withhimbeforehestoppedbeingherbestfriendandbecameonehalfofMr.andMrs.QuinnandLisa
Whitfield.

WouldithavebeeneasierifLisahadn’tbeenherclosefriend,thethirdmusketeer?Wouldithave

hurtasmuchifQuinnhadfallenforastrangerfromoutoftown?

Amywouldneverknow.

Shepinchedthebridgeofhernose.Thiswaswhyshe’dhesitatedovercalling.Somanymemories,

allwashingoverher.

Timetogetthisconversationbackontrack.

“Listen,I,um,don’twanttokeepyoutoolong.IsLisaaround?Ineedtoaskheradviceonalegal

thing.”

TherewasashortpauseasQuinnregisteredtheabruptshiftinconversation.She’dbeentoosharp,

tooquicktocuthimoff.Sheheldherbreath,waitingforhimtoaskthequestionsthatwerebubbling
beneaththesurfaceoftheirconversation.

Whydidyoustopreturningmycalls?

Whyaren’twefriendsanymore?

WhatdidIdowrong?

“Lisa’snotaroundatthemoment.IsitanythingIcanhelpwith?”

“It’sfine.I’llwaitforhertocallmeback.”

“What’stheproblem,Ames?LisamighthavegottenbettermarksthanmebutImadepartnerbefore

her.”Quinnwasjoking,buttherewasanedgetohistone.

Because,ofcourse,Quinnwasalawyer,too.OneofthemanythingsheandLisahadincommon.

Hecouldjustaseasilyanswerherquestions,yetAmyhadmadeapointofaskingforLisa,of
thinkingofLisaandnothimwhenshe’drealizedsheneededlegaladvice.

“It’snotthat.Ididn’twanttobotheryou,”shesaidquickly.

“Butyou’rehappytobotherLisa?”

BecauseIhaven’tbeeninlovewithLisaformoreyearsthanIcancount.Becausetalkingtoher

doesn’tmakemethinkaboutallthehoursI’vespentachingoveryou,wishingyoulovedmeinsteadof
her.Makingmyselfsickwithjealousyandguiltandlust.

“No.It’sjustwehaven’tspokenforawhile,andIdon’twanttobeoneofthosefair-weatherfriends

whocallsoutoftheblueandhitsyouupforafavorbecauseIneedsomelegaladvice.”

Quinnmadeanimpatientnoise.“ForPete’ssake,Amy.Wegrewuptogether.You’remyoldest

friend.Tellmetheproblem.”

Shehesitatedamomentlonger.Buthewasright.Shewasbeingstupid.She’dalwaysbeenstupid

whereQuinnwasconcerned.

“I’vebeennegotiatingwiththecouncilforthepastfewmonthstobuytheGrand.Wehaveacontract

allreadytogo—”

“Whoa.Holdonasecond.YoufinallygotthemoneytogethertobuytheGrand?”

“That’swhatIsaid.”

“Ames.That’sfantastic.Whatanamazingachievement.”

Itscaredherhowmuchhispraisemeanttoher,howmuchitmadeherchestache.

“Well,I’mnotthereyet.”

“Right.You’vegotacontract…?”heprompted.

Overthenextfewminutesshebriefedhimonthesituation.Itmadeherfeelsickandangryallover

againasshethoughtabouttheperemptorywayRegHanoverhaddeliveredthenews.Asthoughshe
wasapeskychildtobeshooedfromtheroom.

“Ifthecontractwasn’tsigned,there’snotmuchyoucandotoholdthemtotheagreement.You

knowthat,right?”Quinnsaid.

“Thisisn’taboutmycontract.Ineedtoknowifthere’sanythingIcandotoprotecttheGrand.It’s

onthetown’sheritageregister.SurelythatmeansUlrichcan’tknockitdown?”

Hervoicebrokeonthelastfewwordsandshefeltimmeasurablyfoolish.

“Youokay?”

“Yes.”

“I’mgoingtoneedsometimetodoabitofresearch,findoutmoreaboutthelocalheritage

registerandcouncilbylaws.Insomemunicipalities,whatUlrichisproposingisacceptable—a
compromisebetweenheritagepreservationandcommerce.CanIgetbacktoyou?”

“Ofcourse.”

“Probablywon’tbeuntiltomorrowmorning,okay?”

“Sure.”

“Trynottofreakoutinthemeantime.”

“Toolate.Andthanks,Quinn.”

Shecouldalmostseehisshrug,eventhoughhewashundredsofmilesaway.“Noworries,Ames.”

Heendedthecall.Sheslidherphoneintoherpocketandstartedwalkingtohercar.

Shehadn’tspokentoQuinnformonths,haddodgedhisphonecallsandavoidedrespondingtohis

e-mails.Andhe’drespondedtoherrequestforhelpwithouthesitation.Withoutquestion.

Itwasoneofthethingsshe’dalwayslovedabouthimthemost:hisgenerosity.Butthentherehad

alwaysbeenalottoloveaboutQuinnWhitfield.Hisclevermind.Hiskindness.Hissenseofhumor.
Thentherewashisbody—tallandbroadandstrong….

Stopit.Stopitbeforeyou’rerightbackatthesameoldplaceagain.

Shehadbiggerfishtofrythanlostlovesandoldregrets.Itwasfarbettertochannelherenergyinto

abattlesheatleasthadachanceofwinning.

Becauseshe’dlostQuinnlongago.

Q

UINNSATQUIETLY

foramomentafterhe’dhungupthephone.

Forthefirstfewsecondsofthecallhe’dthoughtAmywascallingbecausesheknew,becausehis

motherhadletsomethingsliporLisahadmadecontacttotellherthebignews.

ButAmyhadn’tknown.Andhehadn’ttoldher.

“I’mgoinghomenow,Mr.Whitfield.”

QuinnglanceduptoseeMariahoveringinthedoorwayofhisstudy.

“Okay.Thanks.I’llseeyouinafewweeks,”hesaid.

“Youhaveagoodholiday,okay?”shesaid.“Youworktoohard.Youneedtorest.”

“Iwill.Youenjoyyourbreak,too.”

Shewavedherhandasthoughhewastalkingnonsense.Heknewshecleanedanumberofhousesas

wellashisown.Sheprobablyneverstoppedworking.

“Andmaybeyoushouldtrytoeatsomemorewhileyou’reaway,”shesaid.

“I’lldowhatIcan.”

Shegavehimalastwavebeforedisappearingandhelettheeasysmilefadefromhislips.Shewas

worriedabouthim,justasthey’dbeenworriedabouthimattheoffice.Lotsofhushedconversations
about“poorQuinn”andhowhewasworkingtoolateandhowmuchweighthe’dlost.Hencethe
holiday.TwoweeksupnorthonHamiltonIsland,whetherhelikeditornot.

“Takesometimeoff,Quinn.Lookafteryourself.Nooneexpectsyoutobeamachine,”hisboss

hadsaid.

Notanorder,butcloseenough.

Quinnsighedandrakedahandthroughhishair.Atthemoment,workwashissolace.Hehadno

ideawhathe’ddowithoutit.Facethewreckageofhismarriage,hesupposed.

Hardtogettooenthusiasticaboutthat.

Eventhoughhisleavehadofficiallystartedthismorning,he’dbeentidyinguplooseendsathome,

andhesavedthelastdraftoftheMonroecontractbeforesendingaquicke-mailtohisassistanttolet
herknowitwasreadytobereleasedtotheclient.Thenheglanceddownatthenoteshe’dmadewhile
talkingtoAmy.

Hestillcouldn’tbelieveshewasinapositiontobuytheGrand,afteralltheseyears.Andthathe

hadn’tknownaboutit.

She’dbeenobsessedwiththeplacesincetheywerekids.Usedtodraghimpastitastheywalked

homefromschooleveryday,eventhoughitwasoutoftheirway.Ithadbeenaclothingclearance
storebackthen,thecinemahavinggoneoutofbusinessyearsbefore.Heusedtowaitbesidethedoor
whileshemadeherwaythroughtheracksofsecondsandthepreviousyear ’sfashionstostandwith
herheadtiltedbackasshestudiedtheelaborateplasterceilinghighabove.Hecouldstillremember
howsheusedtowrapherarmsaroundhermidsectionasshedrankitallin,asthoughshewasscared
herexcitementwouldgetawayfromherifshedidn’tkeepagriponherself.

Itfeltwrongthatshe’dreachedsuchasignificantmilestoneinherlifeandhe’dknownnothing

aboutit.Butthenhe’dbeenhangingontosomeprettybignewsofhisown,hadn’the?Hecould
hardlyfaultherwhenhe’djustfailedtotellherthathewasgettingadivorce.

Hecalledupanonlinesearchengine.Givenachoice,he’dratherworkthancontemplatehisnavel.

Everytime.

Anhourlaterhe’daccessedthelocalcouncilWebsiteanddownloadedtherelevantbylaws.He’d

alsotrackeddownsomerecentdecisionsonheritageprotectionsintheVictorianSupremeCourt.It
wasnearlyeightandhisstomachwashollowwithhunger.Hewalkedtothetake-outIndianrestaurant
onthecornerandboughtachickencurryheprobablywouldn’tfinish.

Itwascooloutandhetuggedthecollarofhisleatherjackethigheronhisneckashewalkedback

home.Two-storiedVictorianterracehousesmarcheddowneithersideofthestreet,theirbalconies
decoratedwithelaboratewroughtironlacework.Hestoppedinfrontofhisownterracehouse,taking
amomenttonotethecleanwhitepaintandtheglossyblacktrim.Wisteriaclimbedoneofthebalcony
supports,andthefrontgardenwasamasterpieceofprecisehedgesandroundedtopiary.

He’dbeensoproudofthisplacewhenthey’dsignedthepaperstwoyearsago.Alittlescared,too,

ofthedebtthey’dbeentakingon.ButLisahadsoldhimontherisk,convincedhimthattheyneededto
liveintherightsuburb,drivetherightkindofcars,havetherightpeopleoverfordinner.She’d
alwaysbeenambitious.Keentokickthedustofsmall-townAustraliaoffherheels.Itwasoneofthe
thingshe’dalwaysadmiredabouther.

Hehadn’trealizedthatshe’doutgrowhimoneday,too.

Hewalkedupthepathtothefrontdoorandslidhiskeyintothelock.Hebracedhimself,then

pushedthedooropen.Andthereitwas—awashofjasmineandspice.Lisa’sperfume,eventhough
she’dbeengonefornearlyayear.Hecaughtanechoofiteverytimehecamehome.Somethinghe
coulddefinitelylivewithout.

Hewalkedtothekitchen,dumpinghisdinneronthecounterbeforecrossingtotherearofthe

houseandflingingtheFrenchdoorswideopen.Thehouseneededairingout,thatwastheproblem.

Heupendedhiscurryintoabowlandgrabbedaforkfromthedrawer.Oncethedivorcewas

finalized,thisplacewouldgoonthemarketandhewouldn’thavetoworryaboutherperfume
anymore.Thenhecouldmovetoanapartment,maybesomeplaceinthecity.Abachelorpad,fullof
high-techgadgetsandthekindofnon-fussyfurniturehepreferred.

Quinnstareddownatthemessycurryinhisbowl.Thiswasnothowhe’dimaginedhislifewould

lookatthirty.Notbyalongshot.

HetookhisdinnertothestudyandimmersedhimselfintheworkhewasdoingforAmy.Another

hourofresearchanddiggingandhehadtheinformationheneededtohelpherwithhercause.He
pickedupthephone,thenputitdownagainwithoutdialing.

Therewassomethingheneededtogetstraightwithhimselfbeforehespoketoheragain.He’dlied

toherearlierwhenshe’daskedifLisawasthere,leadinghertobelievethatLisawasoutforthe
eveningratherthanlonggone.Whichwentfarbeyondsimplynottellingherthemarriagewasover.

Whyhadn’thetoldher,thewayhe’dtoldhisparentsandhiscolleaguesatworkandhisandLisa’s

mutualfriendshereinSydney?

Herubbedthebridgeofhisnose.Leanedbackinhischair.

Thetruthwas,hehadn’twantedhisoldestfriendtoknowthathismarriagewasafailure.Which

wasagreatgaugeforwherehisheadwasatthemoment,wasn’tit?

Maybehereallydidneedthisholiday.

Hehadn’tbeenlyingwhenhetoldAmythathe’dbeenthinkingabouther,though.He’dbeen

thinkingaboutheralot.Abouttheconversationstheyusedtohavelyinginthetallgrassatthebottom
ofherparents’yard.Aboutthewayshealwaysusedtocallhimonhisbullshit.Aboutthetimesall
threeofthem,heandAmyandLisa,hadgoneswimminginthelakeafterdark.

Allofitafarcryfromthepolished,finelyhonedworldheoccupiednow.Thecorneroffice.The

partnershipintheprestigiouslawfirm.TheexpensiveEuropeancar.Thesoon-to-beexpensive
divorce.

Quinnshookhishead.Hereallyneededtogethisheadoutofhisownass.Toomuchtimeonhis

ownthesedaysandhestartedthinkingthingstodeath.Thiswaswhyheworkedlate.Andwhyhewas
reluctanttospendtwoweeksonanislandsomewherepretendingtoreadaspynovel.

HepalmedthephoneanddialedAmy’scell.Sheansweredafteroneringandheknewshe’d

probablybeenhoveringbythedamnedthing,hopinghe’dcallback,eventhoughhe’dsaidit
wouldn’tbeuntilmorning.

“Quinn,”shesaid.Shesoundedbreathless.Scared.

“Goodnews.I’vedonesomedigging,andtheGrandislistedonthetown’sheritageregisterfor

bothitsinteriorandexteriorarchitecturalfeatures.Whichmeansthatanydevelopmenthasto
preservetheinterioraswellasthefacade.”

“OhmyGod.Thankyou.Oh,Quinn.Thankyou.”Hervoicewasthickwithemotion.

“Don’tgettooexcitedyet.Ulrich’sproposalshouldn’thaveevermadeitpastfirstbase.Butitdid,

whichmeanscouncilarepreparedtoflouttheirownbylawsifgivenenoughincentive.”

Therewasalongsilencefromtheotherendofthephone.

“ButonceIpointoutthattheycan’tdothat,they’llhavetorejecttheoffer,right?”Amysaid.

“Notiftheythinktheycangetawaywithit.Ifthemoney’sbigenough,peoplewilldojustabout

anything,Amy.I’vebeendoingsomechecking,andUlrichConstructionhasthecontracttobuildthe
extensionontheschoolgym,thenewwingonthelibraryandthenewmedicalcenterovernearthe
dayspa.I’dsayBarryUlrichandthecouncilareverynicelytuckedupinbedwitheachother,
wouldn’tyou?”

“Oh.”Shesoundednonplussed,anddespitetheseriousnessofthesituation,hehadtosmile.Amy

hadalwaysbeentoobusythinkingthebestofpeopletoseetheworst.

“Thecouncilwasprobablyhopingthattheycouldslipthisundertheradarwhilenobodywas

looking.”

“Well,that’snotgoingtohappen,”shesaid.“NotwhileI’mstilllivingandbreathing.”

“Ididn’tthinkso.”

“So,whatdoIdo?Gotothemeeting,letthemknowthatIknowwhatthey’reupto?”Hecouldhear

hertakingnotes.

“Forstarters.Takepeoplewithyou,makesurethereareplentyofwitnessestokeepthecouncillors

ontheirtoes.”

“DadcangethiscroniesfromtheChamberofCommercetocomealong.Theycanthrowabitof

weightaroundwhentheywantto.AndDeniseknowsaguyatthelocalpaper.”

“Perfect.I’lldraftupastatementforyoutoread.Somethingwithenoughlegaleseinittogivethem

pause.”

“Good.PauseisjustwhatIwanttogivethem.Andthensome.”

“I’mheadingoffonholidaytomorrow,butI’llgetthestatementtoyoubymorning,okay?Andyou

canreachmeonmycellifyouneedme.”

“Oh.Okay.”Therewasashortsilence.“Whereareyouguysgoing?”

Nowwasthetimetocorrecther,tellherthathewasgoingonholidayalone.ThatLisahadlefthim.

“HamiltonIsland.Coupleofweeksofsunandsurf.”

“Soundsgood.”

Hedrewameaninglesssquiggleonthepageinfrontofhim.“Yeah.”

Shetookadeepbreathontheotherendoftheline.“You’vebeengreat,Quinn.IwantyoutoknowI

reallyappreciateyourhelpwiththis.”

“It’snobigdeal,Ames.”

“Itistome.It’sahugedeal.”

“Well.”Hemadeanothersquiggle,thenobliterateditinaflurryofpenstrokes.“Don’tbea

stranger,okay?Dropmealinenowandthen.AndletmeknowhowthingsgoonFriday,okay?”

“Iwill.”

Neitherofthemsaidanythingforalongmoment.Hecouldhearherbreathingandhecouldfeelthe

truthpushingitswayuphisthroat.

It’sallscrewed,Ames.Mymarriage,mylife.IhavenoideawhatI’mdoinganymore.

“Goodluck,”hesaid.Thenheputthephonedownbeforethetruthcouldescape.

Shedidn’twanttohearhissadstory.Shewasfightingforherdream.Andtheyweren’tfriendsthe

waytheyusedtobe.He’ddonesomethingwrong,orsomethinghadgonewrongandhe’dbeentoo
busywithhisowncraptonotice.

Samedifference.

Heflickedoffthelightsandwalkedthroughhisemptyhouse.

O

VERTHENEXTTHREEDAYS

,Amycajoled,begged,bribedandharassedherfriendsandneighborsuntil

theyagreedtojoinheratthecouncilmeetingonFridayevening.Shephonedthelocalnewspaperno
lessthanseventimeschasingDenise’sfriendandfinallycorneredhiminthebutcher ’satlunchtime
onThursday.

Oneoftheadvantagesoflivinginasmallcommunity—youcouldrun,butnotforlong,andyou

sureashellcouldn’thide.Shepromisedhimagoodshowandhepromisedherareporter.Sheleftin
highspirits.

Quinnhadbeenasgoodashiswordande-mailedherapreciselywrittenstatementtoreadduring

themeeting.Itcitedprecedentsandbylawsandsubsectionsandclauses.Shecouldn’tfollowmostof
it,butshefiguredthatprobablymeantthatthemajorityofthecouncillorswouldn’tbeableto,either,
whichwasgood.Shewantedthemtobeintimidated.Shewantedthemtoknowtheyweregoingto
haveafightontheirhandsiftheytriedtopushthisthingthrough.

Hergreat-grandfatherhadbuilttheGrandin1929.He’dcommissionedanarchitectinSydneyand

importedmarblefromCarraraandlightfittingsfromVenice.He’dcreatedawonderfullegacyfor
thecommunity.NowaywasAmygoingtorolloverwhilesomegreedydeveloperturnedittodust
andreplaceditwithabunchofshoe-box-sizeapartments.

Shedressedcarefullyforthebigmeeting.AborrowedsuitfromDenise,neatandblackand

businesslike.Apairofnewshoesthathurthertoesbutgaveheranextrafourinchesinheight—very
necessarysinceshewasonlyfivefeettallandoftenmistakenforakid.Shepulledhershoulder-
lengthcurlyblondhairintoabunandpaintedherfacewithmoremakeupthansheusuallywore.She
didn’twantanyonemistakingherforakidtonight.

Itwasonlyashortdrivetothecouncilchambers.Amy’snewshoespinchedherfeetasshewalked

acrossthegravelparkinglottowardthefrontentrance.Bytheendoftheeveningshedoubtedshe’d
beabletofeelherpinkytoes,butifshewontheGrand,shefigureditwouldbewellworththe
sacrificeoftwosmalldigits.

Shesawherfamilyandfriendsthemomentshewalkedintothemeetingroom.Thepublicgallery

wasfulloffamiliarfaces—herparents,theJoneses,Denise,Maria,Katherine.CherylandEricfrom
work,afewofthecustomersfromherparents’store.

Abetterturnoutthanshe’dhopedfor.Whichwasgood,right?

Shemadeherwaytothefrontrowwheretableswereprovidedformembersofthepublicwho

wantedtomakenotesorpresentevidence.Sheputdownherbagandtookadeepbreath.Sofar,so
good.

ThenshelookedupandsawBarryUlrichstandingwithhislawyer,ayoungguyinaslicksuit.

TheyweretalkingtoRegHanoverandacoupleoftheothercouncillors,andeveryonewassmiling
andnoddingasthoughtheywereincompleteandutteragreementwitheachother.

Amycouldfeeltheblooddrainoutofherface.

Barryhadbroughthislawyer.AndallshehadwasastatementfromQuinnandherownvery

inexpertunderstandingofthecouncilbylaws.Shepressedahandtoherstomach.Ifshemessedthis
up,itwasover.TheGrandwouldbesmashedtopieces.Therewasnocomingbackfromthat.

Barryglancedoverandcaughthereye.Hissmilebroadenedandhegaveherafriendlylittlewave.

Asthoughthiswasacocktailparty,andhethehost.

Goddamn.

Sheshouldhavehiredalawyer.She’dresistedbecauseoftheexpense,butitwasstupidto

economizewhenfailingatthishurdlemeanttheendofthegame.Whathadshebeenthinkingwithher
punylittlestatementandhercheeringsquad?

“SorryI’mlate,”adeep,familiarvoicesaidfrombehindher.“Myflightwasdelayed,andtherewas

constructiononthefreeway.”

Ashinyblackleatherbriefcaselandedonthetable.

Amyturnedandblinkedatthetall,dark-haired,dark-eyedmanstandingbesideher.

“Quinn,”shesaid.“Youcame.”

CHAPTERTWO

“L

IKE

I

SAID

,Iwouldhavebeenheresoonerbutshithappened.”

Ithadbeenaclose-runthing,buthe’dmadeit.Andinthenickoftime.

Quinnpulledafileandalegalpadfromhisbriefcasethenclickeditshutagain.Onlywhenhewas

satisfiedthathewasreadytorolldidhelookAmyfullyintheface.

Herblondcurlshadbeentamedintoaconservativebun,andherfacewaslessfullandher

cheekbonesmoreprominentthanwhenhe’dlastseenher.Hisgazegotcaughtforamomentonher
lowerlip,fullandshinywithgloss,thenslidlowertotakeinherneatlittlesuitandtoweringhigh
heels.

Hefrowned.

“Youlookdifferent.”Hewasn’tsureifhelikedit.WheneverhepicturedAmyinhismind’seye,her

hairwasalwayswildandherclothesmismatched.Mostimportantly,shewasalwayslaughing.The
womanstandinginfrontofhimlookedasthoughshe’dhadallthelaughterdrainedoutofher.

“DoI?”

“Yeah.Sincewhendidyoustartwearingsuits?”

“SinceIborrowedthisfromDenise.”Sheshookherhead.“Ican’tbelieveyou’rereallyhere.”

“IdidabitofcheckingintoUlrich,”hesaid.“Guy’sgotsomeseriousconnectionsaroundtown.

Figuredyoumightneedsomeonetorideshotgun.”

Hergazesearchedhisfacejustashishadsearchedhers.Hewonderedifhelookedastiredashe

felt,ifshecouldseepastthemaskhe’dwornformonthsnow.

Beforeeitherofthemcouldsayanymore,amiddle-agedmanwearingtheugliesttiehe’deverseen

bangedawoodengavelonthelongtableplacedbeforethecouncilmembers.

“Thiscouncilmeetingisnowinsession.Icalluponthesecretary,CouncillorMcMahon,toread

overtheminutesfromthepreviousmeeting.”

Agray-hairedwomanwithaseverelyshorthaircutbegantodroneherwaythroughtheminutes.

QuinnturnedtoAmybutshespokebeforehecouldgetthequestionoutofhismouth.

“RegHanover,”shesaid.“He’sthechairman,andDulcieMcMahonistheonespeaking.”

Quinndrewaquickrepresentationofthecounciltableonhisnotepadandlabeledthecentral

positionandthesecretary.Amyreachedacrossandslidhispenfromhishand,anoldtrickofhers
fromhighschool.Sheangledhisnotepadtowardherselfandstartedjottingnamesintheothersix
seatsalongthetable,indicatingofficialroleswhereapplicable.Heglancedatherprofileasshe

wrote.Shemighthaveswappedherusualbright,haphazardfashionforasuitandhighheels,butshe
stillpokedthetipofhertonguebetweenherlipswhenshewasconcentrating.

Hesuppressedasmile.

Sheglancedupathimandquirkedaneyebrow.What?

Heshrugged.Nothing.

Shepushedhisnotepadtowardhim.

“WhathappenedtoHamiltonIsland?”sheaskedquietly,oneeyeonthecouncillors.

“It’llkeep.Iwantedtomakesureyouwereoverthelinefirst.”

Aflurryofyaysdrewhisattentiontothefrontoftheroomasthecouncillorsvotedtoacceptthe

minutesasatruerecordofthelastmeeting.

Quinncouldfeelsomeonewatchinghimandheglancedtohislefttofindamaninhismidfifties

scowlingathim.Ulrich,ifQuinndidn’tmisshisguess.Theoldermanhadtheflushedcomplexionof
aheavydrinkerandhispaleblondhairwasbrushedcarefullytotrytodisguisethefactthatitwas
thinning.

Quinnheldtheman’sgazeforafewlongseconds.Ulrich’sscowldeepened,thenhelookedaway.

ItwasenoughtotellQuinnthattheguywasahothead.Whichmeantthismeetinghadthepotential

togetinteresting.Quinnsmiledslightlyashereturnedhisattentiontothefrontoftheroom.He’d
neverbeenafraidofafight.

Amysatstraighterasthechairmanclearedhisthroat.

“FirstupontheagendaisthesaleoftheGrandPictureTheatretoUlrichConstruction.All

councillorshavereceivedcopiesofaproposalfromUlrichConstructiontoredeveloptheproperty
intoanapartmentbuildingofferingluxuryaccommodationfortouristsvisitingthearea,”the
chairmansaid.

Heshuffledthepapersinfrontofhimthenglancedquicklyaroundtheroom—avoidinglooking

directlyatAmy,Quinnnoted.Guiltylittlerat.

RegwentontoreadfromthemostflowerysectionsofUlrich’sproposal,effectivelysellingthe

projectontheotherman’sbehalf.NothardtoworkoutwhichsideHanoverthoughthisbreadwas
butteredon.

Amy’shandstightenedonherpenuntilherknuckleswerewhite.Heleanedclosertoherear.

“We’renotleavinguntiltheGrandissafe.Ipromise.”

Hecouldsmellherperfume,somethingsweetandlight.Oneofhercurlshadescapedherbunto

brushhercheek.Shenoddedherunderstandingbutretainedherdeathgriponthepen.Heunderstood

herfear.Hedoubtedshe’dbeabletorelaxuntilafterthismeetingwasover.

“Councilhasreviewedtheproposalandconsidersittobeofbenefittothegreatercommunityof

Daylesford,”thechairmansaid.“However,inaccordancewithpolicy,wenowinviteanymembersof
thepublicwhomaywishtocommenttotakethefloor.”

HiswordswerestillechoingaroundthechamberasAmystood,herchairscrapingacrossthefloor.

“Ihaveafewquestionsforcouncil,”shesaid.Therewasanervousquaverinhervoice,buther

chinwashighandhershoulderssquare.“I’dliketoknowwhatmeasuresthecouncilhasinplaceto
ensurethatUlrichConstruction’sdevelopmentwillpreservetheuniquearchitecturalfeaturesofthe
GrandPictureTheatre.Featureswhicharedetailedinthetown’sownhistoricalregister.”

“I’mnotconversantwiththeexactwordingoftheregister,Amy,butwhatyoumustunderstandis

—”

“Ihavecopies,”Amysaid,holdingupahandfulofphotocopies.

Awomanwithgarnet-redhairpoppedupfromherseatinthefrontofthepublicgallery.She

winkedatQuinnasshecrossedtheroomandtookthecopiesfromAmy.Ittookhimamomentto
realizeitwasDeniseJenkins.She’dhadmousybrownhairwhenhe’dlastseenher.

“Thanks,’Nise,”Amywhispered.

“Kickass,sweetie,”Denisewhisperedback.Thensheturnedtodistributethecopiestothecouncil

members.

“Ihaveacopyforyou,too,Mr.Ulrich,incaseyouaren’tawarethatboththeinteriorandexterior

ofthetheatrearelistedforprotection,”Amysaid.

Sheheldasheetout,butbothUlrichandhislawyerignoredher.Surprise,surprise.Thelastthing

theywantedwastohearaboutthearchitecturalfeaturestheyplannedtoturntorubbleattheearliest
opportunity.

Amyshrugged,thenlaunchedintoherargument.Shewaspassionateandarticulate,hersmallbody

vibratingwithdetermination.Quinnalternatedbetweenmakingnotesandwatchingherface.Despite
thecircumstances,despitethedistancethathadgrownbetweenthem,itwasgoodtoseeher.Tolook
intoherfamiliarbrowneyesandhearhervoice.

Openingsalvofired,Amysat.Sheglancedathimandhesmiled.Sheofferedhimanervous

grimaceinreturn.

Ulrich’slawyerstoodnext,launchingintoasoliloquyonthe“extraordinaryandprohibitively

expensive”accommodationsUlrichhadbuiltintohisplanstopreservethetheatre’shistoricfacade,
paintingtheothermanasacommunitybenefactorsacrificingpersonalwealthforthegoodofall.

“Whataloadofbullshit,”Amymutteredunderherbreath.

“Comeon,theguy’sclearlyasaint,”Quinnmurmured.“Onestepawayfrombeingrecognizedby

thePope.”

“Thankyou,Mr.Collins,”Regsaidwhenthelawyerwasdone.“Ithinkwe’veallheardenoughto

makeaninformeddecision.Ladiesandgentlemen,Ibelievewe’rereadytovote.”

Quinnalmostlaughedattheclumsinessoftheotherman’stactics.They’dbarelyopeneddiscussion,

yetthechairmanwastryingtoramthevotethrough.Quinnwassuddenlyvery,verygladthathe’d
decidedtoditchhisvacation.

Anangrymurmurwentupfromthegallery.Amystartedtostandagain,buthecaughtherarm.

“Myturn,Ithink,”hesaidquietly.

Herose.“Beforeyoustarttallyingvotes,ChairmanHanover,I’dliketodrawthecouncil’sattention

toanumberofrecentfindingsintheVictorianSupremeCourt.Itmightbehelpfulforcouncilto
understandwhatpenaltieshavebeenappliedtocaseswherehistoricallylistedsiteshavebeen
exploitedbyunscrupulousdevelopers.”

ThatbroughtUlrich’slawyertohisfeet.

“Iobjecttotheinferencethatmyclientisunscrupulous,”theyoungermansaid.

“Gorightahead.Butyoumightwanttorememberthatwe’renotinacourtoflawsothere’snoone

toactuallyupholdyourobjection,”Quinnsaid.“Butplease,feelfreeifitincreasesyourbillable
hours.”

Ulrich’slawyerturnedadullbrick-red.Quinnrefocusedonthecouncilmembers.Eightmenand

women,allofthemlookingdecidedlyuncomfortable.Theywereabouttogetmoreso.

“I’dalsoliketoremindcouncillorsthatwhentheywereelectedtoofficetheytookanoathwhich

bindsthemtoacodeofconductwhichrequiresthemtoupholdallthebylawsofthecounty,not
simplythosewhicharedeemedconvenientatthetime.”

Severalofthecouncillorsshiftedintheirseats.Quinnundidthebuttononhisjacketandslidhis

handsintohistrouserpockets.Hehadthefloor,andhewasn’tgivingitupuntilhehadthesebastards
ontherun.

“WherewasI?Right,theStateofVictoriaversusSimpkin-GistConstruction…”

T

WOHOURSLATER

,Amyexitedthecouncilbuildingandstoppedonthefrontstepstosuckinbig

lungfulsofcoolnightair.Shewasalittlelight-headedafterthetensionofthepastfewhours.Her
armpitsweredampwithsweat,she’dchewedherthumbnaildowntothequick,andshedidn’tknow
whethertolaughorcryorjumpwithjoy.

SheownedtheGrand.Asoffifteenminutesago,Quinnhadtalkedthecouncilintosigningthesale

contract.She’dhadtopaymorethanshe’danticipated,thankstoUlrichuppingtheante,butitwas
hers.Atlast.Aftertenyearsandalast-minuterushtothefinishline.

Itdidn’tfeelquitereal.

“Hereyouare!Oneminuteyouwerestandingthere,surroundedbyeveryone,thenextyouwere

gone,”hermothersaidfrombehindher.

Amyturnedtofaceher.“Ineededsomefreshair.Itallgotabitcrazyinthereoncethecontractwas

finalized.”

ThedoorsopenedbehindthemandherfatherandQuinnjoinedthem,bothsmilingbroadly.

“IwasjusttellingQuinnthatIhaven’tenjoyedanythingsomuchsinceMohammedAlitookon

GeorgeForemanintheRumbleintheJungle.Thewayhetookthosecouncillorsapart…”Herfather
clappedahandontoQuinn’sshoulderandgavehimanapprovingshake.

“Itwasapleasure,believeme,”Quinnsaid.

Amylookedathim,standingtherewithhisdarkhairgleaminginthelightfromthestreetlamp.

He’dbeenherknightinshiningarmortonight,ridingupoutofnowhereandvanquishingher
enemies.Herheartswelledwithold,foolishemotions.

“Quinn,Idon’tknowwhattosay.Yougaveupyourholiday—Lisaisprobablycursingmyname—

andyouwonmetheGrand.”

Eventhoughsheknewitprobablywasn’tthesmartestthingtodogivenherunrequitedcrush,Amy

steppedforwardandpressedakisstohischeek.

“Thankyou!Fromthebottomofmyheart.”

ShestartedtopullawaybutQuinn’sarmscamearoundherandthenextthingsheknewshewas

clampedagainsthischestandhewasspinningheraround.

“Youmadeit,Ames,”hesaid.“Woohoo!”

Hiswoolcoatwasassoftassilkbeneathherhands,hisbodybeneathitbigandstrong.Sheclosed

hereyesandinhaledthesmellofexpensivefabricandsubtle,woodyaftershave.

“Anditonlytooktenyearsandeverycentshe’severearned,”herfathersaiddrily.

Quinnsetheronherfeetandshetriedtolookasthoughherheartwasn’tpoundingoutofcontrol

becausehe’dheldherinhisarmsforafewshortseconds.

“Weneedtocelebrate,”shesaid.“WeneedtodrinkchampagneandthankthegodsthatQuinn

decidedtobecomealawyerinsteadofadoctorwhenheappliedtouniversityallthoseyearsago.”

Herfatherlookedrueful.“I’dloveto,sweetheart,butwe’vegotthatlumbershipmentcomingin

firstthing.IfIhaveaglassofwinenowI’llbeuselesstomorrow.”

Thiswastrue,Amyknew.Forabig,shamblingbearofaman,herfatherwasaverycheapdrunk.

“Maybewecandosomethingtomorrownight,then.”SheglancedatQuinn.“Howlongareyouin

town?”

“Theweekend.Butyoucan’tgohomeandputonyourjim-jamsafterawinlikethis.Ifyourfolks

aregoingtowimpout,I’lltakeyouout.”

HermotherpretendedtobeoffendedasshegaveQuinnapushonthearm.

“Youwatchyourself,QuinnWhitfield.YourmotherandIstille-mailregularly.Icangetyouinto

bigtroubleifIwantto.”

“Myhumbleapologies,Mrs.P.Istandcorrected.”

Amyfumbledinherbagforhernotepad.

“Thatremindsme.IpromisedLouiseI’dletherknowwhathappenedtonight,”Amysaid.Sheadded

anotetoe-mailQuinn’smomwithhernewstoherToDolist.Quinn’sparentshadbeenontheroad
intheirRVsincehisfatherretiredlastyear,theirhouseemptyandsilentnextdoor,butlikeher
mother,Amykeptupcontactviae-mail.

Whensheglancedupfromwritinghernote,Quinnwaswatchingherwithamusedeyes.

“What’swiththenotepad?”heasked.

“Ithelpsmestayorganized.”

Heraisedaneyebrow.

“Itdoes!”sheinsisted.

“It’strue,Quinn.Amyisthebestpaintdepartmentmanagerwe’veeverhadatthestore,thanksto

thatlittlepad,”hermothersaid.

“Guesswe’regoingtolosehernow,though,huh?”herfathersaid.

Amysmiledfondlyatherparents.Theyhadneverceasedtosupporther,eventhoughsheknew

therewereprobablytimeswhenthey’dbeenconvincedshe’dneverachieveherdream.Sheputher
armaroundherfather ’swaistandgavehimalittlesqueeze.Hedroppedakissontothetopofher
head,hiseyessuspiciouslyshiny.Afterafewseconds,heclearedhisthroat.

“Well,Iguesswe’llleaveyoukidstoit.”

HerparentsheadedhomeandQuinntookherelbowandstartedsteeringhertowardanondescript

sedanparkedatthefarcorneroftheparkinglot.

“Hey.Ineedmycar,”shesaid.

“Nottonight.Tonightyou’regoingtodrinkchampagneandkickupyourheelsandgetmessy

drunk,”Quinnsaid.

Sheglancedathisprofileastheywalked,hisfeaturesbarelyvisibleinthedark.Despiteallthe

reasonswhyitshouldbewrong,itfeltrightthatQuinnwasheretocelebratewithher.

ShesmirkedasQuinncutinfrontofhertoopenhercardoorforher.

“Socourtly,Mr.Whitfield,”shesaid.“Sosophisticated.”

Hegaveheradrylook.“Iknowyou’reprobablyusedtobeingthrownintothebackofatruckor

overashoulder,butupinthebigsmokewe’realittlesmoother.”

“Dotell,”shesaid,flutteringhereyelashesathimassheslidintothecar.

Hepushedthedoorclosedandcircledtothedriver ’sside.

“Youknowwhatweshoulddo?BribePhilintosellingusabottleofchampagneandtakeittothe

Grand,”AmysaidasQuinngotbehindthewheel.

Philranthelocalpubandcouldgenerallybereliedupontosupplyabottleofwinetodesperate

localswhentheliquorshopwasclosedforthenight.

Quinnpulledontotheroad.

“AsamemberoftheNewSouthWalesBarAssociation,itbehoovesmetoinformyouthat

purchasingalcoholfromalicensedfacilityforconsumptionoffpremisesisacrime,”Quinnsaidin
thesametonehe’dusedtodestroyRegHanoverandBarryUlrichearlierintheevening.

“Soyouwantmetoruninandgetit,then?”

“Nah.It’llbegoodtocatchupwithPhil,”Quinnsaidwithaquickgrin.

Arushofwarmemotionwashedoverher.ItwasonlynowthatQuinnwassittingbesideher,so

familiaranddear,thatshewasabletoacknowledgehowmuchshe’dmissedhim.Howpainfulher
self-imposedisolationhadbeen.Hislaugh,hisdrysenseofhumor,hishonesty,hispatienceand
kindness—she’dmissedhimlikecrazyforeverysecondoftheeighteenmonthsshe’dtriedtocuthim
outofherlife.

Whichwenttoshowhoweffectivehercold-turkeyregimehadbeen.

“LisamusthavebeenprettypissedwithyouforcancelingHamiltonIsland,”shesaid.

GoodtoremindherselfofLisa.Quinn’swife.Herfriend.Goodtoalwayskeepthosetwovery

importantfactstopofmind,beforeshegottoocaughtupinthefeelingsswampingher.

TherewasashortsilenceasQuinnpulledintoaparkingspotoutsidethepub.

“Theoldoak’sgone,”hesaid.

Sheglancedathim,awarethathehadn’trespondedtohercomment.Didthatmeanhewasinthe

doghouseoverhelpingherout?Shehopednot.

“Itfelloverinastormlastyear.”

“Musthavebeensomestorm.”

TheygotoutofthecarandQuinntookamomenttoscanthetown’smainthoroughfare.

Shelooked,too,andwonderedwhathesaw.Theheritageshopfronts,orthefactthattherewasonly

onebutcher?Thewell-tendedflowerbedsandhandmadeparkbenches,orthefactthatthepostoffice
doubledasanewsagencyaswellasalotteryoutlet?

“Isupposeitmustallseemprettytin-potcomparedtothebrightlightsofSydney,”shesaid.

Hemethereyesacrossthecar.

“It’shome,Ames.That’swhatitseemslike.”

Hismouthtiltedupwardatthecorner,buthelookedsad.Ormaybelost.Amyfrowned,suddenly

rememberingthelongsilencesduringtheirrecentphoneconversation.

ItwasonthetipofhertonguetoaskifanythingwaswrongbutQuinnturnedawayandstarted

walkingtowardthepub.

“Philstilltryingtogiveupsmoking?”heasked.

“Everyyear.Lasttimeheheldoutawholemonth.”

“Wow.That’sgottobeanewrecord,right?”

“Noway.Ithinkyou’reforgettingthegreatabstinenceof’95whenhewentafullthreemonths

withouttouchingthedemonnicotine.”

“Right.Mymistake.”

Quinnwassmilingagainastheypushedthroughthedoubledoorsintothebar.Shetoldherself

she’dimaginedthesmallmomentbythecar,thatithadsimplybeenatrickofthelight.

Andevenifshehadn’timaginedit,shehadnorighttopryintoQuinn’sprivatethoughtsand

feelings.Notwhenshe’dbeentryingtocuthimoutofherlifeforthepastyearandahalf.

ThenewsofhersuccessfulpurchaseoftheGrandhadspreadthroughtownanditwastwenty

minutesbeforeshe’dfinishedacceptingcongratulationsfromherfriendsandacquaintances.Phil
handedoverabottleofhisbestFrenchchampagnebutrefusedtoacceptanymoneyforit.

“Againsttheliquorlaws,Amy,”hesaidwithawinkatQuinn.“PlusIfigureI’llhityouupforsome

freemovieticketswhenyou’vegottheoldgirlupandrunningagain.”

“You’reon,”Amysaid.

HeloanedthemacoupleofchampagneflutesandsheandQuinnleftthepubandbeganwalkingup

VincentStreettowheretherooflineoftheGrandsoaredoveritsneighbors.

Bymutualunspokenconsent,theirstepsslowedastheyapproachedandtheycranedtheirnecksto

takeinthefadedgrandeurofthefacade.

“I’dforgottenhowimposingitis.Itreallyisgrand,isn’tit?”Quinnsaid.

“Yep,”shesaidaroundthelumpinherthroat.

Shesniffedasquietlyasshecouldandblinkedrapidly.

ShecouldfeelQuinnlookingatherandsheturnedherheadawayslightly,tryingtomaskhertears.

“Youcrying,Ames?”

“Yep.”

Quinn’slaughtersoundedlowanddeep.“Ithinkweneedtogetsomechampagneintoyou.”

“Let’sgoinsidefirst.”

“You’vegotakeyalready?”Hesoundedsurprised.

“Don’tneedone.Thebackdoorhasn’tshutproperlysincethelasttenantmovedout.”

“Oursecondcrimefortheevening—breakingandentering.I’mstartingtofeellikeBonnieand

Clyde.We’reonarampage.”

Shestartedupthealleythatledtotheparkinglotattherearofthecinema.

“Technically,it’sonlyentering,sincethedoorisalreadyscrewed,”shesaid.

“Thosearethelittledetailsthatmakeallthedifferenceincourt.”

“Ifyou’reafraid,Whitfield,youcanwaitoutside.”

“Nicetry,Parker,butI’mnotlettingyouswillallthechampagneonyourown.I’vedevelopeda

tasteforthefinerthingsinlifeoverthepastfewyears,incaseyouhadn’tnoticed.”

“Cityslicker.”

“Yokel.”

They’dreachedthebackofthetheatreandshedroppedhershoulderagainstthedecrepitdoor,

tryingtoshoveitopen.

“ForPete’ssake.Youweightlessthanagnat.Letmedoit,”Quinnsaid.Hesteppedforward.

“I’vegotit,”shesaid.

“Amy…”

Shetookastepbackandthrewherentirebodyweightatthedoor.Itgaveinstantlyandshestumbled

overthethreshold.

“Breakanything?”heaskedassherubbedhershoulderwithherfreehand.

“No.You?Yourpreciousmaleegopermanentlydentedbecauseyoudidn’tgetachancetoshowoff

howmuchstrongeryouarethanme?”

Itwasverydarkinthecorridor.Quinn’slaughsoundedloudinthesmallspace.

“Smallofstature,bigofattitude.Sameold,sameold.”

Shejumpedwhenhishandlandedonhershoulder.

“Leadtheway,bossypants,”hesaid.“I’matyourmercy.”

“I’vegotaflashlightinmybag…”shesaid,veryawareoftheweightandwarmthofhishandon

hershoulder.

Sheinhaledhisaftershaveagainasshefumbledinherhandbag.He’dfeltsobigandsolidwhen

he’dliftedherearlier.Biggerthansheremembered.

Herfumblinghandclosedaroundtheflashlightandshepulleditfromherhandbagandflickedit

on.

“See?Allgood.”

Shefeltshakyinside,asthoughallherinternalorgansweretrembling.Thiswaswhyshe’dtriedto

cuthimoutofherlife.Onelook,onetouchandshewasthinkingaboutallthethingsthatshe’dnever
have.Itwastoohard.Toocruel.Toocrazy-making.

Andway,waytoofrustrating.

Asshe’dhoped,Quinn’shandfelltohisside.Sheturnedandstartedpickingherwayupthe

corridor.Theflashlightbeambouncedalongthefloorinfrontofher.Adoorloomedaheadandshe
twistedthehandleandpusheditopen.Theyemergedintoalarge,openspace.Intheolddays,the
screenwouldhavefilledthewalltotherightofthedoorandthemainseatingwouldbeinfrontof
them.Nowtherewasjustablankwallandlotsofspacewheretheseatsusedtobe.Sheswungthe
flashlightinawidearc,thebeamglancingoffscarredfloors,scratchedwoodpaneling,crumbling
plasterwalls.

“Whoa.Itsmellsinhere,”Quinnsaid.

“Theroofleakedawhileback.Ittookcouncilawhiletoapprovetheexpendituretogetitfixedand

thecarpetinthebalconysectionrotted.”

Quinngesturedforhertohandoverthechampagnebottleandsheheldthebeamsteadywhilehe

removedthecageandpoppedthecork.Hedrewachampagneflutefromhiscoatpocketandpoureda
glass,handingitovertoherbeforerepeatingtheprocessforhimself.

“TotheGrand,”Quinnsaid.

Sheliftedherglasstohis.Thesmallclinkofglassonglasswasswallowedbythevastnessofthe

space.

“ThankyouforbeingherewhenIneededyou,”shesaid.“You’reagoodfriend,Quinn.”

Suddenlytheywerebothveryserious.Theystaredintoeachother ’seyesforalongmoment.She

knewwhathewasthinkingabout—thoseeighteenmonthsofunreturnedphonecallsande-mails.
Guiltandlongingtwistedinsideher.Sheturnedawayandtookabiggulpofchampagne.Bubbles
tickledthebackofherthroatandshecoughed.

“Carefulthere,tiger,”hesaid.

Shewalkedawayfromhim,playingtheflashlightoverthenearestwall.

“DoyouknowtheyimportedallthecherrywoodforthispanelingfromNorthernCalifornia,even

thoughtheycouldhaveusedlocallacewoodorblackwood?Mygreat-grandfatherwassoobsessed
withcreatingamasterpiecehewantedeverythinginthisplacetobeexoticandexpensive,”shesaid.

Quinnjoinedher,reachingouttorunahandalongoneofthepanels.

“It’sprettyscratchedup.”

“Yearsofneglectandindifferencewilldothat.”

“CanI?”heasked,indicatingtheflashlight.

“Sure.”Shehandeditoverandleanedagainstthewallashetookatourofthetheatre.Shewatched

himpassthelightoverthepilesofdebriscoveringthefloor,theremnantsofpasttenants,thenpause
toinspectthedarkholesinthefloorswhereboltsoncefixedthesectionalseatinginplace.

“Mostoftheseatsarestoredinthebasement,butsomeofthemweresoldoff,”shesaid.“I’vebeen

collectingthemfromyardsalesforthepastfewyears,storingthematmyplaceandinthegarageat
MomandDad’s.”

“Betyourdadlovesthat.”

“Hedoesn’tmind.”

Hestudiedthefarwallbeforeaimingthebeamattheonce-spectacularfiguredplasterceiling.Inits

heyday,ithadbeenastylizeddepictionoftheuniverse,completewithsunandmoon,planetsand
stars.Shedidn’tneedtolookuptoknowwhathewasseeingnow.Mold.Crumblingplaster.Water
damage.

Shehadalotofhardworkaheadofher,butshe’dneverbeenafraidofhardwork.Infact,she

welcomedit.

ShesippedherchampagneasQuinncircledhiswaybacktoher.

“Lottodohere,Ames.”

“Iknow.”

“Goingtocostabomb.”

Sheshrugged.“That’swhatloansarefor,right?”Shehadadetailedbusinessplan.She’ddoneher

homework.Onceshewasupandrunning,shewasconfidentshe’dattractenoughtouristdollarsto
morethanpaybackherdebts.

Hedranksomechampagne.“So,whocomesinfirst?Painters?Carpenters?Haveyouhadtheplace

surveyed?”

“It’sstructurallysound.Theroofneedssomework.Newguttering,thatkindofthing.I’vespokento

NevilleWallaceaboutthat.He’sgoingtofixtheplumbing,too.ButI’llhavetoretilethebathrooms
myself.Andpaintinhere,too,Iguess.”

Shearchedherneckandconsideredthethirty-foot-highwalls.Sheneededtomakeanotetocallthe

scaffoldingcompany.

“You’rekidding.Right?”

ShelookedatQuinn.Hewasfrowning.

“IwishIwas,butIjustspentmypaintingbudget.Wheredoyouthinkthatextratwentythousand

camefromatthelastminute?”She’donlyhesitatedforasecondwhenReghaduppedthepriceby
twentythousand,hopingtoscareheroffandbuyhisbuddyUlrichmoretime.She’dknownshe’d
nevergetanotherchanceattheGrandifsheallowedUlrichthetimetoregroupandfindsomesneaky
wayaroundthelegalargumentsQuinnhadputforward.

“ButAmy…”Quinnshookhishead,lostforspeech.“Thisplaceishuge.”

“Soit’sgoingtotakealittlemoretimethanIoriginallyplanned.Icanlivewiththat.”

“Doyouhaveanyideawhatyou’retakingon?”

“OfcourseIdo.”

“Howareyougoingtotackletheceiling?Thatplasterworkispartoftheheritagelisting.”

“Thankyou,Quinn.I’mawareofthat,asamatteroffact.I’mawareofeveryinchofthisplace,

havingspentthepasttenyearsworkingtowardthismoment.WhichiswhyItraveledintoMelbourne
twonightsaweektoattendacourseonrestoringvintagedecorativeplasterworklastyear.AndwhyI
didanupholsterycoursetheyearbeforethat,andwhyIhaveafileafootthickwithinformationon
supplierswhocanhelpmerefitthisplace.”

Thefrowndidn’tleavehisface.Heslidhisglassontothewidelipatthetopofthetimberpaneling.

“Amy,it’sonethingtobepassionate,butthisplaceneedsmorethanpassion.”

“Icanhandleit,”shesaidthroughgrittedteeth.Sheputdownherownglass.SincewhenhadQuinn

beensuchakilljoy?Shecouldn’tbelievehewasattackingherdreamlikethis,tryingtopullitapart
beforeshe’devengottenusedtotheideathattheGrandwashers.

“Ithinkyoushouldgetanexpertrestorertotakealookat—”

“Quinn,shutup.”

“Amy—”

“Imeanit.Don’tsayanotherword,okay,orI’mgoingtogetreallyangry,”shesaid.“Iappreciate

yourhelptonight,butIdon’tappreciatebeingpatronizedbysomeonewhohasnoideawhatthey’re
talkingabout.”

“I’msimplypointingoutthatsometimeshavingadreamisn’tenough.Justbecauseyouwant

somethingbadlydoesn’tmeanyou’regoingtogetit.Believeme,lifedoesn’tworklikethat.”

Therewasahard,coldedgetohisvoice.Once,alongtimeago,he’dlaininthetallgrassattheend

ofherparents’yardanddreamedwithher.Obviously,thosedaysweregone.

“Thisisthebestnightofmylife,”shesaid,hervoicelowandcontrolled.“I’vewantedtobuythis

placeeversincemygrandfatherbroughtmeherewhenIwasfouryearsoldandwesatupthereinthe
balconyandhetoldmehowhisfatherbuiltthisplaceandhowsadhe’dbeenwhenhewasforcedto
sellit.IamnotgoingtostandhereandlistentoyoutellmewhatIcan’tdoandwhatIdon’tknow.”

Shebentandgrabbedthechampagnebottlefromthefloor.

“I’llbeatthepubifyouwanttocelebrate.”

“Amy.”

Sheignoredhimandstrodetowardtherearexit.Hehadtheflashlight,he’dbeabletofindhisown

wayout.

CHAPTERTHREE

Q

UINNSWORE

underhisbreathandwentafterher.Hecaughtherjustasshepulledopenthedoorto

therearcorridor.Hereachedoverherheadandpushedthedoorshut,thesoundechoingsharplyin
theemptytheatre.

“Quinn—”Shetriedtopullthedooropenbuthedidn’tbudge.

“I’msorry,okay?Iwasoutofline.”

Shelookedathim,herbigbrowneyesdecidedlycool.Shewaswaitingformore.Anexplanation.

Hedroppedhisarmandtookastepbackward.

Hehadnoideawhattotellher.He’dwalkedinherefeelingproudandhappyandtriumphantfor

her.Thenhe’dseenhowmuchworkshe’dtakenonandallhecouldseewerethepitfallsand
disappointmentslyinginwaitforher.Amywassmartandresourceful,butshe’dalwaysbeenan
incurableoptimist.Shedidn’tunderstandthatsometimesitdidn’tmatterwhatyoudidorhowmuch
youtried,somethingscouldn’tbefixed.

Heopenedhismouthtotrytoexplain,totrytomakeherseethatsheneededtobemorerealistic,to

braceherselffordisappointmentsoshewouldn’tbehurtwhenitarrived.

“LisaandIaregettingadivorce,”hesaid.

Jesus,wherethehellhadthatcomefrom?

Andsincewhendidhisvoicesoundlikeitbelongedtoatwelve-year-oldonthebrinkofsooking

likeabigbaby?

Amystaredathimforalong,silentmoment.

“But…”Sheblinked.“How?Idon’tunderstand….”

“Lisametsomeoneelse.”

Sheshookherhead,hereyeswide.“No.Shewouldneverdothattoyou.”

Hesmiledgrimly.“Asmuchasmyegowouldlovetoagreewithyou,thefactsarepretty

undeniable.Shemethimatwork.He’sanotherlawyer,abarrister.They’dbeenseeingeachother
behindmybackfornearlytwoyearswhensheleftme.”

Shemouthedafour-letterword.

“Therewasplentyofthatgoingon,fromwhatIgather,”hesaid.

“Butyouguysweresogoodtogether.Youhadsomuchincommon.”

Hedidn’tevenknowhowtobeginexplainingthefailureofhismarriage.Thedistancethathad

grownbetweenhimandLisa,theanger.Thedissatisfactionandarguments.Hedidn’tfullyunderstand
ithimself.He’dknowntheyweren’thappy,buthehadn’tcomprehendedthelengthsLisawasprepared
togotototrytorecaptureherhappiness.Withouthim.

“MyGod,Quinn,I’msosorry.”

Suddenlyherarmswerearoundhim,hercheekpressedtohischest.Herpalmsflattenedagainsthis

backassheheldhimclose.

“I’msosorry.”

Foramomenthestoodverystill.Ithadbeenalongtimesinceanyonehadheldhimthisway.He’d

hadloversintheyearsinceLisahadleft,butnoonehadheldhimliketheycared.Liketheyloved
him.Likehemattered.

HewrappedhisarmsaroundAmyandrestedhischeekonthecrownofherhead.

“Ames.God…”Hisvoicewasthickwithemotion.Hesuckedinaraggedbreath,fightingfor

control.He’dthoughthehadallthisstuffundercontrol.He’dthoughthewasalmostoverit.

Amy’sfingersdugintohisbackasshepulledhimevencloser.Heinhaledthesweetsmellofher

shampooandabsorbedthewarmthofhersmall,strongbodyagainsthis.Ithadbeentoolong.He’d
missedher.Hehadn’trealizedhowmuchuntilthisminute.She’dalwaysbeenhissoundingboard,his
cheeringsquad,hisdevil’sadvocateandfaithfulsidekick.Nowonderhe’dbeenthinkingaboutherso
muchlately.Nowondershe’dbeeninhisdreams.

Theirhuglastedalongtime.Slowlyhegothimselfundercontrol.Amystirredandheforced

himselftolethergo.

“Sorry,”hesaid.Hecouldn’tquitemeethereyes.Talkaboutspillinghisguts.

“Idon’tknowwhattheofficialrulingis,butIthinkyou’reallowedtobeupsetwhenyourmarriage

ends.”

Heshruggedashoulder.“It’sbeenelevenmonths.Ishouldbeoverit.”

“Ittakesaslongasittakes,right?”

Heshruggedagain.Thiswasallnewterritoryforhim.

Shepassedhimthechampagnebottle.Hetookit,gratefulforthedistraction.Champagnefizzedin

thebackofhisthroatasheswallowedabigmouthfulstraightfromthebottle.HecouldfeelAmy
watchinghim.Nowthattheintensityoftheinitialmomenthadpassedhefeltfoolish,self-conscious.

“Don’tworry.I’mnotabouttoblubberalloveryou,”hesaid.

Sheheldoutahandforthebottleandhepasseditover.Shetookahealthyswig,thenwipedher

mouthwiththebackofherhand.Thensheleveledafingerathim.

“YoumakeonemorecrackaboutbeingemotionalandI’mgoingtopunchyouintheface.Gotit?”

Hesmiled.Couldn’thelphimself.Shelookedsosternwithherfingeraimedathimandherbrown

eyessoserious.Sheprobablywouldtrytohithim,too.

“Imeanit,Quinn.Don’tyoudaretrytopullthathe-mancrapwithme.”

Heheldhishandsupinsurrender.“Okay.Sorry.Itwon’thappenagain.”

“Whatisitwithmen?Whendidbeinghumanbecomeacrime?It’ssodumb.”

Hefiguredshedidn’texpecthimtorespond.Hegesturedtowardthemainseatingareawiththe

flashlight.“Youwanttotrythisagain?OnlythistimeI’llshutthehellup.”

“Don’tmakepromisesyoucan’tkeep.”

Hepulledthebottlefromherhandsandgaveheralittleshoveontheshoulder.“Comeon,giveme

apropertour.Please?”

Shewassilentforamoment,watchinghim.Tryingtodecideifsheshouldpushhimtotalkmore,

nodoubt.

Afewyearsago,shewouldn’thavehesitated.Shewouldhavebulliedhimuntilhetoldher

everythingshewantedtoknow.

Shesmiled.“Preparetobebored,Whitfield,”shesaidassheheadedoffintothedarkness.“Tryto

keepup.”

L

ISAAND

Q

UINN

aregettingadivorce.

ThethoughtwasstillreverberatinginAmy’smindwhenshecrawledintobedtwohourslater.She

andQuinnhadreturnedtothepubaftershe’dgivenhimthetour.They’drunintoafewpeoplethey’d
bothgonetoschoolwith,sharedsomebarsnacksandmorechampagne.AndallthewhileAmyhad
beentryingtocometogripswithQuinn’sbombshell.

Nowshestaredattheceilinginherbedroom.Shefeltasthoughsomeonehadpulledtherugout

frombeneathherfeet.

LisaandQuinnhadbeenteensweethearts.They’dmovedtoSydneytostudylawtogether.They’d

lovedeachother.Theirfuturewasallmappedout.

Andnowitwasallover.Lisahadhadanaffair,brokenQuinn’strust.

Goddamn.

Amysimplycouldn’tgetherheadaroundit.Quinnwassoloyalandloving.Itmadeherchesttight

tothinkofhowbetrayedhemustfeel.Howdisappointedandhurtandangry.Therewasnowayhe’d
madehismarriagevowssixyearsagoexpectingthemtohavesuchalimitedlifespan.No.Way.

Shethoughtbacktothenightbeforethewedding,tothethingshe’dsaidtoherdownonthedockat

thelake.They’dbothhadenoughdrinktobefeelingnopain.Quinnhadbeensittingoppositeher
leaningagainstapylon,hislonglegsbentattheknees,hisbarefeetplantedonthedeck.

“I’

VEBEENTHINKING

aboutthisforalongtime,”hesaidashelookedoutoverthedarkwater.“Getting

married.Buyingaplaceofourown.Startingafamily.”

Shesmiled,eventhoughhergriptightenedonherbeerbottle.“Alwayswereabigplanner,

Whitfield.”

Heshookhishead.“Idon’thaveitallmappedout.Iknowstuffwillgowrong.ButIalsoknowwe’ll

makeitwork.Becauseweloveeachother,andweknoweachother.”

Shenodded.Mostlybecauseshedidn’ttrustherselftospeak.

“Whataboutyou,Ames?”heaskedsuddenly,nudgingherbarefootwithhis.“YouthinkAaron’s

goingtopopthequestion?”

She’dbeengoingoutwithAaronReidforoverayear.

“Idon’twanttogetmarriedyet.I’vegottheGrandtothinkaboutfirst.”

“YoucangetmarriedandstillrestoretheGrand.”

“I’mnotreadyyet.”

“You’vemissedyourbigopportunity,youknow.Wecouldhavehadadoubleweddingifyou’dplayed

yourcardsright.”

“AaronandIaren’tlikeyouandLisa,”shesaid.Itcameoutmoresharplythanshe’dintendedand

Quinntookapullonhisbeerbeforeresponding.

“IjustwantyoutobeashappyasIam,Ames.”

“Iknow.Sorry.”

Heshiftedoneofhisfeetsoitrestedonhers,bigandwarm,lettingherknowwithoutwordsthatshe

wasforgiven.Hesmiledather,hiseyesheavy-liddedfromallthealcohol.

“Tomorrow’sgoingtobeagreatday.Thebestdayofmylife,”hesaid.

Herheartachedwithsadnessandhappinessasshelookedathim,thetwoemotionssohopelessly

mixedsheknewshe’dnevergetthemuntangled.

“You’regoingtobeagreathusband.”

“Iknow,”hesaid.Thentheybothlaughedathisshamelessarrogance.

S

HETWISTED

inbed,rollingoverontoherside.God,howshehatedtheideathathewasinpain,thatall

thathopeandhappinesshadgoneupinflames.Worse,thatshehadn’tbeenaroundtocomforthim
becauseshe’dchosentopushhimoutofherlifewhenhe’dneededherthemost.

HowcouldLisahavedonethistohim?Amycouldstillrememberthewayherfriendhadglowed

onthemorningoftheirwedding.AndthewayQuinnhadlookedatLisawhenshe’dwalkedupthe
aisletowardhim.Amatchmadeinheaven,everyonehadsaid.

AndLisahadthrownallthataway.Amysimplycouldn’tcomprehendit.

Shewasdriftingtowardsleepwhenaninsidiouslittlethoughtweaseleditswayintohermind:now

thatQuinnwasgettingadivorce,hewasfreeagain.Available.

Hereyessnappedopen.Herheartkickedoutanurgent,panickybeat.

Don’t.Don’teventhinkit.Notforasecond,youidiot.

Butshewaswide-awake,andthethoughtwaslodgedinherbrain,glowinglikeneon.

Quinnwasfreetoloveagain.Ifhewantedto.

“Don’tbeanidiot,”shesaidoutloud.

Becauseshe’dbeenwaitingforQuinnWhitfieldtonoticehersinceshewasfourteenyearsold.A

fullsixteenyearsofyearning,longing,jealousyandheartache.Longenoughtoknowbetter.

Sheclosedhereyesandpushedtheweaselwordsdownintoadeep,darkcornerofhermind.

Becauseshedidknowbetter.Evenifsomeaberrant,hope-springs-eternal,deludedpartofherpsyche
refusedtolaydownanddie,mostofherknewthetruth:Quinnhadneverseenherasanythingother
thanhisgoodfriend.Andnothingsheeverdidwouldchangethat.

S

HESLEPTBADLY

andwokeearly.HerfirstthoughtwasthatQuinnwasgettingadivorce,hersecond

thatshenowownedtheGrand.

Greatpriorities.Not.

Shelayinbedreviewingtheevening’smomentousevents,thenstartedtoformulateplansforthe

dayahead.Thewayshesawit,shehadtwooptions—huntdownQuinnandaskallthequestionsshe
hadn’taskedlastnight,orfindRegHanoverandtalkhimintogivingherearlyaccesstotheGrand.

ShechoseoptionB,becauseshemightbeahopelesscasewhereQuinnwasconcerned,butshe

wasn’tstupid.Nomatterhowwonderfulandsadandtorturousitwastohavehimintown,tomorrow
hewouldflyhometoSydney.TheGrandwasherfuture,herbigdreamcometrue.Sheneededto
keepthatfacttopofmindnomatterwhatotherdistractionswereonhand.

Bynineshewaswaitingoutatthefrontofthecouncilbuilding,keepingwatchforReg’sdistinctive

beigeVolvo.Shesawhimturnintotheparkinglotandwaiteduntilhe’dparkedbeforewalking
towardhim.

“Ms.Parker,”hesaidstifflyasheexitedhercar.“TowhatdoIowethispleasure?”

Amysparedaglancefortoday’stie—asketchilydrawnbluemarlinleapingonapurple

background—beforefocusingonReg’sface.

“IwanttotalktoyouaboutgettingaccesstotheGrandbeforesettlement.”

“I’mafraidthat’snotpossible.”Histoneimpliedthathethoughtherrequestwasinappropriate,to

saytheleast.

Amygavehimherbrightestsmile.“Idon’tseewhynot.Ithappensallthetime,andit’snotas

thoughthere’satenant.Theplacehasbeenemptyforyears.Surelyit’stothecommunity’sbenefitthat
therestorationstartassoonaspossible?”

Regopenedhismouthtorejectheragain.

“Beforeyousayno,IshouldwarnyouthatI’llbebacktomorrowtoaskthesamething.Andthe

dayafterthat,andsoon.I’vealwaysbeenstubbornlikethat.”

“Tomorrow’sSunday.”

“Iknow,butIalsoknowwhereyoulive,Reg.”

Heglaredather,histhickeyebrowsmeetinginthemiddle.Shecouldseehisdesiretopunishher

forlastnight’sdefeatwarringwithhisneedtoberidofher.Sheheldherbreath,waitingtoseewhich
wayhewouldjump.

Tenminuteslatershewaspushingthechrome-and-glassfrontdoorsoftheGrandwideopen.She

steppedintothedustyfoyerandglancedaround.

“Honey,I’mhome,”shecalled,hervoiceechoingintheemptyspace.

Itwastemptingtogloatalittle,butshe’ddonehercelebratinglastnight.Sherolledupthesleeves

onherbrightorangesweaterandperformedherfirstactasowneroftheGrand,tearingdownthe
tatteredyellowpaperthathadmaskedthefrontwindowsforyears.Lightstreamedintothefoyer,
unkindlyhighlightingtheoldcinema’smanyflaws.

“Don’tworry,baby.We’llputyouright.”

Anhourlatershewasdraggingasmallmountainofdampcardboardouttotherearparkinglot.

She’darrangedforanindustrial-sizerubbishbintobedeliveredfirstthingMonday,butshewastoo
impatienttowaituntilthentogetstarted.Sheheftedthecardboardontothepileshe’dcreatednearthe
doorjustasadarksedanpulledupnexttoherrustyoldstationwagon.Ittookheramomentto
recognizeQuinnbehindthewheel.Shedustedherhandsdownthefrontofherjeansasheexitedhis
car.

“Ishouldhaveknownyou’dbehere,”hesaid.

Hewaswearingfadedjeansandscuffedbrownbootswithacharcoal-graysweater.Herheartdid

stupid,teenagethingsasshetookinhisbroadshouldersandleanhipsandwrysmile.

“Nopointinwastingtime.”

“Howmuchrentarethecouncilchargingyoutohaveearlyaccess?”

“None.”

Heliftedaneyebrow.“How’dyoupullthatoff?”

“Ihavemyways,”shesaidmysteriously.

Helookedamused.“Sureyoudo.Youwantahand?”

He’dcaughtheroffguard.“It’sniceofyoutooffer,butit’smostlydonkeywork.Clearingoutall

thecraptheoldtenantshaveleftbehind.”

“I’mnotafraidofhardwork.”

“Yeah,butIdon’twanttochewupallyourtime.You’reonlyhomefortheweekend.”

PlusI’malittleoutofpracticeputtingonmygamefacewhenyou’rearound.Witnessthefactthat

I’vegotgoosebumpsjustbecauseyou’restandingafewfeetaway,smilingatme.

“Icamehometohelpyou,Ames.I’mallyoursfortheweekend.”Hewalkedpasthertowardthe

entrance.“Wanttoshowmewhatneedsdoing?”

Hedisappearedinsidethebuilding.Shestaredafterhim,thrown.

It’snobigdeal,Parker.Afewhoursaren’tgoingtokillyou.It’snotlikeyou’regoingtosuddenly

jumponhimaftersixteenyearsofself-restraint.

Slidingherhandsintoherbackpockets,shefollowedhimintothecorridor.

Thepowerwouldn’tbeconnecteduntilMonday,buttherewasenoughlightfilteringthroughthe

archwaytothefoyerandthepropped-openbackdoortoseewhattheywereupagainst.Shegestured
towardthemolderingpilesofcarpet,tatteredcartons,brokenfurnitureandotherflotsamandjetsam
litteringthefloor.Theworstofithadbeenmaskedbytheshadowslastnight,butnowitwasrevealed
forwhatitwas:alotofbackbreakingwork.

“LikeIsaid,it’smostlydonkeywork.”

Hesurveyedthespacewithhishandsonhiships.Thenheglancedather.“Yourealizeyou’regoing

toowemedinnerafterthis,right?”

“HowdoesMcDonald’ssound?”

“Inadequate.”

“I’llseewhatelseIcancomeupwith.”

Quinngaveheradrylookbeforereachingforthewaistbandofhissweaterandpullingitoverhis

head.HewaswearingaplainwhiteT-shirtunderneath,thesoftfabricmoldinghisshouldersandchest
andbelly.Shedeliberatelylookedaway.

Nothingtoseehere.Pleasemoveon.

“Let’sgetthispartystarted,cityboy,”shesaid.

I

THADBEENALONGTIME

sinceQuinnhadusedhismusclesforanythingexceptliftingweightsatthe

gym.Itfeltgoodtodosomethingrealforachange.Togetoutofhisheadandlosehimselfinthe
rhythmsofphysicallabor.

Bymiddaythey’dclearedmorethanhalfofthedebrisfromthemaintheatreandthebalcony

section.Theywalkedacrosstheroadtogetsandwichesforlunchandsatonthemarblestepstoeat,
talkingoccasionallybutmostlyjusteatingandthinkingtheirownthoughts.

Forthefirsttimeinalongtime,somethinginsideQuinnrelaxed.Hefelt…okay.Asthoughhewas

exactlywhereheneededtobe.

HeglancedatAmy.Shehadafar-offlookinhereyesasshegazedaroundthefoyerwhileshe

munchedonhersandwich.Afaintsmilecurledhismouth.Nodoubtshewasimaginingthefoyerasit
shouldbe.Orturningoversomeothernotioninhermind.YouneverknewwithAmy.

Helikedthatshedidn’tfeelcompelledtofilleverylullwithmeaninglessconversation.Itwasone

ofthethingshe’dalwaysappreciatedabouther.

Lisa,ontheotherhand,couldn’ttoleratesilence.Shewasalwaysthefirsttotalkiftherewasapause

intheconversation.Whenthey’dlivedtogethertheradioorstereohadalwaysbeenon,musicblaring
tofilluptheemptycornersofthehouse.Inthemonthsbeforeshe’dleftshe’dprogressedtoleaving
theTVonwhiletheyatedinner.She’dclaimedshefounditcomforting.Eventhoughithad
sometimesdrivenhimnuts,he’dtolerateditbecausehe’dwantedhertobehappy.

SittingnexttoAmy,hebelatedlyrealizedthathissoon-to-beex-wifehadbeenhidingbehindallthat

noise.Disguisingherguiltandexcitementoverheraffair,creatingabufferbetweenthem.Andhe’d
beensobusybendingoverbackwardtopleaseherthathehadn’tnoticedshe’dbeenpullingaway
fromhim.

“Youokay?”Amyasked.

“Yeah.Why?”

“You’refrowning.”

“No,I’mnot.”Hemadeanefforttosmoothhisforehead.

Shewassilentforabeat.“Wanttotalkaboutit?”

Shewassittingsoclosehecouldseethegoldflecksinhereyeswhensheturnedtolookathim.He

studiedherlonglashes,thecurveofhercheek,theturned-upendofhernose.Herfacewasas
familiartohimashisown.Moreso,insomeways,sincehe’dspentahellofalotmoretimelooking
atherovertheyearsthanhehadlookinginthemirror.

“Youdon’twanttohearmebitchandmoan.”

“Wouldn’thaveaskedifIdidn’tmeanit.”

Heglanceddownathishands.“Notmuchtosay,really.”

“Areyouangry?”

“Yes.OfcourseIam.Shecheatedonmefortwoyears.Liedtome.”

“Yourpride’shurt.Youfeelhumiliated.”Itwasbothaquestionandastatement.

Heglaredatherbutshejustcockedaneyebrow.

“Yes,”hefinallysaid.

“Doyoumissher?”

Hefrowned,focusingonhishandsagain.He’dskinnedhisknucklesearlierandherubbedhis

thumbbackandforthovertherawskin.

DidhemissLisa?Thesoundofherbriskfootstepsonthepolishedfloors.Herreadylaughter.Her

eternalrestlessnessandneedtogoonebetter,onebetter,onebetter.

“NotasmuchasIshould,”hesaid.

ThatshutAmyup.Heglancedather.Shewaspickingatawornpatchonthekneeofherjeans.

“Shockedyou?”heasked.

“No.Iguess…IalwaysthoughtyouandLisawerehappy.WheneverIvisited,youalwaysseemedto

be.WhichwaswhyIwassosurprisedlastnight.”

“Wewere,forawhile.ButLisaalwayswantedmore.Biggerhouse.Betteroffice.Fastercar.”

Amynodded.SheknewLisaalmostaswellashedid.SheknewhowambitiousLisahadalways

been,howmuchshe’dwantedtogetahead.

“Andyoudidn’twantanyofthatstuff?”Amyasked.

“SureIdid.Uptoapoint.Butthereareotherthingsinlife.Family.Children.Havingalife,instead

ofspendingeveryfreakinghourattheofficeoratsomeclientfunction,tryingtodrumupmore
business.”

Hecouldhearhowresentfulandangryhesounded.Amydidn’tneedallthiscrapdumpedonher.

“It’sokay,”shesaid.Readinghismind,asalways.

“It’sdone.”

“No,itisn’t.It’sstilleatingyouupinside.”

Helookedintohergold-fleckedeyesagain.TypicalAmy,straightforthejugular,nomessing

around.

“BecauseIwasdumb.That’swhyIcan’tletitgo.”Hehadn’tmeanttosayanythingmore,butthe

wordsweresuddenlyinhisthroat.“BecauseIshouldhavesaidstop.Madeusbothlookaroundand
acknowledgewhatweweredoing.ButIplayedalongwaypastthepointwhenitwasn’twhatIwanted
anymore.”

“It’snotyourfault,Quinn.”

“It’spartlymyfault.AndnowI’vegotthislife,thisjob,andIhavenoidea…”Heclampedhisjaw

shutandstood.“Talkaboutapityparty.NextI’llbeaskingyoutobraidmyhairandlendmea
tampon.Domeafavorandpretendthelastfewminutesdidn’thappen,okay?”

Shestood,aswell.“I’veseenyourollingaroundonthegroundafterbeingkneedinthecojoneson

thefootballfield.IthinkIcanhandleabitofexistentialangst.”

Asalways,shemadehimlaugh.Hehookedhisarmaroundherneckandpulledherclose,dropping

akissontothetopofherhead.“Iappreciatetheear.”

“Youknowme,allears.”Shepushedawayfromhischest.“We’dbettergetbacktoit.”

Shejumpeddownthelasttwostepstothefoyerandstrodethroughthearchwayintothetheatre.He

tookhistimefollowingher.

He’dflowndowntohelpherachieveherdream,butmaybebeingherewassomethingthathe

needed,too.Hecouldbreatheproperlyhere.Therewerenoexpectations,nodemands.JustAmyand
thecomfortofhome.

Anideastartedtoform.Beforehecouldthinkittodeath,hefollowedAmyintothetheatre.

“Iwasthinking,”hesaid.

Sheturnedtofacehim,eyebrowsraisedquestioningly.

“I’vegotanotherweekofleaveafterthisone,andfourmoreowing.Ifyouwant,Icanhangaround,

helpyougetagoodstartontherestoration.”

Hedidn’tknowwhathe’dexpected,butdefinitelynotprofoundsilenceandtheblanklookonher

face.Shelookedsoshockedthathelaughed.

“YoulooklikeIjustpulledagunonyou.”

“Youtookmebysurprise,that’sall.Ican’taskyoutothrowawayyourholidayshelpingme.

You’vealreadyswoopedinatthedropofahattosavemybacon.It’stoomuch.”

“You’renotasking,I’moffering.AndI’dratherbeherehelpingyououtthanlyingonabeach

somewhereswattingflies.”

“Yousaythatnow,butafterafewweeksofmebossingyouaroundyou’llbedreamingofabeach.

Maybeweshouldjustcutoutthemiddleman.”

Hestudiedherface,tryingtogetareadonher.He’dthoughtshe’dleapathisoffer.“AfraidI’ll

holditoveryoufortherestofourlives,Ames?”

“No.It’snotthat.It’s…toomuch.”

Hefrowned.“Afewweeks’work?It’snothing.”

Somethingflickeredbehindhereyes.Somethinghedidn’tunderstand.He’dthoughtthey’dslotted

backintotheiroldfriendshiplastnight,butmaybehe’dbeenwrong.

“Istheresomethingelsegoingon,Ames?”

“No.Ithinkyou’renutswantingtopourallyourvacationtimeintomywhiteelephant.Butifyou

wanttodoit,whoamItolookagiftlaborerinthemouth?Welcomeonboard.”

Whenhedidn’trespondstraightawayshethrewherhandsintheair.

“Thatwasn’tverygrateful,wasit?Letmetryagain.”Shedroppedtoherkneesandclaspedher

handstogetherinabeseechinggesture.“Thankyou,QuinnWhitfield,foryourgenerousofferabove
andbeyondthecallofduty,friendshipandtheAustralianway.Youwillberememberedinthehistory
booksasagulliblebutgenerousfool.”

Hecouldn’thelpsmilingatthegoofylookonherface,eventhoughhisgutwasstilluneasy.Forthe

firsttimeeverwithAmyhewasn’tsurewherehestood.

Hedidn’tlikethefeeling.Atall.

“Getup,youidiot.”

“Ithinkyoumeangetup,bosslady.Sinceyousignedontobemyminion.”

“Inyourdreams.”

Shestoodandbrushedoffherknees.“IguessI’mgoingtooweyoualotofcheeseburgers,huh?”

Shesmiledathim,herexpressionopenanduncomplicated.Helookedintoherbigbrowneyesand

theedgyfeelingdissolved.ThiswasAmy,afterall.Ifshehadaproblemwithhim,she’dcomeright

outandsayit.Thatwasthewayithadalwaysbeenbetweenthem.

T

HEUNEASYFEELING

bithimontheassagainlaterthatday.Theyworkedtillthelightfadedanditwas

toodimtoseesafely.Amyinsistedonsweepingthefloorbeforetheyleftfortheday,sohe
volunteeredtodoapizzarunfordinner.

Dino’sPizzawasstillattheendoftheblock.Theoldneonpizzaoutlineonthefrontawninghad

beenreplacedwithamoreaestheticallypleasingheritage-stylesign,butinsidetheplacelookedthe
same,thesmalldine-inareacrammedwithhalfadozentableswithred-and-whitecheckedtablecloths
andoldraffia-wrappedchiantibottlesactingascandleholders.Themenustillfeaturedhisold
favorites,althoughhenotedthatthefashionforallthingsgourmethadn’tpassedDaylesfordby—
therewerehalfadozendeluxepizzasonofferfeaturingsuchexoticingredientsasbrie,artichoke
heartsandsmokedsalmon.Heorderedanold-schoolsupersupremebecauseheknewthatwaswhat
Amyliked.

Atallblond-hairedguyenteredasQuinnsankontothebenchseattowaitforhisordertobeready.

Quinnsmiledasrecognitionhit.

“RickBachelor.Howareyou?”heasked,standingtoshaketheotherman’shand.

Rickgrinned.“Hey.Quinn.Didn’tknowyouwereintown.”

“Yeah.CamedowntohelpAmyout,”hesaid.

Rickhadlostabitofhairandputonalittlearoundthemiddle,butotherwisehelookedalmostthe

sameashehadatQuinnandLisa’sweddingsixyearsago.

“Right.IheardonthegrapevinethatAmyfinallyboughttheGrand.Prettyimpressiveachievement,

stickingtohergunsalltheseyears.”

“Yeah.Sheknowswhatshewants,that’sforsure.So,howarethings?”Quinnasked.

“Great.Naomi’sabouttopopwithoursecond,sowe’reatDef-Confour,waitingforherwaterto

break.”

“NotNaomiWilkins?”Quinnasked,puttingtwoandtwotogether.

NaomiandRickhadbothgonetoDaylesfordSecondarywithhimandAmyandLisa.

“Sorry,Iassumedyou’dhaveheard.Toousedtosmall-towngossip,Iguess.Ifinallytalkedher

intomarryingmeacoupleofyearsago.We’vegotalittlegirlalready.”Ricktuggedouthiswallet
andQuinnfoundhimselflookingataphotographofalittlegirlwithbigblueeyesandaverywet
mouth.

“Teething,”Rickexplained.

“She’slovely.”

“HowaboutyouandLisa?Anykidsyet?”

Quinnhesitatedamoment.“Nokids,”hesaid.Thenheshrugged.“Actually,we’regettinga

divorce.”

Rick’seyeswidenedandQuinncouldseetheothermansearchingforsomethingappropriatetosay.

ItwasoneofthereasonsQuinnhatedtellingpeople.That,andthesenseoffailurehefelt.

“I’msorry.That’sbadnews,”Ricksaiduncomfortably.

“Yeah,well.Thesethingshappen,”Quinnsaid.

Hesawwithreliefthattheserverwastryingtomakeeyecontactwithhimtolethimknowhispizza

wasready.HeofferedRickhishandagain.

“LookslikeI’mup.Goodtoseeyou,mate.”

“Likewise.”

QuinnpaidforhispizzaandheadedbacktotheGrand.Itwaswellandtrulytwilightbynowandthe

carsdrivingpasthadtheirheadlightson.

ItwasdiminsidethetheatrebutAmywasstillbusysweepingwhenheentered.

“Ibringpizza.PutthebroomdownbeforeI’mforcedtohurtyou.”

“I’mdone.Myarmsfeellikethey’rereadytofalloff.”

Shesankontoanupturnedmopbucket.Quinnpushedanoldmilkcrateacrossthefloortojoinher

andplacedthepizzaboxonthefloorbetweenthem.

“Digin.Igotyourfavorite,Dino’ssupersupreme.”

Shetookasecondtorespond.“Smellsgreat.”

Heflippedtheboxopenandgrabbedaslice.Hetookabiteandgasped.

“Hot.”HeswallowedhastilyandnoticedAmyhadplayeditsmartandwaswaitingforherpizzato

cool,lettingherslicerestonherkneebeforeshetackledit.

“BumpedintoRickBachelorwhileIwaswaiting,”hesaid.

“Hecomesintothehardwarestoreallthetime.DidhesayifNaomi’shadherbabyyet?”

“Anydaynow.Hesaidshe’sreadytopop.”

“DidheaskaboutyouandLisa?”

Heglancedather,surprised.“Youpsychicorsomething?”

“Don’thavetobe.It’swhatpeopledo.Singlepeoplegetaskedifthey’vemetanyone.Unmarried

couplesgetaskedifthey’vesetthedateyet.Andmarriedcouplesgetaskedifthey’vegotanykids.
Right?”

“Yeah.That’swhatheasked.”

“Peoplearesonosy,”shesaid,shakingherhead.

“Hewasjustmakingconversation.Beingpolite.”

“Ifyouwanttobepolite,youtalkabouttheweather.Youdon’taskifpeoplearehavingsexfor

reproductivepurposesorifthey’reworriedthey’regoingtomisstheboat.”

Quinnlaughed.

“I’mserious.YoushouldhearsomeofthethingspeoplesaytomebecauseI’msingle.‘Don’t

worry,someonewillcomealong.’Andmypersonalfavorite,‘Iguessthat’stheproblemwithbeing
choosy.’”

Hestartedtotellhershewasn’tchoosy,simplydiscerning,buthefrownedashespottedasmallpile

ofblackcirclesonthethighofherjeans.Ittookhimamomenttoworkoutwhathewaslookingat:
olives.

She’dpickedalltheolivesoffhersliceofpizza.

“Youdon’tlikeolives?”

“Nope.Neverhave,really.”

Hestaredather.Somewhere,inthebackofhismind,amemorystirred:amuchyoungerAmy

pullingafaceandspittingoutahalf-chewedmouthfuloffood.Theseroundthingsaredisgusting.
They’dbothbeeneight,andthey’dstolenaplateofhorsd’oeuvresfromoneofhisparents’dinner
parties.

“Sowhygoforthesupersupreme?”heasked,puzzled.

“Iusuallydon’t.”Shemethiseyes.Whichwaswhenthepennydropped.

SupersupremewasLisa’sfavorite.

Hegroaned.“Shit.I’msorry,Ames.”

“Itdoesn’tmatter.”

Hestood,angrywithhimselfformakingsuchastupidmistake.“Givemetenminutes,I’llgograb

usanotherone.”

“Seriously,Quinn.It’sfine.I’mreallynotthathungry.This’lldome.”Sheliftedthesliceinher

hand.Thesliceshe’dhadtoquietlydenudeofolivesbeforeshecouldstomachit.

“Ishouldhaveasked,”hesaid.

“LikeIsaid,itdoesn’tmatter.”Toproveherpoint,shetookabigbiteofpizza.

Hesatbackdown.Theywerebothsilentforthenextfewminutes,thenQuinnpointedafingerat

her.“Hamandmushroom.That’syourfavorite,right?”

“That’sme.Hamandmushroom.”

Hetookanotherpieceofpizza,buthisappetitehaddesertedhim.

Intheolddays,therewasnowayAmywouldhavelethimgetawaywithsomethinglikethat.She’d

havemadehimgogetheranotherpizza,thenshewouldhaveheldhisforgetfulnessoverhisheadfor
thenextfewweeksuntilshe’dcommittedsomefollyofherownthattippedthebalanceinhisfavor.

He’dsuspecteditthisafternoon,andnowheknew—somethinghadshiftedbetweenthem.Andnot

inagoodway.

Maybeitwastodowiththedivorce.MaybeshefelttornbetweenhimandLisa.Maybeitwasthose

eighteenmonthsofsilence.Ormaybeshewasangrywithhimfornotconfidinginhersooner,for
withdrawingfromtheirfriendshipwhilehedealtwiththedissolutionofhismarriage.

Hedidn’tcarewhatitwas.Hewantedtofixit.BecausetherewasnowayhewaslosingAmy.She

meanttoomuchtohim.Shewastoomuchapartofhislifeforhimtotaketheirfriendshipfor
granted.

Hestaredatthepockmarkedfloorsbetweenhisbentkneesforalongmoment.Thenheliftedhis

headandcaughthereye.

“IfI’vedonesomethingwrong,Ames,Iwishyou’dcomerightoutandsayit.”

CHAPTERFOUR

A

MYLIEDINSTINCTIVELY

.“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”

“Yeah,youdo.EversinceIgothere—no,sincebeforeIgothere—there’sbeenthisdistance

betweenus.Iknowwehaven’tspokenformonthsbutIhopedthatoncewewereface-to-facethings
wouldbeokay.Butthey’renot,arethey?Thingsareweirdbetweenus.DidIscrewup?Forgetyour
birthday?Letyoudownsomehow?TellmewhatwentwrongsoIcanfixit.”

Hesoundedsosincere,sowoundedandconfused.Hethoughthe’ddonesomethingwrong.That

she’dretreatedfromhimasapunishment.

Sheshookherhead.“Youhaven’tdoneanythingwrong.”

Hesmiledthinly.“Imightnothavebeenaroundmuchlately,butIstillknowwhenyou’relying.”

Hewaswatchinghersteadily,waiting.Shestaredathim,feelingveryexposed.Whatdidhewant

fromher?Thetruth?Shecouldimaginehowhe’dreacttothat.

It’slikethis,Quinn.I’minlovewithyou.HavebeensinceIwasfourteenyearsold.That’swhyI

haven’treturnedyourphonecallsandwhytheideaofworkingwithyoueverydayforfiveweeksmakes
mewanttoleapforjoyandbangmyheadagainstawallatthesametime.

Shecouldalmostseethedawningunderstandingonhisface,theshock,thesadness.Thepity.Could

almostheartheawkwardquestionsandexplanations.

Therewasnowayshewastellinghimthetruth.Itwouldn’tgeteitherofthemanywhere.Itwasn’tas

thoughhecoulddoanythingtostopherlovinghim.Hell,he’dmarriedoneofherbestfriendsandit
hadn’tstoppedherstupid,foolishheartfromadoringhim.

Anditwasn’tasthoughhecouldmakehimselfloveher.Ifthatwerepossible,itwouldhave

happenedyearsago.

“Youhaven’tdoneanythingwrong,”sherepeatedmorestrongly.“It’sbeenawhile,that’sall.”

“You’repissedwithme.IknowIkindofwentintohidingwhenIfoundoutabouttheaffair.Iknow

youprobablyfeltshutout—”

“Ididn’t.”Shecouldn’tstandthethoughtthatheblamedhimselfwhenshewastheonewhohad

deliberatelydistancedherselffromhim.“Ihadsomestuffgoingondownhere,too.Icouldhave
calledyou,butIletthingsslide,aswell.”

“Iwonderedaboutthat.”

Shecouldfeelhisgazesearchingherface.Shedidn’tknowwhatelsetosaytohim.Shedidn’twant

tolietohimanymorethanshehadtowhenhewasbeingsohonestwithher.

“YouknowIloveyou,right?”hesaid.

He’dneversaiditbefore,butshe’dalwaysknownhowhefelt.Itamazedherhowwonderfulitwas

tohearthewords,eventhoughsheknewhedidn’tmeanitthewayshewishedhedid.

Sheswallowed,hard.“Iloveyou,too.”Youhavenoideahowmuch.

“Iwantthingstoberightbetweenusagain,Ames.”

“Me,too.”

“DoesthatmeanifIbuythewrongpizzaagainyou’llslapmeupsidetheheadratherthaneatitout

ofpoliteness?”

“Sure.Ifyouthinkyoucanhandleit.”

“Icanhandleanythingyouthrowmyway.”

“Becarefulwhatyouwishfor,”shesaid,onlyhalfjoking.

Hecaughtherhand,wrappedhisfingersaroundit.“Anything,”hesaid,lookingintohereyes.“I

meanit.”

Therewassomuchwarmthandaffectioninhisopen,handsomeface—andyetherheartstillwanted

more.

Shewasimpossiblygreedy,awillfulchildholdingoutforthewholecandyshopinsteadoftheone

perfectlygoodbonbononoffer.

Hebrushedhisthumbacrossthebackofherhandonelasttimebeforelettinghergo.

“Youwantanotherpiece?”

“Sure.”

Hepickedtheolivesoffasliceandhandeditover.

Shestudieditcritically.“Inthespiritofrecentdiscussions—youmissedapiece,slackass,”she

said.

Helaughedandreachedacrosstoremovethelastoffendingolive.

“Happy?”

“Gettingthere.”

Shewatchedhimoutofthecornersofhereyesassheate.Inameretwenty-fourhourshe’d

managedtoturnherworldupsidedown.And—asusual—hehadnoidea.Shewasgoingtohavetobe

very,verycarefulifshewasgoingtokeepitthatway.He’dpickeduponherhesitationthisafternoon
whenheofferedtostayandhelpher,andhe’dregisteredherlackofreactionoverthepizza,too.

Thefactwas,shewaswoefullyoutofpracticewhenitcametocoveringupherfeelingsforhim.

Allthelittlestrategiesandcompensationsshe’ddevelopedovertheyearshadatrophiedineighteen
months.Agreatexample:forafewprecioussecondsafterhe’dannouncedhe’dgottenherfavorite
pizza,she’dbeenfilledwithasweet,piercingjoythathe’drememberedsomethingassmalland
insignificantasthefactthatshelovedDino’shamandmushroomwithathincrust.She’dwantedto
throwherarmsaroundhimandholdhimtight.

Nomatterwhatelsehappens,hewillalwaysbemyfriend,andwewillalwaysknowthesethings

abouteachother,she’dthought.I’llalwaysknowhowhegotthelong,whitescaronthetopofhisleft
footandthatpeanutsmakehimbreakoutinarash,andhewillalwaysknowthatI’mafraidof
earthwormsandthatIoncetriedtoflyofftheroofofthegardenshed.

Theywerebestfriends.Andeventhoughshehadwantedmorefromhimforalongtime,being

QuinnWhitfield’sbestfriendwasnottobesneezedat.

ThenhehadunveiledDino’ssupersupreme—Lisa’spizza,forPete’ssake.

“Whattimedoyouwantmetomorrow?”Quinnasked,draggingherawayfromherthoughts.

“Howdoesninesound?”

“Whattimeareyougoingtobehere?”

“Eight.Butyou’retechnicallyonvacation.”

“Iusuallystartatsix-thirty.Icanhandleeight.”

“Six-thirty.Youneedtogetalife,”shesaid.

Heshrugged.“I’mtryingto.WhydoyouthinkI’mhere?”

HefinishedthelastofthepizzaandtheylefttheGrandtogether.

“I’llseeyoutomorrow,”shesaidastheywalkedtotheircars.

Hewaitedtomakesureheroldrustbucketstartedbeforedrivingoutofthelotaheadofher.She

startedforhome,thenrememberedthatsheneededtopickupsometoolsfromherfather ’sgarage
fortomorrow.Shesighedanddrovepastherownturnofftoherparents’street.Gravelpopped
beneaththetiresassheparkedinfrontofthegarage.

Thelightwasoninthekitchen.Sheknewherparentswouldexpecthertocomeinandhaveacoffee

andmaybedessertwiththem.Instead,sheleanedforwardandrestedherforeheadagainstthesteering
wheel.

Fiveweeks.

Howinhellwasshegoingtosurvivefivewholeweeksofintimate,cozycontactwithQuinn

Whitfield?

Sheturnedherheadandstaredacrossherparents’backlawntowardthedarkshapeoftheWhitfield

housenextdoor.

Somewhere,tuckedinhermother ’sphotoalbum,wasasnapshotofherandQuinnsharingthesame

teethingring—thatwashowlonghe’dbeenapartofherlife.Sincebeforetheycouldwalkthey’dhad
apreferenceforeachother,andthey’dbecomethebooncompanionsofeachother ’schildhood.

Then,overwhatseemedlikethespaceofonesummer,Quinnhadgrownfromherfunny,daring

buddyintoastartling,disturbingalmost-man.He’dshotupfourinches.Hisvoicehaddeepened.And
everytimehelookedatherandshelookedathim,therehadbeenanextra…somethinginthemix.

Itwasthesummershe’dturnedfourteen,andshe’dneverstoodachance.Becauseitwasalsothe

summerLisa’sfatherlandedthebankmanager ’sjobintownandtheBartlettsmovedtoDaylesford
fromMelbourne,buyingthebigVictorianfarmhouseattheendofthestreet.Amyhadtakenonelook
atLisa’sflowingblondhairandcoltishlylong,slenderlegsandknownshewasspecial.Sohad
Quinn,andbeforelongthethreeofthemhadbeenthickasthieves.

Ithadbeenthebestkindofculturalexchange:they’dshownhercountry-kidstufflikethebestplace

togoswimmingatthelakeandtheshortcuttoschoolthroughMrs.Brown’sbackpaddock,andshe’d
taughtthemcity-kidskillslikehowtosneakintoR-ratedmoviesandditchschool.Ithadbeengreat.
They’dcalledthemselvesthethreemusketeers,thinkingtheywerehighlyoriginal.Then…

Amysatbackinherseatandsighed.Shefigureditsaidalotabouthermessed-uppsychethatshe

couldstillrememberwithabsoluteclaritythedayLisatoldherthatQuinnhadkissedher.Ithadbeen
nearlyfifteenyearsbutthemomentstillloomedlargeonhermentalhorizon,etchedinacidinher
memory.

I

TWASTHEMIDDLEOFSUMMER

andtheyweredownatthelake,suckingonflavorediceblocksinthe

stiflingheat.Amywaswearinglastyear ’sone-pieceandfeelingperfectlycontentuntilLisatugged
offherT-shirtandskirt,revealinganewredbikini.Lisa’sbuddingbreastsstretchedtheLycra
trianglesofherbratop,andherlittleredpantsseemedtomakeherlegsgoonforever.Amystared
openlyatherfriendbeforelookingdownatherownbabybreasts,tamelycoveredbylotsofaqua
Lycra.ThensheshotasidewaysglanceatQuinntoseehowhewasreacting.

Theyoftendidthat—checkedtoseewhattheotherwasthinking.ButQuinnwasn’tlookingatLisa.

Notdirectly,anyway.Hewaspretendingtotwisttwostrandsofgrasstogetherwhileshootingquick,
dartingglancesatLisafrombeneaththefloppyfringeofhishair.

“Quinn,canyouholdthisforme?”Lisaasked,holdingoutherelasticatedhairtie.

Amywasn’tquitesurewhyLisacouldn’tholditherself—slideitontoherwristorwhatever—but

QuinntookthetieandheandAmywatchedasLisastoodonthegrassyslope,thesunbehindheras
shetwistedherhairintoaknotonthebackofherhead.She’dlookedlikesheshouldbeonTV,on
oneofthoseCokeadswhereeveryonewasbeautifulandlaughingandhavinglotsoffun.

WhenLisawassatisfiedshe’dfixedherhairjustright,sheheldoutherhandandQuinnpassedthe

hairtieover.

TheexpressioninhiseyeswhenhelookedatLisathistimemadeAmyuncomfortable.Helooked…

hungry.AsthoughhewantedsomethingfromLisabutwasafraidtoaskforit.

Heshottohisfeet.“I’mgoingswimming.”

Nosoonerhadhespokenthanhewasrunningdowntheslope.Hebarelyslowedwhenhehitthe

waterandstartedswimmingtowardthecenterofthelake.

Amystartedtogettoherfeet,readytojoinhim,butLisagrabbedherarm.

“Stayforaminute.There’ssomethingIwanttotellyou.”

Shesoundedexcited.ShegaveAmy’sarmalittlesqueezeandAmysankontohertowel.

“What’sup?”

“Well.YouknowhowIwashelpingQuinnwithhisFrenchhomeworklastnight?”

“Yeah.”

Lisaranherhanddownhersmoothcalf.She’dstartedshavingthissummer,aswellaspaintingher

toenailswithhermom’spolish.

“Wewerepracticingverbs,sameold,sameold.Thenallofasuddenhejustgrabbedmeandkissed

me.”Lisa’sblueeyeswidenedasshelookedatAmy,invitinghertosharehershockatwhathad
happened.

Amystilled.“Quinnkissedyou?”

Lisanodded,bitingherlip.

“Whatwasitlike?”Amyhadtoforcethewordspastthelumpinherthroat.

“Amazing.Hislipsarereallystrong.Butsoft.Andwhenheputhistongueinmymouth,Inearly

died.”

Amypulledherkneesclosetoherchestandwrappedherarmsaroundthem.“Doyouthink—do

youthinkyou’lldoitagain?”

“Ifhewantsto.”

“Doyouthinkhewantsto?”

Lisa’sgazeshiftedtowhereQuinnwasapproachingtheshore,hisstrongbrownarmsflashingin

andoutofthewater.Shefrowned.

“Idon’tknow.Ihopeso.Ireallylikehim.Andnotjustlike-like,youknow?Morethanthat.”

Amynodded.SheknewexactlywhatLisameant.Shewasfourteenyearsold.Shehadmorethan

like-likedQuinnforawholeyearnow.She’dlainawakeatnightimagininghimkissingher,
imaginingwhatitwouldbeliketofeelhisbreathonherface,hislipsonhers,histongueinher
mouth,hisarmsaroundher.Hewasherbestfriend,andsheknewitwaswrongtofeelthosekindsof
thingsforhim,butshecouldn’thelpit.

Andhe’dkissedLisa.

ForamomentAmycouldn’tbreathe.Therewasapaininherchest,asthoughsomeonewasholding

hertootightly.

QuinnhadkissedLisa.Andnowsheknewwhatthatlookhadmeant,thathungrylook:Quinnliked

Lisa.Morethanlike-liked.Hewantedtokissheragain.

“It’sreallyhot.Imightgoforaswim,”Amysaid,pushingherselftoherfeet.

“I’mgoingtostartonthatnewbookforEnglish,”Lisasaid.Sherolledontoherbellyandreached

forherschoolbag.

Amystoodstaringdownatherfriend’sslimbodyforamoment.Ifshehadaredbikini,maybe

Quinnwouldlookatherlikethat…

ButinherheartofheartssheknewitwouldtakemorethanaredbikinitogetQuinntolookather

thewayhe’dlookedatLisa.

Shetrudgedtotheedgeofthelakeandkeptwalkinguntilthewaterwasuptoherarmpits.Asusual

thewaterwasicycoldbutshehardlynoticedassheclosedhereyesandbentherkneesandsankuntil
shewasentirelysubmerged.

Thensheopenedhermouthandscreamedtherudest,nastiestwordsheknew,bubblesfrothing

againstherfaceasshereleasedalltheairinherlungs.Shewaiteduntilherlungsachedbefore
resurfacing.Shestaredoutacrossthelake,herchestrisingandfallingrapidly,wethairclingingto
herface.Thesunglintedoffthewater,nearlyblindingher.

Shedidn’tcare.Shewastoojealousandsadtocare.

“Raceyoutothedock,”Quinnsaidfrombehindher.

Shewhirledaroundandhesplashedherfullintheface.Shesplutteredandwipedhereyes.Quinn

hootedwithlaughter.

Warmthfilledherasshelookedintohislaughingface.QuinnmighthavekissedLisa,buthewas

herbestfriend.Thatwassomething,right?

Sheretaliatedwithamightysplashaimedstraightuphisnoseandwhilehewassplutteringforair

tookhimuponhischallengebylungingforwardandbreakingintoherfastestfreestyle,hergoalthe
distantdock.Hewasfasterthanher,butwithaheadstartshecouldstillmakehimsweat.

Herheartpumpedandherbreathcameingaspsassheswamforherlife.

Itmightnotbesobad,shetoldherself.Whateverisgoingon,itprobablywon’tlastlongbetween

them.Noneofthekidsatschoolgooutwitheachotherforverylong.It’snotlikethey’regoingtoget
marriedoranything.Ijusthavetowaititout.

Shecaughtaglimpseofthedark,wetwoodofthedockaheadandglancedtohersidetocheckon

Quinn.Hewasnowheretobeseenandsheriskedalookoverhershoulder,eventhoughitwouldcost
herspeed.Surelyshehadn’thadthatmuchofaheadstartonhim?

Buthewasn’tthere,either.

Shestopped,herfeetsinkingintothesoftmudofthelakebed.Someinstinctmadeherpushthewet

hairfromhereyesandsquintoverhershouldertowheretheirtowelswerespreadonthegrass.

Quinnstoodintheshallows,acceptingsomethingfromLisa.Atubeofsuntanlotion.Lisaturned

herbackandgesturedacrosshershoulders.Amycouldimaginewhatshewassaying.“Ican’treach,
wouldyoumind?”

Quinnwadedtherestofthewayoutofthelake.HemusthavefeltAmystaring,becauseheglanced

acrosstowhereshestoodwatchingthem.

Heraisedanarm,waved.“Bewithyouinasecond,Ames.”

ThenheturnedbacktoLisa.

A

MYTUGGEDTHEKEY

fromtheignition.Herfourteen-year-oldselfhadbeenrightaboutsomethings,

wrongaboutothers.QuinnandLisahadn’tlastedthatfirsttime,butthey’dgottentogethertwicemore
intheirteenyearsandthelasttimehadbeenforkeeps.They’dappliedtoSydneyUniversitytogether
andlefttowntogetherinQuinn’soldbrownFord.Thenthey’dgraduated,andtheyearQuinnlandeda
jobinoneofSydney’stoplawfirms,he’daskedLisatomarryhim.Andshehadaccepted.

Forallthoseyears,Amyhadsatonthesidelines,watching,waiting,aching.She’dmadeanartform

outofhidingheryearningandjealousy.She’dgoneoutwithotherboys.She’dgivenhervirginityto
oneofthem,justtobedonewiththedamnedthing.Noonehadeverhadacluethatshewasinlove
withherbestfriend.

IthadbeenbetterafterQuinnandLisaleftforSydney,easier—althoughharder,too,insomeways,

losingtwofriendsatonce.Butthereliefhadfaroutweighedthegriefinthelongterm.

She’dhopedQuinn’sdeparturewouldmeanshe’dstoplovinghim,butithadn’t.Hewasstillvery

presentinherlife.Hee-mailedregularlyandcalledatleastonceamonth,andifitwasn’thimitwas
Lisa,fillingherinonallthedetailsoftheirlifetogether.Study,exams,parties.Thenwork,thehouse
they’dbought,thedinnerpartiesthey’dheld.AmyhadvisitedthemonceayearinSydneyandthey’d
allmadeabigdealoutofhowitwas“justlikeoldtimes.”

Butapersoncouldn’tliveforeverontheedgeofhopeandlonging,herfacepressedtotheglass,

peeringinandenvyingsomeoneelse’slife,alwayswanting,neverhaving.Amyhadtriedandfailed,
miserably.

Whichwaswhyshe’ddecidedtocutherselffreefromthepast.CutherselffreefromQuinnand

Lisa.She’dlainawakeintheirguestbedroomwhenshe’dvisitedtwoyearsagoandlistenedtothe
faintbutunmistakablesoundofQuinnandLisamakingloveintheirbedroomdownthehall.She’d
beensickwithjealousy—literally.She’dstumbledtothebathroomandthrownuptherichthree-
coursemealLisahadcookedher.Shemadeadecisioninherheartthatnight.Thiswasnottheway
shewantedtoliveherlife.

She’dwaitedafewmonthsbeforeputtingherdecisionintopractice.Firstsheeasedoffonphone

calls.Thene-mails.Thenshestoppedcommunicationaltogether.Slowly,aftershefailedtoreplyto
anyandallcorrespondence,theattemptsatcontacthadtaperedoff.Atthetimeshe’dbeenalittle
surprisedathoweasyithadbeentoslipawayfromtheirfriendship.Now,ofcourse,sheknewthey’d
beendealingwiththeirowncrisis.

AndnowQuinnwashome,andhewasgettingadivorce,andhewantedtopicktheiroldfriendship

upwherethey’dleftoff.

Whichlefther…where,exactly?

Atapsoundedonhercarwindowandshestartedinherseat.

“Dad!”shesaid,pressingahandtoherpoundingheart.

Herfatherpeeredinather.“Whatareyoudoing,sittingouthereinthecoldonyourown?”

Agoodquestion.Abloodygoodquestion.

“Nothing,Dad.Absolutelynothing,”shesaid.Thenshegotoutofhercarandfollowedhiminside.

Q

UINNWASRESTLESS

whenhereturnedtotheservicedapartmenthe’drentedfortheweekend.Hehada

shower,turnedonthetelevision,staredatapointlessrealityshow,turneditoffagain.Hisbodywas
tired,buthismindkeptcircling,thinkingabouttheconversationhe’dhadwithAmy,thetheatre,his
work,themyriadthingsthatneededtobedonenowthathewasgoingtostayintownforawhile.

HisdecisiontohelpAmyoutatthecouncilmeetinghadbeensolast-minutehehadn’thadtimeto

talktohisparentsaboutusingthefamilyhome.TheyweresomewhereincentralAustraliaatthe
momentandnotalwaysinphonecontact.Ithadbeenawhilesincehe’dkeptasparekeyonhiskey
ring,andeventhoughhefiguredtheParkersprobablyhadacopy,therehadseemedlittlepointin
openingthehouseupforonlytwonights.Bookinganapartmentfortheweekendhadseemedthe
easiestoption.

Plustherewassomethingvaguelypatheticaboutagrownmanonthebrinkofdivorcereturning

hometosleepinhischildhoodbedroom.

Butnowthathewasstayinglonger,itmadesensetousethehouse.Hedialedhismother ’scelland

wasputstraightthroughtovoicemail.Heleftamessagetellingherhisplans,thenhedraggedouthis
laptopandpluggedintotheapartmentcomplex’sbroadband.

Assoonasheloggedinhesawtherewasane-mailfromDuffyCalhoun,oneofthefirm’sfamily

lawspecialists.Quinnhadapproachedhimtohandlethedivorceafewmonthsago,andasfarashe
knewthingswerewellinhand.Legally,couplesneededtohavebeenseparatedforayearbeforea
divorcecouldbeissuedinAustralia.Therewerewaysaroundthis—cheatingtheseparationdate,for
example—butneitherhenorLisahadbeeninarush.Inanotherfourweeks,thefulltwelvemonths
wouldbeupandtheycouldfilethepapers.Itwasalmostover.

HesawfromthetimestampthatDuffy’se-mailhadarrivedafterhe’dflowndowntoMelbourne.

Heclickedontheiconandfrownedashereadhiscolleague’smessage.ApparentlyDuffyhadcalled
Lisa’slawyertwiceduringtheweekandhadyettohearback.Duffywasn’tsendingupaflareyet,but
hewantedtowarnQuinnthatintheworldofdivorcenegotiationsitusuallywasn’tagoodsignwhen
theopposingcounselstoppedreturningphonecalls.

Quinnleanedbackinbed.Asfarashewasconcerned,thedivorcecouldn’tbemoreclear-cut—a

fifty-fiftysplit,straightdownthemiddle.They’dbothcontributedequallytothemortgage,andthere
werenochildrenorpets.WhatmorecouldLisapossiblywant?Surelyshewasn’tgoingtocomeafter
hisretirementfund?

Herejectedthethoughtassoonasitoccurred.WhileheandLisaweren’tinvitingeachotherover

fordinner,thingsweren’tacrimonious,either.Eventhoughheknewshevaluedanythingthat
conferredstatus—fancyhouses,fanciercars—hedidn’tthinkshehaditinhertobesoviciously
acquisitive.

HesentaquickreplytoDuffyaskinghimtokeeptryingLisa’slawyer.Theycouldn’tfilefora

decreeofdissolutionofmarriageuntilshe’dsignedhershareofthepapers,butQuinnwasconvinced
thelawyernotcallingbackwasonlyanoversight.

Heswitchedthelightoffaroundmidnight.Bytwohewasstillstaringattheceiling.Sleephad

becomeararecommodityinhislifeinthepastyear.Hewasgettingusedtobeingawakewhenmost
oftheworldwasn’t,buthedidn’tlikeit.Nothinglikeanearlyhoursvigiltomaketheemptysideof
thebedseemcolderandemptier.

Herolledontohisside.Backintheolddaysifhe’dhadtroublesleeping,hewouldhaveopenedhis

bedroomwindowandthrownpebbles—he’dkeptasupplyinhisroomforthatpurpose—atAmy’s
windowacrossthewayuntilshewasawake,too.She’dhavecometoherwindow,bleary-eyedand
cranky,thentheywouldhaveusedthewalkie-talkiesthey’dboughtwiththeirallowancestoplan
tomorrow’smadschemeuntiloneortheotherofthemdriftedofftosleep.

Hesmiled.Man,heandAmyhaddonesomecrazyshitovertheyears.Therewasthetimethey’d

madeago-cartoutofscrapwoodandthewheelsfromAmy’sin-lineskates.They’dtakenittothe
steepeststreetintown,strappedthemselvesinandpushedoff.He’dwoundupwithablackeyeanda
chippedtoothandAmyhadgrazedherkneesandbrokenafinger.

Despitethepainattheendofthathair-raisingrocketdownthehillside,thethingthatstoodoutthe

mostinhismindwasthewayAmyhadclutchedhisarmsandwhoopedwithjoyasthewindwhipped
attheirfaces.She’dbeenabsolutelyfearless.

Inhindsight,itwasawonderthey’dbothsurvivedchildhood,thewaythey’deggedeachotheron.

Thesmilefadedfromhismouthashethoughtabouttheconversationthey’dhadtonight.Hehoped

they’dclearedtheair.Shewasimportanttohim.Very.Andhewasdeterminedtofixwhateverhad
gonewrongbetweenthem.

T

HEREARDOOR

totheGrandwasopenwhenAmypulledintotheparkinglotthenextmorning.Itwas

onlyseven-thirty,butshefiguredQuinnmusthavebeatenherthere.

Shethoughtaboutthedayahead,workingalongsidehim.Laughingwithhim.Sharingwithhim.She

knewitprobablymadeheraparticularlysickandtwistedkindofmasochist,butapartofherwas
enormouslypleasedthathewasheretosharethesefirstformativedays.Eventhoughsheknewhaving
himsocloseandworkingwithhimsointimatelywasprobablygoingtodriveheralittlebitnuts.The
Grandwasherdream,andQuinnwasthemansheloved.Therewassomethingverybittersweetabout
thetwogreatpassionsofherlifesittingalongsideeachother,evenifitwasonlyforfivemeasly
weeks.

AndwhenQuinnwentbacktoSydney…well,she’dpickherselfupanddustherselfoffthewayshe

alwaysdid.Andwhoknew,maybeamiraclewouldoccurwhiletheyworkedtogethertorestorethe
Grandtoitsformerglory.MaybeafteralltheseyearsherheartwouldbeabletoletQuinngoandhe
couldbecomesimplyherdear,belovedfriend.Nothingmore.

Shesmiledalittlegrimly.Goodluckwiththatone.

Shegotoutofhercar,tookadeepbreathandstrodeintotheGrand,gamefacefirmlyon.

“Tryingtomakemelookbad,Whitfield?”shesaidassheenteredthetheatrefromthecorridor.

Shestoppedinhertrackswhenshesawthemanstandinginthemiddleofthespace,hisheadtilted

backashestudiedtheceiling.Hewaswearingadarkdouble-breastedsuit,eventhoughitwasa
Sunday,andhisshinyredtiematchedhisfloridcheeks.

“Mr.Ulrich,”shesaid.

Whatthehellwashedoinghere?

“Hopeyoudon’tmind.IsawthebackdoorwasopenandIthoughtI’dstepinsidetowaitforyou

sinceitlookedlikeitmightrain.”

Amynarrowedhereyes.ItwasclearandsunnyoutsideandBarryneededaslitcutintothebackof

hissuitjackettoaccommodatehisdorsalfin.

“Actually,Idomind.Andthebackdoorwasn’topen.”

Ulrich’sfacecreasedintoacomplacent,confidenthalfsmile.“Unsecured,then.Notthesmartest

move,puttingallthesepricelessheritage-listedarchitecturalfeaturesatrisk.”

Amywishedshewaswearingsomethingalittlemoreintimidatingthanherpurple-and-green-

stripedlong-sleevedT-shirt,jeansandsparklyhotpinksneakers.Shereallywishedshehadn’tputher
hairinpigtailsthismorning.

“Ireallydon’tthinkit’sappropriatethatyou’rehere.I’dlikeyoutoleave.”

Ulrich’slipstwitchedasthoughhefoundherendlesslyamusing.

“Iwanttotalktoyou,”hesaid.

“Thenwecanmakeanappointmenttotalkanothertime.I’mbusynow.”

“Youdon’tlookverybusytome.”

“Well,Iam.Soifyoudon’tmind…”

Shegesturedtowardthedoor.Ulrichdidn’tbudge.Shedidn’tlikethewayhelookedather,as

thoughshewasaflyhewantedtoswat.Feargooseditswaydownherspine.Sheknewhe’dnever
daretouchher,butshecouldn’thelpfeelingvulnerable,standingherealoneinthesemidarkwitha
manwhoclearlywishedhertohell.

“Sopredictable,Ames.Betyouwerehereatsparrow’sfart,right?”

ShespuntowardthedoorasQuinnentered,twocoffeecupsandawhitebakerybaginhand.Never

hadshebeensogladtoseehim.

TherewasaslighthitchinhisstepwhenhesawUlrich,thenhecontinuedtoherside.

“IwasjustexplainingtoMr.UlrichthattheGrandisminenowandthatIdon’twanthimentering

thepropertywhenI’mnotaround.”

SheopenedhereyesmeaningfullyasshelookedatQuinn.Hefrownedandsheknewhe’dgottenthe

messagethatUlrichhadbeenherebeforeshe’darrived.

QuinnhandedAmyoneofthecoffees,hiswarmfingersbrushinghercoldonesastheyswapped

gripsonthecup.Instantlytheshakyfeelinginsideherfaded.Itwasimpossibletofeelintimidated
whenQuinnwasbyherside.

Quinntookasipofhiscoffeebeforehespoke.

“AsI’msureyou’reaware,Barry,trespassingisacriminaloffence,”hesaid.Histonewasfriendly,

relaxed,buttherewasahardlightinhiseyes.

Ulrichlaughed.“Relax,mate.I’mnotheretodoanyharm.Infact,I’mheretomakeMs.Parkerthe

offerofalifetime.”

“I’mnotinterestedinlisteningtoanyoffers,”Amysaid.

“Youhaven’tevenheardwhatitisyet,”Ulrichsaid.“Howdoyouknowyou’renotinterested?”

“BecauseI’mnotinterested,”Amyrepeated.

Ulrichcarriedonasthoughshehadn’tspoken,pullingsomepapersfromhissuitpocket.“Iwantto

buytheGrandoffyou.I’vegotacontracthere—”

“No.”Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest.

“I’mwillingtogiveyouahundredthousandmorethanyoupaidforit.”

“Amy’sgivenyouheranswer,”Quinnsaid.“Nobodylikesapoorloser,Ulrich.”

Thedeveloper ’spaleblueeyesnarrowed.“Don’tbeasillygirl.Lookatthedeal.Talkitoverwith

yourboyfriend.Thinkabouthowmanynicepairsofshoesyoucanbuyyourselfwithahundred
thousanddollarsofeasyprofit.”

“Enough.It’stimeforyoutogo,”Quinnsaid.

Ulrichdidn’ttakehiseyesoffAmy.“Takethecontract.”

Hethrustthecontractatherlikeaweapon,hiscolorhigh.Sheglaredathim,armsstilllockedover

herchest.

“No.”

“Takeit.”

SuddenlyshewasstaringatQuinn’sbroadshouldersashesteppedbetweenthem.

“YoucanwalkoutorIcanthrowyouout.Wanttoflipacoinoverit?”Hesoundedlikeastranger,

hisvoicewassocoldandangry.

Ulrichhesitatedamoment,thenhesaidsomethingunderhisbreathandwalkedaway,heelsstriking

thewoodenfloorsharplywitheachstep.

“Thatman—”Shebrokeoff.Shewassoangryshedidn’tknowwheretoputherself.

ThewayUlrichhadlookedather…

Hissmugarrogance…

Quinnliftedthewhitebakerybag.“Iboughtalmondcroissants.Withanyluckthey’restillwarm.”

“Croissants?Areyoukidding?”Shewantedtospitnails,notconsumebakedgoods.

Hetuckedhiscoffeeintothecrookofhisarmandunfoldedthetopofthebag.Hepulledouta

sugar-dustedpastryandofferedittoher.“Haveacroissant.”

Sheshookherheadimpatiently.Thelastthingshefeltlikewaseating.

“Ames,don’tgivehimthesatisfactionofrattlingyou.”

“I’malreadyrattled.”

Quinnputsomegravelinhisvoice,creatingareasonableproximityofUlrich’simpatientbark.

“Takethecroissant,Amy.”

Hiseyeswerelaughingather,invitinghertojoinin.

“Quinn…”

“Takeit.Takeit,Isay.”

Hethrustittowardhermelodramatically.Despiteherself,shefelthermouthtwitchatthecorners.

“Stopit.”

“Youknowwhatyouhavetodotomakethathappen.”

Sherolledhereyesandpluckedthecroissantfromhishand.“I’mstillangry,”shesaidasshepulled

offachunkofbutterypastry.

“Sure.Butconsiderthis—he’sadouchebag,youowntheGrandandwe’llinstallabig-asslockon

thedoortodaysohecannevergetinhereagain.Stillwanttowastehalfanhourfumingoverthe
guy?”

Shechewedandswallowed.“No.”

“That’smygirl,”Quinnsaid,slinginganarmaroundhershoulder.

Hisbodywashardalongherside.Herstupidheartgaveanexcitedkickinherchest.

“Ifyou’retryingtoout-patronizeUlrichyou’reofftoagoodstart,”shesaid,tryingtoignorethe

tumultthathadstartedupwithinherbody.

Helookedather,tuckedunderhisarm.“Comeon,I’mnotevenclose.Ihaven’tevenmentioned

prettyshoesyet.Theguy’sapro.”

Hehadasmallmilkmustachefromthefoamonhislatte.Beforeshecouldstopherself,shereached

uptowipethefoamawaywithherthumb.Hisstubblescrapedacrossherskin,theroughnessa
startlingcontrasttothesilkyfirmnessofhisupperlip.

Herbellytightened.Howmanytimeshadsheimaginedthoselipskissingher?

Andnotjustonthemouth.

“Therewasatimewhenyou’dhaveletmewalkaroundalldaywearingthat,”hesaid.

“Thosewerethedays.”

Feelingoverwhelmed,sheshruggedoutfrombeneathhisarm.

“BeforeIforget,Momaskedmetoaskyouoverfordinnertonight,”shesaid,concentratingon

brushingpowderedsugaroffherT-shirtsoshewouldn’thavetolookhimintheeye.“She’scooking
lasagnatocelebratemebuyingtheGrand.”

Quinn’sfacelitup.“Iwouldcrawloverbrokenglassforoneofyourmom’slasagnas.”Herubbed

hishandstogetherinboyishanticipation.

“Fortunatelyallyouhavetodoisturnupandbemildlyentertaining.”

“I’llbrushuponmywittyanecdotesafterlunch.”

“Thatshoulddoit.”

Hetuggedononeofherpigtailsbeforeturningawaytodumphisemptycupinthegarbage.She

staredathisbroadshoulders,thenhergazedroppedtothefirmroundnessofhisass.

Maybeonedayshewouldlearntolovehimasafriend,andonlyasafriend.Butthatdaywasnot

goingtobetoday.

Notbyalongshot.

Q

UINNCLIMBED

downthelastrungontheextensionladderanddroppedthebucketandspongehe’d

beenholdingtothefloor.Hetiltedhisnecktotheleft,thentheright,thencircledhisshoulders.He’d
beenscrubbingwallsforfourhoursnow.HeandAmyhadborrowedtheextensionladdersfromher
parents’storeandpickedupaloadofprimerandpaintandwallwash,thenthey’dstartedonthelong
processofpreppingthewallsforpainting.

Amyhadtakentheupperandlowerfoyersandthebalconysection,whilehewastacklingthemain

theatre.Herolledhisshouldersagain.Hewasgoingtofeelitinhisarmstomorrow,withoutadoubt.

ThetinnysoundofTheBangles’“WalkLikeanEgyptian”seguedintoTheEagles’“Hotel

California.”Finally,someman’smusic.Hecrossedtothebeaten-upstereotocrankthevolume.He’d
spottedtheoldunitinAmy’sfather ’sofficeatthestore.Amyhadraisedaneyebrowwhenhe’d
loadeditintoherstationwagonalongwiththeirothersupplies.

“HopeDadknowsyou’vegotthat,”she’dsaid.“Helivestolistentothehorseracesonhisbreaks.”

“Hehandeditoverwithhisblessing.”

“Surehedid.”

“Hedid.Heunderstandstheimportanceoflisteningtobadeightiesrockwhiledoingphysicallabor.

PlusIofferedhimacaseofbeer.”

“NowthatIbelieve.”

He’dbeenkeepinganeyeonhersincethismorning,butsheseemedtohaverecoveredfrom

Ulrich’simpromptuvisit.He’dplayeditcoolforhersake,buthe’dbeenhard-pressednottograb
Ulrichbythethroatwhenthedeveloperhadtriedtoforcehisunwantedofferonher.Quinndidn’t
thinkhe’deverforgettheflashofreliefhe’dseeninhereyeswhenhe’dwalkedthroughthedoor,
coffeesinhand.Eventhoughheknewshe’drathereatawholejarofolivesthanadmitit,Ulrich
scaredher.Aswellhemight.Theguywasabully,usedtobarkingoutordersandhavingthem
followed.Hedidn’tlikebeingcrossed,andhedefinitelydidn’tlikelosingouttoawomanwearing
sparklypinksneakers.

Quinngrippedthesidesofthebigextensionladderandhefteditseveralfeettotheright.Firstthing

tomorrow,hewasgoingtosetthingsinmotiontomoveupthesettlementdate.Acontractofsalewas
onething,buthewasn’tgoingtoresteasyuntilAmywasactuallyholdingthedeedtotheGrandin
herhands.Thesoonerhecouldmakethathappen,thebetter.

HegrabbedthebucketandwasabouttoclimbtheladderwhenheheardAmyswearloudlyoverthe

topofthemusic.

Heglancedtowardthebalcony,butshewashiddenfromhisview.

“Youokay?”hecalled.

Heheardnothingbutthesoundofjanglingguitarandthechorusofthesong.Hehesitated.Amy

wouldprobablybemakingahellofalotmorenoiseifshe’dhurtherself,buthedecidedtocheckon
heranyway,sinceitwasnearlytimeforlunch.She’dworkstraightthroughifshehadherway,but
he’dseenagourmetburgerplacefartherupthestreetwhenhe’dwalkedtotheGrandthismorning
andwaskeentogiveitatry.Evenifhehadtodragherkickingandscreamingalltheway.

Heexitedtothefoyerandstartedupthewidemarblestairs.

“You’veseriouslygottolearnsomenewswearwords,Ames,”hesaidashemountedthelastfew

stepstotheupperfoyer.Therestofhisspeechdiedinhisthroatwhenhesawher.

HerbackwasturnedandshewaspeelinghersoppingwetT-shirtoverherhead.Sheclearlyhadn’t

heardhimbecauseshedidn’tsomuchasglanceoverhershoulderasshelettheT-shirtslaptothe
ground.Shewaswearingared-and-whitepolka-dotbraunderneathandhestaredatherslimbackand
toldhimselftowalkaway.

Thensheturnedinprofileandhesawthatherbracupsweretrimmedwithlacewheretheycurved

overhersmall,highbreasts.Hecouldjustmakeouttheshadowofhernipplesbehindthesheer
fabric.Timeseemedtoslowandstretch.Thenshebentandpickeduphersweater,pullingitoverher
head,andthepeepshowwasover.

Becausethatwasexactlywhatitwas:apeepshow.

Shehadnoideahewaswatching.Andheshouldhaveeitherretreatedorannouncedhimselfthe

momentthathe’drealizedwhatwashappening.

Buthehadn’t.

CHAPTERFIVE

A

NYMOMENTNOW

Amywasgoingtoturnandseehim.

Tensecondstoolate,hetookastepbackward,thenanother,thenathirdandfourthuntilhewas

halfwaydownthestairsandbelowAmy’ssightline.

Hepaused,onehandonthebalustrade.Heshouldgostraightupandapologizetoher.Rightnow.

Explainwhathadhappened.Makeajokeoutofit.

Hecouldfeelheatrisingintohisface.Heimaginedhimselftellingherthathe’dbeenabouttosay

something,toclearhisthroatandletherknowhewastherebutthenshe’dturnedandhe’dseenher
breasts,seentheshadowofhernipplesthroughallthatlace,andhe’dbeentoobusywonderingwhat
colortheywereandiftheywereassmallandperfectastherestofhertodothedecentthing….

Heturnedanddescendedthestairstothefoyer.Thefrontdoorswerestandingopenandhestepped

outontothestreetandsuckedinsomefreshair.

Halfadozenmemoriesnudgedatthebackofhismind,wantingin.Thiswasn’tthefirsttimehe’d

lookedathisbestfriendandfeltdesire,afterall.

HestaredupVincentStreet,buthewasn’tseeingtheSundaystrollersandpotteringtourists.Instead,

hewaslostinanoldmemory:Amystandinginherbedroomwindow,hersilhouettecastintosharp
reliefagainstherdrawnblindthankstoherbedsidelamp.Herhandsreachingbehindherbackto
undotheclasponherbra.Thestrapsslidingdownherarms.Thepointedtipsofherbarebreasts.The
guiltandconfusionanddesirehe’dfelt,watchingherfromhisbedroomnextdoor.

He’dbeenfourteen,completelyunpreparedforthedemandsandurgesofhisnewlyrampant

teenagebody.Hecouldstillrememberthebaffledoutragehe’dfeltatthetime,asthoughtheworld
hadpulledafastoneonhim.OneminuteAmyhadbeenhisbestbuddy,thenextshe’dhadbreastsand
he’dstartednoticingweirdthingsabouther.Thewayshealwayssmelledgood,likesunshineand
greenapples.Thewayhereyelashescastshadowsonhercheekswhenshewaslyinginthesun.The
roundfirmnessofherasswhenevershewaswalkinginfrontofhim.

He’dstartedhavingdreamsaboutheraroundthattime,too.Aboutthetwoofthemlyinginthe

grasstogetheratthebottomofherparents’yard.Sometimesthey’dbelyingtheretalkingand
laughinglikealways.Othertimeshe’dlookacrossatherandshe’dbelookingbackathimandhe’d
rolltowardherandkissher.Afewtimesshekissedhimbackandhecouldn’tbelievehowgooditfelt.
Hermouthsowarmandwet.Butmostofthetimeshepushedhimawayandthelookinhereyeswhen
shestaredathimsenthimgropingforconsciousness,hisheartpounding.

Howmanynightshadhelainpantinginthedarkinhisbedroom,hisbodythrummingwithillicit

desireforhisbestfriendashetoldhimselfoverandoverthatthedisgustonherfacewasnotreal,
thathehadn’treallykissedher,thatitwasalljustadream?

Areallydumb,stupid,wrongdream.

He’dhaddreamsaboutLisaaroundthattime,too.Butthetruthwas,foralongtimeithadbeen

Amyhe’dlustedafter,notLisa.Amy,thegirlnextdoor.Hisbestfriend.

QuinnglancedtowardtheGrand.

Forthefirsttimeinhisadultlifehewonderedifshe’deverlookedathimandseenhimasaman

insteadofafriend.Whethershe’deverletherselfgothere…

Whatareyoudoing,man?

He’ddonealotofdumbthingssincehismarriagehadbrokenup.Nowaywasheaddingruining

hisfriendshipwithAmytothelistsimplybecausehewasfeelingnostalgicandhornyandconfused.

Shewashisfriend.Endofstory.She’dbeappalledifsheknewhewasoutheretalkinghimselfout

oftheworld’smostinappropriatehard-onbecausehe’dseenherinherbra.Orshe’dlaughherself
sickattheideaofthetwoofthemtogether.

Eitherway,itwasn’tworththeriskofdestroyingtheirfriendship.Makingthingsweird.Sowhatif

hefoundhersexuallyattractive?Itmeantdickwhenheputitintothebalanceagainstallthatshemeant
tohim,allthememoriestheyshared,allthetrustthatconnectedthem.

Onlyanidiotwouldindulgehisdesireswhenthepricewassohigh.

Momentofmadnessover,heheadedbackinside.

“F

ANTASTICLASAGNA

,Mrs.P.,”Quinnsaid.

Amygavehimalook.“Stopbeingsuchasuck-up.Andpasstheparmesan.”

“Quinncancomplimentmeonmycookinganytimehelikes,Amy,”hermothersaid.

TheywereseatedaroundthefamilytableinAmy’sparents’kitchen,thesmelloftomatoesand

onionsrichintheair.

“Youknowhe’sjustanglingforabiggerservingofapplecrumble,”Amysaid.

Quinnwidenedhiseyesinnocently.“Isthereapplecrumblefordessert?”

“Youknowthereis.YousawMomputitintotheoven,”shesaid.

Quinnhandedherthecheese,asmileplayingaroundhismouth.“Ididn’tnotice.”

Hermotherpattedhimonthearm.“Don’tworry,Quinn,Iknowhowmuchyoulikemyapple

crumble.Imadeplenty,justtobesafe.”

Herfatherwipedhismouthwithhisnapkin.“So,Quinn.Howarethingsgoingwithwork?Your

fathertoldmeyoumadepartnerlastyear.That’saprettybigdeal,isn’tit?”

“Itwasnicetohaveitsettled,”Quinnsaid.

Amynudgedhimunderthetable.“ListentoMr.Modesty.He’stheyoungestpartnereverathislaw

firm.Andthey’vebeeninbusinessforoverahundredandfiftyyears.”

Quinnfrownedather.“Howdoyouknowthat?”

“Yourmother.Whoelse?”

Quinnshookhisheadruefully.“Ishouldhaveknown.”

Hermothercluckedhertongueandwavedherforkathim.“Don’tdenyyourmothertherightto

brag,Quinn.It’soneofthefewperksofchildbirth.”

Amytookasipofherwine,watchingQuinnovertherimofherglass.Itwasstrangeseeinghimin

herparents’kitchenagainafteralltheseyears.Thesettinghadn’tchanged—hermother ’sprizedblue-
and-whitedecorhadremainedthesamefordecades—buthehad.Therewasanewreservetohim.He
wasmorecautious,alittleslowertolaughthanheusedtobe.

“Louisetellsmeyoualsoboughtanewhouse?”hermotherasked.“Shesaidtheystayedwithyou

lastyearandthatitlookslikesomethingoutofHouseandGardenmagazine.”

AmylistenedasQuinndescribedhisnewhousetoherparents.HeandLisahadmovednotlong

afterherlastvisitsoshehadn’tseenthenewplace.Itsoundedbigandexpensive.VeryLisa.

Whenthey’dexhaustedthetopicofthehousetheymovedontoherparents’business,thenAmy’s

plansfortheGrand.

Hermotherusheredthemintothelivingroomafterthatwhilesheservedupdessertandcoffee.Her

fatherwentofftodigupabottleofscotchandAmysetamatchtothewoodstackedinthefireplace.

ShecouldfeelQuinnwatchingherasshefedmorekindlingtotheflames.

“Thanks,”hesaidafterashortsilence.

“Forgivingyouahardtimeovertheapplecrumble?”

“Forwarningyourfolksaboutthedivorce.”

“Oh.That.”Sheglancedathimoutofthecornersofhereyes.“Madatmeforblabbing?”

“No.Ithinkit’scuteyouweretryingtoprotectme.”

Shescrewedupherfaceindisgust.“Iwasn’ttryingtoprotectyou.Iwassavingyoufromkilling

theconversationwithyoursadsackstory.”

Quinnsmiledenigmatically.“Sotransparent,Parker.”

Shepointedthefirepokerathim.“Anddon’tcallmecute,okay?YouknowIhatethat.”

Herfatherreturnedwithabottleofscotchashermomferriedinbowlsofcrumble.Amyrolledher

eyeswhenshesawhowbigQuinn’sportionwas.

“Ifthere’sanyjusticeintheworld,you’llbeassickasadogafterthat.”

Quinnleanedacrossandkissedhermother ’scheek.

“You’reagoddess,Mrs.P.”

“Brownnose,”Amymutteredunderherbreath.

Quinnsmiledbeatificallyashedugintohisdessert.

Afterward,Amyclearedtheplatesandhelpedhermotherstackthedishwasher.

“Suchashame,”hermothersaidoutofnowhereasAmywasshakingdetergentintothewasher.

Amyshothermotheraquizzicallook.

“Thedivorce,”hermothersaidinastagewhisper,hereyesslidingtothelivingroomdoor.

“Heknowsyouknow,Mom.It’snotastatesecret.Youcantalkaboutitifyoulike.”

“It’snoneofmybusiness,”hermothersaidquickly.“Ijustthinkit’sashame.He’salovely,lovely

man.I’msurehewasawonderfulhusband.”

Amystaredoutthekitchenwindowintothedarkgarden,thinkingaboutwhatshe’dseenofLisaand

Quinn’slifetogether.

“Hewas.”

“Well,I’msurehe’lldobettersecondtimearound.”

ThedishwasherdoorslippedoutofAmy’shandsandslammedshutwitharattleofglassware.

“Secondtime?He’sbarelydivorcedandyou’vealreadymarriedhimoffagain.”

“Onlybeingrealistic,sweetheart.Somesmartwomanwillsnaphimup.Anditwon’ttakelong,

either.”

Amystaredathermother,wantingtoobjectbutknowinghermomwasright.Quinnwasagreat

guy.Thebest.Gorgeous,smart,funny.

Single.

There’dbeaqueueformingthemomenthestarteddatingagain.

Bloodyhell.

AsifwatchingQuinngetmarriedoncehadnotbeenhardenough.Shewasgoingtohavetodoitall

overagain.Watchhimfallinlove.Listentohimtalkabouthisfuturewife.Thebachelorparty,the
wedding…Allofit,alloveragain.

Sheclosedhereyesforalongbeat.

“Amy.You’vegonesopale.Areyouallright?”

“I’mfine.”Amyopenedhereyes.“IthinkI’mabittired.Itwasabigday.”

“Youhavetopaceyourself.Iknowyou’vebeenpantingtogetintothatoldtheatreandfixitup,but

youneedtolookafteryourself.”

“Ijustneedagoodnight’ssleep.”

Andaresetbuttononherheart.

WhentheyreturnedtothelivingroomherfatherwasaskingQuinnforadviceonacontractwith

oneofhismajorsuppliers.Amylistenedtothemtalkforanotherfifteenminutesbeforemakingher
excuses.ItwastoohardsittingacrossfromQuinn,thinkingaboutwhathermotherhadsaid.

Shedrovethreestreetsovertoherowncottageandshiveredassheenteredthefronthall.Asusual,

herplacewasfreezing,thankstothefactthattherewasnocentralheating.Thepriceshepaidfor
keepingherrentdown.

Sheturnedonthesmallfanheaterinherbedroomandstrippedfortheshower.Shewasgoingto

washoffthesweatandgrimeoftheday,putonherwarmestflannelpajamasandgotobedthinking
abouttheGrandandhowgreatitwasgoingtolookwhenshe’dcompletedtherestoration.Shewas
notgoingtobroodorsulkoverQuinn.She’dwastedtoomanyyearsalready.Quinnnotlovingher
wasnotatragedy.Itwasn’t.Itwasdisappointing.Sad.Butitwasnotthedefiningfactofherlife.She
refusedtoletitbe.

Shewasnakedandreadytowalkintoherensuitebathroomwhenherphonerang.Sheglanced

towardtheshowerlonginglybeforescoopingupherphone.

“Amyspeaking.”

Therewasalongsilence.Thensheheardsomeoneswallow.

“Ames.It’sme.”

Amysankontotheedgeofherbed.“Lisa.”

“Surprise!”Lisasaidwithironicbrightness.“Ibetyouweren’texpectingtohearfromme.

EspeciallyafterwhatQuinn’sprobablytoldyou.”

Amyscrambledtoassembleherthoughts.HowdidLisaknowQuinnwasintown?Hadhetoldher?

Weretheystillincontact?

“Hehasn’ttoldmethatmuch,tobehonest.Justthatyoutwoaregettingadivorce,”Amysaid.

Shecouldhearthecoolnessinherownvoice.Shecouldn’thelpit,butshefeltguiltyforit,allthe

same.Lisawasherfriend,too,nomatterwhathadhappenedbetweenherandQuinn.

“I’msurehetoldyoumorethanthat.”Lisa’svoicewassofaintAmyhadtopressthehandsettoher

eartohear.

“Hetoldmethatyouwerewithsomeoneelse.”

“ThatIhadanaffair,youmean.”

“Yes.”

“Doyouhateme?”

Amywasshivering.Sheleanedacrossthebedtodragherquiltoverhershoulders.“No.Ofcourse

Idon’t.”

Butitwasimpossibletopretendthatshedidn’tfeeldifferentlytowardheroldfriend.

“Butyoudisapprove,right?YouthinkI’madirtybitchformessingupQuinn’slife?”Herspeech

wasslurred.

“Areyouokay?”Amyasked,concerned.Lisasoundeddeeplyunhappy.

“Sure.I’mgreat.Newman,newhouse,newlife.What’snottolove?”Therewasashortpause,then

Lisasighedheavily.Whenshespokeagainhertonewasmoresincere,lessbrittle.“Sorry,Ames.I’m
just…Howareyou?Wehaven’tspokenforages.”

Becauseshewasn’tsurewhatelsetodo,Amygaveheroldfriendaquickrundownonwhathad

beenhappeninginherlife:theGrand,Quinn’spartinhelpingherwinthefightwiththecouncil,the
renovationsshehadplanned.Itwasawkwardanduncomfortable,stiltedinawaythingshadnever
beenwithLisabefore.

Therewasashortpausewhenshe’dfinished.

“AndhowisQuinn?LasttimeIsawhimhe’dlostabitofweight,”Lisasaid.

“Well,he’sdoesn’tcomplainwhenIbosshimaround,whichisagoodthing,right?”Amyjoked.

“Ames,hashementionedanyone?Anotherwoman?”

Herewego.WasthiswhyLisahadcalled?TofishforinformationonQuinn?

“Lis,Ireallydon’twanttoplaypiggyinthemiddle,youknow?”

“Please.Ijustneedtoknowthisonething.”Shesoundeddesperate.“Isheseeinganyone?”

Amytuggedthequilttighter.“I’msorry,Lis.”

“Allright.Iunderstand.YouandQuinnwerealwaysclose.Igetwhyyou’dpickhimoverme.I’m

thedirtywrongdoer,right?”

“It’sgotnothingtodowithchoosingsides.IfyouwanttoknowhowQuinnis,whohe’sdating,

whatever,youneedtotalktohim,notme.I’mnotamarriagecounselororago-between.”

“It’sokay,Amy.I’dprobablybethesamemyself.Goodforyouforstandingbyhim.Ifit’snot

pushingourfriendshiptoomuch,I’dappreciateitifyoudidn’tmentionthiscalltoQuinn.”

“Lisa—”

Butitwastoolate,shewaslisteningtothedialtone.

Shit.

Amythrewthephonetoonesideandmadeafrustratedsoundinherthroat.WhathadLisaexpected

fromher?AfullreportonQuinn’scomingsandgoings?Anintimaterecountingofallhis
conversations?

Itwasn’tfairofLisatotrytotradeofftheirfriendshiptopumpAmyforinformation.Infact,itwas

uncoolintheextremeandAmywastemptedtocallLisabackandtellherasmuch.

Twothingsstoppedher:thefactthatshe’dbeenlyingthroughherteethwhenshe’dsaidshewasn’t

onanyone’sside,andthememoryofthatsmall,uglymomentnotlongafterQuinnhadtoldherhe
wasgettingadivorcewhenshe’dconsciouslyregisteredthefactthathewasfreetoloveagainanda
partofherhadrejoiced.

Shewasn’texactlyashiningexampleofvirtueinthissituation,afterall.

Shewascoveredingoosefleshbynowandshetookthequiltwithherasshecrossedtotheensuite.

Shewaiteduntilthewaterwassteaminghotbeforetossingthequiltintoherbedroomandstepping
beneaththeshower.

Thewaterwashotandhard.Sheturnedherfaceintothesprayandheldherbreath.Onlythendid

sheallowherselftoaskthequestionthathadbeenechoinginsidehersinceLisa’scall.

IfLisawantedtotryagain,wouldQuinntakeherback?

Hergutsaidno,thatQuinnwastoohurt,tooangrytoforgivetwoyearsofliesandbetrayal.But

whatdidsheknow,really,attheendoftheday?QuinnandLisahadbeentogetherforalongtime.
Whoknewhowfarandhowdeeptheirconnectionwent?Marriageshadrecoveredfromworse
blows,shewassure.

Itdoesn’tmatter.It’snoneofyourbusiness.Iftheygetbacktogetherornotisirrelevant.Itdoesn’t

changeanythingforyou.Notathing.

God,howsheneededtohangontothatreality.

ShealsoneededtodecidewhetheritwouldbeabiggerbetrayalofQuinntotellhimLisahadcalled

ortodoasLisaaskedandkeepitasecret.

Somuchfornotbrooding.

T

HEYWERESITTING

ontheedgeofthedockdownatthelake.IttookQuinnamomenttorecognizeitas

thenightbeforehiswedding.Amysatoppositehiminapairofcutoffjeansandatanktop,herhair
pulledbackinaponytail.TheyweredrinkingCoronaswithslicesoflimeintheneckofthebottle.The
airwaswarm,themoonfull.

“Tomorrow’sgoingtobeagreatday.Thebestdayofmylife,”hesaid.

Amysmiledandnodded.“You’regoingtobeagreathusband.”

“Iknow.”

Theybothlaughedbecausehesoundedlikesuchacockysonofabitch.

“YoufinallygoingtocomeuptoSydneyandvisitusoncewe’rebackfromthehoneymoon?”Heand

LisahadbeenbuggingAmyforagestovisittheminSydney.Shealwayshadanexcuse.

“Youguysaren’tgoingtowantmehangingaround.I’veheardallthosenewlywedstories.”She

shudderedtheatrically.

Hetiltedhisbottletowardher.“Youneedtogetoutoftown.Seethebigwideworld.”

“Don’tmakemesoundlikesomekindofhick.Melbourneisanhouraway,incaseyou’dforgotten.”

“Wemissyou,Ames.”

Shestaredathim.Thenshebracedherarmsonthedockandpushedherselftoherfeet.

“It’stoohot.Let’sswim.”

Healmostchokedonhisbeerasshereachedforthewaistbandofhertanktopandpulleditoverher

head.Shewaswearingared-and-whitepolka-dotbraunderneath.Hecouldseehernipples.Hetold
himselftostoplooking,butshewassmoothingherhandsdownherbellytothestudonhercutoffs.

“What’swrong,Quinn?Nothotenoughforyou?”

Hervoicewaslow,husky.Shedidn’tsoundlikeAmy.NottheAmyheknew.

Shewaswatchinghim,hereyesheavy-liddedandsmoky.Shepoppedthestud.Herziphissedasshe

sliditdown.Thenshetuckedherthumbsintothewaistbandandpushedhercutoffsoverherhips.She
waswearingmatchingpantiesandhecouldseeashadowofblondhairthroughthelace.

“You’regettingmarriedtomorrow.Haven’tyoueverwonderedwhatitwouldbelikebetweenus?”

Shesteppedcloser,standingbetweenhisbentknees.Helookedup,hisgazetravelingoverher

thighs,herbelly,herbreasts.Hewassohardithurt,hiserectionstrainingagainstthefabricofhis
cargoshorts.

Hesethisbeeronthedock.Thenheliftedhishandtowardher.

Justonetouch.Toseeifshewasassoftandwarmandlovelyashe’dalways—

Q

UINNJERKEDAWAKE

.Thesheetsweredampwithsweatandhewasashardasarock,hisheart

pounding.

Heblinked,fragmentsfromhisdreamlingeringinhismind’seye.

Whatthehellwasthatallabout?

Butheknew.Thedreamhadbeenatangledmessofmemoryandfantasy.Thosestolenmoments

fromtheupperfoyertodaygraftedontothenightsixyearsagowhenheandAmyhadgottendrunk
beforehiswedding.Needlesstosay,Amyhadnotstrippedforhimthatnight.They’dgone
swimming,sure,butshe’djumpedintothelakeinhercutoffsandtanktop.Andhe’dcertainlynever
triedtotouchher.

Hekickedoffthesheet,tryingtocoolhisbody.

Hewasthirty,notfourteen.Longpasttheagewhenhornydreamsandfantasieswerecommonplace.

Especiallyabouthisbestfriend.

Graduallyhisheartslowed.Hedidn’tunderstandwhatwasgoingon,whyhewassuddenlythinking

aboutAmyinthisway.Itwasn’tasthoughhehadn’tsleptwithanyoneelsesinceheandLisabrokeup.
Hell,forawhiletherehe’dbeeninseriousrunningforman-whoreoftheyear.Therewasnogood
reasonforhimtobehavingthesethoughtsaboutAmy.

Herolledoutofbedandreachedforhisclothes.Fiveminuteslaterhewasoutside,handsdeepin

hiscoatpockets,shouldershunchedashewalkedupthestreet.

Foghadcomewiththenightandthestreetlightsstoodoutlikesmall,glowinglighthousesinthe

gloom.Hewalkedtowardthehardwarestore,thendidalapofthelake.Hefeltlikethelastmanon
earth,utterlyalone.

ThelightswereoninthebakerywhenhewalkeduptoVincentStreet,steamcondensingonthe

windows.Hewonderedwhattimeitwas.Three?Four?Hewasturningtoheadbacktohisapartment
whensomethingflashedinhisperipheralvision.HestoppedandstaredacrosstheroadattheGrand.
Thefrontwindowsweredark.Astheyshouldbe.

Still,he’dseensomething.

Hecrossedthestreetandpeeredthroughtheglassdoors.Adrenalinekickedthroughhisbellyashe

sawathinflashlightbeamcrawlacrossthewallofthetheatre,justvisiblethroughthearchway.

Someonewasinthere.

Hepulledhisphonefromhisbackpocket.Hewasabouttodialemergencywhenitoccurredtohim

thatmaybeitwasAmyinside.Maybe,likehim,she’dbeenunabletosleep.

Hebrokeintoajogandturnedintothealleythatranalongthesideofthetheatre.Whenhereached

thecorner,heslowedandflattenedhisbacktothewall.IfitreallywasAmyinside,hewasgoingto
feellikeanenormousdickplayingStarskyandHutchouthereinthemiddleofthenight.

Heeasedaroundthecornerandsawimmediatelythatthereardoorhadbeenkickedin.Thepadlock

he’dinstalledwhenthey’dgottenbackfromtheirsupplytriphadrippedasubstantialchunkoutofthe
doorframebeforeithadgivenway.Whoeverwasinside,they’dwantedin,big-time.

Heduckedbackintothealleyandcalledemergency.

“Pleasestatethenameoftheemergencyserviceyourequire,”theoperatorsaidintohisear.

“Police.”

“I’mputtingyouthroughnow,sir.Pleaseholdtheline.”

Therewasaclick,thenashortpause.Quinnusedthemomenttopullhisthoughtstogether.Aman

cameontheline.

“VictorianPolice.What’syouremergency?”

“MynameisQuinnWhitfield.I’moutsidetheGrandPictureTheatreinDaylesford.Someonehas

brokenintothepremises.They’restillinside.Ineedyoutogetthelocalpolicehere,stat.”

“PleaseholdthelinewhileIalertthelocalpolice,sir.”

Quinnwaitedforlongmoments,hismindtickingover.Therewasnowaythecopswouldgethere

foranothertenminutes.Someoneintentondestructioncoulddoalotofdamageinthattime.

Heeasedaroundthecorneragainandduckedhisheadthroughtheopendoorway.Itwaspitch-

black,whichmeantthedoorattheotherendmustbeclosed.Hehesitatedamoment,thenmadea
decision.ThiswasAmy’sdream.Nowaywashegoingtostandbywhileitwastrashed.

Heendedthecallandslidhisphoneintohispocket,thenhestartedupthecorridor,movingas

soundlesslyaspossible.

Hecouldfeelhisheartpoundinglikeatom-tominhischest.Ithadbeenyearssincehe’dbeenina

fight,buthefiguredhestillknewhowtohurtsomeoneifhehadto.

Hisoutstretchedhandhitthesurfaceofthedoor.Hefoundthehandle.Tookadeepbreath.Jerked

thedooropen.

“Oi!Whatthehelldoyouthinkyou’redoing?”hebellowedatthetopofhislungs.

Twoflashlightbeamsswungtowardhim,blindinghim,thensuddenlyitwasdark.Quinnblinked

furiously,tryingtoforcehiseyestoadjust.Heheardthescuffoffootstepsandbracedhimself.He
wasstandinginfrontoftheonlyviableexit;theywantedtogetout,theyhadtocomethroughhim.

Hesquaredup.Allhehadtodowaskeeptheseguysoccupieduntilthecopsshowedup.Five,six

minutes,max.

Adarkshapecameathim.Hedroppedhisshoulderandlungedforward,aimingforthesolar

plexus.Somethinghardhithiminthechest—theflashlight,maybe—thenhewasontheground
grapplingwithsomeonewhofeltahellofalotbiggerandheavierthanhim.Hisfistconnectedwitha
jaw.Hetookablowtothegut,anothertotheneck.Hegaspedforair,caughtahandfulofgreasyhair
withonehandandafistfulofclothingwiththeotherandattemptedtoforcehisassailantontohis
back.

Painexplodedinhissideandheshiedawayfromit.Akick.How…?Anotherblowlandedonhis

ribs.Thenheunderstoodthesecondguyhadjoinedthefray.Hereleasedhisgriponthefirstguy,
shovedhimbackward.Triedtoscrambletohisfeet—andsteppedstraightintoaswingingfist.He
flewbackward,hisheadslammingintothewall.Disorientedandwinded,hestruggledtokeephis
feet.

Asirensplitthroughthenight,thenaflashofbluewhippedpastasacopcarspedbythefrontofthe

cinema.

“Cops!Go!Go!”someoneyelled.

Footstepspoundeddownthecorridortowardtherearexit.Quinnstartedafterthem.Dizzinesshit

himwhenhewashalfwayupthecorridor.Hewaveredonhisfeet.Musthaveknockedhisheadharder
thanhe’dthought.Hefoundthewallwithanoutstretchedhand.Theworldstillswungcrazily.Heput
hisbacktothewallandsliddownuntilhisbutthitthefloor.

Better.Theworldwasmuchsteadierdownhere.

Ifhecouldcatchhisbreath…Heclosedhiseyes.

Hisjawfeltlikeithadbeenhitwithasledgehammer.Somethingtrickleddownhisface.Hetooka

swipeatitwithhisfingers.

Footstepsscuffedinthecorridor.Heopenedhiseyesjustasabrilliantflashlightbeamfoundhim.

Heflinchedawayfromthebrightness.

“Police!Staywhereyouareandputyourhandsonyourhead.”

“Myname’sQuinnWhitfield,”hesaid.“I’mtheguywhocalleditin.”Still,heputhishandsonhis

head.

Ittookfiveminutesforhimtotellhisstory.Thecopwaiteduntilhehadconfirmationfromhis

radiobeforerelaxinghisvigilantstance.

“Youneedmetocallanambulance?Lookslikeyou’rebleeding,”thecopsaid,playingthebeam

overQuinn’sface.

“I’mfine.”

“Shouldhavewaitedforustogethere.Stupidcominginherealone.”

Quinnfingeredhissorejaw.TellmesomethingIdon’tknow,buddy.

Thecop’sradiocrackledtolife.Quinnstrainedtounderstandwhatwassaidbutitwastoogarbled.

“Didyoucatchthem?”Quinnasked.

Thecopshookhishead,lookingasdisappointedasQuinnfelt.“We’restillinpursuit.”

Thecopaimedthebeamupthecorridortowardthecinema.

“Theremuchdamageinside?”

Quinnbracedhisarmagainstthewallandpushedhimselftohisfeet.

“Don’tknow.”

Thecopstrodeforward,hispowerfulflashlightbeamcuttingthroughthedarkness.Quinnwas

closeenoughtohearhimswearsoftlyunderhisbreathwhenheenteredthecinema.

Quinnstoppedinthedoorway,speechless.Morethanhalfthecansofprimerandtopcoatthey’d

boughthadbeenpriedopenandpushedover.Whitepaintspreadacrossthefloorinanever-widening
pool,thickandrelentless.Twoofthewallsconceshadbeenrippedfromthewallandwerehanging
bytheirwiring,theirglassshadesshatteredonthefloors.Uglygraffitisprawledacrossthewallsin
vividredpaint.

Amywasgoingtofreakwhenshesawthis.

Heduginhispocketforhiscellphone.Miraculously,itwasstillinonepiece,albeitwithacrack

acrossthescreen.

Iftherewassomewaytofixthis,makeitalldisappearbeforeAmyhadtoseeit,hewould.Buthe

couldn’t,andsheneededtobetold.

“Quinn?Whattimeisit?”asleepyvoiceasked.

Hecouldpictureher,hairtousled,facesoftfromsleep.Herubbedthebridgeofhisnose,hating

beingthebearerofbadtidings.

“Ames,there’sbeenabreak-inattheGrand.I’mherewiththecops,andthere’satonofwetpainton

thefloorthatwe’regoingtoneedtocleanupsomehow.”

Therewasashortsilence.“I’llbethereinfive.”

CHAPTERSIX

A

MYMADEITINTEN

,dressedinjeansandsneakersandapajamatop,herflashlightinhand.She

walkedthroughthedoorandstoppedinhertrackswhenshesawthespreadingpoolofpaint.

Quinnhadbeenleaningagainstthewallwhilehewaitedbuthestraightenedwhenhesawher.

“MyGod,”shesaidafteralongbeat.“Whatapackofassholes.”

Anyotherwomanwouldhavebeenhysterical,butnotAmy.Helaughed,couldn’thelphimself.She

spuntofacehimandhewincedasherflashlightfoundhisfaceandblindedhim.

“Whatisitwithyouflashlightpeopleandtheeyes?”

“You’rebleeding!”

“Youshouldseetheotherguys.”

“Youwerehere?”

“Icouldn’tsleep,Isawsomeoneinside….”Hefeltridiculouslytransparent,asthoughsheneed

onlylookathimtoknowhe’dbeenforcedoutofhisbedbecausehe’dbeenhavingXXX-rated
dreamsabouther.

“Andsoyoutriedtostopthem?Areyouinsane?”

Shemovedcloser,herbrowfurrowedwithconcernasshestaredupintohisface.

“Inmydefence,Ididcallthecopsfirst.SeniorConstableWentworthcanbackmeuponthat.”

Heglancedtowardtheotherman,butasecondpolicemanhadjoinedhimandthetwowere

conferringofftooneside.

Amyliftedahandandtouchedhisjaw.Herfingerswerecoolandgentlebuthestillwinced.

“Quinn.”Herfacewasverypale.

“Amy,seriouslyI’mfi—”

“Youidiot!”Asmallfistthumpedintothemiddleofhischest.“Whatwereyouthinking?Youcould

havebeenkilled.Icouldhavecomeinhereandfoundyoudeadontheground.Doyouhaveany
idea…?”

Tearsspilleddownherface.Hereachedouttocomfortherbutshetookastepbackwardandhalf

turnedawayfromhim.Sheliftedashakinghandtoswipeathercheeks.

“I’mfine,Amy,”hesaid,hatingseeingherlikethis.

“Ican’tbelieveyoucouldbesostupid.You’vegotafreakinglawdegree.Doesn’tthatmeanyou’re

supposedtohavesomesmarts?”

“Iwasn’treallythinking,okay?Isawsomeonemovingaroundinside…AllIwantedtodowasstop

themfromdoinganydamagetotheGrand.”

“Fromnowon,you’renotallowedoutwithoutadultsupervision,okay?”

“Yes,BossLady.”

He’dbeenhopingtosqueezeasmileoutofher,butsheonlystaredathimforalongmoment

beforelookingaway.

“I’vegotafirst-aidkitinthecar.Waithere,”shesaid.

“Ames,honestly,it’salittlecut,nobigdeal.I’mmoreworriedaboutthispaint.Wewanttomopit

upbeforeitdries,right?Becausethenitbecomesawholeotherproblem.”

“I’vegotitcovered,don’tworryaboutit.”

“Amy—”

“Don’tpissmeoffrightnow,Quinn.I’mso….angrywithyou,Idon’tknowwhatI’lldo.”

Hehelduphishands,tookastepback.“Okay.Fairenough.”

“Waithere.”

Sheswiveledonherheelandstrodeforthedoor.Hetalkedtothecopswhilehewaited,learning

theysuspectedthevandalshadhadacarwaitingthenextstreetover,readytomakeaquickgetaway.
They’dputoutanall-pointsbulletinforanyvehiclesintheareaactingsuspiciously,butQuinncould
telltheyweren’tholdingtheirbreath.Itwasn’tasthoughtherewereamillionpatrolcarscruisingthe
Victoriancountrysideatthistimeofnight.

HisheadwasstartingtothrobwhenAmyreturnedwithaprofessional-lookingfirst-aidkit.She

wasn’talone.Amiddle-agedwomanandatall,thinguyinhisearlytwentieswerefollowingher,both
carryingpowerfulbattery-operatedlanterns.Herecognizedthembothfromtheirvisittothe
hardwarestoreearlierintheday.LikeAmy,theylookedasthoughthey’djustrolledoutofbed.

“ThisisCherylandEric,”Amysaidasshedroppedthefirst-aidboxbyhisside.

They’dbarelyexchangedmutedgreetingsbeforemorepeoplestartedarriving.Amy’sfatherand

mother,halfadozenotherpeople.

“Fromthestore,”Amyexplainedbriefly.

Shewentovertoconferwithherfather,thencamebacktohimandpickedupthefirst-aidkit.

“CanIborrowyourlantern?”sheaskedCheryl.

TheotherwomanhandedthelightoverandAmyjerkedherhead,indicatingQuinnshouldfollow

her.

“We’llonlybeinthewayinhere.”

Sheledhimaroundtheedgeofthespill.Hissidehurtwhenhemovedandhepressedhispalm

againsthisribs,wonderingifmaybehe’dcrackedoneortwo.

Thelanterncastagoldencircleastheyenteredthefoyer.Amypointedatthestepstothebalcony.

“Sit.”

“Seriously,Ames,itlooksworsethanitis.I’mmoreworriedaboutthepaint.”

“Sit.”

Hedid,wincingashisribsprotested.

Amy’seyesnarrowed.“HaveImentionedthatyou’reanidiot?”

“Ibelieveyouhave.”

“Well.Youare.Abigone.”

Sheplacedthelanternbesidehimonthestepandkneltinfrontofhim.

“Whatarewedoingaboutthepaint?”

“Sand.Kenny’sbringingoveraloadfromthestorerightnow.It’llsoakuptheliquid.Weshovelthe

sandintowheelbarrowsandshipitout,thenmopupanythingthat’sleft.”

Heeyedherwithnewrespect.“Youorganizedallthisinthetimeittookyoutogetoverhere?”he

asked.

Sheshrugged.“We’vehadspillsatthestorebefore.”

Nothingasbig,though,heguessed.

Shestood,abottleofalcoholsolutioninonehand,cottonpadintheother.“Iwanttocleanupthat

cutfirst,makesureyoudon’tneedstitches.”

Hedidn’tsayanythingbecausehefigureditwaspointless.Shewasworriedabouthimandifit

madeherfeelbettertocleanupascratchortwo,he’dsuckitup.

“Itmightstingalittle.Trynottosquealtoomuch,”shesaidasshemovedcloser.

“Thankyouforyourhighopinionofmymanliness.”

Shetiltedthebottletodousethecottoninalcohol,thenputthebottledownonthestep.“Staystill.”

Sheleanedforward,herfreehandslidingintohishairtoholditawayfromhisfaceasshegently

dabbedathischeekandtemple.Hestaredatherface,soveryclosetohisown.Hisgazezeroedinon
herlowerlip.Itwaspalepinkandlookedverysoft.

Veryfeminine.Verykissable.

Thiswastheproblemwithhavingdirtydreams.Theyplantedideasinyourheadthathadno

businessbeingthere.

Heavertedhiseyesbeforehisthoughtswentsomewheretheyshouldn’t.Whichwaswhenhe

realizedthathecouldseestraightdownthefrontofAmy’sgapingpajamatop.

Andshewasn’twearingabra.

Heblinked,slowly.

Ofcourseshewasn’twearingabra.She’djumpedoutofbedandintoherclothesandorganizeda

massivecleanup,allinthespaceoftenminutes.There’dbeennotimeforfoundationgarments.

Hetoldhimselftobeagentlemanbuthewastoobusytakinginthesmoothcreaminessofher

breaststolisten.Hernippleswerepalepink,herbreastssmallandperky.Theyswayedslightlyasshe
shiftedherweightandleanedforwardtoinspecthisscalp.Heatfromherbodyenvelopedhimandhe
inhaledthesmellofsunshineandwarmskin.Shewassofirm,soround.Hecouldalmostfeelthe
weightofherinhishands.

“Yow!”HejerkedhisheadawayfromthefieryheatattackinghisscalpandglaredatAmy.

Shelookedutterlyunrepentant.“You’vegotacutonyourscalp.”

“Noshit.”

“Stopbeingsuchawuss.”Sheleanedforwardagainbuthecaughtherarm.

“Givethatstufftome.I’lldoit.”Anythingtoendthistorturousproximity.

“Youwon’tbeabletoseeit.It’srightovertheback.”

Shepulledherarmfreeandplacedherlefthandonhisshouldertobraceherselfassheleaned

forward.Shewasstandingonhertoesnowandherbreastswerealmostinhisface,scantinchesfrom
hismouth.Heclosedhiseyes,buthecouldstillseeherinhismind’seye.Pink.Plump.Firm.

Bloodyhell.

Ifsheglanceddown,shewasgoingtoseeexactlywhatshewasdoingtohim.Shewasgoingto

knowhewashardforher,andthenhewasgoingtohavetofindsomeexplanationthatdidn’tinvolve
himadmittingtolong-buriedsexualfantasiesinvolvinghercurvybody.

Sheleanedcloserandforthefractionofasecondherbreastgrazedhisface.Heopenedhismouth.

Couldn’thelphimself.Imaginedhimselfreachingupandtugginghernearwhilehepulledhernipple,
pajamatopandall,intohismouth.Actuallyliftedhishands,readytoslidethemoverherhips.

Shesteppedbackward,bloodiedcottoninhand,afrownonherface.

“Idon’tthinkyouneedstitchesbutI’mprettysureIreadsomewherethatcutsonthescalpget

infectedreallyeasily.IwonderifIshouldtrimthehairaroundthearea?”

Hecouldjustimaginehowlongthatwouldtake,howhardhe’dbebythen.

“I’mfine,”hesaid,shootingtohisfeet,onehandtuggingonthebottomofhisT-shirttoensureit

wascoveringthebulgeinhisjeans.He’dforgottenhisribsandhegruntedaspainshotuphisside.

“What’swrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Quinn,sohelpme—”

Beforehecouldstopher,shereachedoutandpulledhisT-shirtup,exposinghisrightside.

“Oh,Quinn…”

Forasecondhewasn’tsureifherdismaywasbecauseofhisinjuryorbecauseshe’dfinally

noticedhishard-on.Thenshereachedoutandgentlytracedthepurplemarksbruisinghisribcage.

Hehissedinabreath,butnotbecauseithurt.Havinghertouchhimwhenhe’ddreamedabout

touchingherwasaspecialformoftorture.Thekindreservedforidiotswhowereindangerofletting
theirlibidoruintheirlives.

“Didsomeonekickyou?IsthatthetoeofabootIcanseehere?”Amyasked,herexpression

horrifiedasshetracedamarkabovehiship.Shelaidherpalmoverthespotandstaredathim,her
facepale.“Youreallycouldhavedied,youknowthat?”

Thefearandloveinhereyestookhisbreathaway.Shamewashedoverhimlikeabucketofcold

water.Whilehewasstandingherewrestlingwithlust,shewasworryingabouthim,feelinghispain.

Beinghisfriend.

“I’mokay,”hesaidgruffly.

Sheduckedherheadforafewseconds.Sniffedloudly.Thennodded.“Okay.”ShelethisT-shirtfall

andmovedawayfromhim.

Hestaredatherdownturnedhead.Thirtyyearsoffriendship,ofplatonichugsandkisses,andithad

comedowntothis.

Tosayhewasconfusedwasanunderstatement.Minutesagohe’dnearlydonesomething

irretrievable.He’dnearlylaidhandsonhisbestfriendwithsexualintent.He’dnearlychangedthe
dynamicsoftheirrelationshipforever.

Maybeit’stheknockonthehead.

Butheknewitwasn’t.Itwasmorethanthat.Andhehadnoideahowtostopitorcontrolit.Noidea

atall.

A

MYFOUGHTTOSTOPHERSELF

fromtouchingQuinnagain.Everytimesherelivedthemomentwhen

she’dfirstseenhisface,thebloodonhisforeheadandcheek,theuglyredmarkonhisjaw,herknees
gotwobblyandshehadtoquelltheurgetoburstintopathetic,girlytearsalloveragain.

Shecouldhavelosthim.Oneofthevandalscouldhavehadaknife,orQuinncouldhavelandedthe

wrongwayorhithisheadtoohard….Hecouldhavebeengone,andshewouldneverhaveheardhis
voiceagain,neverlookedintohisdarkeyesandhandsomeface….

Shekneltoverthefirst-aidkit,concentratingonpackingawaythesupplies,forcingherselftogeta

grip.

Quinnwasnotdead.Alittlebruised,alittlebloody,yes.Butnotdead.Shewasfreakingout,andshe

neededtoreelherselfinbeforeshesaidordidsomethingirretrievablyrevealing.

“Youshouldgobacktotheapartmentandrest,”shesaid,notlookingup.“Therearemorethan

enoughpeopleheretohelpwiththecleanup.”

Quinndidn’tsayanythingandshefinallyliftedherheadtolookathim.Hehadasmallsmileonhis

lips,awryexpressioninhiseyes.

Right.Asifhewasgoingtoleavebeforethingswereputright.

Typical.

Sheopenedhermouthbuthebeathertoit.

“Iknow.I’manidiot.Icanlivewiththat.”

Heheldoutahand.Shetookitandhedrewhertoherfeet.

“Thiswasn’tkidsfoolingaround,Ames.Youknowthat,right?”

“Yes.”

“Theywereheretocauseasmuchdamageaspossible,asquicklyaspossible.”

Shemethiseyes.“Youthinkit’sUlrich?”

Themomentshe’dseenthescaleofthedamageshe’dknownthiswasnoordinaryactofvandalism.

“YougotanyoneelsegunningforyouatthemomentIshouldknowabout?Anyoneelsewhowants

youtofail?”

“No.”

“Thenyes,Ithinkit’sBarryUlrich.”

Eventhoughitwasexactlywhatshe’dexpectedhimtosay,eventhoughshe’dalreadyconcludedas

muchherself,shehadasudden,veryinappropriateurgetolaugh.Itseemedsoofftheplanet.Surreal.
Someonewastargetingher,tryingtointimidateherintoabandoningherdreamofrestoringthe
Grand.Here,insleepyoldDaylesford.

“Thisisnuts.”

“Yeah.Butattheendoftheday,moneyismoney,whetherit’sinthebigcityorouthere.Ulrich

standstomakeahugeprofitonthisplaceifhecangetitattherightprice.Heprobablyfiguresalittle
quietsabotagewillgethimbackinthedriver ’sseatonthisdeal.”

“Iwouldrathergivethisplaceawaythansellittohim,nowmorethanever.”

Quinnsmiled,hiseyescrinklingatthecorners.“Iloveitwhenyougetallfeisty.”

Sherolledhereyes.“You’retheonewithalumpthesizeofaneggonthebackofyourhead

becauseyoudecidedtoplayhero.Ithinkthatofficiallymakesyouthefeistyone.”

Quinnpickedupthefirst-aidkitandheadedforthearchwaytothetheatre.

“Ipreferbold,ifyoudon’tmind.”

“Ibetyoudo.”

Hegrinnedatheroverhisshoulderandforthefirsttimesinceshe’dseenhimallbloodiedand

bruised,thetight,scaredfeelinginherchestrelaxed.Hewasokay.Hereallywas.

Shetookamomenttoabsorbtherealization.

Thenshestraightenedhershouldersandliftedherchin.

Therewasworktodo.Alotofit.Andthesoonershestarted,thesoonershe’dbefinishedandthe

soonerBarryUlrichwouldunderstandthatshewasn’tthekindofwomanwhointimidatedeasily.

I

TTOOKFOURHOURS

andmany,manywheelbarrowsfullofsandtocleanupthespill.BythetimeAmy

wascertainthey’dmoppedupthelastvestigesofpaintitwaslightoutsideandherimpromptuteamof
rescuerswaswilting.Shehadblistersonherpalmsfromwieldingfirstashovelthenamop,andher
stomachwasrumblingwithhunger.

Shepushedhermopoveronelastsectionoffloor,thentookamomenttocatchherbreathandscan

thetheatre.Hermotherandfatherstoodtooneside,theirfacesweary.Quinnwasinthefarcorner,
stillwieldingamopeventhoughshe’dtriedtosendhimhomehalfadozentimes.EricandCheryl

andtheotherguysfromthestorewerescrapingupthelastofthesandandstartingtogathershovels
andspadestogether.

Thesepeoplehadgottenupinthemiddleofthenightforher.They’draceddownhereandthrown

themselvesintothetaskofsavingtheGrandfromdisaster.Shewouldnever,everbeabletorepay
them.

Foramomentshewashumbledbytheknowledge,butthensherealizedthatifgratitudewasallshe

hadtooffer,thensheshouldofferitasgraciouslyandgenerouslyandsincerelyaspossible.

Sheslippedquietlyoutthefrontdoorandacrossthestreet,astonishingtheyoungguyatthebakery

withherdisheveled,paint-spatteredappearance.

“Performanceart,”shesaid,deadpan.

“Right.”

TenminuteslatershewalkedbackintotheGrandwithatraypiledhighwithbakedgoods.

“Amy!Youareagoddess,”Ericsaidwhenhesawher.

“I’vegotdanishes,muffins,doughnuts,coffeescrolls,croissants.Please,digin.Breakfastisthe

leastIoweyou.”

Hermotherhadmadeatriptothehardwarestoresometimeduringthenighttocollectanoldcard

tableandafewpackagesofcookiesfromthestaffroom.Amysetherbountydownonthetableand
turnedtofacehergatheredfriendsandfamily.

“Butbeforeweeat,Iwantedtosayafewwords.”

Ericgroanedtheatricallyandclutchedhisstomach.

Amysmiled.“I’llbequick,Ipromise.IjustwantedtoletyouallknowhowmuchIappreciate

everythingyou’vedoneformeandtheGrandtonight.Thiscouldhavebeenadisaster,ahuge
setback,butyou’veallhelpedturnitintoaminorhiccup.ThishasbeenmydreamsinceIwasten
yearsold,andIwillalwaysrememberthekindnessandgenerosityyou’veallshownmetonight.
Fromthebottomofmyheart,thankyou.”

“Freemoviesforlife,”Ericcalledoutwithacheekygrin.

Amypointedherfingerathim.“Done.ConsideryourselvesallpatronsoftheGrand.”

Asmallcheerwentup.Quinnjoinedherastheotherscrowdedaroundthecardtable.

“Nicespeech.”

“Thankyou.”

“Probablyshouldhaverunthefree-movies-for-lifethingpastyourlegaladviserfirst.”

“Icanlivewithit.”

“Prettygenerous.”

Shelookedathim.Hewaswatchingherwithwarmeyes.

“HaveItoldyoulatelythatyourock,AmyParker?”

Asalways,hisapprovalwarmedher.“Isthistheheadinjurytalkingorthefatigue?”

“Both.”

“That’swhatIthought.Sonowthatyou’veprovenyou’rebothindestructibleandindefatigable,do

youthinkImightbeabletoconvinceyoutoleavenow?”

Shekepthertonelight,buthewasgraywithtiredness.Shewantedhimtorest.Ideally,shewantedto

personallyputhimtobedandfussoverhimuntilshe’dproventoherselfthathewasfine.Sincethat
wasnevergoingtohappen,shewouldsettleforsendinghimhome.

“Imightbepersuadedtotakeashowerandgrabafewhours.Butonlyifyoupromisetocallitquits

fortheday,too,”hesaid.

“WhatIdoandwhatyoudoaretwototallyseparatethings.”

Heshookhishead.“Uh-uh.Iwillnotrestuntilyourest.”

“Sochivalrous.Definitelymustbetheheadinjury.Butifthat’swhatittakestomakeyoubehave

likeasensibleperson,sobeit.”

Quinnsmiledtiredly.“Thenyou’vegotyourselfadeal,Parker.”

Halfanhourlater,herrescueteamhadgonetheirseparatewaysandthelocksmithhadarrivedand

startedinstallinganew,reinforceddoorframeandsecuritydoor.ShegrabbedQuinnbythearmand
draggedhimtowardthefrontdoors.

“Gogetsomesleep,”shetoldhimastheyreachedthesidewalk.Shegavehimashoveinthebackto

sendhimonhisway.

Hetookastepbeforeturning.“I’llcallyoulater,okay?”

Amywasn’tlistening.Shewastoobusystaringoverhisshoulderatthemanintheexpensivesuit

climbingoutofalate-modelMercedesontheothersideofthestreet.Hewascarefullynotlooking
herway,butshe’dbetherlastcentBarryUlrichhadcomedownheretogloatandadmirehis
handiwork.

Quinnturnedtofollowhersightline.Shetookasteptowardthecurb.Hishandshotouttograbher

forearm.

“No.”

ShetorehergazefromUlrichtolookatQuinn.“IjustwanttolethimknowI’mnotabouttorun

awaywithmytailbetweenmylegs.”

“Youheardwhatthepolicesaid.WithoutevidencedirectlylinkingUlrichtothemenwhobroke

intotheGrand,we’vegotnothingbutsuspicion.Andyoudon’tneedmetotellyouthatsuspicion
meanszipinacourtoflaw.”

“Sohegetsoffscot-free?”

“Notnecessarily.Wehavetowaitandsee.Andinthemeantimeyoucan’tsayanythingtohim.I

wantyoutopromisemeyouwon’t.”

Shetriedtopullherarmfromhisgraspbuthewastoostrong.

“Couldyouletmego,please?”shesaidthroughgrittedteeth.

“Notuntilyoupromisemeyou’llletmehandlethis.”

“Believeitornot,beforeyoucameflyingintotownwithyourcapebillowing,Imanagedfineon

myown.Idon’tneedababysitter,andIcertainlydon’tneedakeeper.”

“Fine.”Helethergobutdidn’twalkaway.“Justsoyouknow,guyslikeUlrichloveafight.You

takeituptohim,he’lluseitagainstyouandcomebackatyoutentimesharder.”

Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest.“SoIshouldcowerinthecornerandthankmyluckystarshe

didn’tsettheGrandonfire.Isthatwhatyou’resuggesting?”

“Playitsmart.Bepatient.Letthecopsinvestigate.”

Sheknewhewasright.Shewouldn’tgetanythingexceptsatisfactionoutoftakingashotatUlrich.

Butstill…

Sheletherbreathoutonanoisysigh.“Okay.Fine.Youwin.Ipromisenottosayanythingtohim.”

SheknewshesoundedlikeasulkykidbutthetightlookaroundQuinn’smouthrelaxed.

“Goodchoice.”

Sherolledhereyes.“Sparemeyourapproval,SirGalahad.Andgoodnight.”

ShestrodebackintotheGrand,leavinghimstandingonthesidewalk.Sheknewshewastakingher

temperoutonthewrongperson,butshehatedthethoughtthatUlrichmightgetawaywithwhathe’d
done.

Itwasn’tuntilshe’dlockedthefrontdoorsbehindherandslippedoutpastthelocksmiththatshe

rememberedshe’dpromisedtotakethetraybacktothebakeryaftershewasfinishedwithit.

“Damnit.”

Sighing,sheswiveledonherheel.Therewasasinglemuffinleftandshetookabiteoutofitasshe

crossedthestreet,trayinhand.Appleandcinnamon.Notherfavorite,butitwoulddo.

Theguysinthebakerywerebusywiththemorningrushandsheleftthetrayonthecounterafter

makingeyecontactwithoneofthemandmouthingherthanks.Agreatwaveofwearinesssweptover
herassheturnedtogo.Sheneededtogetsomesleep.

ShesawUlrichthemomentshesteppedontothesidewalk.Hewasstandingafewpacesawaywitha

guysherecognizedashisforeman.TheywerefacingtheGrandandUlrichwassketchingshapesin
theairwithhishands,pointingtothewindows,theroofline.Hisforemanwasmakingnotesona
notebook,noddinghishead.

AsthoughUlrichownedtheGrandandhisforemanwasmakingplanstobringUlrich’svisionto

life.

Not.Freaking.Likely.

Notinherlifetime.

Angerbornofoutrageandfearroseupinsideher.Shedidn’tstoptothink,juststrodeacrossto

blocktheirview.

“Whatdoyouthinkyou’redoing?”sheasked.

Barrylookedstartledforafewseconds,thenapatronizingsmilecurledhislips.

“Ms.Parker.Allowmetooffermysympathies.Ihearyou’vehadabitofaroughtimeovernight.”

Shenarrowedhereyes.“Yes,anddon’tthinkIdon’tknowwho’sresponsibleforthat,asshole.”

ThesmiledroppedfromUlrich’sface.Hispaleblueeyesgrewhard.“Iknowyou’renotfamiliar

withbusinessandthewayprofessionalsusuallyconductthemselves,soI’mgoingtogiveyouatip,
Ms.Parker.Watchyourmouth.”

“Why,asshole?BecauseifIdon’tyou’llhiresomeoneelsetovandalizetheGrand?Isthatwhat

you’resaying,asshole?”

Ulrich’snostrilsflared.“I’dbeverycarefulwhatkindofaccusationsIthrewaroundifIwereyou.”

“IfIwereyou,I’drememberwhoownstheGrand.Asshole.”

SuddenlyUlrichwasinherface,breathingbadcoffeebreathonher,socloseshecouldseewhere

he’dmissedafewwhiskerswhenheshavedthismorning.

“Listenup,littlegirl.Idon’tneedtoliftafingertoensureyou’llfailbecauseyou’lldothatallon

yourown.Ifyou’dhadhalfabrain,youwouldhavetakenmyofferwhileyouhadthechance.Now
you’regoingtoloseeverything.Ialmostfeelsorryforyou.”

Hestaredintohereyesforalongmoment,thenturnedaway.

“Comeon,Brian,”hesaidtohisforeman,notevenlookingattheothermanashewalkedaway.

Herhandswereshaking.Nousepretendingtheyweren’t.BarryUlrichwasonescary,angry

bastard.Shewatchedhimwalkaway,feelingverysmallandimpotentandvulnerable.

“Hey,Barry!”shecalledafterhim.

Heglancedoverhisshoulderimpatiently.Amywoundbackherarm,tookaimandthrewinone

smoothmove.Themuffinhithimdeadcenteroftheforeheadbeforecrumblingdownthefrontofhis
expensivesuit.

Heblinked,hismouthopen,utterlystunned.Atideofcrimsoncolorwasheduphisneckandinto

hisface.Shemadeabigshowofdustingherhandstogetherandturningherbackonhim.Despitethe
bravadoherheartwasbangingagainstherribcage.

Shit.

Helookedsoangry.Almostpsychotic.

ShecrossedthestreettotheGrand,resistingtheurgetobreakintoarun,expectingtofeelahand

onhershoulderwitheverystep.

She’dgrabbedthetigerbythetailandgivenitabigoldyankandanyminutenowthetigerwas

goingtopounceonherandripherheadoff.

Itwasn’tuntilshewasintheGrandandthedoorslockedthatshefeltsafeenoughtolookback

acrossthestreet.

Ulrichwasonthephone.Onehanddustedmuffincrumbsoffthefrontofhissuitashespoke,his

dead,flateyesfixedonher.

Therealityofwhatshe’ddonesunkin.

Quinnwasgoingtokillher.

I

TWASN’TUNTIL

hegotbacktotheapartmentthatQuinnrememberedhe’dplannedtocheckoutthat

morningandmoveintohisparents’place.Hewassotiredthatforafewminuteshecontemplated
bookinginforanothernightjustsohecouldcrawlstraightintobed.Thenhetoldhimselftomanup
andwenttohisroomtopack.Itdidn’ttakelongandwithinfifteenminuteshewasatthefrontdesk
handingoverhiscreditcard.

Familiarsmellsrushedathimwhenheopenedthedoortohisoldfamilyhome.Hismother ’s

homemadepotpourri,hisfather ’spipetobacco,furniturepolish.Theplacewasdarkandhedumped
hisovernightbaginthehallanddidaquicklapofthehouse,openingcurtainsandblindsashewent.
Hepushedopenhisoldbedroomdoorlastandstoodinthedoorwaystaringathissinglebedandthe
variousmovieandsportsposterscoveringhiswalls.

Hello,1997.

Hecrossedtothewindowandpulledthecurtainswide.Outside,thestragglyprivethedgestill

struggledtocreateaprivacybarrierbetweenthishouseandtheParkers’nextdoor.Hestaredat
Amy’soldbedroomwindow,facinghisacrosstheway.

He’dalmostdonesomethingreallystupidtoday.IfAmyhadn’tsteppedbackwhenshedid…

Heunlockedthewindowandgavetheframeathumpwithhisclosedfistbeforeattemptingtopush

itup.Itstuckforamoment,thengaveinarush.Coolairflowedintotheroomashepushedthe
windowallthewayopen.

Hebreathedinthesmellofwetearthandgreenthings.Maybethis…thinghehadforAmywasa

reactiontobeingbackhomeagainafteralltheseyears.AnX-ratedformofnostalgia.

Ormaybehe’dneverquitegottenoverthecrushhe’dhadallthoseyearsago,anditwasonlynow

thathewasgettingadivorcethathewasallowinghimselftoacknowledgetheattractionagain.

Ormaybehesimplyneededtograbagoodnight’ssleepandwakeupwithsomemuch-needed

perspective.Becauseattheendoftheday,ifitcamedowntoabattlebetweenshort-termlustand
long-termfriendship,friendshipwasthewinnereverytime.Right?

Right?

Hereturnedtotheentrancehalltogethisbagthengrabbedsomesheetsfromthehallcupboardto

makeuphisbed.Hehadn’tsleptinasinglebedsincehe’dlefthome.Hewasn’tlookingforwardto
relivingtheexperience.

Hetookafewminutestoexaminehisinjuriesinthebathroommirrorbeforeheshowered.The

bruiseonhisfacewasn’tasbadashe’dthoughtandwhilehisribsweresore,theyweren’toverly
painful.Notcracked,then,hefigured.

Heshoweredquickly,thenwalkednakedbackintohisoldbedroom.Hisbedsaggedinthemiddle

asittookhisweight.Herolledontohissideandclosedhiseyes.

Afewhoursofshut-eyeandtheworldwouldrightitself.

Agreattheory,butashedriftedtowardsleep,imagesfromthedayslippedintohisunguardedmind.

HesawAmy’seyesstaringintohis,fulloftrustandconcern.Hesmelledherwarm,softscent.He
rememberedthepinkofhernipples.Feltagainthepressofherhandsonhisbody.

Theproblemwithlustingaftersomeoneyou’dknownforyearswasthatitwashardtoseparatethe

lustfromthelikingandthelovethathadalwaysbeenthere.

Hetriedhardtorememberwhythatwassuchabadthingassleepfinallytookhim.

CHAPTERSEVEN

“H

EY

.”

AmynearlydroppedtheputtyknifeshewasholdingasshewhirledtofaceQuinnthenextmorning.

Hegaveheraquizzicallook.“Sorry.Didn’tmeantostartleyou.”

Despitethebruiseonhisjaw,helookeddeliciousinwornjeansandadarkgrayT-shirt.Herheart

diditsusuallittlekick-skipbeforeresumingnormalduties.

“I’mgood.Justnotexpectingyou.”

Hecheckedhiswatch.“It’srightoneight.”

“Sure.ImeantIdidn’thearyou.That’sall.”Shegavehimanoverlybrightsmile.“Howareyou

feeling?”

“Nothingthatwon’theal.”

Theguiltandanxietyshe’dbeenexperiencingeversinceshelobbedthemuffinatUlrichtightened

aroundherchest.SheshouldhavecalledQuinnyesterdayandtoldhimwhatshe’ddone.Butshe
hadn’t,andshe’dbeenlivinginfearofsomeoneelsetellinghimeversince.Everytimethephonehad
runglastnightshe’dflinched,anticipatingablisteringlecturefromhimforherstupid,impulsiveact.
Buthehadn’tcalled,becauseclearlyhehadn’theardyet,despitethefactthattherehadbeenseveral
witnessestohermuffinassaultandgossipwaspracticallyoneofthefivefoodgroupsinDaylesford.

Sotellhimnow.Tellhimrightnowbeforehehearsitfromsomeoneelse.

Sheopenedhermouth,butnowordscameout.

Iftherewasonethingshe’dneverbeenabletostand,ithadbeenQuinn’sdisapproval.Worsestill,

hisdisappointment.He’dwarnedher.ToldhernottoapproachUlrich.Butshe’dletheremotions
overrideher.

“Weshouldgetstarted.Dad’sgoingtodelivermoreprimerthisafternoonandIfigureifwego

hardwecanprobablygetmostofthecracksandholesfilledtoday,”shesaid.

Quinnwasstillwatchingherasthoughhewastryingtoworksomethingout.Shewassuchacrap

liar.Alwayshadbeen.

“Yousureyou’reokay?”heasked.

“Absolutely.Justkeentogetstuckintoit,that’sall.Makesurewedon’tletUlrichputusoff

schedule.”

Sheturnedandgrabbedabucketofpremixedspacklingcompoundbeforehecouldaskanymore

questions.

“Mightaswelldowhatwedidtheotherday,”shesaid.“I’llhandlethefoyerandbalconywhileyou

dodownhere.Thescaffoldingshouldarrivesometimethisafternoon,sothatshouldmakethingsa
loteasierforyou,saveyoumovingtheladderaroundasmuch.”

Shedidn’tlookbackathimassheheadedforthefoyer.Onceshewasoutofsightshestoppedand

smackedherselfontheforeheadwithheropenpalm.Seriously,whatdidshethinkshewasgoingto
achieve,puttingofftellinghimwhatshe’ddone?

There’salwaysachanceUlrichwillletitslide,alittlevoicevolunteeredinthebackofhermind.

ThenQuinnwon’thavetoknowhowstupidyouwere.Itwastheweaselvoiceagain,tellingherwhat
shemostwantedtohear,andsheknewbetterthantotrustit.

Andyet…

ItwaspossiblethatUlrichwassoembarrassedaboutbeingassaultedbyawomanarmedwitha

bakeryproductthathe’dletthewholethingslide.Hewasashortman,afterall,andoftenshortmen
wereoverlyconcernedwithappearancesandstatus.

That’sright,Amy,that’sthekindofguyheis—awimpwho’smoreconcernedwithhisdignitythan

winning.Not.

Shepriedthelidoffthespacklebucket.ShewassimplygoingtohavetowaitUlrichout,seewhat

hedidwiththeadvantageshe’dgivenhim.Haveherchargedwithassault,perhaps.Ormaybethere
wassomeotherwayhecoulduseherimpetuousactagainsther—notbeingasneaky,underhanded
lowlife,shewasn’twell-versedinthesematters.

Butbeforeanyofthathappened,she’dtellQuinn.Definitely.Beforelunch.Orattheverylatestby

theendoftheday.Althoughmaybeitwouldbebesttotakehimoutfordinnerfirst,gethimalittle
mellowwithwinebeforeconfessingall.

Shewasstillponderinghowbesttobroachthesubjectwhentherewasaknockonthefrontdoor

aroundmidday.

ShewasuptheladderinthebalconyfillingalargecrackandsheshouteddowntoQuinn,asking

himifhewasfreetogetit.

“Sure,”heholleredback.

Shepressedspackleintothejaggedcrack,beingcarefulnottooverfillitsothatitwouldbeeasyto

sandbacktomorrow.ShewasknifingupafreshbladefulwhensheheardQuinn’sfootstepsonthe
stairs.

“Whowasit?”sheasked.

Quinndidn’timmediatelyanswerandsheglancedoverhershouldertoseehimstandingatthefoot

oftheladder,anofficial-lookingenvelopeinhand.

“What’sup?”sheasked.

“Registeredletter.FromUlrich’slawyers.”

Thebloodrushedfromherhead.

Suddenlyshewishedshe’dbeenbraveenoughtotellQuinneverythingthismorning.Hell,she

shouldhavecalledhimthemomentshe’drealizedhowdumbshe’dbeen.Maybethentheycouldhave
comeupwithsomeplantoneutralizewhateverlaywithinthatenvelope.

Becausetherewasnodoubtinhermindthattherewassomethingunpleasantwaitingtobe

unleashedfromwithinthatinnocuous-lookingpieceofofficestationery.

Sheforcedherstiffarmsandlegstodescendtheladder.Thensheputdowntheputtyknifeand

bucketoffillerandreachedouttotaketheenvelopefromQuinn.

“It’sprobablyanotheroffertobuytheGrand,”hesaidreassuringly.“Atabargainprice,naturally,

nowthatyou’vebeenbulliedintosubmission.”

Sheslippedherthumbbeneaththeflapandbroketheseal.Therewasamany-pageddocument

inside.Sheunfoldeditandreadthefirstpage.

“What’sheoffering?”Quinnasked.

Amyclosedhereyesforalongbeat.Quinnhadwarnedher,afterall.Tentimesharder.

“Amy,what’sgoingon?”

Sheopenedhereyes.LookedatQuinn.Tookadeepbreath.“He’ssuingmefordefamation.”

Quinnlookedtakenaback.“Whatthehell?”

Hepluckedthepapersfromherhandsandscannedthemquickly.

“Itsaysheretherewasanincidentonthemorningofthetwenty-eighthofApril.That’syesterday.

He’sgotalistofwitnesses—”Hisgazeliftedtoherface.“Whatdidyoudo?”Hisvoicewasverylow
andflat.

Sheswallowednoisily.“Iscrewedup.Ididn’tmeanto,butIdid.Hewasjustsoarrogant.Iwanted

himtoknowIwasn’tscaredofhim.ButheknewIwas.Icouldhardlystopmyhandsfromshaking.”

“Whathappened?”

“HewasstandinginfrontoftheGrand,talkingtohisforeman,dictatingnotesonstuffhewantedto

do.Youknow,oncetheplacewashis.Itjustreally…Isawred.SoIaskedhimwhathewasdoing,and
heofferedmehissympathy.Canyoubelievethat?”

“Tellmetherest.”

“ItoldhimthatIknewhewastheonewhowasresponsibleformehavingahardtime.AndIcalled

himanasshole.”

Herstomachwaschurningandshe’dstartedtosweat.

“Hetoldmetowatchmymouth,soIcalledhimanassholeafewmoretimesandaskedifhewas

threateningtohiresomeoneelsetovandalizetheplace.ThenhegotinmyfaceandtoldmeIwas
goingtofailandhowhappythatwasgoingtomakehim.”

Shewipedherdamphandsdownthefrontofherjeans.

“IsthereanythingelseIshouldknow?”Quinnasked.

“Ithrewamuffinathim.”

“Amuffin.”

“Yes.Appleandcinnamon.Itwasinmyhand,andhe’dscaredmesomuch.Ijust…Icalledout,and

heturnedaround.AndIthrewitathim.”

Quinn’sfacewasutterlyimpassive.“Wheredidithithim?”

Shetouchedherselfontheforehead.AmuscleflexedinQuinn’sjaw.

“Iwasgoingtotellyou.Tonight.Overanicebottleofwine.”

Hestaredatherforalongmoment.Thenherereadthecoverletterandflickedthroughtheattached

pages.Helookedgrim.Andfurious.

“AmIinbigtrouble?”sheasked.

“Let’ssee.Youaccostedawell-knownlocalbusinessmaninthestreetandpubliclyaccusedhimof

hiringcriminalstovandalizeyourproperty.Youinsultedhim.Thenyouthrewamissileathishead.
Whatdoyouthink?”

“MaybeifIapologized…?”ItmightbeenoughtoappeaseUlrich.Itwouldbehardtomakeherself

soundsincere,butshe’ddoitfortheGrand.

“Hedoesn’twantyourapology,Amy.Hewantstobreakyou.Hewantstosuckyourbankaccount

drysoyouhavenochoicebuttosellhimtheGrand.There’snowayhe’sgoingtoacceptanapology.
Hewillplaythisouttillitendsupincourtandyou’rechargedwitheverylegalfeeanddamagehe
canthrowyourway.”

ShestaredintoQuinn’sangryface.Hewasn’texaggerating.Hewassimplytellingherwhatshehad

suspectedthemomentshecalmeddownenoughtorealizewhatshe’ddone.She’dscrewedup.Big
time.

“WhydoyouthinkItoldyoutostayawayfromhim?Didyouneedmetospellitouttoyou?Itold

youhewasthekindofguywho’duseanythingyoudidagainsthim.Andstillyouwentoutand
handedhimyourownheadonasilverplatter.”

Quinnthrewtheletterawayasthoughhecouldn’tbeartolookatitamomentlonger.

“YoushouldhavejustgivenhimthekeystotheGrand.Savedyourselfafewyearsandthousandsof

dollars.”

Hehadmoretosay,butitfadedtowhitenoiseasthefullrealitysunkin.Ahugewaveofdizziness

hither.InalltheyearsofsavingandbargainingandschemingtomaketheGrandhers,she’dnever
doubtedthatshewouldsucceed.She’dsimplyrefusedtoacceptthatitwouldbeanyotherway.She’d
beenunshakable.

Butshecouldn’tseeawayoutnow.EvenifQuinnagreedtorepresentherforfree,therewouldbe

courtcostsandotherexpenses.BythetimeUlrichhadfinishedwithher,she’dbebroke.Andshe
wouldlosetheGrand.

Theedgesofhervisionwentblurry.Shewasinrealdangerofpassingout.Howverydamsel-in-

distressofher.

Shebentherknees,stretchingoutahandtofindthefloorasitroseuptomeether.Shelandedon

herasswithathump.Herkneescameupinstinctivelyandsheputherheadbetweenherlegs,panting
asthoughshe’drunarace.

“Amy.”Quinn’svoiceseemedtocomefromveryfaraway.

Shecouldn’tgetenoughair,eventhoughshewasbreathinglikeabellows.

“Amy,calmdown.It’llbeokay.”

Hewasonhiskneesbesideher,aconcernedlookonhisface.

Itwasn’tgoingtobeokay.Shecouldseeitallnow,Ulrichsmilingsmuglyasshesignedthepapers

togivehimtheGrand,couldpracticallyhearthewreckingballsmashingintothebuilding.

“I’msorryforyelling,”Quinnsaid.“Ifreakedoutforamoment,butwe’regood.We’llworkthis

out,okay?”

Sheshookherhead.Triedtoexplaindespitethefactshewashyperventilating.“You’reright…

shouldhavekeptmymouthshut…wantedtoprove…Iwasn’tafraid.Just…shotmyselfinthefoot.”

Quinnputhishandsonhershouldersandgaveheragentleshake.

“Listentome.Wecanfixthis.”Sheshookherheadagainandhesqueezedhershoulders.“Wecan,

Amy.We’llfindaway.Ipromise.Youwon’tlosetheGrand.Inevershouldhavesaidthat.”

Herbreathingslowed.Shepeeredupathim,wantingtobelievehimsobadlybutdesperatelyafraid

ofthefutureshe’dseenlaidoutbeforeher.

Heheldhergaze,hisownabsolutelysteadyandcertain.“HaveIeverletyoudown,Ames?”

Shestaredathim,theirfacesafewfeetapart.TheonlytimeQuinnhadeverdisappointedherwas

whenhe’dchosenLisainsteadofher.Andshe’dneverblamedhimforthat.Hewasthebestfrienda
personcouldhave,barnone.Amaninamillion.

Andshe’dtriedtoexcisehimfromherlifebecauseshecouldn’tgetoverherownjealousyand

frustration.

Hereyeswidened.Foramomentshewasstunnedasthefullenormityofherownstupidityand

selfishnesshither.She’dalmostpushedthisgood,loving,amazingmanoutofherlife.

Shemadeaninarticulatenoise.Fueledbyguiltandregretandloveandgratitude,shelaunched

herselfathim.Herbodyhithiswithenoughforcetomakehimgruntassheflungherarmsaround
hisneck,herfacefindinghisshoulder.Foramomenttheyteeteredoffbalance,thenhermomentum
tippedhimover.Helandedonhisback,herarmsstillclampedaroundhisneck,herbodysprawledon
topofhis.

“I’msorry,”shesaid,herwordsmuffledbyhisT-shirt.“Youdeservesomuchbetter.I’msosorry.

I’vebeensostupid.Sobloodystupid.”

Theirlegsweretangled,herbreastsflattenedagainsthischest.OneofQuinn’shandswarmedthe

middleofherback,theotherfoundthenapeofherneck.

“Ames,youdon’tneedtoapologizetome.LikeIsaid,we’llworkthisout.Ulrichistryingtoscare

you,andIshouldn’thavelethimgettome.”

Hedidn’tunderstand.Hadnoideawhatshe’dtriedtodo.

“Idon’tdeserveyou,”shesaid.“You’vealwaysbeensuchagoodfriendtome.”

“You’vebeenagoodfriendtome,too,Ames.Thebest.”

Hisdeepvoicevibratedthroughherwitheveryword.Shecouldfeelhischestrisingandfalling

witheachbreath.Sheliftedherheadtolookintohiseyes.Helookedbackather,asmall,sweetsmile
curvinghislips.

“You’remybud.Alwayswere,alwayswillbe.”

Shecouldseeallthetinyindividualbristlesofhisbeard.Hiseyeswereverydark,richas

bittersweetchocolate.Hismouthwasmereinchesfromhers,hisbreathfanningherface.Forthefirst
timeshefullyregisteredthefactthatshewaslyingontopofhim,hiptohip,chesttochest.

Likealover.

Shecouldfeelthehard,hotresilienceofhisbodybeneathhers,couldsmellhisskin,hisaftershave.

Awarenessfloodedher,sendingheatupintoherfaceanddownbetweenherthighs.

Shehadn’tbeenthisclosetohimforyears.Notsincetheywerekids.

Suddenlyherheartwaspoundingforanentirelydifferentreason.Hergazedroppedtohismouth.

Ifevertherewasamomentoftemptation,thiswasit.Ifevershewasgoingtopressherlipstohis,

touchhim,moveherbodyagainsthisinthewaythatshe’ddreamedsomany,manytimes,thiswasit.
Allshehadtodowasclosethesmalldistancebetweenthemandlowerhermouthtohis.Kisshim.
Runhertongueoverhislips.Tastehim.Giveintosixteenyearsofdesireandneed.

You’remybud.Alwayswere,alwayswillbe.

Hiswordsechoedinhermindandsheforcedherselftolistentothem,absorbthem.Ifshekissed

Quinn,therewasaverygoodchancethathewouldbeappalled.Shocked.Embarrassed.

Itwasenoughtomakeherstarttowithdraw.Thensherememberedthediscussionshe’dhadwith

hermotherlastnight.

Somesmartwomanwillsnaphimup.Anditwon’ttakelong,either.

“Ames?”Quinn’smouthcurledintoacurioushalfsmile.

Shetookashakybreath.Wasshereallygoingtolethimslipthroughherfingersasecondtime?

Wasshereallypreparedtolovehimfromafarforyearsandnever,evertakeachance?Evenifthat
chancecarriedwithitanenormousriskofrejectionandloss?

Hewaslyingbeneathherrightnow,sixfootplusofhard,warmmale.Andshewassickofnot

knowing.Ofwantingandnothaving.

Itwasnowornever.

Now.

Ornever.

Herheartpounding,Amyclosedhereyes.

Thensheloweredherheadandkissedherbestfriend.

Q

UINN’SHEARTSLAMMED

againsthisribcageasAmy’smouthpressedagainsthis.Foracrazysecond

hedidn’tknowwhatwashappening,thenhertonguegrazedhislowerlipandashiverofpureneed
tightenedhisbody.

Hisinstinctiveresponsewastoopenhismouthandkissherback.Slidehistonguealonghers,taste

her.Pullherbodycloser.ButthiswasAmy.

Amy,forGod’ssake.

Hishandsfoundhershoulders,buthedidn’tknowwhattodo.Pushheraway?Pullhercloser?

Thensuddenlyshewasgone,rollingawayfromhim.Shelandedonherbellybesidehim,herface

pressedintoherhands.

Whatthehellhadjusthappened?

“Ames…?”

Hereachedouttolayahandonhershoulder.Shetensed.Alongmomentpassed.Thenher

shouldersliftedbeneathhishandasshetookadeepbreath.

“I’msorry.Idon’tknow—Ididn’tmeanforthattohappen,”shesaid,hervoicesochokeditwas

almostinaudible.

“Amy.Talktome.What’sgoingon?”

“Nothing.Thatwas…dumb.”Sheshookherhead.“Let’sjustpretendthisneverhappened.”

Helaughed,eventhoughhewasfarfromamused.He’dspentthelastfewdaysfeelinglikeasick

puppyforgettinghotoverhisbestfriend,andnowshewantedhimtoforgetshe’dkissedhim?

“Notlikely,Ames.”

Shestartedtoscrambletoherfeetbuthesatupandcaughtherarm.

“Hangonaminute.Youcan’tstickyourtonguedownmythroatthenmakearunforit.”

Shecrouchedawkwardlybesidehim,anchoredbyhishandonherarm.Herfacewasaverted,her

gazefixedonthefloorasthoughshewasafraidtolookathim.

“Itwasamistake.”

Maybe.Almostdefinitely.Buthestillneededtoknowwhyithadhappened.Whynow,afterallthese

years?

Hecaughtherchinwithhisfreehand,forcinghertomakeeyecontactwithhim.

“Why?”

“You’reasmartguy.Workitout.”

“Idon’twanttoguess.Iwanttoknow.”

Thelookshegavehimwastortured.“Please…”

Partofhimfeltlikeanassforforcingananswerfromher,buthisguttoldhimthiswasimportant.

Vital,even.

“Tellme.”

Herjawmuscleflexedbeneathhishand.Sheclosedhereyesforalongbeat.Thensheopenedthem

andlookedstraightintohiseyes.

“Haven’tyoueverwonderedwhatitwouldbelike?Thetwoofus,together?”

Hestaredather.Foramomenthismindwasaperfectblank.

ColorfloodedAmy’sface.Hecouldfeeltheembarrassedheatofitbeneathhisfingers.

“See?Itoldyouitwasdumb.”

Shetriedtopullawayfromhimagainbuthedidn’treleasehisgrip.

“Letmego.Itoldyou—”

“Yes,”hesaid.“Theanswerisyes.”

Shestilled.He’dshockedher.Well,she’dshockedhim.

Somewhere,inthebackofhisbrain,avoicewasscreamingoutawarning.Somethingaboutthere

beingnoturningbackfromthismoment.

Hecouldbarelyhearitoverthethumpingofhisheart.Amywasattractedtohim.She’dthought

aboutthetwoofthemtogether.Skintoskin.Himinsideher.

Hisgazedroppedtohermouth.Howmanytimeshadhestudieditoverthepastfewdays?

Wonderedwhatshewouldtastelike,howshewouldfeel?Howmanytimeshadhedreamedabouther
inthatlong-agosummerwhentheywerebothfourteen?

Hestrokedhisfingersalongthedelicatelineofherjaw.

“Amy,”hesaid,hisvoiceverylow.

Shemadeasmallsoundinthebackofherthroat.Heslidhishandaroundtopalmthenapeofher

neck.Hergazedroppedtohismouth.

Timeslowedashepulledhergentlytowardhim.

Herlipsparted.

Thenhislipswereonhers.Movingoverthem,learningtheshapeofher,thefeelofher.Softand

full.Silkandvelvet.Sheopenedhermouthtohimandtheirtonguestouchedforthefirsttime.She
tastedgood,sweetandhot.

Hewantedmore.Muchmore.Hedrovehisfingersintothehairatthebaseofherskullandheldher

headinthepalmofhishandasheexploredhermouthwithhis.Herhandsfoundhischest,clutching
hisT-shirt,thefabricbitingintothebackofhisneckasshedraggedhimcloser.

Closerwasgood.Closerwaswhathewanted,too.Hespreadhisfreehandonherhip,pullingher

downwithhimashesanktothefloor.Awaveofpureheatrolledthroughhimasherweightsettled
overhim.Heslidhishandontotheroundnessofherbackside,hisfingerscurvingtohershapeashe
pulledheragainstthehardnessofhiserection.

“Quinn,”shebreathed,herhipscirclingagainsthim.

Hishandswereshakingashefoundthewaistbandofhersweater.Hewantedsomuch,neededso

much,hedidn’tknowwheretobegin.Hesmoothedhispalmupherwarmbelly.Hecuppedherbreast,
histhumbbrushingoverhernipplethroughthesilkofherbra.Shequiveredlikeapluckedguitar
string,herbreathcomingindesperatelittlepants.

Herolledsothatshewasbeneathhim,ignoringtheacheofprotestfromhisbruisedribs.Hewasso

farbeyondpainitwasn’tfunny.Shespreadherlegstocreateacradleforhishipsandhelosthismind
foraminuteashepressedhishard-onintotheheatedjunctureofherthighs.

Hereachedforthehemofhersweaterandpusheditupoverherbreasts,thenshovedherbraup,

too,finessebedamned.Shewasastudyinpinkandcream,soprettyandsexyithurttolookather.

“Beautiful,”hemurmured,thenheloweredhisheadandpulledoneofherpoutylittlenipplesinto

hismouth.

Shegaspedandgrippedhisshoulders.

“Quinn.”

Herhandsslidacrosshisback,hischest,hisass.Thenshewasslidingahandbetweentheirbodies

andsmoothingherpalmupanddowntheswollenlengthofhiserectionthroughthedenimofhis
jeans.

Hisbreathhissedbetweenhisteeth.Hewantedtobeinsideher.Hewantedtofeelherslickandfirm

aroundhim.Hishandfoundthestudonherjeans,poppingitopen.Sheliftedherhipsencouragingly
ashefoundthetabonherzipperandtuggeditdown.Herbellytrembledasheslidhishandbeneath
theelasticofherpanties.Hisfingerscaressedsilkyhairthenslidintoslickheat.

Hisgutclenchedashefelthowincrediblywetshewas.Hetracedherintimatefolds,thenslida

fingerinsideher.Shetightenedaroundhim,sexyandhot,herhipsliftingoffthefloorashestroked
inandoutofher.

“Amy.”

“Hurry.Please.”

Hereachedforhisbeltbuckle,tuggeditfree.Herhandsfoundhiszipperandpulleditdown.Then

shewasinsidehisunderwear,strokingherhandupanddownhisshaft,herthumbcaressingthehead
ofhispenis.

Heshuddered,hiswholebodytensing.Hestartedtopeelherjeansawayfromherhips.Fivemore

secondsandhe’dbeinsideher,insideallthattight,wetheat,his—

“Amy?Hello?”

Theybothfroze.

“Shit,”Amywhispered.

Itwashermom.Theystaredateachother,theirbodiesslickandsteamywithlust.Amywasflushed,

hernipplesstilltightandwetfromhismouth.Hermouthwasswollen,hereyeshazywithneed.

“Amy?IsthereanybodyhereoramIjusttalkingtomyself?”

Theyheardthescuffoffootsteps,thenthedistinctsoundofsomeoneclimbingthestairs.

“She’scominguphere!”Amyhissed.

Theyrolledawayfromeachother,Amyjerkingherbraandsweaterdownwhilehestruggledwith

hiszipperandbeltbuckle.They’dbarelyscrambledtotheirfeetwhenMrs.Parkercrossedtheupper
foyerandenteredthebalcony.

“T

HEREYOUARE

.Didn’tyouhearmecalling?”Amy’smotherasked.

Amyresistedtheurgetocheckherflywasclosed,eventhoughshecouldn’tonehundredpercent

rememberzippingitup.

“Mom.Hi.Um,no,QuinnandIwerebusydiscussingathing.”

Hermother ’sgazewentfromAmytoQuinnandbackagain.

“Howareyoudoing,Mrs.P.?”Quinnsaid.

“I’mfine,thanks,Quinn.ThoughtIshouldpopinandcheckhowthingsaregoingdownhere.”

“Thingsaregoingwell.Reallywell.We’regettinglotsdone,”Amysaid.

SheriskedaglanceatQuinn.HishairwasmussedandhisT-shirtrumpled,thefabricstrategically

bunchedinfrontofhiscrotch.Helookedasthoughhe’drolledoutofbed.Which,inaway,hehad.

Irumpledthathair.Igavehimthehard-onhe’shidingbeneaththatT-shirt.

Itwasalmostinconceivable,andyetithadhappened.Herheartwasstillpounding,herbodystill

throbbingwithneed.Quinnhadwantedher.

Quinn.

Herwildestdreamcometrue.

Hermothershiftedthestrapofherhandbaghigheronhershoulder.“Whendoyouthinkyou’llbe

readytopaint?”

OutofthecornerofhereyeAmysawQuinnstooptocollectUlrich’sletterfromthefloor.

“Soon.Weneedtofinishpreppingthewalls.Iwashopingtohaveitdoneoverthenextfewdays,”

Amysaid.

Quinnclearedhisthroat.“Ames,Imightleaveyoutwotocatchupforabit.I’vegotsomebusiness

totakecareof.”

Hisfacewasshuttered,utterlyunreadable.

“Um,sure.”

Henoddedtohermother,thenturnedandheadedforthearchwaytotheupperfoyer.Shestared

afterhim.

“Amy?”

Hermother ’swordsjoltedherfocusbackintotheroom.Amyblinked,turnedtohermother.

“Sorry?”

“What’sgoingon?”

“Itoldyou.We’restillpreppingthewalls.”

Hermothercrossedherarmsoverherchest.“Ididn’tcomedowninthelastshower.IknowwhatI

walkedinon.”

“Mom,nothing’sgoingon.”

Hermothersighedheavily.“Allright.Keepittoyourself.Butjustremember,Quinn’sgoing

throughadifficulttimerightnow.”

“Iknowthat.”

“Mendostrangethingswhentheycomeoutoflong-termrelationships,Amy.Whateverisnot

happeningbetweenthetwoofyou,makesurethatyou’rebothonthesamepage.I’dhatetoseeyou
gethurt.”

“Nothing’sgoingon.”

“Hmm.Showmehowthefloorscameupafterthespill.”

Amytookhermotherdownstairs,watchingalittleimpatientlyashermotherinspectedthefloor.

“Nottoobad.Youmightneedtogetintosomeofthesecrackswithawirebrush,butmostofit

shouldsandoutwhenyoudotherefinishing,”hermothersaid.

Atanyothertime,Amywouldappreciatehermother ’sexpertopinion,butallshewantedrightnow

wastotalktoQuinn.Sheneededtohearhisvoice,toknowwherehewasat,whathewasthinking.
Whyhe’dleftthewayhehad.

“Well,IguessIshouldgetbacktothestore.”

“Okay.Thanksfordroppingby.”Amywasalreadyfingeringherphoneinherpocket.

Amykissedhermothergoodbyeandwaitedtillherfootstepshadfadedbeforeflippinghercell

phoneopen.

Ifhermotherhadn’tarrived,sheandQuinnwouldbeloversbynow.Theywouldhavebeenas

closeastwopeoplecouldget.Itwouldhavechangedeverything.

Buthermotherhadarrived.AndAmywasafraidthateverythinghadchangedanyway.

Youdon’tknowthat.Youdon’tknowwhathe’sfeelingrightnow,whathe’sthinking.

Butshekeptrememberingtheshutteredlookonhisfacebeforehe’dduckedandrunforcover.Not

exactlyinspiringstuff.

Shepressedspeeddialandwaitedforhimtopickup.Hisphonewentstraighttovoicemail.She

triedhisparents’place,butthephonesimplyrangout.Thenshetriedhiscellagain,andagainshegot
voicemail.

Finallysheclosedherphone.

Hedidn’twanttotalktoher.

Itmightnotmeananything,Weaselpipedup.

ButsheknewWeaselwaswrong.Asalways.

CHAPTEREIGHT

Q

UINNHADNOIDEA

howthingshadgottensocrazysoquickly.Sure,he’dbeenthinkingaboutAmya

lotoverthelastfewdays.Rememberingfeelingslongforgotten.Andthere’dbeenthatdreamandher
gapingpajamatop…

Butthemomenthe’dtouchedher,tastedher,felthertouchinghim…He’dlostit.Pureandsimple.

He’dfeltasdesperateandurgentandclumsyasthehornyteenhe’doncebeen.

Hetookamouthfulofbeer.Hewassittingonthebackdeckofhisparents’house.Hadbeenever

sincehebailedonAmy.

Sheprobablythoughthewasashamelessopportunist.Andifshedidn’t,sheshould.Shewashis

bestfriend.Sowhatifshe’dadmittedtobeingcuriousaboutwhatitwouldbeliketogetnakedwith
him?Sincewhendidthatsignalafree-for-all?Ifhermotherhadn’tarrived,hewouldhavetakenher
rightthereonthebareboardsofthebalcony.

Youhavetoapologize.Youhavetolookherintheeyeandapologize.

Hecheckedhiswatch.He’dbeengoneacoupleofhours.HeshouldgobacktotheGrandrightnow.

TalktoAmy.Saywhatneededtobesaid.

Hedidn’tmove.Didn’tsomuchasflexamuscle.

Hewasthirtyyearsold,andonthevergeofdivorce.Wasitjusthim,orwasitareallylousytime

forhimtostartobsessingoverhisbestfriend?

Hesquintedhiseyesagainsttheweakwintersun,tryingtosortthingsoutinhismind.

Amywashisdearestandoldestfriend.

Hevaluedhisrelationshipwithher.HadevenfeltcompelledtodroptheL-wordonherrecently,

despitebothofthemhavingleftthesentimentunspokenforyears.

Andhewantedtosleepwithher,andhadalmostdoneso,despitealloftheabove.

HehadnoideawhatAmywantedfromhim.Friendship,yes.Sex?Acoupleofhoursago,yes.But

nowthatshe’dhadtimetothinkthingsover?Hehadnoidea.

Worse,hehadnoideawhathewanted,beyondtheobvious.He’dbeenwithLisafornearlyfifteen

years,marriedtoherforsixofthem.Therehadbeenothergirlfriendsinhighschoolwhenheand
Lisahadbrokenupacoupleoftimes.Therehadbeenasix-monthbreakwhentheywereatuniversity
whenthey’dbothseenotherpeople.Butotherthanthosefewperiodsinhislife,hehadalwaysbeen
onehalfofawhole.QuinnandLisa,LisaandQuinn.Now,afternearlyayearonhisown,hewas
startingtounderstandthathe’dlosthimselfinhismarriage.BeensubsumedbyLisa’sambitionand
drive,allowedherneedsandwantstoswamphisown.

He’dlosttrackofthethingsheconsideredimportant.Acareerhecouldbelievein,afamilyofhis

own,involvementinthecommunity,personalfulfillment.Hehadnoideahowtobringthosethings
backintofocusforhimselfagain,wheretostart.

AllofwhichmeanthehadnobusinessfoolingaroundwithAmy.Whatdidhehavetoofferher,

afterall?Hislifecrisis?Hisconfusionandfrustrationandbitterness?Shedeservedahellofalot
morethanthatfromhim.

Hesmiledgrimlyathisownarrogance.HecouldalmosthearAmyinhishead:WhosaysIwant

anythingfromyou,buddy?Hewasbeinghugelypresumptuous,makingassumptionsaboutwhathe
thoughtshemightwant.

Heneededtotalktoher.Theywerebothadults,afterall.Theykneweachotherwell,respectedeach

other.Careddeeplyforoneanother.Therewasnoreasonwhytheycouldn’tsitdownanddiscuss
whathadalmosthappenedbetweenthem.

Hepushedhimselftohisfeetanddustedoffthebuttofhisjeans.Thenhedrankthelastofhisbeer

andwenttotalktoAmy.

A

MYWASTESTING

thestabilityofthenewly-erectedscaffoldingwhenthebackofherneckprickled.

SheknewwithoutlookingthatQuinnhadreturned.

He’dbeengonethreehours.Notagoodsign.Definitelynotthesignofamanwhohadsuddenly

realizedthathewasinlovewithhisbestfriend.

Asifthatwasevergoingtohappen.

Shetookamomenttocomposeherself,thenglancedoverhershoulder.“Hey.”

“Hey.”

Hewasstandinginthecenterofthecinema,handsinthebackpocketsofhisjeans.Hewastryingto

lookcasual,butshecouldseethetensioninhisshoulders.

Herstomachdippedindismay.Thiswasgoingtobebad.

“Thescaffoldingguyscame,”shesaid,pattingoneoftheuprights.Anythingtoholdoffthe

conversationsheknewwascoming.

“Shouldmakelifeabiteasier,”hesaid.

“Definitely.”

Anawkwardsilencefell.

“Weshouldprobablytalk,”shesaidatexactlythesamemomenthedid.

Theybothlaughed.Hergazetouchedhisbriefly,butshewastoonervoustoholdit.

“Greatmindsthinkalike,”hesaid.

“Yeah.”

Aheavyweightdescendedonherchest.Sheknewwhathewasabouttosay.Itwasineverylineof

hisfaceandbody.Sorry,Ames.Ihavenoideawhatthatwasallabout.Let’schalkitupasabold
experimentandmoveon.

Orsomethinglikethat.Whateveritwas,howeverhephrasedit,sheknewitwasn’tgoingtobewhat

shewantedtohear.

Quinndidn’tloveherthewayshelovedhim.Sheshouldgetittattooedontheinsideofhereyelids,

incaseshewasevertemptedtoforgetagain.

“Whathappenedearlier…IfeellikeIshould…”Quinnlaughedawkwardlyandranahandthrough

hishair.“ThisisalotharderthanIthoughtitwouldbe.Thingskindofgotoutofcontrol.AndI’m
sorryaboutthat.”

Hewassorry.

Ofcoursehewas.

“Youdon’tneedtoapologize.”

“IthinkIdo.Evenifweweren’tbestfriends,thereareaboutamillionotherreasonswhywhat

happenedwasabadidea.I’mstillsortingthroughallthisshitwithLisa,I’monlyintownforafew
weeks,Ihavenoideahowmylifeisgoingtolookinafewmonths’time,letalonenextyear…”He
shrugged.“I’mnotexactlyagreatprospectrightnow.”

Sheshouldprobablythankhimfornotvoicingthemostobviousreasonwhywhathappenedwas

forevergoingtoremainafreakone-off:hewasn’tinterestedinherinthatway.Shewasfiledfirmly
undertheheading“friend”inhismind.Alwayshadbeen,alwayswouldbe.

“Ivalueyourfriendshiptoomuchtoscrewitupwithsex,”hesaid.

Andthereitwas.Thebottomline.

Shestraightenedherspine.Timetocometotheparty.Helpsweepthismessunderthecarpetand

ignoreittillitwentaway.

“Ifeelthesameway,”shesaid.Shetriedtoforcemorepastthelumpinherthroatbutcouldn’tdoit.

Quinntookasteptowardher,hisfacecreasedwithconcern.“Ames.”

Sheheldupahandtokeephimatbay.DearGod,ifhetouchedherrightnowshereallywouldfall

apart.

“I’mfine.Really.Justrelievedthatwe’rebothonthesamepage.Iwaswiggingoutforawhile

there.”

“Youandmeboth.Kindofcaughtmeoffguard.”

“Me,too,”shesaid.“Butwe’rebothcoolwithit,soit’sallgood.Right?”

“Absolutely.”

Shegatheredtogethertheremnantsofherprideandmusteredyetanothersmile.“It’spastthree.We

mightaswellcallitquitsfortheday,startfreshtomorrow.”

TherewasashortpausebeforeQuinnresponded.“Sure.I’llseeyouateighttomorrowmorning,

okay?”

“Great.Seeyouthen.”

Shekeptthesmileonhermouthuntilhisfootstepshadfaded.Thenshesankontooneofthe

crossbarsofthescaffolding.

Herchestached.Sherubbedtheheelofherhandagainsthersternumandstaredatthefloor.

Couldhavebeenworse.Youcouldhavedeclaredyourself.

Somethingtobegratefulfor.Notmuch,butsomething.

Q

UINNHEADEDFOR

thecouncilbuildingwhenhelefttheGrand,hishandsdeepinhiscoatpockets.

HetoldhimselfhewaspleasedwiththewaythingshadgonewithAmy.They’dbothagreedthat

rollingaroundonthefloorwasamistake.Thattheirfriendshipwasworthmorethananysexual
curiosityeitherofthemmightharbor.Afewdaysfromnow,itwouldbeasthoughithadnever
happened.Businessasusual.

Hesnorted.You’resofullofit,Whitfield.

ItwasunlikelyhewasgoingtoforgetthosefewhotminuteswithAmyinhisarmsanytimesoon.

Butitwasn’tasthoughhehadanalternative.

Deniselookedupfromthereceptiondeskwhenheenteredthecouncilbuilding.

“QuinnWhitfield.Youlooklikeyoutookonafootballteam.”

Hefingeredhisjaw.Theswellinghadgonedownovernight,butthebruisewasstillaluridpurple-

gray.

“Hockeyteam,actually.Girls’underfourteen.”

Denisesmiledsympathetically.“Iheardaboutwhathappened.IwasgoingtocallAmestonightto

seehowshewasholdingup.Whatapackofbastards.”

“Youcansaythatagain.”

“Dothecopshaveanyideawhodidit?”

“Ideas,butnotmuchevidence.Listen,Denise,whatcanyoutellmeaboutUlrichConstruction’s

relationshipwithcouncil?”

Denise’sheavilymascaraedeyeswentwideforasecondasshejoinedthedots.Thenshepushedher

officechairtowardthefilingcabinetbehindherdesk.

“Tellmewhatyouneed,”shesaid.Sheopenedthefiledrawerandlookedathimexpectantly.

Hesmiledfaintlyatherreadyresponse.“Nothingthatmightgetyouintrouble.”Heglancedtoward

thecorridorleadingtotheinneroffices.

“Don’tworryaboutReg.He’sneverhere.HespendsmoretimeattheDaylesfordgolfcoursethan

theclubpro.”

“Inthatcase,I’lltakeanythingyou’vegotonUlrichConstruction.”

Denisestartedpullingfiles.“Ifitwasforanyoneelse,I’dtellyoutotakeahike,butAmyisa

goddess.Ifitwasn’tforher,I’dstillbelyingaroundinmytrackpants,stuffingmyfaceandfeeling
sorryformyself.Aftermydivorce,shelistenedtomemoanforafewmonths,thensheputarocket
upme.Shehelpedmepickasecretarialcourse,thenconvincedherdadtoputmeonatthehardware
storesoIcouldgetsomeexperience.Ayearlater,Ilandedthisjob.Amy’sthebest.”

“Iknow.”

Shecarriedthefilesshe’dpulledovertothephotocopierthenglancedacrossathim.

“Doyouminddouble-sidedcopies?We’reonaneco-friendlykick.”

“Double-sidedisfine.”

Hetookthefileshomeandwentoverthem,makingnotes.ThenheloggedontotheInternetanddid

abitofpokingaround.

Hecameupwithaninterestingpicture:untilfiveyearsago,Ulrichhadbeenverysmallpotatoes,

buildingonlyahandfulofresidentialhousesayear.Thenthecompanysuddenlylandedaslewof
contractsforcommercialprojects,manyofthemoriginatingfromcouncil.ArealCinderellastory.

Ifyouwerethekindofguywhobelievedinfairytales.

Helookedupthecompany’sstreetaddressandgrabbedhiscarkeys.Tenminuteslaterhepulledup

outthefrontofanuglynewcommercialdevelopment,aseriesofsquatconcretecubesthatwasall
aboutcheapconstructionandpreciouslittleelse.Locatedontheoutskirtsoftown,itwassurrounded
bylotsofchurned-upmudandstaked-outplotsoflandthatsignaledmoredevelopmentwasslatedfor
thefuture.Quinnparkedacrossthestreetandclimbedoutofhiscar.

Ulrich’sMercedeswasparkedoutthefrontofhisoffices.Quinnsparedaglanceforthelush

leatherinteriorashewalkedpast.Anelectronicbuzzerannouncedhisarrivalasheenteredasmall
receptionareaboastingasinglecouch,acoffeetablefullofbuildingmagazinesandadeskwitha
computerandaprettybrunette.

Shelookedupfromherkeyboardandsmiled.“Goodafternoon.HowcanIhelpyou?”

QuinnwastemptedtoaskifshemindedhandingoverUlrich’sfinancialrecordsbutshelookedtoo

youngtoappreciatethejoke.

“I’dliketoseeMr.Ulrich.Idon’thaveanappointment,butifyoutellhimIrepresentAmyParker,

I’msurehe’llseeme.”

Hehandedoveroneofhisbusinesscards.Thereceptionist’ssmilefalteredatthementionofAmy

andheguessedUlrichhadbeentalkingaboutheraroundtheoffice.

Interesting.

“Ifyou’lljustgivemeamoment,”shesaid.

Shedisappeareddownthehallway.Heproppedhishipagainstherdeskandstudiedthephotographs

ofvariousdevelopmentsonthewalls.Moreexamplesoftheconcreteboxschoolofarchitecture.It
wasaluckydayforDaylesfordwhenAmybeatUlrichtotheGrand.Quinncouldimaginetheeyesore
thedeveloperhadplannedtoinflictonthecommunity.

“I’msorry,Mr.Whitfield,butMr.Ulrichistieduprightnow.Hesuggestsyoumakeanappointment

ifyou’dliketoseehim.”

Tohercredit,thereceptionistcouldn’tquitelookhimintheeyeassheliedthroughherteeth.Quinn

straightened.He’dhalfexpectedUlrichtobethispettyandstupid.

“Thanks,”hesaid.

HeexitedthebuildingandcrossedtoUlrich’sMercedes.Heproppedhisassonthehoodandleaned

backtowait.Itdidn’ttakelongforthereceptionisttoregisterwhathewasdoing.Hewatchedthrough
theglass-paneleddoorasshehustledawaytoinformherbossthatthenastylawyerhadn’tgoneaway.
AfewminuteslaterUlrichbarreledoutthefrontdoor,hisfacealreadyflushedwithtemper.

“Getoffmycar.IfIfindsomuchasascratchonit,I’llcallthepolice.Seehowyoulikebeing

arrestedfordamagingprivateproperty.”

Quinndidn’tbudge.

“LasttimeIlookedtherewasn’talawagainstsittingonacar.Butgorightahead.I’mvery

interestedtohearyourviewsonrespectingprivateproperty,andI’msurethepoliceare,too.”

Ulrichpulledhisphoneoutbutdidn’tattempttodial.“Ifyou’vecomeheretonegotiateonthat

girl’sbehalf,youneedtotalktomylawyer.”

QuinnranhiseyesoverUlrich’ssilksuitandshinyloafers.Theguyclearlyfanciedhimselfa

player.Amazinghowalittlebitofsuccesscouldgotoaperson’shead.

Quinnstood,slidinghisfingertipsintohisfrontpockets.“YouandIbothknowwhatyou’vebeen

tryingtodotoAmyParker.It’sgoingtostop.Andthisstupiddefamationsuitisgoingtodisappear.
Yougotthat?”

ForamomentUlrichlookedshockedatQuinn’sdirectness.Thenhesmiledandrockedbackonhis

heels.“Youdon’tscareme.Icanhireguyslikeyoubythetruckload.Thesmartestthingyoucandois
convinceyourgirlfriendtobackoutofthedealshemadewithcouncil.Tellherifshedoesitwithin
thenextweek,I’lleventhinkaboutlettingherhaveherdepositback.”

“Ifthat’sthewayyouwanttoplayit.Justsoyouknow,I’llberepresentingAmyforfreeinallher

dealingswithyou.Icanstallandblockanddelay,filemotionsbackandforthforyears.Guyslikeme
liveforthatshit.Anditwon’tcostAmyacent.Ihopeyou’vegotabigbudgetforlegalexpenses,
Barry.”

“We’llsee.”Ulrich’sconfidentsmilewasstillinplace.

Smugprick.

Quinnhadachildishurgetoshovehimbackward,maybeswingapunchortwo.Buttherewere

betterwaystohurtasmallmandesperatetobetterhimselfintheworld.

“I’vebeendoingabitofreadinguponyou,”hesaid.“You’realuckyguy.Lotsofgrowthoverthe

pastfiveyears,lotsofbig,fatcontractscomingyourway.”

“Ifyou’vegotapoint,makeit.I’vegotthingstodo.”

Quinn’shandflexed.Justonepunch…

“Here’smypoint.YoumakelifeuncomfortableforAmyandI’llmakethingsuncomfortablefor

you.AfewphonecallstotherightpeopleandIcangettheAustralianSecuritiesandInvestment
Commissiontoreviewyourannualreturns.Icanmakeenoughnoiseabouttheblatantfavoritism
inherentinyourfast-trackedplanningapprovalstomeritafullinquiryintoyourrelationshipwith
councilbythestategovernment.Icansuggestthetaxdepartmenttakealookatyourrecordsforthe
pastfiveyears.Icanhoundyoutohellandbackagain.”

Ulrich’ssmileremainedinplacebutamuscleflickeredatthecornerofhiseye.

“Isyourcompanyuptothatkindofscrutiny,Barry?Areallyourbusinessdealingssqueaky-clean

andabovereproach?”Quinnpulledhiskeysfromhispocket.“Becauseifthey’renot,ifyou’ve
slippedupevenonce,I’mgoingtonailyoutothewall.”

Quinnclappedtheothermanontheshoulderalittletoofirmlyandheadedforhiscar.Hecouldfeel

Ulrichglaringathimeverystepoftheway.Good.He’dmuchratherUlrichfocushisenmityonhim
insteadofAmy.

Quinnslidbehindthewheelandstartedtheengine.Ulrichwasonhisphone,hisbackturned.

Callinghislawyer,nodoubt.

Quinnshrugged.Ulrichwasabully,animpatientone.Hewasusedtopeoplerollingoverforhim

butQuinndoubtedhehadthestomachforalong,drawn-outfight.

Atleasthehopednot.Butiftheothermandiddigin,Quinnwouldmakehimhurtinasmanyways

possible.

WhateverittooktoprotectAmy.

T

HEFOLLOWINGAFTERNOON

,Amyputdowntheelectricsanderandshookoutherhands.Shewas

coveredfromheadtotoeinafinefilmofwhitepowderfromsandingthewallsinthebalcony.She
pulledthedisposabledustmaskoffherfaceandranherhandoverherhair.Acloudofpowderpuffed
aroundher.

Nowthatthesanderwasquiet,shecouldhearQuinnworkingdownstairs.Thesqueakofthe

scaffoldingasheshiftedhisweight.ThelowsoundofhisvoicesingingalongwithNickelback.

Shemovedtheladderacrossafewfeetbutpausedbeforeclimbingitandstartingonthenext

sectionofwall.

SheandQuinnhadhardlytalkedallday.She’dthoughtthathermany,manyyearsofexperiencein

hidingherfeelingswouldmeanshewasanaturalatpretendingitwasbusinessasusualbetweenthem,
butshecouldbarelymeethiseyeswhenhearrivedforworkthismorning.He’dseemedequally
uncomfortable,andthingshaddeterioratedfromthere.

Somuchforbothofthembeingcoolwithwhathadhappened.

Sheheardthesoundofacellphoneringinginthetheatre,thenthelowtonesofQuinn’svoice.She

deliberatelytunedout.Hisprivatelifewasnoneofherbusiness.

Still,shenoticedwhenheendedthecall,andshetensedwhensheheardhisfootstepsonthestairs.

Hewascominguptotalktoher.

Eventhoughsheknewsheprobablylookedasthoughshe’dbeenrolledinflourthankstoallthe

plasterdust,shepushedherhairbackfromherfaceandadoptedacasualexpressionthatwas
supposedtoconveyhowunaffectedshewasbyQuinnandtheworldingeneral.Sheevenpickedup
thesandertomakeitlookasthoughshehadn’tbeenstandingaroundmooningoverhimforthelast
fiveminutes.

“Hey,”hesaidasheappearedinthearchwaytotheupperfoyer.

Shetookaninvoluntarystepbackward.Sometimebetweenlunchtimeandnowhe’dtakenhis

sweatshirtoff.Shestaredatthesnugnavytanktophewaswearingunderneath,takinginhisbig

shouldersandwell-muscledarmsandflatbelly.

“Hey,”shesaid,ashadetoolate.

Itwasn’tfair.Heworkedatadesk.Hehadnobusinesshavingachestandarmsandshoulderslike

that.Ifshe’dknownshewaslyingontopofallthatgorgeousmuscleyesterday,shewouldhavetorn
hisclothesoffwithherteeth.

“How’sitgoinguphere?”Hecastaneyeoverthewalls.

“Okay,”shesaid.Shestartedfiddlingwiththesander.Eventhoughshe’djustputanewsheetof

sandpaperin,changingitwouldgiveheranexcellentexcusefornotlookingatQuinnanymorethan
shehadto.

Shebracedtheunitbetweenherkneeswhilesheworkedontheclampstoreleasethepaper.

“What’sup?”sheasked.

“IranintoRickBachelorinthestreetagainearlier.”

“Oh,yeah?”Shefumbledtheclampandsworesoftly.ShesawQuinntakeasteptowardheroutof

thecornerofhereye.

“Youwantahand?”

“I’mfine,”shesaidalittletoosharply.Nowaywasshegoingtobeabletoretainthepretensethat

shewasindifferenttohimifheinvadedherpersonalspace.

Shekeptherattentiononthesanderbutshewasprettysurehercheekswereturningpink.Therewas

asmallsilencebeforeQuinnspokeagain.

“IaskedRickifheandNaomiwantedtocomeoverfordinnerandhejustcalledtoconfirm.SoI

wasthinkingmaybeyoucould—”

“No.”Thewordwasoutofhermouthbeforeshe’devenconsciouslythoughtit.Sheknewwhathe

wasabouttoask.RickandNaomiwerebotholdschoolfriendsandAmylikedthemalotbutnoway
wasshesittingbesideQuinnatadinnerpartyasthoughthetwoofthemwereamatchedset.Itwas
waytooclosetowhatherheartwanted.

“Youdon’tevenknowwhatIwasgoingtoaskyet,”Quinnsaid.

Shejerkedthesandpaperfreefromtheclamps.“Youweregoingtoaskmeoverfordinner,right?”

“Yeah.”

“I’mbusy.I’mhavingdinnerwithDenise.”Itwasn’tacompletelie.ShedidoweDenisedinnerand

tonightwasasgoodatimeasany.

“Shecouldcome,aswell.Iwasthinkingofdoingaroast.Myonefoolproofmeal.”

Hesmiledself-deprecatingly.Shewasalreadyshakingherhead.

“Thanks,butIthinkshewantedtotalkaboutsomegirlstuff.Problemswithherlatestboyfriend.

Youknow.”

ShesnuckalookatQuinnfrombeneathhereyelashes.Hewaswatchingherintently,hisexpression

unreadable.

“Maybeanothernight,”sheforcedherselftosay.

“Yeah.”

Shestraightened.“Bettergetbacktoit.”

Sheturnedherbackonhim.

Goaway.Takeyourbloodyimpressivechestandtoo-tighttanktopandgobackdownstairsandleave

mebe.

“Ames.”

Hedidn’tsayanythingelseandsheknewhewaswaitingforhertofacehim.Shedidn’twantto.She

feltstretchedthinfromallthepretendingshe’dhadtodotoday.

Shesteeledherselfandrelented.

“Areweokay?”heasked.

“Yeah.Ofcourseweare.Whywouldn’twebe?”

Hesimplystaredather.Okay,thathadbeenastupidthingtosay.Alittletoocasual,giventhe

circumstances.

“I’mfine.Justabittired,that’sall,”sheamended.

“Me,too.Didn’tsleepmuchlastnight.”

Thememoryofyesterday’sencounterhungintheairbetweenthemlikeatangiblething.Any

secondnowhewasgoingtobringitupagain,tellheragainhowmuchhevaluedherfriendshipand
howdumbithadbeen.

“Ireallyneedtodothis,”shesaid,gesturingwiththesander.“Iwanttotrytogetthiswallfinished

bytonight.”

ThistimeQuinndidn’tsayanythingwhensheturnedawayfromhim.Shewaiteduntilsheheard

himdescendingthestairsbeforeshepulledouthercellphoneandcalledDenise.

S

HEHADAHEADACHE

bythetimeshearrivedattheLakeHouserestaurantthatnight.Shesatinthecar

foramomentbeforeheadinginside.

Idon’tknowifIcankeepdoingthis.

Butitwasn’tasthoughshehadachoice.She’dtriedcuttingQuinnoutofherlifeandithadn’t

worked.She’dmadehermoveandhe’dtoldheritwasamistake.Shewasalloutofoptions.

Sheslidoutofthecar.

Denisewaswaitingattheirtable,sippingonacocktail.She’dcurledherhairandwaswearinga

low-cutreddressthatbarelycontainedhergenerousbreasts.

“Wow.YoulooklikeaPlayboybunny,”Amysaidadmiringly.

“Thanks.IfiguredImightaswellpulloutallthestops.Neverknowwhenalonelymillionaire

mightbehavingdinneronhisown.”

Denisecastahopefulglancearoundtherestaurant.Theonlymandiningalonehadsilverhairanda

walkingcane.Theybothwatchedashecuthissteakintosmall,manageableportions.

“It’sanicetheory,”Amysaiddiplomatically.

“Pityitsucksinpractice.”

Theybothlaughedandpickeduptheirmenus.

“Let’sgetsomewine.IneedalcoholmorethanIneedairrightnow,”Amysaid.

Theyorderedchampagne,thenabottleofsauvignonblancwiththeirmeal.Asusual,Denisewas

goodcompany,fullofshamelesslyexaggeratedstoriesaboutherrecentdatingexperiencesand
anecdotesfromherlarge,boisterousfamily.BythetimetheywerenibblingondessertAmyhadone
elbowonthetableandwashavingtroubleforminghervowelsounds.Whichwasperfect—exactly
whereshewantedtobe.Pleasantlyanesthetized.Numb.

Shewasjustthinkingabouthowniceitwastorelaxandforgetaboutthetensionsoftheweekwhen

DenisebroughttheconversationroundtoQuinn.

“MustbeprettygoodhavingQuinnbackintown.Youguyswerealwayssoclose.”

InstantlyAmy’sshouldersgottight.“Yeah.Soclose.Noonecloserthanus.”Shepokedathersticky

datepuddingwithafork.

“It’sashameaboutthedivorce.Butyou’vegottoaskyourself,howmanyteenromancessurvive

allthecrappolalifethrowsatyou?Notmany,inmyopinion.”

“Iguess.”

“Sohowlongdoyouthinkit’llbebeforehe’smarriedagain?”

Amynearlyspilledherwine.“WhatisitwitheveryonetryingtomarryQuinnoffagainwhenhe’s

notevenproperlydivorcedyet?”

“Idon’tknow.Heseemslikethekindofguywhoshouldbemarried.Ibethe’dmakeagreat

husband.”

TherewasnowayAmywasdrunkenoughtohavethisconversation.“Youstillthinkingabout

takingupballroomdancing?”sheaskedalittledesperately.“I’vealwayswantedtolearnhowto
tango.”

“Doyouknowifhe’sseeinganyone?BecauseIhavetosay,Iwouldn’tmindslingingmyhookin

thatdirection.Atall.Ifyougetmydrift.”

DearGod.

ThatwasallAmyneeded.YetanotherofherfriendsseducingQuinnrightinfrontofher.

“Youknowwhat?Let’stalkaboutsomethingelse.”

ForthefirsttimeDeniseseemedtoregisterherdiscomfort.“What’swrong?”

“Notathingintheworld.Ijustdon’twanttotalkaboutQuinnWhitfieldallnight.”

“It’shardlybeenallnight.Iaskedafewquestions—”

“Wellthere’snopointaskingme,becauseIhavenoideawhatQuinnwants.Neverhave,never

will.”

Amyliftedherglassandgulpedthelastofherwine.WhenshelowereditagainDenisewas

watchingherwithnarrowedeyes.

“DidyouandQuinnhaveafightorsomething?”

“Nosiree.QuinnandIarebestbuds.Pals.Hevaluesmyfriendship.Wouldn’teverwanttodo

anythingtoruinit.”

Denise’sjawdroppedandsheopenedhereyessowideAmywasafraidtheyweregoingtopop

rightoutofherhead.

“Oh.My.God.”

“What?”

“You’rehotforQuinn.”

ForamomentAmyfrozelikeabunnyinthecarheadlights.Thenshemadearudenoise.“Amnot.

Don’tberidiculous.”

“Bull.Shit.Youwanttogetbusywithhim.Youwanttoclimbhimlikeacatonacurtain,”Denise

saidwithundisguisedrelish.

“You’rewrong.Waywrong.Wegrewuptogether.He’slikemybrother.”

Deniseslowlyshookherhead,herredcurlsbobbing.“Prettyconvincing,Ames,butI’mnot

buying.Ialwayswonderedaboutyoutwo,youknow.Imean,he’ssohot.Thosedarkeyes.Thatass.
SometimesIgetsweatyjustlookingathim.Andyouguyshavealwaysbeensoclose.”Anewthought
seemedtocrosshermind.“MyGod,howdoyoustandit?”

Amystaredatherfriend.Forasecondallthedenialssheshouldmakehoveredonthetipofher

tongue.She’dheldhersecrettoherchestforyears,fullyawarethatonceitwasrevealedshe’d
becomeanobjectofpitytoherfriendsandfamily.PoorAmy,chasingalostdream.Butthepastfew
dayshadbeensoconfusing,sodamnedhard.Thetemptationofsharingherinnermostthoughtswith
someoneelsewastoostrongtoresist.

“Ihavenoidea.Atthemoment,I’mseriouslythinkingaboutgoingtothedoctorandaskinghimto

prescribesomethingtoturntheclockbacktopre-puberty.JustforthemonththatQuinnisintown.
That,orI’mgoingtohavetoborrowthatsexcatalogyoukeeptalkingaboutandbuysomethingbig
andscaryandindustrial.”

Denisedidtheeye-poppingthingagain.“Wow.Iwasright.Youhavegotitbad.”

Amyleanedacrossthetableandpointedafingeratherfriend.“Youhavenoideahowbad.Getthis.

I’vebeeninlovewithQuinnsincewewerebothfourteen.How’boutthemapples?”

Inforapenny,inforapound,right?

Deniseblinked,thenhermouthturneddownatthecorners.“Oh,Ames,that’ssosad.”

Amythumpedherfistonthetable.“No!Don’tyoudarefeelsorryforme!”Shesaiditsoloudly

thatseveralheadsturned.“I’mfine.I’vebeenfine.Iwillcontinuetobefine.Lovingsomeoneyoucan
neverhaveisnottheendoftheworld.It’snotlikeIdon’thavearichandfulfillinglife.Bigdealif
onetinyaspectofitisnotperfect.It’snottheendoftheworld.”

“Youalreadysaidthat.”

“Becauseitbearsrepeating,”Amysaid,thumpingthetableonelasttime,justtoensureshe’dmade

herpoint.

Shelookedaroundfortheirwaiterandgesturedhimovertothetable.

“Couldwehaveanotherbottleofwine,please?”sheasked.

“Maybeanotherbottleisn’tsuchagreatidea.Idon’tthinkI’veeverseenyouthisdrunk.”

“AnotherbottleisthebestideaI’vehadallweek.Ifeelgreat.”

“Right.”Denisewipedthecornersofhermouthwithhernapkin.“So,doesQuinnknowhowyou

feel?”

Amyrolledhereyes.“No.”

“Whynot?”

“Becausewe’refriends.AndassoonasItellhimhowIfeeleverythingwillbeweirdandawkward

andwrongandnothingwilleverbethesameagain.”

“Maybe.Butwhatifhefeelsthesame?”

“Hedoesn’t.Believeme.”Amyfocusedonthewaiterasheappearedtofillherglass.“Leavethe

bottle,thanks.”

“Howdoyouknowifyou’veneverasked?”

Amymadeabigshowoutofpretendingtothinkitover,cockingherheadtoonesidetheatrically.

“Hmm.Letmesee.Becausehemarriedsomeoneelseaftergoingoutwithherexclusivelyformostof
ourhighschoolyears?Thatwasabitofagiveaway.”

“Buthe’sgettingadivorce.He’sasingleguynow.”

Amytookabigslugofwine.“He’snotinterestedinme.He’llneverseemeasmorethanhis

friend.”

Deniseopenedhermouth.Thenshecloseditwithoutsayinganything.

Amyeyedheroverthetopofherglass.“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Comeon,’Nise.You’redyingtosaysomething.Icanpracticallyseethewordsformingina

speechbubbleaboveyourhead.”Amystumbledoverthewordpractically,butshewasconfident
Denisegotthegistofit.

“Okay,fine.IneverthoughtI’dseethedaywhenAmyParkerwasapussyaboutsomething.”

Amyblinked.“Apussy.You’recallingmeapussy?”

“That’sright,Iam.Abigoldpussy.Meow.”

Amyjabbedathumbatherownchest.“IthrewamuffinatBarryUlrich’shead.That’showmuchof

apussyIam.”

Denisewavedahandintheair,dismissingthemuffinassaultwiththeflickofherbrightly

lacquerednails.

“EveryonewantstothrowamuffinatBarryUlrich’shead.Youmighthavebeenthefirstbutyou

won’tbethelast.”

“Itookonthecouncil,”Amysaid.“IsavedandplannedfortenyearstobuytheGrand.Thoseare

allprettynon-pussythings.”

“Theyare.ButbeinginlovewithQuinnforsixteenyearsandnottellinghimhowyoufeelnowthat

he’savailablecancelsthemoutbig-time.”

“Itdoesnot.”Amycouldn’tbelieveDenisewasgivingherahardtimeoverthis.She’dexpected

sympathyandsupportafterspillingherbigsecret,notapeptalkonbeingassertive.

“Youneedtotellhim,”Denisesaid.

“You’renuts.”

“What’stheworstthingthatcouldhappen?”

Amyslurpedmorewinebeforeanswering.“Hecouldlaughatme.Worse,hecouldfeelsorryfor

me.”

“Hemight.Buthemightnot.”

“That’snotariskI’mpreparedtotake.”

“Soyou’llliveyourwholelifeneverknowing?”

Amyleanedbothelbowsonthetableandpreparedtofullyhumiliateherself.

“Ifyoumustknow,Ilaidakissonhimyesterdayandhefreakedout.Toldmehethoughtitwasa

badideaforustobeanythingotherthanfriends.SoIthinkIhaveafairideahowhefeels.Mystery
solved,caseclosed.”

Denisesatstraighterinherchair.“Youkissed?YouandQuinn?Didhekissyouback?Howlong

diditlast?”

“Notlongenough,”Amysaiddarkly.

“ButQuinnkissedyouback?”

Amyshruggeddismissively.“Itdidn’tmeananything.Hewasbeingkind.Quinn’salwayskind.”

“Guysdon’tkisswomenbecausethey’rebeingkind,Ames.”

“Theydoifthey’vebeenfriendsforthirtyyears.”

“Wasitjustakiss?Didhegopastfirstbase?”

“I’mnotgoingtoanswerthat.”

Denisegasped.“Hedid!Howfarpast?Secondbase?”

“Denise.”

“OhmyGod.Hegottothirdbase,didn’the?”

Amyglaredatherfriend.“Noneofyourbusiness.”

“Thirdbaseisnotkindness.Definitely.Thirdbaseislust.Quinnhasthehotsforyou.”Denisesaidit

unequivocally,asthoughitwasfact,beyondcontradictionorargument.

Amyshookherhead.Herbrainsloshedaroundthicklyandtheroomshiftedonitsaxis.Okay,

maybethethirdbottleofwinehadbeenabadidea.“Hewasbeingpolite.”

DenisereachedacrossthetableandgrabbedbothofAmy’shands.“Listentome.Iknowyou’reas

drunkasaskunkorwewouldn’tevenbehavingthisconversation,butyouneedtotalktoQuinn.Men
donotputtheirhandsdownthepantiesofwomentheydonotwanttohavesexwith.Trustme.I’ve
hadenoughhandsinmypantiestoknow.”

Amysqueezedherfriend’shandandblinked.ThreeDeniseswobbledinfrontofher,allofthem

watchingherwithfondconcern.“You’reasweetie.Iappreciateyoucheeringmeonfromthe
sidelines.ButIthinkIneedtogotothebathroomnowandthrowup.”

Shestaggeredtoherfeetandmadeherwayacrossthediningroomtotheladies’.Onceshewasina

cubicleshebracedherselfandwaitedforherdinnertomakeareturnappearance.Nothinghappened,
andafterafewminutestheworldstoppedspinningquitesomadlyandherstomachsettled.

Arapsoundedonthecubicledoor.

“Ames.Howyoudoing?”Deniseasked.

“I’mokay.Noregurgitationtospeakofsofar.”

“Alwaysagoodsign.Wantmetocallyouacab?”

“It’sokay.Icandoit.”

Tenminuteslatershewasstumblingupthegraveldrivetohercottage.

“Drinklotsofwater”hadbeenDenise’slastwordsbeforesherolledAmyintothecab,butitwas

whatshe’dsaidoverdessertthatAmycouldn’tgetoutofherhead.

“Amnotapussy,”shetoldherfrontdoor.Shestabbedthekeyrepeatedlyatthelockuntilitslidinto

theslot,thenshuffledherwayintothehouse.

Justbecauseshe’dchosenalifetimeoffriendshipoverthepossibilityofsomethinghappening

betweenherandthemansheloveddidnotmakeheracoward.Itmadehersensible.Practical.
Realistic.

Shetoedoffherhighheelsandwalkedtothekitchen,zigzaggingfromonewalltotheother.She

flungopenthepantrydooranddugarounduntilshefoundadustyoldbottleofporthiddenupthe
backbehindthespices.

“Knewyouwereintheresomewhere,”shesaidtothebottle.Shepouredherselfagoodglassfuland

sippedatit,pullingafaceathowsweetitwasafterthecrispnessoftheSemillonsauvignonshe’d
beendrinkingwithdinner.

Still,itwastheonlyalcoholshehadinthehouseanditwoulddothetrick.

IneverthoughtI’dseethedaywhenAmyParkerwasapussyaboutsomething.

Amygrowledandtookabiggulpofport.“Getoutofmyhead.”

ButDenisesimplywouldn’tbuggeroff.ShefollowedAmyintothebathroom,callingheracoward

andaskingthesamethingoverandover.

What’stheworstthingthatcouldhappen?

What’stheworstthingthatcouldhappen?

What’stheworstthingthatcouldhappen?

Amystaredatherreflection.Theanswercamefromaplacedeepinsideher.

“Icouldfindoutonceandforallthathedoesn’tfeelthesamewaythatIdo.”

Sheblinked.

Wow.

Denisewasright:shereallywasapussy.

Shewastooafraidtofindouttherereallywasnohope.Shepreferredtoliveinakindofnever-

neverlandwhereshecouldangstoverQuinnbutstillindulgethefantasythatoneday,maybe,ifthe
moonandplanetswereallaligned,hemightpossiblyreturnherfeelings.

Amygrippedtheedgeofthebathroomsinkuntilherknuckleswerewhite.Shestaredatherselfin

themirrorforalong,drawn-outmoment.Thenshenodded.

“Fine.Ifthat’sthewayithastobe.”

Thensheswiveledonherheelandwentlookingforapairofshoes.

CHAPTERNINE

S

HEJAMMEDHERFEET

intoherpurplesneakersandmadeforthedoor.Sherememberedtograbher

housekeysatthelastmoment,thenshewasoutsideinthecoldnightair.Shethoughtaboutgoing
backforajacket,butitseemedlikealotofhassleandshehadthingstodo,peopletosee.Oneperson
inparticular.

Herparents’streetwasthreeblocksoverfromherown.Therewasasicklemoonridinghighinthe

sky.Shehadtoreallyconcentratetokeepwalkinginastraightline.Itcametohergraduallythatit
waspossibleshewastoodrunktobeundertakingsuchanimportantmission.Butshewasalsoaware
sheprobablywouldn’tevenbeconsideringdoingwhatshewasabouttodoifshewasanycloserto
sobriety.

Sheturnedintoherparents’streetandwalkedpasttheirhousetotheWhitfieldplace.Thefront

windowsglowedfromwithin,asuresignthatQuinnwasstillawake.

Good.

Shenegotiatedherwayuphisdrivewaysafelybuttrippedonthetopsteptotheporch,barreling

intothefrontdoorwithherarmsoutstretched.Forsomereasonthisstruckherasbeingveryfunny—
sograceful,soelegant,especiallywhenshewasabouttoofferQuinnherheartonasilverplatter.She
wasgigglinglikeaschoolgirlwhenthefrontdoorswungopen.

“Amy.Jesus.Ithoughtitwastheworld’sbiggestpossum,”Quinnsaid.

“Possumsdon’twearshoes.”

Quinnpeeredather.“Haveyoubeendrinking?”

“Alittle.Butthat’snotimportant.Wehavebiggerfishtofry,friendo’mine.”

Quinnraisedaneyebrowbutstoodtooneside.“Comeonin.”

Shefollowedhiminside,stoppinginhertrackswhenshegotherfirstgoodlookathimunder

decentlighting.Hewasbarefootandwearingapairofverydarkjeansandawhiteshirtopenatthe
neck.Hissleeveswererolledupoverhisstrongforearms.Hisdarkhairwastousled.Hehadtheexact
perfectamountoffive-o’clockshadow.

Helookedgoodenoughtoeat.Strongandsexyandgorgeous.

Irresistible.

“Lookatyou.”Shethrewherhandsintheair,exasperatedandoverwhelmedinequalmeasure.“I

comeoverherewithalittlespeechallreadytogotokindofeaseyouintoit,andhereyouare,
standingaroundbeingsobloodygorgeousandfreakin’sexy.HowamIsupposedtoreact?WhatamI
supposedtodo?Huh?Youtellme.”

Quinnfroze.“What?”

Shegestureddramaticallyagain.“God,Quinn,doIhavetosayitamilliontimes,spellitoutfor

youinninety-footletters?Whatdoyouwantfromme?Iloveyou,QuinnWhitfield.Iloveyou,Ilove
you,Iloveyou.There,happy?”

“You’redrunk.”

Shetookasteptowardhim,thenanother,untiltheywerestandingbreasttochest,barelyaninch

betweenthem.Sheleanedtowardhim,justenoughtofeeltheheatofhisbodyagainsthers.She
reachedupandgrabbedthefrontofhisshirt,herhandscurlingintofistsaroundthefabric.

“Yes,Iamdrunk.Verydrunk.ButthatdoesnotchangewhatIamabouttosaytoyou.Quinn

Whitfield,IhavelovedyousinceIwasfourteenyearsold.Itabsolutelyfreakingkilledmewhenyou
gotwithLisathatsummer,andIcriedmyselftosleepthenightyoubothgotmarried.Iknowyou’re
notperfect,butIthinkyou’rewonderful.Sexyandcleverandstrongandtalentedandsexy.DidI
mentionthatalready…?”

Sheshookherheadtoclearit.Notagreatidea.Theroomspunalittle.Timetocuttothechase.

“Anyway.That’showIfeel.Ithinkyou’rethebee’sknees.Thecat’spajamas.Theant’spants.Ifyou

weremine,therewasnowayIwouldeverhaveevenglancedsidewaysatanotherman.”

Shereleasedhergriponhisshirt,smoothingthefabricflatagainsthischestbeforegivingitalittle

patandtakingastepbackward.

“Iwasn’tgoingtosayanything,butDenisesaidIwasapussyifIdidn’tandIamnotapussy.Never

havebeen,neverwillbe.So.HereIam.Andthat’showIfeel.”

Quinnwasverystill.Sheheldherbreath,waitingforsomesignthatherwordshadstruckachord

inhim.Buthesimplylookedblank.Asthoughshe’dthrownhimthebiggestcurveballofhislife.

Thensheheardit:awhisper,followedbyamuffledlaugh.Ahorriblepremonitionskittered

throughherbrain.Shewalkedtothelivingroomdoorandglancedinside.

AndsawRickandNaomiBachelorsittingonthecouch,coffeecupsinfrontofthem,embarrassed

smilesontheirfaces.SittingoppositethemwereJeromeCooperandhiswifeLacey.LikeNaomiand
Rick,Laceywasanoldschoolfriend.

“Hey,Amy,”Naomisaidlamely.

Laceywavedawkwardly.“Longtimenosee.”

“Oh,God,”Amysaid.Shetookastepbackward.

“Amy,”Quinnsaid.Hereachedouttograbherelbow.

Shejerkedawayfromhim,spinningonherheelandlungingtowardthefrontdoor.“Ihavetogo.”

Oh,boy,didshehavetogo.

Sixteenyearsshe’dwaitedtodeclareherselftoQuinnWhitfieldandshe’ddoneitinfrontofan

audience.Everywordshe’dsaidwasgoingtobeallovertowntomorrow.Everyonewouldknow.

Everyone.

“Amy,”Quinnsaidagain,butbysomemiracleshegotthefrontdooropenfirsttry.Sheracedout

ontotheporchanddownthestepstothedriveway.

“Amy!”

Shebrokeintoaflat-outrun.Shehadnoideawhereshewasgoing—somewherequietanddarkto

hideforawhile.Somewhereshecouldpretendthatshehadn’texposedherselftopracticallythe
wholetownaswellasQuinn.

Somewhereshecouldclosehereyesandpretendshehadn’tseentheblankshockonQuinn’sface

whenshe’dtoldhimshelovedhim.

ShewasconvincedshecouldhearQuinnfollowinghersoshetuckedherchinintoherchestandput

onasurge.Itwasonlywhensheturnedthecorner,puffingandblowing,thatshesawtherewasno
onebehindher.ThroughthealcoholhazesherememberedQuinn’shousefullofdinnerguestsand
thefactthathe’dansweredthedoorinbarefeet.Shewassafe.Fornow.

Themomentshestoppedrunningbileburnedherthroatandshebentoverandlostherdinnerin

frontofMrs.Patterson’sroses.

SheusedthePattersons’gardentaptorinsehermouthandcleanupthemess.Thensheheaded

home,herfeetheavierthanlead,hershouldershunched.

Theworstthingthatcouldhappenhadhappened:she’dtoldQuinnshelovedhim…andhe’dsaid

nothing.

Notathing.

Q

UINNSWOREUNDERHISBREATH

ashehobbledupthefrontsteps.He’dsteppedonsomethingsharp

whileattemptingtochaseAmydown.She’dboltedlikeajackrabbit,alcoholanddistressgivingher
wings.

Heleanedagainsttheporchpostandinspectedhisfoot.Sureenough,hehadanangry-lookingcut

acrosshisarch.

“Idiot.”Hewasn’tsureifhewastalkingtohimselforAmy.

Heopenedthefrontdoorandenteredthehouse,pullingupshortwhenherealizedhisdinnerguests

wereallstandinginthefronthallshruggingintotheircoats.

“We’llgetoutofyourhair,”Ricksaid.

“Don’twanttooverstayourwelcome,”Laceyaddedwithanawkwardsmile.

“Nobodyisinanybody’shair,”hesaid.Eventohisownearsitsoundedfalse.

Naomireachedoutandpattedhisarm.“Wefiguredyou’dprobablywanttogofindAmy.”

Hedid.ButhealsoneededafewminutestoprocessthebombshellAmyhadjustdroppedonhim.

Amylovedhim?

Itdidn’tseempossible.Andyetonsomedeep,gut-driven,instinctivelevelitfeltright.True.Real.

LaceyandNaomiexchangedlooks.

“Listen,Quinn,”Laceysaid.“Beforewego,wewantedtoletyouknowthatwhathappenedtonight

wasnoneofourbusiness.Whatweheardwon’tgofurtherthanthisroom,okay?”

“Yeah,ImightbeahairdresserbutIknowwhentokeepmylipszipped,”Naomiadded.

“Thanks.Iappreciateit,”Quinnsaid.ThelastthinghewantedwasforAmytofeelstupidorfoolish

orexposed.

Hewalkedthemtotheircarsandacceptedtheirthanksforthemeal,rememberingatthelastminute

thathe’dpromisedRickoverdinnerthathe’dtakealookatapropertycontracttheothermanwas
worriedabout.

“DropitbytheGrandtomorrowifyoulike,”Quinnsaid.

Rick’sfacelitup.“Really?Iknowit’ssmallfrycomparedtothestuffyounormallydoupin

Sydney,butI’dreallyappreciateasecondopinion.”

“Noworries.Dropitby,”Quinnassuredhim.

Hewatchedthemdriveoff,thenhereturnedtothehouseandclosedthedoorbehindhim.Fora

longmomenthesimplystoodintheemptysilenceofhischildhoodhome,hismindresonatingwith
onethought:Amylovedhim.

Herememberedtheheartfeltsincerityinherbigbrowneyesasshe’dgrabbedhisshirtandmade

herdeclaration.Yes,she’dbeenrip-roaringdrunk,butshe’dmeanteverywordshe’dsaid.

Helimpedtothebathroomandwipedthedirtoutofthecutonhisfoot.Thenhepulledonsocksand

hisbootsandgrabbedhiscarkeys.

FourminuteslaterhepulledupinfrontofAmy’shouse.Thewindowsweredarkbutheclimbedthe

stepsandknockedonherfrontdooranyway.Shedidn’tanswerandheknockedagain.Heknewshe
washome—couldfeelherpresenceinthehouse.Hetriedthedoor,butitwaslocked.

“Amy.Letmein,”hecalled.

Nothing.

“Amy.Comeon.Weneedtotalk.”

Hetriedforanothertenminutes,thenhecalledherlandlineandhercell.Shedidn’tpickup.Finally

hegotinhiscaranddrovehome.

Hewalkedintohisparents’livingroomandstaredatthecoffeecupsanddessertplatesleftover

fromdinner.

Hedidn’tknowwhattodo.Thatwasthetruthofit.Amy’swordswereechoinginsidehim,overand

over.Andhedidn’tknowwhattodo.

IhavelovedyousinceIwasfourteenyearsold.

ItabsolutelyfreakingkilledmewhenyougotwithLisathatsummer.

Icriedmyselftosleepthenightyoubothgotmarried.

Herubbedhisjaw.

HehatedthethoughtofAmybeinginpainbecauseofsomethinghe’ddone.Ornotdone.Couldn’t

standit.

Hethoughtbacktothedayofhiswedding,rememberedAmystandingwiththematthealtarasboth

bridesmaidandbestman—“bestperson,”asshe’dinsistedonbeingcalled.She’dsmiledandlaughed
withthem,cheeredwhentheyexchangedvows.BeenthebestfriendthatbothheandLisahadexpected
ofher.

Thenshe’dgonehomethatnightandcriedherselftosleep.Becauseofhim.Overhim.

“Shit.Shit.”

Hehadnoideahowtosortouthisfeelings.Guiltandfearandregretandsadness,allmixedup

together.

Hehadn’tknown.Hadneverevenhadaclue.Ifhehad,hewouldhave—

Whatwouldhehavedone?

Hesatontheedgeofthecouchandputhisheadinhishands.

Whatwouldhehavedone?WhatwouldhavehappenedifAmyhaddeclaredherselfyearsago

duringthatlong,hotsummerwhenthey’dallbeenfourteenandhe’dbeenthinkingaboutherand
dreamingabouther?WhatifithadbeenAmywho’dleanedacrosshisFrenchtextbookandlooked
himintheeyesandtoldhimshethoughthewashotandshewantedtokisshim,thewayLisahad?

Heclosedhiseyesasacascadeofpossibilitiesflashedacrosshismind,awholealternativelife.

Afteramomentheopenedhiseyesagain.

Thetruthwas,hewouldneverknow.BecauseitwasLisahe’dhookedupwiththatsummer,andit

wasLisahe’dfalleninlovewithanditwasLisahe’dmarried.

AnditwasLisawho’dbetrayedhim,andLisahewasabouttodivorce.

Hecouldn’tgoback.And,inallhonesty,hewouldn’twantto.Eventhoughthingshadnotturnedout

greatwithLisa,thetwoofthemhadhadtheirmoments.He’dbeenhappy,definitely,forsomeoftheir
timetogether.Hehadlovedher.

Buttheirmarriagewasovernowandhewasfreetofindanewwayforward.Anewfuture.

AndAmylovedhim.

Amy,whosefirm,warmlittlebodyhadbeenobsessinghimallweek.Amy,whomhe’dloved

wholeheartedlyashisgreatfriendsincebeforeheevenunderstoodwhatthewordmeant.Amy,who
couldalwaysmakehimlaugh,whocouldinfuriateandchallengehimlikenoother,whohadshared
somuchwithhim.

Hescrubbedhisfacewithhishands,suddenlyunderstandingthefullimportofAmy’svisitthis

evening.She’ddeclaredherselftohim.Aftersixteenyears.Andshe’dbeexpectingananswer.A
response.

She’dwanttoknowhowhefelt.Whathewanted.Iftheirfriendshipwastoremainafriendshipor

becomesomethingelse.

Thethoughtbroughthimtohisfeetagain.Hemovedtothefireplacetopokeatthedyingembersof

thefire.Thenhecrossedtothewindowtostareoutatthedarkenedstreet.

HelovedAmy.Thatwasagiven.Hedesiredher.ButAmydidn’tjustwantsexfromhim.She

wantedarelationship,afuture.Notexactlyyourtypicaldatingsituation.Infact,ittooktheconceptof
performanceanxietytoawholenewlevel.Everyword,everyaction,everyemotionwouldbeloaded
withsixteenyearsofexpectation,anticipationandhistory.

Inafewweeks’timehewasgoingtobeadivorcedman.Averydifferentmanfromthetwenty-

four-year-oldbabylawyerwho’dexchangedvowswithhisteenlovesixyearsago.Hismarriageand
breakupanddivorcehadlefttheinevitablemarksonhim.Hewouldn’tbehumaniftheyhadn’t.He
wasangryandabitbitter.Hurt.Hesuspecteditmightbehardforhimtotrustagain,totakesomeone
attheirword.

Hewasalsopartnerinaprofitable,lucrativecommerciallawfirminSydney,hundredsofmiles

awayfromtheoldcinemaAmyhadthrownherheartandsoulinto.Hehadresponsibilities.
Obligations.

Thereweresomanythingsthatcouldgowrong.Somanythingsthatmightnotmatchup.Thatwas

whatitallcamedowntointheend:thepotentialfordisaster.Morethananything,hedidn’twantto

disappointorhurtAmy.

Hewenttobedandstaredattheceiling.Nostunninginsightscametohimintheweehours.When

morningcame,hehadabsolutelynoideawhathewasgoingtosaytoher.

Heforcedhimselftomakeafewdecisionsbeforerollingoutofbed.HewouldtellAmythathewas

attractedtoher.Verymuchso.

Hewouldtellherthathelovedspendingtimewithher.

Andhewouldtellherabouthisdoubts.Andhisfears.Andhewouldseewhatshesaidinreturn.

HedrovetotheGrandwithabellyfullofknots.ThiswasAmy,afterall.Hewasdesperatenotto

screwthingsupbetweenthem.

Ashe’dhalfsuspected,shewasn’twaitingforhim.She’dbeensoplasteredlastnightthattheodds

wereexcellentshe’dwokenwithahangover.Heboughthimselfatake-outcoffeeandsettledinto
wait.

Hercarturnedintothelotfortyminuteslater.Hischesttightenedthemomenthesawher.She

parkednexttohimandhesmiledfaintlywhenhesawshewaswearingabaseballcapandbig
sunglasses.Definitelyhungover,then.

Shegrabbedherhandbagfromthepassengerseatthenslidoutofthecaratthesametimethathe

gotoutofhis.

“Hey,”shesaidacrosstheroof.

“Hey.”

“Sorrytokeepyouwaiting.”

“Noworries.Figuredyoumightbealittlelatethismorning.Afterlastnight.”

He’dmeantthecommentasawayintotheconversationtheyneededtohave,butAmysurprised

himbygroaningandclappingahandtoherforehead.

“Oh,God.Don’ttellmeIcametoyourplacelastnight,aswell?”

Hetookamomenttorespond.“Youcouldsaythat.”

“It’sofficial.Youcan’ttakemeanywhere.Howembarrassing.”Shepushedhersunglassesalittle

higheronhernose.“AccordingtoDenise,Idranknearlythreebottlesofwineonmyownlastnight.
Canyoubelievethat?Shepouredmeintoataxiandsentmehome.ThenapparentlyIrolledupather
placeafewhourslater,wantingtopartylikeitwas1999.Isupposeyou’regoingtotellmeIdidthe
samethingtoyou,huh?”

QuinnhadbeendrunkwithAmyplentyoftimesovertheyears.He’dlistenedtoherrambleonand

onforhoursaboutArtDecoarchitectureandthegoldenyearsofcinema,heldherhairawayfrom
herfacewhileshevomited,fedhercoffeeandegg-and-baconsandwichestocureherhangoversthe
nextday.Notoncehadheeverknownhertoblackout.

Hehadtoadmit,itwasanovelwayofdealingwiththesituation:pretendithadneverhappened.Or,

attheveryleast,thatshedidn’trememberthatithadhappened.Theemotionalequivalentofanostrich
stickingitsheadinthesand.

“Youmostlywantedtotalk,notparty,”hesaidslowly.

Shegroanedagain.“Ireallyembarrassedmyself,didn’tI?WhatdidIdo?PleasetellmeIdidn’t

yackonyourmother ’sPersianrug.”

SomeofthetensioneasedfromQuinn’sshoulders.Nomatterwhatconcernshehadaboutthefuture

oftheirrelationship,hecouldn’thelpbutbeamusedbythezealwithwhichshewasthrowingherself
intoherattemptatdamagecontrol.

MerylStreep,eatyourheartout.

“Youdidn’tyackontherug,”hesaid,unabletosuppressasmile.

“Blessyou.Onepieceofgoodnewsthismorning.Ifeellikesomeoneparkedacementtruckonmy

headovernight.”

Shepressedherfingerstoherforeheaddramaticallyandstartedtorecountsomeofthecrazyantics

she’dgottenuptoatDenise’splace.

Hewatchedher,admiringtheperformance.Thethrow-awaybreeziness,theself-deprecatingjokes.

Hecouldguessexactlywhathadhappened—she’dwokenwithcottonmouthandahammering
headacheandrememberedwhatshe’ddone.KnowingAmy,she’dprobablysquirmedwithself-
recriminationandembarrassmentforawhile.Thenshe’dcomeupwithaplantominimizehow
vulnerableshewasnodoubtfeelingrightnow.

Notaverygoodplan,admittedly,butaplannonetheless.Andshe’dbeendesperateenoughtoput

thatnot-very-goodplanintoaction.

Ahugewaveoftendernessandaffectionwashedoverhimashestoodintheearlymorning

sunshinelisteningtohisbestfriendpileonthebaloney.

Shewasanidiot.Anadorable,gorgeous,feisty,funny,sweet,sexyidiot.

Hewaiteduntilshepausedtodrawbreath.

“Ames.Comeon.Thisisme.”

Shestartedtosaysomething,thenshutherjawwithaclick.Hecouldpracticallyhearherdebating

withherself,tryingtodecideifsheshouldgivehertoo-drunk-to-be-responsible-for-my-own-actions

gambitanothershotornot.Thenhershouldersslumpedandshereacheduptotughercaploweron
herface.

“Couldwepleasenottalkaboutthis?”sheasked,hervoiceanguished.

“Ithinkweshould.”

“Well,Idon’t.Let’sforgetiteverhappened.”

“Sorry,Ames,butit’snotsomethingI’mgoingtoforgetinahurry.”

“Youshould.Youshouldjustwipeitfromyourmind.That’swhatI’mgoingtodo.”

“Ames.”Hereachedforhersunglasses,sickofnotbeingabletoseehereyes.

Sheshiedawayfromhim.“Don’t!Don’tbekindtome,Quinn.Just…don’t.”

Kind?Whatthehellwasshetalkingabout?

“Listen—”

HebrokeoffasablackAudiconvertibledroveoutofthealleyandturnedintotheparkinglot.

Amymadeasurprisedsoundasitdrewtoahalt.

“Isn’tthat…?”

Heeyedthecar ’sdarktintedwindows.“Yeah.”

Hewatchedashissoon-to-beex-wifeslidoutofthecar,avisioninstylishblack.Theireyesmet

acrosstwentyfeetofgravel.

“Quinn,”shesaid.

“Lisa.”

Whatthehellwasshedoinghere?

“Amy.Itisyouunderthathatandglasses,right?”Lisasaidasshecrossedthedistancebetween

them.“Youlooklikeyou’rehidingfromthepaparazzi.”

“It’sme,”Amysaid.Hervoicecrackedonthelastword.Sheclearedherthroat.

Lisaleanedforwardandkissedher.“It’sreallygoodtoseeyou,”shesaidquietly.Shesteppedback

andshiftedherfocustoQuinn.“Don’tworry,I’mnotabouttokissyou.”

Shesaiditlightly,wryly,buthefrowned.

“Ithoughtweweredoingthisthroughourlawyers,”hesaid.

Sheseemedalittletakenabackbyhisdirectness,buthedidn’tseethepointinbeatingaroundthe

bush.

“Weare.I’mnotheretoseeyou.I’mheretoseeAmy.”

“Sorry?”Amysoundedstartled.

“Icametoseeyou,”Lisarepeated.

Quinncrossedhisarmsoverhischest.Hemightnotlivewithheranymore,buthestillknewwhen

Lisawaslying.

“Isittooearlyforbrunch?”Lisaasked.SheverycarefullykepthergazeonAmy,avoidingeye

contactwithhim.

AmyslidalooktowardQuinn.Shelookedtorn,uncomfortable.

“Um,sure.Imean,no.It’snottooearly,”shesaid.

Lisasmiledbrightlyandshookherheadsothatherlong,straighthairflippeddownherback.“Let’s

gosomewherenice.Mytreat.Isawanewplaceonthewayin.Saultorsomethinglikethat?”

“Yeah.It’sgotagoodreputation,”Amysaid.SheslidanotherlookQuinn’sway.

“Wecantakemycar,”Lisasaid.ShemovedtowardtheAudi.

Amyhesitatedbeforefollowingher,glancingathim.“Um.I’llseeyoulater,okay?”

Henodded.Shedidn’tmove.Hedidn’tneedtoseehereyestoknowshewasfeelingguilty.

“It’sokay,”hesaid.“GivemethekeysandI’llfinishoffthatlastwallinthemaintheatre.”

“Youdon’thavetokeepworkingwhenI’mslackingoff.”

Heheldouthishand.“Givemethekeys.”

Hethoughtshewasgoingtoarguebutafterabeatshereachedintoherpocketandheldoutherkey

ring.

“Don’tworktoohard,okay?”

Hewrappedhishandsaroundthekeysandherhand.“Thisconversationisn’tover.Youknowthat,

right?”

Shepulledherhandfree.“That’samatterofopinion.”

“No,itisn’t.”

SheglancedoverhershouldertowhereLisawaswatchingthem.“Ihavetogo.”

Helethergo.Forthetimebeing.

A

MYWASQUIET

duringthedrivetotherestaurant.Lisa’sunexpectedarrivalwaslikeaslapintheface.

Abrutal,veryeffective,cosmicwake-upcall.

ForallthedaysthatQuinnhadbeenintown,Amyhadonlyeverthoughtabouthimandher,about

theirfriendshipandtheriskherfeelingsposedtoit.Shehadn’toncethoughtaboutLisa,abouthow
herfriendwouldfeelif,bysomemiracle,somethinghappenedbetweenAmyandQuinn.Butthetruth
wasthattherehadalwaysbeenthreepeopleinthislovetriangle.Andsomehow,overthepastfew
days,Amyhadallowedherselftoforgetthat.

Andno,Lisa’sbetrayalofQuinndidnotcanceloutanyobligationAmyhadtowardherfriend.Two

wrongsdidn’tmakearight.

“I’dforgottenhowbeautifulitisaroundhereinautumn,”Lisasaidastheyturnedontotheroadto

therestaurant.

Amystudiedthetoweringoaksthatlinedtheroad,eachastudyinochre,crimsonandamber,their

leaveslituplikefirebythemorningsun.

“Iforgettolooksometimes,”shesaid.“Iguessit’struewhattheysay,familiaritydoesbreed

contempt.”

“Storyofmylife.”

LisasaiditsoquietlyAmyalmostdidn’thearher.Amyflickedheraglanceastheypulledintothe

parkinglotattherestaurant.

“Good,itlooksasthoughthey’reopen,”Lisasaid.

Theywereshowntoaseatontherearverandahwithaviewoverlush,colorfulgardenbedsand

downagrassyslopetowardadam.Everythingwasperfect,fromthepristinetableclothtothe
expensiveexoticflowersspillingfromanearbyurn.Itwasn’tuntilthewaiterwasflickingacrisp
linennapkinoverherlapthatAmywasabletoseepastherguilttoregisterhowunderdressedshe
was.Herraggedjeansandgreen-and-bluestripedsweaterhadseenmanybetterdays.Hersneakers
werescuffedandshewasn’twearingashredofmakeup.Bycontrast,Lisalookedassleekand
polishedasifshe’djustleftaphotoshoot.

Nothingnewthere.Eversincethesummeroftheredbikini,AmyhadbeenstandinginLisa’s

fashionable,sexyshadow.Whyshouldanythinghavechangedsimplybecausetheyhadn’tseeneach
otherforawhile?

“Mmm.Thebruschettalooksgood.Andthere’sFrenchtoastmadewithbrioche.Yum,”Lisasaid,

afterstudyingthemenu.

Amy’sstomachchurneduneasilyatthethoughtoffood,particularlyfoodthatcameaccompanied

withmaplesyrup.“IthinkI’llhaveblackcoffeewithasideofblackcoffee.”

Lisagaveherasympatheticlook.“Ithoughtyouwerelookingalittleundertheweather.Bignight,

huh?”

“Youcouldsaythat.”

“Havetheomelet.Theproteinwilldoyougood,”Lisaadvised.

Shetookchargeoftheorderingwhentheirwaitercame,thentheybothsatbackintheirseatsand

regardedeachother.

“Youlookgood,Ames,”Lisasaid.“It’shardtotellunderthehat,butyourhair ’smuchshorter,

yeah?”

“Mmm.Morebyaccidentthanintention,”Amyadmitted.“Igotchewinggumcaughtinitacouple

ofmonthsagoandhadtolosefourinches.”

Lisalaughed,buthersmilequicklyfadedandsheshiftednervouslyinherchair.“Iknowyou’re

probablywonderingwhyI’mhere.WhyIwantedtotalktoyou.”

Foranabsurd,irrationalmomentAmythoughtthatLisaknew.Thatsomehowshe’dgottenwindof

thekissandAmy’sconfessionandthatshe’dcometoconfrontherwithherperfidy.

Thensanityreturnedandshereleasedhergriponthearmsofherchairandtriedtocalmher

poundingheart.

“Tobehonest,I’mstillkindofgettingoverthesurpriseofseeingyousosuddenly.”

“It’slikethis,Ames—I’mseeingatherapist.”Lisablurteditlikeakidswallowingcodliveroil,as

thoughshewastryingtogettheawfulnessoveranddonewithasquicklyaspossible.

OfallthethingsAmyhadexpectedherfriendtosay,thiswasthelast.Lisahadneverbeenbigon

self-explorationandcontemplation.

ShewasawarethatLisawaswatchinghertensely,waitingforherreaction.Shetriedtoformulatea

reply.

“Areyoufindingithelpful?”

“YouthinkI’mnuts,don’tyou?”Lisaasked.

“No!Ofcoursenot.God,it’snotlikeIcouldn’tbenefitfromprofessionalinterventionhalfthe

time.”

Likelastnight,forexample.

“You’rethefirstpersonI’vetold.Incaseyoucouldn’ttell.”Lisasmiledself-deprecatingly.

ItwasAmy’sturntosquirminherchair.TherewasnowayLisawouldbeconfidinginherifshe

knewwhatAmyhaddone,whatAmywanted.Noway.

“Sowhatmadeyou…youknow?”Amyasked.

“Seekprofessionalhelp?Getmyheadread?Itallcaughtupwithme,Ames.Theaffair,losing

Quinn.Myownshittybehavior,inanutshell.”Lisatookamouthfulofwaterandicecubesclanked
againsthertallglass.ShemetAmy’seyesandshrugged.“ItoldmyselfIwasfine,thatStuartanda
newlifewaswhatIwanted.Ievenstartedlookingathouses,wasonthevergeofputtinganofferinon
thisamazingplaceinVaucluse….ThensuddenlyIcouldn’tgetoutofbedinthemorning,andI
couldn’tstopcrying.Stuarttookmetothedoctor ’sandhewantedtoputmeonantidepressants.ButI
knewitwasn’tachemicalthing.Itwasamething.I’msoscrewedup,Ames.”

Lisablinkedrapidly.Amyreachedacrossthetableandtookherfriend’shand.

“Justbecauseyouscrewedupdoesn’tmeanyou’rescrewedup,”shesaid.

“Tellthattomytherapist,”Lisajoked.“Myrelationshipwithmyparents…myrelationshipwith

Quinn…thewayIseemyself.Basically,I’matherapist’swetdream.Paula’sgoingtobeabletoname
askilodgeaftermebythetimeshe’sstraightenedmeout.”

AmycouldhearthepainbeneathLisa’slightheartedwords.

“Ithinkyou’reverybrave,”Amysaid.Andshemeantit.Ittookalotofgutstoconfrontyourown

baddecisionsandtrytolearnfromthem.“Lotsofotherpeoplewouldhavetakenthetabletsand
boughtthehouseandneverlookedback.”

“Well,ifIcouldhavegotawaywithitIwouldhave,”Lisasaid.“Butapparentlymysubconscious

hadotherideas.”

“You’restillbrave.”

“We’llsee.Anyway,mytherapististhereasonwhyI’mhere.We’vebeentalkingalotlatelyabout

whenIwasgrowingup.YouandmeandQuinn.God,weusedtohavefun,didn’twe?Rememberthe
timewehadthatpartywhenmyparentswereaway?”

Amysmiled.“DenisepassedoutinthebackyardandwetriedtolockQuinninthetoiletoffthe

laundryroombytyingabitofropebetweenthedoorhandleandthewashingmachine.”

“Butinsteadofstayingtrapped,hepulledthewashingmachineoverheyankedonthedoorso

hard,”Lisasaid.

Forsomereasontheybothfoundthishystericallyfunnyandforalongmomenttherewasnothing

butthesoundofgigglingandwheezingattheirtable.LisafixedAmywithasteadyregardonceshe’d
regainedhercomposure.

“IknowImessedupwithQuinn,andIknowhowcloseyoutwoareandhowmuchyou’dprobably

lovetopunchmeinthefaceforhurtinghim,butIreallydon’twanttoloseyou,too,Ames.That’s
whyI’mhere.TotellyouthatIvalueyourfriendship.Andthatifyouwanttopunchmeintheface,
that’sokaywithme—aslongaswecanstillbefriends.”

GuiltwrappeditselfaroundAmy’schestandsqueezedhard.IfLisaknewhowbadafriendshe

reallywas…

“It’snotmyplacetojudgeyou,Lis.Attheendoftheday,whateverhappenedisbetweenyouand

Quinn,”shesaiduncomfortably,“it’snoneofmybusiness.”

“Doyoumeanthat?Really?”

“Iwouldn’tsayitifIdidn’t.”

Lisasaggedwithrelief.“MyGod.YouhavenoideahowterrifiedIwasofhavingthisconversation

withyou.I’vebeentalkingaboutcomingdownhereforweeks,andmytherapisthasbeentellingme
todoit.Butitwasn’tuntilIwaslyingawakestaringattheceilinglastnightthatIgotthecourageup.I
jumpedstraightinthecarbeforeIcouldchickenout.”

Amyglanceddownatherfadedsweaterandgrungyjeans.Shedidn’tconsiderherselftobea

particularlyintimidatingperson.TheideathatLisahadbeenlosingsleepovertalkingtoherwashard
togetherheadaround.“AmIthatscary?”

“Hell,yes.”

Amyblinked.“Okay.”Shewasn’tsure,butshethoughtthatmaybeshewasalittleoffended.

“Notinthewayyou’rethinking,”Lisasaidquickly.“It’sjustthatyou’vealwaysbeensostraight

downtheline,Ames.You’reprobablythemosthonestpersonIknow.Well,youandQuinn,Iguess.
Butthenyoutwowerealwaysamatchedset.Iusedtobesojealousofyou.”

Amymadeascoffingnoise.“You’retheonewiththelawdegreewithhonorsandthebigfancyjob

andthelegsthatgoonforeverandthekindofcarIwillnever,everbeabletoafford.”

Lisadismisseditallwiththeflickofherhand.“Youhavesomethingthat’sworthmorethananyof

that,Ames.Youknowwhoyouare.I’vealwaysadmiredthataboutyou.WhydoyouthinkIwas
alwaysoveratyourhousewhenwewerekids?WhenIwasaroundyou,Ifeltgrounded.Youdon’t
bullshitandyoucareandyou’renotembarrassedtoshowit.Andyouknowwhatcountsinlife.”

Amyfeltlikeahugefraud.IfshewasevenclosetobeingthepersonLisathoughthertobe,she’d

tellherfriendthetruthrightnow.Confesseverything,layitallbeforeher.

Amylookeddownandsmoothedherfingersalongthecreaseinhernapkin.Shecouldn’tdoit.

UnlikeLisa,shewasn’tbraveenoughtoexposehergreatestfailingstopublicscrutiny.Somuchfor
beingabastionofno-bullshitandhonesty.

“I’mnoangel,believeme,”shesaidquietly.“I’vegotmyownfairshareofflaws,Lisa.Morethan

myshare.”

ThewaiterappearedwiththeirmealsthenandAmysaidyestocrackedpepperandnotomore

sparklingwaterandmadealltherightnoisesabouthowgoodheromeletlooked.

Lisaleanedforwardasthewaiteronceagainleftthemalone.

“Ipromisenomoreheavytalkfromnowon,Ames.TellmeaboutyourplansfortheGrand.And

howareyourfolks?AndwhoshouldIbeonthelookoutforwhileI’mintown?”

Amyforcedasmileandtookamomenttogatherherthoughts.Thenshestartedansweringher

friend’squestions.

CHAPTERTEN

Q

UINNFINISHEDPREPPING

thewallsinthemaintheatre.HestoppedforabriefchatwithRickwhenthe

othermandroppedoffhiscontract,thenthrewhimselfbackintowork.Bymiddaythewallswere
doneandhebrieflyconsideredgoinghome.Insteadheshiftedhisattentiontotheconcessionstandin
thefoyer.Amyhadn’tdiscussedwhereshewantedtofocustheireffortsnextbuthewasn’tinthe
moodtowelcomeleisuretime.

Therewasnopointlyingtohimself;ithadbeenashockseeingLisa’scarturnintotheparkinglot.

Especiallygiventheconversationhe’dbeenhavingwithAmy.

HehadnoideawhyLisahadchosentocometotownwhilehewashere,butheknewitwasn’ta

coincidence.HethoughtaboutwhatDuffyhadsaidinhise-mailabouthavingtroublepinningdown
herlawyer,andusedmoreforcethanwasstrictlynecessarytopushthesanderacrossthepockedand
scarredcounter.Ifshewasanglingforsomethingmoreinthedivorce…

Thesanderbuckedinhishandsandhehitthetriggertoturnthemotoroff.He’dhitanexposed

nailhead,somethinghecouldhaveavoidedifhe’dbeenpayingcloserattention.Hechecked,andsure
enough,thesandpaperhadtorn,aswellasacornerofthebasepad.

Great.

“Youlooklikeaghost.”

Quinnglancedoverhisshoulder.Lisastoodinthefrontentrance,theafternoonsunturningherhair

intoahaloandcastingherfaceinshadow.Shewalkedtowardhim,atentativesmileonherface,her
highheelsclickingonthemarblefloor.

“Where’sAmy?”heasked,glancingoverhershoulder.

“Idroppedherathome.She’sstillprettyhungover.Ithinkshewasgoingtotrytohaveanap.”

Heturnedbacktotheconcessionstand,wipingsawdustoffthecountertopwithhisflattenedhand.

Thesilencestretchedbetweenthembuthewasn’tabouttobreakit.Shewastheonewho’dcomehere
andsoughthimout.Shecoulddotheheavylifting.

“Doyoureallyhatemethatmuch,Quinn?”

“Idon’thateyou.”

“Youcanbarelystandtolookatme.”

She’dalwayslovedabitofmelodrama.

“I’mbusy,incaseyouhadn’tnoticed.ThemorestuffIgetdonewhileI’mintown,thelessAmyhas

todoonherown.”

“You’reangrywithme.”

Heturnedtofaceherfully.Clearly,shewasdeterminedtohaveaconfrontation.

“Whatdoyouexpect?YouknewIwashere,helpingAmy.Andyousuddenlyturnup,actingas

thoughit’sacoincidence.”

“I’mnotplayinggames,Quinn.I’vebeenthinkingabouthomealotlately.Aboutus,andAmy,how

thingswerewhenwewereallgrowingup.Doyouknowthatapartfromthetwotimeswhenwebroke
upinhighschoolandthatonetimeatuniversity,Ihaven’tbeensinglesinceIwasfifteen?”

Itwasonthetipofhistonguetopointoutthatshe’dbeensofarfromsingleatonetimethatshe’d

actuallyhadbothahusbandandalover,butitwouldonlyprolongthediscussion.

Sixmonthsago,hewouldhaverelishedtheopportunitytogoatherhammerandtongs,lashher

withallherwrongs,paradehishurtandsenseofbetrayalinfrontofher.Nowhedidn’tseethepoint.
Whywastetheenergy?They’dbeenmarried.He’dgivenithisbestshot.He’dmademistakes.Sohad
she,thelastonebeingarealdoozy.Whathadoncebeenbetweenthemwasbroken,nevertobe
repaired.Therewasnothinglefttodobarsignthepapersthatdissolvedtheirmarriagesotheycould
bothmoveon.

“Idon’tknowwhatyouwantfromme,”hesaid.

“Well,thatmakestwoofus.”

Thatsurprisedhim.Lisafiddledwithoneofherrings.Ittookhimamomenttorecognizeitasher

weddingband,wornonherrighthandnow.

“Believeitornot,Inevermeanttohurtyou,Quinn.Iknowthatprobablysoundsdisingenuous

consideringwhatIdid,butit’strue.Iwassomiserable,andIdidn’tknowhowtofixanything,soI
madeitworse.”

Man,hehatedhearingthatshe’dbeenmiserableintheirmarriage,eventhoughheknewitmust

havebeentrueforhertohavetheaffair.He’dthoughtoverthoselastyearsagainandagain,tryingto
workoutinhisownmindwhathe’dsaidornotsaid,doneornotdonethathadpushedherinto
turningawayfromhiminsteadoftowardhim.He’dnevercomeupwithasatisfactoryanswer.

“Youwanttoconductapostmortem?Isthatit?”heasked.

“Doyouthinkitwouldmakeanydifference?”

“Towhat?”

“Tous.Toyoubeingabletolookmeintheeyeandhaveacivilconversationwithme.Maybeeven

befriendsagain.”

Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Youwanttobefriendsnow?”

Wasthatwhatthiswasallabout?

“Itwouldbenicetothinkthatwecouldsalvagesomethingfromthismess.Weusedtobegood

friends,youandI.Weusedtoenjoyeachother.Remember?”

Hestudiedherforalongbeat,lookingintoherclearblueeyes,notingtheslightflushonherhigh

cheekbones,theexpensivesheenofherhair.Shelookedbeautiful,asalways—andveryunhappy.He
couldseeitinthewaysheclenchedherhandstogether,inthetensioninthetendonsofherneckand
thenewlinesaroundhereyes.Shefeltguiltyaboutwhathadhappened,obviously.Wantedtotryto
makethingsrightbetweenthem,easeherconscience.

Heshookhishead.“Wecan’tturnbacktheclock,Lis.”

“I’mnotexpectingyoutoinvitemeovertoyourplacetohangoutandwatchtheTVoranything.

It’sjust…Imissyou.Imisstalkingwithyou.”

Herquietwordsaffectedhimmorethanhewantedthemto.Hepickedupthesanderandstarted

removingthetornsandpaper.Ashe’djustsaid,theycouldn’tturnbacktheclock.

Whenhedidn’tsayanything,Lisaclearedherthroat.“IguessI’llgetoutofyourhair,then.”

Shewaitedamomentlonger,givinghimonelastopportunitytostepin.Withwhat,hewondered.

Absolution?Aknock-knockjoke?Thensheturnedandheadedforthedoor.

Hefingeredthetornsandpaperonceshewasgone.

Shewantedtobefriends.Shemissedhim.

Hethrewthesandpaperinthetrash.Itpissedhimoffnoend,buthefeltguiltyfornotrespondingto

heroverture.Despiteallthegreatreasonshehadfornotwantingtohaveherinhislife.Which
showedhowimpossibleitwastocompletelysevertheemotionaltiesthathadboundthetwoofthem
togetherforsomanyyears.

Perhapsitwouldbedifferentiftheyhadn’tgrownuptogetheraswellashavingbeenmarried.She

waspartofhispersonalhistoryinsomanyways.She’dbeenhisfirstkiss,hisfirstgirlfriend.She’d
beentherewhenhetookhisfirsttentativestepsintoadulthood.

Shewasright.Theyhadoncebeengoodfriends.Shehadasharpmindandhe’dalwaysenjoyed

debatingthemeritsofanargumentwithher.AndnoonecouldpartylikeLisa—whensheletherhair
down,anythingcouldhappen.Someoftheworsthangoversofhislifecouldbelaiddirectlyather
door.She’dalwaysbeengenerouswithpraiseandgiftsandheropen-handednesswasoneofthe
thingshe’dlovedaboutherthemost.

He’dlostagoodfriendaswellashiswifeandloverwhenshe’dbetrayedhim.Andnomatterwhat

happenedbetweentheminthefuture,theywouldneverbeabletorecapturetheoldease.Itwasgone,
forgood.Anditwasbloodysad.

Outside,acarsoundeditshornandherealizedhe’dbeenstaringatthesilentsanderfortoolong.

Hecheckedhiswatch,thenmadeadecision.Lisahadsaidshe’ddroppedAmyathome.Itwastime
forthemtofinishtheconversationthey’dstartedthismorning.

Helockedupthetheatreandheadedforhiscar.Inaperfectworld,heshouldprobablywaituntil

Amyhadhadachancetorecoverfromherhangoverwithafewhours’sleepbeforedescendingon
her,buthe’dwaitedallnightandmostoftheday.Hewasn’twaitinganylonger.

HisgutwaschurningbythetimehepulledintoAmy’sstreet.Asmuchashehatedtoadmitit,Lisa’s

visithadthrownhim.Heparkedinfrontofherhouseandtookamomenttoshakethesawdustfrom
hishair,tryingtoclearhisheadatthesametime.Thenheswungthedooropenandstartedtoclimb
outofthecar.

Doyoureallyhatemethatmuch?

Weusedtobefriends.

Weusedtoenjoyeachother.

Hefroze,onebootedfootontheroad,theotherstillinthecarasLisa’swordsechoedinsidehim.

IfheandAmyenteredintoarelationshipanditfailed,wouldhebehavingtheexactsame

conversationwithherinafewyears?Facingthesamesenseoffailureandloss?Wouldheonedaybe
lookingatherwithangerinhisgutandthinkingabouthowmuchthey’dlost?

Heloweredhisheadandstaredattheasphalt.

HethoughtaboutAmy,andherdrunkendeclaration,andthatkiss…God,thatkiss.Hethoughtabout

Lisaandhisdivorceandthelossofsomethingthathadoncebeengood.

Ican’tdothis.

Thethoughtcamefromhisgut,pureinstinct.

NowaycouldherisklosingAmythewayhe’dalreadylostLisa.NotAmy.Shemeanttoomuchto

him.Shewassomuchapartofhim,ofhislife.Ifthingsscrewedup…Ifheletherdownorshelet
himdownoriflifesomehowconspiredtothrowmoreatthemthantheycouldhandle,hedidn’tknow
howhewouldbeabletomoveonfromtheloss.

Heneededherinhislife.Itwasthatsimple.Andifthetrade-offforguaranteeingtheenduranceof

theirfriendshipwasthesacrificeofhisdesiretokissandcaressandholdher…thensobeit.

Helethisbreathoutonalong,heavysigh.Thenhepulledhisfootbackintothecar,closedthe

doorandstartedtheengine.

AshedroveawayhethoughtabouthowmuchcourageitmusthavetakenforAmytobreaksixteen

yearsofsilenceanddeclareherself.Someofithadbeenliquidcourage,sure,buthehadnodoubtthat

she’dhadtoworkherselfuptoappearingonhisdoorstepwithherheartinherhands.

Hefeltasthoughhewaslettingherdown,denyingthemachancewithoutevenexploringthe

potentialofwhatlaybetweenthem.

ThenhethoughtaboutthesadnessinLisa’seyesandthebittertastehismarriagehadleftinhis

mouth.

I’msorry,Ames.Ineedyouinmylifetoomuchtoriskscrewingthingsupwithyou,too.

A

MYWOKEEARLY

thenextmorning.Sheshowered,atebreakfastanddrovetotheGrandeventhoughit

wasbarelysix.

Oncethere,sheflickedonthelightsanddidaslowtour,tryingtogetherheadaroundwhatneeded

doingnextandnotthinkaboutthemessthatwasherprivatelife.

Afutileeffort,atthebestoftimes.

Shestoppedbytheconcessionstand,notingthatQuinnhadmadeastartonityesterday.Sheranher

handoverthenewlystrippedwood.Thensheturnedawayandclimbedthestairstotheupperfoyer.

“You’reamadcow,”shesaidtoherselfasshereachedthetop.“Amad,irrational,contrarycow.”

BecauseshewasangrywithQuinn.Therewasnogettingaroundit.She’dwaitedallafternoonand

allnightforhimtocallorcomebyherhouse.Eventhoughshe’dtoldhiminnouncertaintermsthat
shewantedtoforgetallaboutherdeclaration.Eventhoughshe’dbeenmarinatinginguiltsinceLisa
hadunfoldedherslimbodyfromherexpensiveEuropeancarandremindedAmyofeverythingthat
wasatstake.

She’dwantedQuinntocometoher,toforcehertodiscusswhathadhappened.She’dwantedhimto

overrideallherobjectionsanddenialsandsayallthethingsshe’dwaitedhalfalifetimetohear.

Whichmadeherofficiallycrazy,becauseshealreadyknewhowhefelt,whathewanted:tobe

friends.Period.He’dalreadytoldherso,afterthey’dkissed.Andhe’dtoldheragainwithhisbody
languagewhenshe’dblurtedoutherdrunkenconfession.Yetshe’dstilltensedeverytimeshehearda
carinthestreetlastnight.

Frustratedwithherself,Amytackledreorganizingtheirbuildingsupplies,forciblykeepingher

tangledthoughtsatbaywithbruisingphysicallabor.BythetimesheheardQuinn’sheavytreadinthe
rearexitcorridorshewascoveredwithsweatfromluggingpaintcansandladdersaround.Shestood
andwipedherforearmacrossherforeheadasQuinnenteredthetheatre.

“Hi,”shesaid.Herbellymusclesdidtheirusualtighten-releasethingatthesightofhim,hairstill

dampfromtheshower,thighslongandleaninworndenim.Shemightbeangryanddisappointedin
him,butshestillwantedhim.

“Howdidyourlunchgo?”

“Good.LisandIhadanicecatch-up.”

Sheriskedaglanceathisfacebutcouldn’tgetareadonhismood.

“Isawyoustartedontheconcessionstand,”shesaid.“Shouldcomeupwell.”

“Yeah.Goingtotakeabitofwork,though.”

“Yep.Lotofwoodthere.”

“Mightneedtogetsomepaintstripperontothecarvedsections,”hesaid.

“Right.Icangetsomestufffromthestorelater.Oryoucangograbitifyoulike…?”

DearGod.Thiswasexcruciating.Thereweresomanydeadcowsintheroomitwasawonder

eitherofthemcouldfit.

Youdidthis,Amy.Youmadethingsthisway.

Andthebestthingwas,therewasmoretocome,thankstothephonecallshe’dreceivedfromLisa

lastnight.

“There’ssomethingIneedtotellyou,”shesaidsuddenly.Mightaswellgetitoveranddonewith.

“LisaofferedtohelpoutattheGrandwhileshe’sintown.Ididn’tknowhowyou’dfeelaboutit.ButI
didn’twanttosayno,either.So…”

Quinn’sjawtensed.

“Sorry.”Itfeltwoefullyinadequate.Shewaswellawarethathehadn’ttakentimeoffworksohe

couldrubshoulderswithhisestrangedwife.

“It’snotyourfault.Howlongisshehere?”

Amypushedherhairbackfromherforehead.ShehatedhavingaconversationthatcastLisaasthe

stinkykid,buttherealitywasthatQuinnhadeveryrighttonotwanttospendtimewithher.Itwasan
awkwardsituation,anywayyoulookedatit.

“Twodays,Ithink.”

Heglancedatthefloorforalongmoment,thennodded.“Okay.Wheredoyouwantmetoday?

Backontheconcessionstand?”

“Iknowit’suncomfortable,”shesaid.“Ididn’tknowhowtoputheroffwithouthurtingher

feelings.”

“It’sallright,Ames.I’mabigboy.Icanhandleit.Wheredoyouwantme?”

Hedidn’twanttotalkaboutit.Whichmadetwoofthem.

“You’vemadeagreatstartonthestand.Soifyouwantedtokeepatit,thatwouldbegreat.”

“Sure.”Heexitedtothefoyer.

Amyclosedhereyesforalongbeat.Ifonlyshe’dhadthepresenceofmindtopolitelydeflect

Lisa’soffer.AndifonlyLisahadn’taskedinthefirstplace.

She’dmadeastartintheladies’bathroombythetimeLisaarrivedanhourlater.Lisastruckapose

inthedoorway,showingoffwhatwasobviouslyabrand-newpairofjeansandacrispwhiteT-shirt.
“Checkitout.ThebestDaylesfordfashionhastooffer.Goodlookforme,huh?”

Shewasbeingsarcasticsincethejeanswereaboutfifteenyearsoutofdate,butLisacouldmake

sackclothlookgood.

“ThatT-shirtisgoingtostaycleanforapproximatelysixtyseconds.Youknowthat,right?”Amy

said,pushingherprotectiveeyegogglesupontoherforehead.

“Sacrificeshavetobemade.So,wheredoyouwantme?”Lisarubbedherhandstogetherasthough

shecouldn’twaittodiveintowork.

Amygesturedtowardthewallwhereshewasscrapingtile.“Grabadustmaskandsomegoggles

andgetbanging.Whenwe’redonehere,there’sthegents’nextdoortotackle.”

AmyhadhalfexpectedLisatobalkattheprospectofchippingtileoffwithahammerandchisel,

butshereachedforthesecondpairofsafetygoggleswithouthesitation.

“WasQuinnokayaboutmehelpingout?”sheaskedafterashortsilence.

Amyhesitatedamoment,wonderingwhatherobligationswereinthissituation.ProtectLisa’s

feelings?Playpeacekeeper?

“Hewasn’texactlyjumpingforjoy,buthe’scoolwithit,”shesaid,decidingsimplehonestywould

havetodothetrick.

AflickerofhurtcrossedLisa’sface.Thenshemusteredasmile.“Well.IguessIshouldgetusedto

that.So,amIjustsmashingthehelloutofthisstufforisthereanarttoit?”

Theyworkedsidebysideallmorning.ThetensionbandingAmy’schestslowlydissolvedasshe

andLisacaughtuponeachother ’slives.ItwasuncomfortablehearingherfriendtalkaboutStuart,
themanshe’dleftQuinnfor,butAmyfiguredshewasgoingtohavetogetusedtoitifsheandLisa
weretocontinuebeingfriends.TheywerelaughingaboutoneofLisa’scourtstorieswhenQuinn
appearedinthedoorway.

“Lunchisup.”

Hedidn’thangaroundforaresponse,slippingoutthedoorandintothetheatre.Amytuggedoff

hergogglesandtriednottofeellikeatraitorbecauseshe’dbeengigglingwiththeenemy.

WhensheandLisaenteredthefoyertheydiscoveredQuinnhadbeenoutandboughtrollsand

doughnutsfromthebakery,aswellaslargetake-outcoffees.Henudgedtheonemarkedlow-fat
towardLisawordlessly.Shelookedsurprisedforamomentbeforeshetookitandmurmuredathank-
you.

Amywatchedthembothsurreptitiouslyassheateherhamandsaladroll.OstensiblyQuinnlooked

atease,sprawledonthestairs,butshewonderedifitwasanact.Lisakeptupasteadystreamof
chatteraboutnothingmuch,asuresignshewasnervous.Amyswallowedthelastbiteofherrollas
quicklyaspossible.

Notthemostpleasantandrelaxedmealofherlifetime,thatwasforsure.

SheandLisawentbacktoworkoncethey’dpolishedofftheirdoughnutsandbylateafternoon

they’dstrippedallthewallsbare.

“Coffeebreak,”Amydeclaredasthelasttilesmashedtothefloor.Shesatbackonherheels,

droppedherhammerandchiselandshookoutherachingarms.

“Isn’tthereamachineyoucanhirethatcandothisforyou?”Lisaaskedfromtheothersideofthe

room.

ShesoundedexhaustedandAmysparedheraglance.Herfacewascoatedwithdustanddirtand,as

Amyhadpredicted,herT-shirtwasbeyondredemption.

“Probably,butIcan’taffordit,”Amysaidwithatiredgrin.

“I’llgiveyouthemoney.Hell,I’llbuyyouthemachine,nomatterwhatitcosts.Considerita

donation.”

Amypushedherselftoherfeet.“Comeon.I’llbuyyouanotheroneofthosedisgustinglow-fat

lattesyoulovesomuchandyou’llfeelbetter.”

Quinnwasworkingonthefrontpanelofthecounterwhentheypassed.HeglancedupatAmywhen

sherestedahandonhisshouldertogethisattentionbutdidn’tturnthesanderoff.Shemimed
drinkingacoffeeandhenoddedyes.Amyunlockedthefrontdoorandstartedwalkingtowardthe
GourmetLarder.

“IhopeIhaven’tmadethingsweirdbetweenyouandQuinn,”Lisasaidafteramoment.

Amyshotherawarylook.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Well,itwasjustthetwoofyou,beforeIcamealong.I’dhatetothinkIwascrampingyourstyle,

makingthingsweirdbetweenyouboth.”

Noworriesaboutthat.Itookcareofthatallonmyown.

“We’refine.Don’tworryaboutit.”

“IaskedQuinnifhethoughtwecouldeverbefriendsagainyesterday,”Lisavolunteeredsuddenly.

Amyalmoststumbledoveracrackinthepavement.“Whatdidhesay?”

“Thatwecan’tturnbacktheclock.”

Amybitherlipandfrownedatherfeet.“IsthatwhyyouwantedtohelpoutattheGrand?Totryand

changehismind?”

“No.”

Amyslidheralook.Lisa’smouthtiltedupatthecorner.

“Okay,alittle.ButIwantedtohelpout,too.ThiswayIgetsomebraggingrightswheneverI’min

town.‘ItiledtheloosattheGrand.’”

They’dreachedtheLarderandAmywaitedtoonesideasawomanwithababypramexitedthe

store.Shewasabouttostepoverthethresholdwhensomeonecalledhername.Sheglancedoverher
shoulderandfrozewhenshesawBarryUlrichstridingtowardher.

“Shit.”

“What’swrong?”Lisaasked.

“That’sBarryUlrich,”Amyexplainedquietly.

She’dfilledLisainonthedeveloper ’stacticsoverlunchandshefeltLisastraightentoherfull

heightasUlrichstoppedinfrontofthem.ThankGodLisawasalawyer,too.Maybeshecouldstop
Amyfrommakingthesituationevenmoredisastrousthanitalreadywas.

“Ms.Parker.Iwasjustcomingtoseeyou.”

“I’mafraidIhavenothingtosaytoyou,Mr.Ulrich,”Amysaidcoolly.“Mylawyerhasinstructed

methatanyandallcorrespondencebedirectedthroughhim.”

Ulrichpulledanenvelopefromtheleatherportfoliohewascarrying.

“I’mwithdrawingthesuit,soyoucancalloffyourguarddog,allright?”hesaidabruptly,offering

hertheenvelope.

Amystaredattheletterbutdidn’ttakeit.Thishadtobesomekindoftrick.Someploytogether

madenoughtosaysomethingelsestupidanddestructive.

“Areyoudeaforsomething?IsaidI’mdroppingtheaction,”Ulrichsaidimpatiently.

Nowondershe’dfeltcompelledtoassaultthemanwithamuffin—hewasarudebutt-head.

“Letme,”Lisasaid,andshetooktheenvelope.Therewasarustleofpaperassheunfoldedthe

letter.AfterscanningitbrieflyshemetAmy’seyes.

“It’strue.He’sfiledamotiontodropthesuit.”

Amyfeltalittledizzy.How…?Why…?

“I’vedonemybit,nowit’stimeforyoutodoyours.Calloffyourguarddog,”Ulrichsaid.

Amyshookherhead,hopelesslylostandoverwhelmed.“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”

“Don’tplaygameswithme,missy.I’vehadtwocallsfromtheAustralianSecuritiesandInvestment

Commissionthisweekalready.”

AmyopenedhermouthtodenywhateverhewasaccusingherofagainbutLisa’shandsuddenly

clampeddownonhershoulder.

“IassumethismeansAmywon’tbehavinganymoreafter-hoursvisitorsatthetheatre?”Lisaasked

silkily.

Ulrichmadeabigdealoutofstraighteningthecuffsonhisshirt.“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalking

about.”

Lisasmiledthinly.“I’mafraidyou’regoingtohavetodobetterthanthat.”

Ulrichglaredatherforalongmoment.Thenheclearedhisthroat.“AsfarasI’mconcerned,the

Grandprojectisdefunct.UlrichConstructionisnolongerinterestedinthesite.”

AmysuckedinairtospeakbutLisa’shandtightenedonhershoulderagain.

“Excellent.Pleasuredoingbusinesswithyou,Mr.Ulrich.Havealovelyday,”Lisasaid.

Amygaveintotheinsistentpressureonhershoulderandstartedwalkingupthestreet,awayfrom

theLarder.

“Whatwasthatallabout?”sheaskedwhentheywereoutofearshot.“Hashereallydroppedthe

suit?Ishetryingtotrickmeorsomething?”

Lisapassedtheletterover.“Readityourself.He’sacknowledgedinwritingthatnomaterialharm

hascometohimorhisbusinessasaresultofyourstatements.Evenifhewantedto,hecan’tsueyou
now.Withthatletteronrecord,itwouldn’tgetpastafirstmeeting.”

“But…why?Idon’tgetit.Hehadmeoverabarrel.Quinnsaidhecouldkeepmeincourtfor

years.”

“Oneofthegreatthingsaboutbeingatlawschoolwithabunchofotherlawyersisthefriendships

youform,”Lisasaid.“Allthosestudyhoursandpartiesafterexamsaregreatforbonding.Thenyou
allgraduateandgooutintothebigwideworld.Somepeopleendupinprivatepractice,othersgo
corporate.Othersworkforthegovernment.”

LisawaswalkingsoquicklyAmywasstrugglingtokeepup.Inmorewaysthanone.

“Okay,clearlyI’mverythick,butIstilldon’tgetit,”shesaid.

“OneoftheguyswestudiedwithisattheSecuritiesCommission,”Lisasaid.SheshotAmya

loadedlook.

Finallythepiecesfellintoplace.“Quinnaskedhimtodoafavor,andhisfriendturneduptheheat

onUlrich,”Amyguessed.

“That’sright.”Lisa’slipswerethin.

AterriblethoughtoccurredtoAmy.ShestoppedinhertracksandgrabbedLisa’sarm,forcingher

tostop,too.

“WhatQuinndid…it’snotgoingtogethimintoanytrouble,isit?”

WhyelsewouldLisalooksoworried?

“I’mnotgoingtolietoyou.He’sanofficerofthecourt,Amy.IfUlrichmakesacomplaintsaying

thatQuinncoercedhimwiththethreatofreprisals,hecouldbedisbarredforunethicalbehavior.”

WhichexplainedwhyLisawaslookingsogrim.

“Oh,God.”

WhathadQuinnbeenthinking?Whatkindofsuper-strengthcrazypillshadhebeenontoriskhis

entirecareerforher?

“Don’tfreakjustyet,Ames.FromwhatIsawbackthere,Ulrich’sgottoomuchtohidetorisk

puttinginacomplaint.Quinn’sprobablyintheclear.”

“Butheshouldneverhaveeventhoughtaboutriskinghimselflikethat.Ican’tbelievehewouldbe

sostupid.”

“Yeah,well,thereisthat,”Lisasaidtightly.“IfIthoughthe’dlistentome,I’dkickhisassfromhere

toMelbourneandbackforbeingsuchacowboy.”

Amystartedwalkingagain,headhigh,stridelong.LisamighthesitatetokickQuinn’sass,butshe

hadnosuchcompunction.

Noneatall.

Beneathherangerwasaknee-knockingfearoverwhathemighthavebroughtonhimselfinher

name.

“Whatareyougoingtodo,Ames?”Lisaaskedwarily.

Shewastheonepuffingtokeepupnow.

“I’mgoingtokillhim,”Amysaidbetweengrittedteeth.“ThenI’mgoingtoresuscitatehimanddo

italloveragain.”

Q

UINNWASONTHEPHONE

inthebalconysectionwhenAmybarreledthroughthearchwayfromthe

upperfoyer.Herfacewasset,hercolorhighasshemarchedstraightuptohim,plantedherhandson
hischestandshovedsohardsheknockedhimoffbalanceandforcedhimtotakeastepbackward.

“Youidiot!”shesaid,eyesblazing.

Heblinkedather,vaguelyawarethatLisahadfollowedherintothespace.

“Listen,Justine,I’mgoingtohavetocallyouback,”hesaidintohisphone.Heendedthecalland

Amytookathreateningsteptowardhimagain,herindexfingeraimedathischestnow.

“Howdareyoutakesucharisk!Howdareyoudothatinmynameandnotevenconsultmeabout

it!”Shepunctuatedeachwordwithapainfulstabofherfingerintohissternum.

Hegrabbedherhandandhelditimmobilizedbetweenthem.

“Willyoucalmdownforaminute,youpsychochicken,andtellmewhatthehellisgoingon?”

Amyusedherfreehandtodrawanenvelopefromherbackpocketandslapitagainsthischest.

“Thisiswhat’sgoingon.Icannotbelieveyoudidthisanddidn’teventellmeaboutit.”

QuinnsawtheUlrichConstructionlogoacrossthefrontoftheenvelopeandwentverystill.

“Whathappened?What’shedonenow?”

“It’snotwhathe’sdone,it’swhatyou’vedone.He’swithdrawnthesuit.Butyou,youbigbloody

idiot,haveriskedyourcareertomakeithappen,”Amysaid,hervoicestridentwithemotion.

Themusclesinhisbellyandchestrelaxed.“ThankChrist.Youhadmescaredforamomentthere.”

“Don’tyoudarestandthereandsmileaboutit.DoyouhaveanyideahowfuriousIamwithyou

rightnow?”

HecaughtAmy’sotherhandasshemadeafistandaimeditathischest.Anysecondnowshewas

goingtotrytokickhimintheshins.

HisgazefoundLisa’soverAmy’sshoulder.He’dforgottenshewasthere.

“Wouldyoumindgivingusabitofprivacy?”

Lisalookedstartled,asthoughshe’dmomentarilyforgottenshenolongerhadfrontrowseatsto

thebigeventsinhislife.

“Ofcourse.Actually,Ames,I’vegotsomecallsIneedtomake…”

“Noproblem.I’llseeyoutomorrow,”Amysaid,evenasshetriedtojerkherarmsfree.“Willyou

letmego,please?”

QuinnwaiteduntilLisawasgone.“IfIletyougoareyougoingtohitmeagain?”

“Whatdoyouthink?”

“ThenI’mnotgoingtoletyougo.”

Shetuggedonherarmsonelasttimethengaveup,glaringathiminstead.

“I’msoangrywithyou.Youhavenoidea.Whyonearthwouldyouriskallthoseyearsofstudy—

yourpartnership,forPete’ssake—forsomethingsostupid?”

“TheGrandisn’tstupid.It’syourdream.”

“Mydream,notyours.Wheredoyougetoffputtingyourlifeonthelineformine?”

Hecouldhearthefeartremblingbeneaththeindignationinhervoiceandhedrewhercloser.

“Ames.You’refreakingovernothing.Ulrich’swithdrawnthesuit.Whateverworst-case-scenario

you’reimaginingisnotgoingtohappen.It’sokay.”

“No,it’snot.Youshouldn’thavedonethatwithouttalkingtomefirst.NowaywouldIhaveever

askedyoutotakethatkindofriskforme.Youcouldhavebeendisbarred!”

“IsthatwhatLisatoldyou?She’sexaggerating.”

“Lookmeintheeyeandtellmeitcouldn’thavehappened.”

Hetookamomenttocomposehisanswerandsheshookherhead.

“Don’tbother.Ialreadyknowyou’reabouttolie.You’retheworstliarIevermet.It’sawonderyou

evermadeitasalawyer.”

“Idon’tdoalotoftrialwork,”hesaid,aimingforahumble,penitenttone.“Cutsdownonthelying

requirement.”

“Don’ttrytoweaseloutofthisbybeingcute.Youthinkyoudidgood,don’tyou?Youthinkyou’re

thechampionofthehour.”

“Iwouldn’tgothatfar.Butyou’vegottoadmit,Ulrichdroppingthesuitisprettygoodnews.”

“It’samazingnews.ButI’dratherlosetheGrandaltogetherthanhaveyougetintrouble.You

workedsohardtogetthatpartnership.Whatwereyouthinking?”

“It’sfine.Itookatinyrisk,butitpaidoff.It’sokay.”

Shestaredathimforalongmoment,thenlookedaway.

“Youcouldhaveatleasttoldmewhatyouweregoingtodo.Ishouldhavehadavoteonwhether

youthrewawayyourlawcareerformeornot.”

“Nexttime.Ipromise,”hesaid.

“Thereisn’tgoingtobeanexttime.I’mneverspeakingtoyouagainafterthis.”

Butshewassmiling.

“Don’teverdosomethinglikethatagain,okay?”shesaid.“Iwantyoutopromiseme.”

Halfherhairhadescapedfromherpigtailstobouncearoundherface.Shelookedincrediblypretty

andfierceanddeartohimasshewaitedforhimtocomplywithherdemand.

“I’mnotgoingtolietoyou,Ames.You’llonlycallmeonit.IfIhadtodoitagain,Iprobably

would.”

Afrownwrinkledherforeheadasshegazedintohisface.Hereachedoutandrubbedhisthumb

alonghercheekbone.Herskinwassosoft.

“I’ddoanythingforyou,Ames.Youknowthat.”

Somethingflaredinhereyes,hotandneedy,thenshelookeddown.Amuscleflickeredinherjaw.

Whenshelookedupagaintheheatwasgone,replacedwithawryexpression.

“Ishouldprobablygetthatinwriting.Couldcomeinhandysomeday.”

Hefrowned.Twodaysago,hewouldn’thaveunderstoodwhathadjusthappened.Wouldn’thave

hadacluethatthatlittleduckofherheadhadbeenaboutanythingotherthanherduckingherhead.
Butheknewhowshefeltnow,whatshewanted,andheknewhe’djustwitnessedherpushingallof
hermostprivate,passionate,secretemotionsintoaclosetandkickingthedoorclosed.

Howmanyyearshadshebeendoingthat?Howmanytimeshadsheswallowedthewordsshereally

wantedtosayandreplacedthemwithsomethingfunnyandsmartandcompletelynotwhatwasinher
heart?

Toomany.

Suddenlyhesawthefuturestretchingoutinfrontofthem,fullofmomentslikethis.Amyhiding

herfeelings,himpretendinghehadn’tnoticed.Playingitsafe.Hurtingherbecausehewastooscared
oflosingher.

Itwasn’tgoingtowork.Nowaywasitgoingtowork.Theycouldn’tpretendnoneofthishad

occurred.Hecouldn’tevenstandtobeinthesameroomwithherandnotwanttotouchher—he’d

provedasmuchinthepastfiveminutes.They’dletthegenieoutofthebottle,andtherewasnowayto
stuffitbackin.Andasmuchasitscaredthehelloutofhim,hedidn’twantto.

“Don’tdothat,Ames,”hesaidquietly.“Don’thidefrommelikethat.Ican’tstandit.”

Hereyeswerewide,startled.“Wh-what?”

Heclosedthedistancebetweenthemandreachedforherface,cuppingherjawinbothhishands.He

staredintohereyes,brushinghisthumbsacrosshercheekbones.Thenheloweredhismouthtohers.

Foralong,hotsecondherlipssoftenedandopenedunderhis.Hetastedhersweetnessandhadto

fighttheprimitive,carnalurgetodraghertothefloor.Thenshetensedinhisarms,archingher
upperbodyawayfromhim,pullingherfacefromhisgrasp.

“Quinn.Stop.Whatareyoudoing?”

“Kissingyou.Whatdoesitlooklike?”Hetriedtokissheragainbutsheheldhimoff.

“Ithoughtweweren’tdoingthis.Ithoughtwe’ddecideditwasamistake.”

“Iknow.Fortwosmartpeoplewecanbeprettydumbsometimes.”

Hedidn’tgiveherachancetosayanymore,simplyloweredhisheadandkissedher.Afteratense

secondherbodysoftenedandshemadeasmall,helplesssoundashermouthopenedbeneathhis.

Desirerippedthroughhim.Shefeltsogood.Sorightinhisarms.Madnesstothinkhewouldever

havebeenabletoresistdoingthisagain.Sheermadness.

Herhandsclenchedintohisshouldermusclesandherwholebodytrembledasshestrainedcloser.

Shewrappedalegaroundhishipandrubbedherselfshamelesslyagainsthishard-on.

Hewantedtopushheragainstthewallandtakeherstandingup.HewantedtotearherT-shirtoff

andlickandsuckherbreastsuntilshescreamedforhimtostop.Hewantedtofulfilleveryoneofthe
dirty,hornyfantasieshe’dforgedinthedarkenedquietofhisbedroomwhenhewasfourteenyears
old.

“Yoo-hoo!Anybodyhome?”

ThesoundofMrs.Parker ’svoiceechoedallthewayupthestaircaseandacrosstheupperfoyer.

Quinnclosedhiseyesandswore.

“Youhavegottobekidding.Whatthehelliswithyourmotherandthedrop-invisits?”hesaid.

FootstepsechoedinthemaintheatreasMrs.Parkerwentonthehuntforthem.Hefiguredhehad

aboutsixtysecondsbeforeshecamecharginguphereatexactlythewrongmomentalloveragain.

HelookedintoAmy’sface.“Weneedtotalk.”

Shenodded.Thenshelickedherlips,anervouslittledartofhertonguethatmadehimwanttodrag

hertoacave.

“I’llcomeovertonight,okay?”hesaid.

Shenoddedagain.Thedazedlookhadleftherfaceandcautionwascreepingintotakeitsplace.He

kissedheragain,hard.

“Don’tworry.”

HetoldhimselfitwasagoodthingthatMrs.P.hadarrivedashewalkedaway.Ifshehadn’t,he

wouldn’thavebeenabletostop.AndAmydeservedbetterthanthecold,hardfloorofthebalcony
section.

Iftheyweregoingtodothis,theyweregoingtodoitright.Andiftheyweren’t…well,thatwasa

conversationfortonight,aswell.

A

MYHEARD

Quinngreethermotheronthestairs.Herheartwaspoundingsoloudlyitwasamiracleit

hadn’tjumpedrightoutofherchest.Shepressedherhandoverit,justincase.

Quinnhadkissedher.Andhewascomingovertonight.Totalk.

“OhmyGod,”shewhispered.“OhmyGod.”

Hermother ’sfootstepssoundedacrosstheupperfoyerandshemadeanefforttocomposeherself.

Ifshekeptstandingheregapinglikeastunnedmullethermotherwouldtakeonelookatherand
know,sameaslasttime.AndtherewasnowayAmywantedtotalkaboutQuinnrightnow.Notwhile
shewasstilltryingtocometotermswithhiskissandwhatitmeant.

Sheturnedandpickedupapaintrollerandstartedrippingtheprotectiveplasticsleeveoffit.

“Mom.Hey,”shesaidsupercasuallyashermotherwalkedbeneaththearchwayafewsecondslater.

“Thereyouare.Icametotellyouthatyourfathergotyouagooddealontwo-packpolyurethane

forthefloors.Hewantedtoknowhowmuchyouthoughtyou’dneedsohecanputitaside.”

“Yeah?That’sfantastic.Whatsortofdiscountarewetalking?”

Ittookanefforttoputherbusinesscapon,butAmymanagedit.Shetalkedsensiblyandrationally

fortwentyminutes.Shenoddedandcommentedinalltheappropriateplaces.Thenshelockedthe
doorbehindhermotherandithitheralloveragain.

Quinn.

Thekiss.

Himcomingovertonight.

Herkneesturnedtojellythinkingaboutit.Aftersixteenyears,wasitpossiblethathewasgoing

to…?Thattheyweregoingto…?Thatthiswasreal?

Sheclosedhereyes,sendingupalittleprayertowhoeveroversawthesekindsofsituations.

Please,please,pleaseletmenothavethewrongendofthestick.PleaseletthisbewhatIthinkitis.

Thenshebrokeintoarunassheheadedfortherearexit.Shehadn’tshavedherlegsforweeks.As

forherbikiniline…Sufficetosay,ithadbeenawhile.Thentherewasherbedroom,amessof
abandonedclothesandtangledsheetsandbreedingdustbunnies.

Shecheckedherwatchassheslidintohercar.Itwasnearlyfive.Quinnhadsaidhe’dcomeover

tonight.Didthatmeansix,orseven?Maybeitmeanteight?Ifitwassix,shewasscrewed.Utterly.And
shewaswastingvaluableleg-shavingtimestaringoutherwindshield.Sheslammedthekeyintothe
ignitionandstartedthecar.

Itwasn’tuntilshewastearingthesheetsoffherbedthatsherememberedLisa.Whichwenttoshow

howfargoneshewas.

Shesankontothebed.

ThelastthingshewantedtodowashurtLisa.Yes,herfriendhadmadesomeill-judged,self-

destructivedecisions,butthatdidnotmakeheranylessAmy’sfriend.Ifsomethinghappenedwith
Quinntonight,ifhecameoverandtheytalkedand…whatever…Lisawasgoingtobeupset.She’dfeel
asthoughAmyhadsimplybeenhoveringinthewingsalltheseyears,waitingtotakeLisa’splaceby
Quinn’sside.

And,inaway,she’dberight.

Butshe’dalsobewrong,becauseAmywouldneverhavetriedtooustLisa.Shemighthavestood

withenvyinherheartatQuinnandLisa’swedding,butshe’dcelebrated,too.She’dbeenhappyfor
them,evenasshe’dlongedforthingsshe’dthoughtshecouldneverhave.

IfLisawerestillwithQuinn,noneofthiswouldbehappening.Withacertainty.Quinnwouldnever

havebetrayedLisa,andAmywouldneverhavetriedtoseducehimawayfromherfriend.

ButQuinnandLisaweregettingadivorce.AndQuinnhadkissedAmy.Hewantedher.Sheallowed

herselftobelieveit,rememberingthewayhe’dheldher.Shedidn’tknowhowdeephisfeelingsran,
ifitwassimplyattractionormuchmore,butsheverybadlywantedtofindout.God,howshewanted
tofindout.

Sheputherheadinherhands.Ifshepursuedherheart’sdesire,therewasaveryrealchanceshe

wouldloseherfriendshipwithLisa.Wasthatapriceshewaspreparedtopay?

ShethoughtaboutallthememoriessheandLisashared.AndshethoughtaboutQuinn,abouther

enduring,bone-deeploveforhim.Shethoughtaboutthefuture,aboutbabiesandhousesandgrowing
oldbesidethemansheloved.

Maybeitmadeherselfish,maybeshewasbuyingherselfbadkarmatolastseverallifetimes,but

shelovedQuinn.Shewasgoingtograbontothischanceforhappinesswithbothhandsandhangon.
Lisahadhadherchanceandshe’dmadeherchoices.Shewouldhavetolivewiththem,asAmywould
havetolivewithhers.

Standing,shebundledthedirtysheetstogether.Sheneededtofindhergoodunderwear.

Q

UINNANGLEDHISJAW

andshavedthelastofhisfive-o’clockshadow.Hetookastepbackfromthe

vanityandcheckedhishair.

Therewasagoofybitstickingupatthebackandhesmootheditwithhisfingers.Itresistedthehint

andsprangupagain.

Hecheckedhiswatch.Nearlysix-thirty.Heneededtogetgoing.Whilehewasprimpinginthe

bathroomlikeanervousteenager,Amywaswaitingforhim.

Hegrabbedhistoothbrushandstartedbrushingfuriously.Heleanedforwardtohaveanothergoat

thegoofybitwithhisfreehandandgroanedastoothpastedrippeddownthefrontofhisshirt.

“Bloodyhell.”

Hegrabbedatowelandscrubbedatthemarkbutafaintwhiteoutlineremainedonhisdarkshirt.

“Great.Welldone.”

Maybeheshouldchangeshirts.Helookedathiswatchagain.Itwouldtakehimtenminutestodrag

outtheironingboardandpressanothershirt.

Toolong.Waytoolong.

Amywouldhavetoputupwithhiminallhistoothpaste-spottedglory.She’dseenhimlookingfar

worse,hefigured.

Hehustledtothekitchenandstartedloadingupacarrierbagwiththesupplieshe’dboughtearlier.

Brie,check.Priceybottleofpinotnoir,check.Gourmetcrackers,spicypearpaste,antipasto,check.

Hewasshowered,ironed,after-shavedandloadedtothehiltwithfancyfoodstuffs.Hefiguredhe

wasaboutasreadyashewasevergoingtobe.

Hereachedforhiscarkeysandsawthathishandsweretrembling.

Damn.

Heletouthisbreathonagustandbracedhishandsonthekitchencounter.

Okay.Heneededtocalmdown.ThiswasAmy,afterall.Hisbestfriend.Whateverhappened

tonight,theycoulddealwithit.

Hegrabbedhiskeysandstrodeforthedoor.Ifhehungaroundthinkingfortoolong,he’dpsyche

himselfout.He’dmadehisdecisionthisafternoon.HewantedAmy.Helovedher.Hewasgoingto
taketherisk.

HethrewopenthefrontdoorandnearlywalkedstraightintoLisa.Shehadherhandraised,readyto

knock,andshemadeasurprisedsoundwhenshesawhim.

“Oh.Youscaredme.”

“Lisa.Iwasjustonmywayout.”

Hergazetookinhisfreshlyironedshirtanddamphairbeforedroppingtothecarrierbaginhis

hand.

“Ionlyneedfiveminutes.”

“Can’titwait?”

“Idon’tthinkso,no.”

Therewasalow,emotionalnotetohervoice.Quinncheckedhiswatchagainandtookastep

backward.“Fiveminutes.”

Notexactlygracious,buttheywerepastthepointofplayingpolitegameswitheachother.

AndAmywaswaiting.

Lisasweptpasthiminaswirlofjasmineandspice,walkingintothelivingroom.Hefollowed

moreslowlyandstoppedwhensheturnedtofacehim.

Hershouldersroseasshetookadeepbreath.“I’vebeentryingtoworkoutwhyIfeltsocompelled

tocomedownhere.AtfirstIthoughtitwasaboutAmy,andourfriendship.ButthenIrealized…I
wantasecondchance,Quinn.”

Herwordshungintheairforwhatfeltlikealongtime.Hebenthiskneesandputthecarrierbag

down.

Fiveminutes,hisass.

“Why?”heaskedbluntly.

“Isn’titobvious?Istillloveyou.”

“Whataboutwhat’s-his-name?”

“StuartandIbrokeupthreemonthsago.”

Thatsurprisedhim.

“Youcan’tjustslotbackintoyouroldlife,Lisa.Itdoesn’tworklikethat.”

“Idon’texpectustopickthingsupwhereweleftoff.IknowI’vehurtyou.Betrayedyourtrust.I’ve

beenseeingacounselor,andIthinkIunderstandmyselfalittlebetternow.Iwanttomakeitupto
you.”

“Lisa.”Hestoppedandranahandthroughhishair.Untilafewminutesago,hisheadhadbeen

filledwithnothingbutAmy.He’dbeenthinkingaboutthefuture,aboutwhatmightbe.AndnowLisa
wasstandinghere,offeringanalternative.

“We’lltakeitslowly.Wecandate.Gettoknoweachotheragain.”Shetookasteptowardhimand

hebelatedlysawhewasn’ttheonlyonewho’ddressedtoimpressthisevening.

Hisgazeranoverherfigure-huggingreddressandveryhighheels.She’devenwornherhairup,

thewaysheknewhelikedit.

“You’vebeengoneayear,”hesaid.Three,ifhecountedthetwoyearsshe’dbeensneakingaround

behindhisback.Andhedid.

“Iknowyou’reangrywithme.Youhaveeveryrighttobe.ButIunderstandsomuchmorenow,

Quinn.Myparents,thewaythey’vealwaysbeenwithme,nothingeverbeinggoodenoughorbig
enoughorbrightenoughtogettheirattention.I’vebeenbustingmyassforyearstryingtogetthem
tonoticeme.Andtheystilldon’tgiveashit.AndI’vemanagedtoruintheonegoodandperfectthing
inmylifetryingtoprovetomyselfthatI’mworthyofbeingloved.”

Sheclutchedherhandstogetheratherwaist.

“Iscrewedup,Quinn.Iwaslookinginallthewrongplacesforthingstomakemewhole.Please,

pleasegiveusanotherchance.Imissyousomuch.”

Shewasofferinghimanswerstothequestionsthathadhauntedhim,andshewasofferinghima

waytorightthebiggest,mostabjectfailureofhislife.

Ayearago—hell,sixmonthsago—he’dhaveleapedattheopportunity.He’dhaveswallowedhis

prideandreinedinhisangeranddonehisbesttosalvagewhathecouldfromherbetrayal.

Lisagaveachokedsobandpressedahandtohermouth.“I’mtoolate,aren’tI?God,I’mtoolate.”

Shestartedtocry,big,noisy,wrenchingsobs,hershouldershunchedasthoughshecouldsomehow

containhergriefifshecouldonlymakeherselfsmallenough.

Hehesitatedamoment,thensteppedforwardandpulledherintohisarms.Sheclutchedathim,

pressingherfaceintohisneck,herbodyshudderingagainsthis.

“Idon’twanttoloseyou.Idon’twanttoloseyou,”shesaidoverandover.

Ithadbeenmorethanayearsincehe’dheldher.Hewassurprisedathowcomfortableshefeltinhis

arms.Inherhighheelsshewasalmostastallashim.SodifferentfromAmyinsomanyways.

Hestoodbreathinginherperfumeandfeltthetugofsharedhistoryandemotiondraggingathim.

Notsomanyyearsago,he’dstoodbeforeapriestandmadepromisestoher.Promiseshe’dhad
everyintentionofkeeping.

“Idon’twanttoloseyou,”Lisasaid.

Shesoundedsobroken,sohelpless.Heslidhishandtothebackofherneck.

“It’sokay,”hesaid.“It’sokay.”

CHAPTERELEVEN

B

YSEVEN-THIRTY

A

MY

hadpacedthehallwaysomanytimesshecoulddoitblindfolded.Tenstepsto

thedoor,swivelonheel,tenstepstothelivingroom,swivelonheel.

Repeat.

Endlessly.

WherethehellwasQuinn?

She’dthoughtaboutphoninghim,butwhatwasshesupposedtosay?“Istillloveyou,what’s

keepingyou?”Shefiguredshe’dmadeherselfvulnerableenoughinthissituationasitwas.

Maybehe’dchickenedout.Maybeshe’dscaredthehelloutofhimwithherdesperateneediness

whenhekissedherandshewrappedherlegaroundhiswaistandheldontohimlikealimpetona
log.

Maybehe’dsimplychangedhismind.

Maybehe’dhadacaraccidentdrivingthethreeblockstoherhouse.

Maybehe’dhoppedthefirstflightbacktoSydney.

Byaquartertoeightshehadsomanyexcusesandrecriminationscirclinghermindshewas

seriouslyconsideringbangingherheadagainstthewalljusttoclearit.

“Damnyou,Quinn.Don’tyoudaredothistome!”

Shegrabbedhercarkeys.Enoughwasenough.Shewasgoingtofindoutwhatwasholdinghimup.

Andifitwasnothing,ifhewassittingathometwiddlinghisthumbswhileshegnawedherfingernails
downtostumpsandworeagrooveinherfronthallway…well,hewasgoingtobewalkingfunnyfor
awhile,thatwasforsure.

Herhandsweretightonthesteeringwheelasshedrovetohisstreet.SheturnedintoLavenderLane

andherparents’housecameuponherright.Sheslowedthecar.

Thenshesawit.Shinyandsleekandblack.Lisa’scar,parkedinQuinn’sdrivewaybehindhisrental

sedan.

Right.

Ofcourse.

ShebrakedandstaredatLisa’spersonalizedplateforalongminute,theengineofherrustyheap

idlingnoisily.

Sheshouldhaveknown.Andmaybe,onsomesubconsciouslevel,shehad.Whichwaswhyshe’d

waitedsolongbeforeshegotinthecaranddroveoverhere.

Shedrovehomeandslammedthecardoorsoloudlytheneighbor ’scatboltedforcover,hisnight-

eyesglintingbrightly.Shestalkedupthepathandshovedthedooropen,hearingitsmashintothehall
wallwithasatisfyingcrash.

Shewasanidiot.Averyfoolish,verynaive,self-deludedidiot.

Shecouldseeitsoclearlynow.Talkabouttwenty-twentyhindsight.Alltheyearsshe’dspent

mooningafterQuinn,lovinghiminsilence—wasted,everyone.Alltheenergyshe’dexpendedover
thepastfewdaysanguishingaboutkissinghimandconfessingtohim—ahugewaste.

BecauseQuinnWhitfieldwasnevergoingtoloveherthewayshelovedhim.

She’dsaidittoherselfahundred,maybeevenathousandtimes.Butuntilthismomentshe’dnever

trulybelievedit.Notevenwhenshe’dblurtedherfeelingstohimtwonightsagoandhe’dsimply
staredblanklyather.Eventhen,facedwithhislackofreaction,she’dstillhadachinkofhopeinher
pathetic,needyheart.

Butnotnow.Tonightshehadreachedtheendofherrope.

Sure,Quinnmightwanttokissher.Hemightevenbecuriousaboutsleepingwithher.Hemightfeel

touchedbyherconfessionandobligatedtodosomethingaboutit.

ButhewouldneverfeelthesamewayaboutherashedidaboutLisa.

Ithadalwaysbeenthetwoofthem.LisaandQuinn,QuinnandLisa.Fromthefirstsummerwhen

thetwoofthemhadgottentogether,Amyhadalwaysbeentheoneontheoutsidelookingin.Andshe
stillwas.

They’dbeenmarried,forGod’ssake.They’dwokentoeachother ’smorningbreaththousandsof

times.They’dsharedintimaciesshecouldn’tevenimagine.Shecouldnevercompetewiththat.

“Done.I’mdone,”shetoldherhouse.

Shewaitedfortheskytofall,theearthtoquake.LovingQuinnhadbeensomuchapartofher

worldthatwashingherhandsofitfeltakintokickingtheearthoutofitsorbitaroundthesun.

Butnothinghappened.Herhallclocktickedawayanotherfewsecondsofherlife.Theneighbor ’s

dogbarked.Herheartkeptpumpingbloodandothervitalmatteraroundherbody.

So.

Lifewenton.

Howaboutthat.

Hermouthfirmed.Shecoulddothis.GetoverQuinn.Moveon,finally.Shebloodycould.

Thenhergazefellonanoldphotographrestingonherhalltable:herandQuinnatnineyearsold,

ridingtheirbikespastherparents’place,thetwoofthemdressedasjockeystocelebrateMelbourne
Cupday.

Shereachedoutandpushedtheframeoversothatitfellfacedownonthetable.Thelastthingshe

neededtobelookingatrightnowwasareminderofhowentwinedherlifewaswithhis.

Shewalkedtwostepsandfoundherselfstaringatanotherpicture,thisoneaPicassoprint.Quinn

hadboughtitforherforhereighteenthbirthday.Andnexttoitwasanotherphotograph:hermom
standingwithLouiseWhitfield,bothofthemholdingcolorfulcocktailshighinatoast.

AmystaredatthePicassoforalongmoment.She’dhungitoppositeherbedroomdoorsoshe

couldseeitwhenshewasinbed.Itwasoneofthefirstthingsshesaweverymorning.Andeverytime
shelookedatit,shethoughtofQuinn.

Heatpressedatthebackofhereyes.Shescrewedupherface,breathingdeeply.Shewouldnotcry.

Shewouldn’t.She’dcriedsomanytimesovertheyears.Butnottonight.

Please,nottonight.Ifshestarted,shewasafraidshemightneverstop.

Foramomentsheteeteredonthebrink…andthenthemomentofdangerpassed.Shesniffedloudly,

blinkedafewtimes.

Okay.Allright.Good.Keepmoving.Holdontotheanger.

Shestrodeintothestudyandshiftedthingsarounduntilshe’dfoundalargebox.Shebroughtitto

thehallandgrabbedthephotographoffthetableandputitinthebox.ThensheaddedthePicasso
printandtheotherphotograph.Shewentintoherbedroomnext.InwentthesilkrobeLisaandQuinn
hadboughtherforChristmasthreeyearsago.TheearringsQuinnhadgivenherlasttimeshe’dbeen
inSydney.HerancientMidnightOiltourT-shirt,boughtwhensheandQuinndroveintoMelbourne
andbravedthecrowdstogetfrontrowseats.

Anythingthatremindedherofhim.Anythingthatmightkeepheranchoredinthepast.Becauseshe

wasdone,andshewasnotgoingtowasteanothersecondofherlifewantingsomeonewhowould
neverbehers.

Shewasthirtyyearsold.Stillyoung.Somewhereoutthereintheworldwasamanwhowouldlove

herthewayshedeservedtobeloved,amanshecouldlovefreely,withoutguiltandcomplications.

Shelookedaroundherbedroom.

Shewasgoingtoneedanotherbox.

T

HEFRONTDOORWASOPEN

whenQuinnclimbedthestepstoAmy’sporch.Lightstreamedoutintothe

nightashestoppedinthedoorway.

“Ames?”Thecarrierbagrustledagainsthislegs.

Itwasnearlyeight-thirty.He’dcalledthemomenthe’dclosedthedooronLisa,butAmyhadn’t

pickedup.

Hesteppedintothehouse.

“Amy?It’sme.”

Therewasacartoninthehallway,filledwithpictureframesandclothesandotherhouseholditems.

HerecognizedthePicassoprinthe’dgivenAmyonhereighteenthbirthdayandthestuffedturtlehe’d
wonforherattheRoyalMelbourneShowoneyear.

Amyroundedthecornerattheotherendofthehallway,anotherboxinherarms.Herstepfaltered

whenshesawhim,thenherchincameupandshestrodeupthehallwayanddumpedherburdennext
tothefirstbox.

“SorryI’mlate,”hesaid.Heraisedthebagoffoodandwine.“Iboughtsomestuff.”

“I’mtakingitback,”shesaidcoolly,hergazesteady.“IwantyoutoforgetIeversaidit.”

Hefrowned.“Takingwhatback?”

“TheIloveyou.I’mtakingitback.Retractingit,asyoulawyerswouldsay.Sothere’snoneedfor

ustohavethislittlechat.”

Shecrossedherarmsoverherbreasts.Hedidn’tthinkhe’deverseenhersoangry.

“Ames.I’msorryItooksolongtogethere.Lisacameoverand—”

“Iknow.IgotsickofwaitingsoIcametoyou.Anyway.Ihavestufftodo,soifyoudon’tmind,I’ll

getbacktoit.”

Sheturnedandwalkeddownthehallway.Quinnfollowed,glancingintothesecondboxashe

passed.Thepencilcasehe’dmadeinwoodworkinYear9wassittingontopofapileofRaymond
Chandlerbooks.Allofwhichhe’dboughtforherwhenthey’dbothfalleninlovewithChandler ’s
writingwhentheywereintheirearlytwenties.

HefollowedherintothelivingroomandwatchedasshestartedsortingthroughherCDcollection,

tossingunwantedalbumsintoyetanotherbox.Hedidn’tneedtolooktoknowthattheywereall
albumsthathe’deitherboughtforherorthattheybothenjoyed.

“LisaandIaren’tgettingbacktogether,Ames,”hesaidquietly.

“Ididn’tthinkyouwere.”

Hefrowned.“Thenwhat’sgoingon?”

“Nothing’sgoingon.”Shepaused,thenshookherhead.“No,that’snottrue.Somethingisgoingon,

it’sjustnothingtodowithyou.”

ShewentbacktosortingthroughherCDs.

Anicyfingeroffearsliddownhisspine.Hedidn’tunderstandwhatwasgoingon.He’dneverseen

herlikethis.Soshutoff,socold.

Hedumpedthewineandfoodonhercoffeetableandcrossedtheroom,tuggingthepileofCDs

fromherhands.

“Talktome.”

“There’snothingtosay.”

ShereachedfortheCDsbuthethrewthemontohercouchwheretheylandedwithaplasticclatter.

Theywerebothsilentforalongmoment,thensheliftedherfaceandlookedhimintheeye.

“Yousaidyou’dcomeovertonighttotalk.Youkissedmeandyousaidyou’dbehere.Thenyouleft

mehanging.”

“Iknow.I’msorry.IliterallywalkedintoLisaonmydoorstepasIwasleavingtocomehere.She

wantedtotalk,wouldn’ttakenoforananswer.Shewasupset—”

“Idon’tcare,”Amysaid.“Itdoesn’tmatter.Infact,it’sprobablygoodtonighthappened.Itmadea

fewthingsverycleartome.”

Shetriedtobrushpasthimbuthegrabbedhershoulders.Shewentverystill.

“Don’ttouchme.”

“Ames—”

“No.Idon’twanttohearit,okay?Igetit.Ifinallygetit.AndIdon’twantyourpityoryour

curiosityorwhateveritis.Idon’twanttobesecondbestoryourconsolationprizeoranafterthought.
Ideservebetter.”

Thereweresomanythingswrongwithwhatshewassayingthathedidn’tknowwheretobegin.

“Ifyouwouldlistentomeforfiveseconds—”

“Itdoesn’tmatter,Quinn.Nothingyousayisgoingtochangeanything.Thiswasnevergoingto

work.I’vespenthalfmylifelovingyou,andyou’vebeenmarriedtosomeoneelseforsixyears.One
ofthesethingsisnotliketheother.You’renevergoingtofeelthesamewayasme.Howcouldyou?”

Hewantedtoshakehertilltheangry,emptylookleftherface.Hewantedtoyellhisdenialtillthe

raftersshookandthewindowsrattled.Instead,hetightenedhisgriponhershouldersandjerkedher
bodyagainsthis.

“Youhavenofreakin’ideahowIfeel,AmyParker.”

Thenhekissedher.Notgentlyortenderlyorpatiently,thewayhe’dplanned.Therewasnowine

andcheeseandfinewordsandpromises.Justhermouthbeneathhis,herbodyagainsthis,ashe
kissedherwithallthefrustrationandpassionandneedandfearinhim.Herhandscameuptograsp
hisshouldersandforamomenthethoughtshewasgoingtotrytopushhimaway.Thenshewrapped
herarmsaroundhimandslidhertonguealonghisandpressedherhipsforward,strainingtogetas
closetohimaspossible.

Heslidahanddownhershouldertofindherbreast,palmingit,rubbinghernipplewithhisthumb.

Sheretaliatedbygrabbinghisbacksideandpressingherselfagainsthishard-on.Hegroanedandshe
slidahandaroundhiswaistandintothewaistbandofhisjeans.HebroketheirkisstojerkherT-shirt
upandpushherbradown,tugginghernippleintohismouth.Herbodyjerkedashebithernipple
thensootheditwithhistongue.Sheyankedhisflydownandslidherhandinsidehisboxerbriefs,
wrappingherfingersaroundhiserection.Shestrokedhislength,once,twice,threetimes.Hebacked
hertowardthecouchandpushedherdown.Theyhitthecushionstogetherandthecouchjerkedas
oneofthefrontlegsgavewithasharpcrack,sendingthemtumblingontothefloor.Hiselbowhitthe
coffeetableandAmy’sheadthunkedagainsthis.

“Areyouokay?”heasked,reachingouttotouchherface.

Hereyeswereglazed,hercheeksflushed.“Yes.”Shegraspedhisshouldersandpushedhimonto

hisbackandclimbedontopofhim.

HedraggedherT-shirttherestofthewayoffandreachedfortheclasponherbra.Shestarted

peelinghisjeansoffandheliftedhishipsobligingly.Shemadeasmall,needysoundashiserection
sprangfreeandhelostitforamoment,grabbingherandkissinghersohardthattheirteethclashed
andtheybumpednoses.Herhandskeptworkingathisjeansallthewhile,tuggingthemdownhis
thighsthenpushingthemoverhisknees.Hekickedhimselffreeandreachedforthestudonherjeans.
Amymadeanimpatientnoiseandrolledtooneside,unzippingherflyandstickingherthumbsinto
thewaistbandofherjeans,shuckingtheminonefrantic,urgentmotion.Themomentshewasnaked
herolledontopofher,gruntingwhenhisshoulderconnectedwiththecoffeetable.Sheopenedher
thighswideandhegroanedagainashishipssettledagainsthersandhiserectionnudgedintoher
moistheat.Shewrappedherlegsaroundhishipsandarchedherback.

Theywerebothgaspinglikelandedfish,mindless,mad.Hepressedhishipsforward,greedyfor

more,wantingeverything.

Andsomewhereinthebackofhismindathoughtflickeredtolife.Hestilledandlookeddowninto

Amy’shecticface.

“Condom,”hesaidshortly.

Shefrownedasthoughshedidn’tunderstandwhatlanguagehewasspeaking,thensheshookher

head.“I’monthepill.”

Herhandsfoundhisassandurgedhimcloserbutthesmallmomentofclarityhadalreadyledtoa

greatermoment.

ThiswasAmy.Andhewasabouttoshagheronthefloorofherhousewithnofinesseandvery

littlethoughtbeyondthequickestwaytogethernaked.

“Bed.Weshouldbeinabed,”hesaid.

“Idon’tcare.”

“Ido.Iwantthistobespecial.Thisisourfirsttime.”

“Ourfirsttime,”sherepeated.

“Yes.”

Shesmiled,atremulous,hopeful,heartbreakingsmile.

“Iguessweshouldmakeaneffort,then.Mybedroom’sthefirstdoorwayontheright.”

Theydisengagedasthoughsomeonehadfiredastartingpistol,scramblingtotheirfeetand

hotfootingitupthehallway.

Shestoppedinhertrackswhentheyenteredherbedroom,adismayedexpressiononherface.“No

sheets.IwassobusyshavingmylegsandfindingmygoodunderwearIforgottofinishmakingthe
bed.”

“Areyoukidding?Whocaresaboutsheets?”hesaid,andhetookhertothemattressinaflying

tackle.

Theybuttednosesagainastheykissed,herbreastswarmagainsthischest,herlegstanglingwith

his.Thenshewasspreadingherthighswideandhewasnudgingatherentranceand—finally—
slidinginsideher.

Theybothfroze,theroomsuddenlyveryquiet.Helookedintoherfaceandsawtheneedand

wonderandtruthinhereyesandwonderedifshesawthesameinhis.

“Amy,”hesaid,loweringhisforeheadtopressitagainsthers.“Amy.”

Herarmscamearoundhimandlockedtight.

“Quinn.Whateveryoudo,don’tyoudarestopnoworIwillbeforcedtokillyou.”

Helaughed,couldn’thelpit.Needtookoverandheflexedhishipsandwithdrew.Thenheslidinto

heralloveragainandshedroppedherheadbackandmadealow,needyhummingsoundintheback
ofherthroat.

Sixteenyears.

Unbelievable,butitmightjusthavebeenworththewait.

A

MYFELT

Quinn’sbacksideflexbeneathherhandsasheboredownonher.Hot,hardstrengthfilled

her,stretchingher.Sheforgottobreathe.

She’dwantedthisforsolong.Toolong.

Quinninsideher,surroundingher.Apartofher.

Thenhefoundhisrhythmandlustrosetoswampeverythingexceptsensationashestrokedinto

her,overandover.Sherodewithhim,circlingherhipstofindthemostsatisfyingfriction.Clutching
athishard,beautifulbody.Savoringeveryhitchinhisbreath,everybrushofhishandsagainsther
breasts,herbelly,herhips.Breathingandsighingandwhisperinghisname.

Tensionbowedherbody.Hekissedherbreasts,lickedhernipples,murmuredthingsagainsther

skin.Shestrainedtowardhim,wantingeverythinghehadtogive.

Andthenshewasthere,herclimaxcrashingdownonher.Shelostallsenseoftime.She’dbarely

comedowntoearthagainwhenhetensed,pressinghisfaceintoherneck.Hebreathedhernameover
andoverashecame,hisbodyshudderingagainsthers.

Afterward,helayheavyandlaxonherforalongmoment,hisraggedbreathwarmagainsther

neck.Afterawhilehewithdrewandrolledtotheside,takingherwithhim.Theylayfacingeachother
andsheranherfingersthroughthedarksilkofhischesthair,revelinginthefreedomtotouchhim.

“I’msorryIwaslate,Ames.Believeme,ifithadbeenuptome,Iwouldhavebeenhereatsix-

thirty.”

Shemethiseyes.“Shewantedtogetbackwithyou,didn’tshe?”

“Howdidyouknow?”

“It’snotrocketscience.”

Hebrushedhishandoverhershoulder,skimmedhisknucklesalongthecurveofherjaw.

“Shewasupset.AndforthefirsttimeIcluedinthatifsomethinghappenedbetweenusshewas

goingtobeevenmoreupset.SoItoldher.”

Amytensed.“Youtoldher?Aboutus?Butwehadn’teven…Imean,we’dbarelyeven…”

“Ames,we’vepracticallytorneachother ’sclothesofftwiceinasmanydays.Ifigureditwasa

prettysafebet.”

“Hmph.”Sheconcentratedontracingthesmootharcofhispecmuscleforamoment.“Wasshe

okay?Imean,howdidshereact?”

“Shewasprettyemotional.Iexplainedthattherewasnogoingbackforus.Shesaidsheunderstood

thatpartbutshecouldn’tgetherheadaroundthetwoofustogether.ShewantedtoknowhowlongI’d
feltthisway,ifanythinghadeverhappenedbetweenthetwoofusbefore.”

“Whatdidyoutellher?”

“Thetruth,Ames.ThatwhenweweremarriedIonlyeverallowedmyselftothinkofyouasmy

friend.”

Shenodded.“Good.BecauseIwouldneverhavedonethattoher.”

“Ithinksheknowsthat.Butshe’sworkingherwaythroughalotofstuffrightnow.Ittookawhile

totalkaboutthings.”

Hereachedoutandtuckedastraycurlbehindherear.“I’msorryIkeptyouwaiting.”

“It’sokay.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.You’reherenow.That’stheimportantbit.”

Hesmiledather,thecornersofhiseyescrinkling.Helookedsofamiliarandsosexylyingbeside

her.

“Pinchme,”shesaid.“Istillcan’tquitebelievethisisreal.”

“Icandobetterthanthat.”

Herolledtowardherandslidalong,musclylegoverbothofhers.Hishandcuppedherbreastand

sheclosedhereyesasheteasedhernipplewithhisthumbandforefinger.

“You’resobeautiful,Ames.”

Heloweredhisheadtoherbreasts,kissingthesoftcurvebeforeopeninghismouthoverhernipple

andraspingtheroughofhistongueagainsthersensitiveflesh.Sheopenedhereyesandlookeddown
athisdarkheadagainstherpaleskin,watchedhimsuckingandkissingher.Shedroveherfingers
intohishairandheldhimclose,runningthesoleofherfootalongoneofhisstrongcalves.Hehada
wonderfulbody,strongandmuscular,hairyinalltherightplaces,unashamedlymasculine.

Heliftedhisheadandskimmedhishanddownherribstoherhip,hiseyesfollowingthemovement.

“Sosoft…”Hetrailedhishanddownherthighandnudgedherkneetooneside.Shecaughther

breathashebegantotrailhisfingersuptheinsideofherthigh.Heshiftedinthebedsothathecould
pressakissagainstherbelly.

“Youknow,whenwewerefourteenIusedtowatchyougetchangedfrommybedroomwindow.

WhenyouhadyourblinddownandthebedsidelamponIcouldseeeverythinginsilhouette.Well,
almosteverything.Itusedtodrivemecrazy.”Hesaiditlazily,casually,hisfocusonherbody.

Shefrowned.“It’sokay.Youdon’thavetowhispersweetnothingsinmyear.”

“Sweetnothings.WasthatwhatIwasdoing?”

“Youdon’thavetotellmewhatyouthinkIwanttohear.”

Heliftedhisheadandshiftedontooneelbow.“YouthinkI’mmakingitup?Youdon’tbelieveIused

tolieinthedarkwatchingyoutakeoffyourbraandpulldownyourpantiesandfeellikethedirtiest,
filthiestlittlepervertunderthesunbecauseofallthethingsIwantedtodotoyou?”

Sheshifteduncomfortably.“IknowIsaidabunchofstuffbeforeaboutbeingsecondbestanda

consolationprize.It’sokay.Youdon’thavetotrytoproveanythingtomeormakemefeelbetter.
Let’sjust…behere.Thisisenough,”shesaid.

Anditwas.Itwasmorethanshe’deverthoughtshe’dhavefromhim.

Helookedarrested.“Youreallydon’tbelieveme,doyou?”

“Iwastherethatsummer,too,Quinn.IrememberLisaandhertinyredbikini.”

Hesatupsuddenly.“Getdressed,”hesaid,swinginghisfeetoverthesideofthebed.

“Sorry?”

“Getdressed.There’ssomethingIwanttoshowyou.”

“But—”

Hewasalreadygone,paddingdownthehallwaytowardthelivingroom.ShegrabbedthenearestT-

shirtandtuggediton.Quinnwaspullinghisjeansonwhensheenteredthelivingroom.

“Wherearewegoing?Idon’tgetit,”shesaid.

“Exactly.”Hebentandpickedupherjeans,tossingthemtoher.“Getdressed,Ames.”

Therewasadetermined,stubbornnotetohisvoicethatsherecognized.Frowning,shelocatedher

pantiesinthelegofherjeans.Quinnreachedacrossandpluckedthemfromherhandsbeforeshe
couldpullthemon.

“Youwon’tbeneedingthose.Doyoustillhavethatflashlightinyourhandbag?”

Fiveminuteslater,theywereinQuinn’scar.Amywasacutelyawarethatshewascommandoand

thatshestillhadnoideawherehewastakingher.

“Thisthingyou’reshowingme,itisn’tinapublicplace,isit?”sheaskednervously.

Hesignaledastheyapproachedherparents’streetandturned,stoppinginfrontoftheirhouse.

“Whatarewedoinghere?”sheaskedstupidly.

“I’llshowyou.”

Heroundedthecarandtookherhand.Heflickedtheflashlighton,thenledherupthedriveway.

Bluishlightflickeredbehindtheblindsinthelivingroom,indicatingherparentswerestillup
watchingtelevision.Quinnledherpastthewindowandintothebackyard.Thedecorativegate
betweenhermother ’svegetablegardenandthemoreunrulybottomhalfoftheyardsqueakedin
protestasheopenedit.

“Okay,thisisgettingweird,”shesaid.“Whyareweinmyparents’backyard?”

Quinndidn’tsayanything,simplyledhertotheverybottomofthegarden,intothelong,damp

grasswheretheyusedtoplayinyearsgoneby.Theflashlightbeamslidoverthegrassandsettledon
thegnarledtrunkoftheappletree.

“Holdthelightsteadyforme,okay?”hesaid.

Bemused,shetooktheflashlightandaimedthebeamatthetreetrunkashehauledhimselfupontoa

lowbranchandbegantoclimb.

“You’recrazy,youknowthat,right?”shesaid.

“Maybe.It’sbeenalongtime.It’sprobably—Hah!Lookatthat.GuessImustbeabettercraftsman

thanIthought.Throwmetheflashlightandcomeuphere.”

Mutteringunderherbreath,Amytossedhimtheflashlight,thebeamarcingthroughthenightasit

flewthroughtheair.Quinntrainedthelightdownthetrunkandsheswungherselfupintothetree.He
hadn’tclimbedveryfar,abouthalfwayintothecanopy.Hewasstraddlingathickbranchandshe
settledinbesidehim,onehandgraspinganoverheadbranchforbalance.

Quinnaimedtheflashlightatthetreetrunk.“Takealook.”

Sheglancedathim,thenturnedtostudytherough,graybark.Itwaswellhidden,camouflagedby

yearsofweather,butshecouldmakeoutthefaintoutlineofaloveheartcarvedintothewood.Two
setsofinitialshadbeencarvedinsideit.Shereachedouttotracethemwithherfingertip.

“‘Q.W.4A.P.,’”sheread.ShestaredatQuinn,stunned.“Howlonghasthisbeenhere?”

“Weturnedfourteeninninety-four,right?SoIguessit’sbeenheresixteenyears.”

Shestaredathim.Alltheseyearsshe’dlookedforproofthatherfeelingsforQuinnwere

reciprocated.Andallthetimeithadbeenrighthereinherparents’backyard.

Shereachedoutandpressedherhandagainsttheroughbark.Foramomentshewasoverwhelmed.

Thensheswungaroundandscrambleddownthetree.

Quinndroppedtothegroundbesideherafewsecondslater.

“Idon’tunderstand,”shesaidafterashortsilence.“Whydidn’tyoueversayanything?”

“Whydidn’tyou?”hecountered.

“BecauseIwasafraid.BecauseifIdidsaysomethingandyoudidn’tfeelthesame,thingswould

havebeenweirdbetweenus.”

“Ditto.Youweremybestfriend,Ames.Ididn’twanttoloseyou.”

“ButyouwerehappytoloseLisa.Shewasyourfriend,too.”

Assoonasshesaiditshewisheditback.Shesoundedsosmallandjealous.

“Nothappy,butlessuncomfortable,definitely.YouandIgrewuptogether.Lisawasoneofthe

musketeers,butshewasn’tlikeyou.YouandIhadserioushistory.Thekindofhistorythatmademe
wanttowashmybrainoutwithsoapeverytimeIwatchedyougetundressed.Thetruthis,ifshe
hadn’tmadethefirstmove,Iprobablywouldhavestucktohittingonthegirlsatschool.”

“Lisamadethefirstmove?”

“That’sright.”

AmythoughtbacktothatafternoonbythelakewhenLisahadrevealedwhathadhappenedthe

previousnightwithQuinn.

“LisatoldmeyoukissedherwhileyouweredoingyourFrenchhomework,”shesaidslowly.“She

saidyoumadethefirstmove.”

AfrowncreasedQuinn’sforehead.“TheFrenchhomeworkpartisright,butshewastheonewho

jumpedme.AsfarasIwasconcerned,thetwoofyouwereoff-limits.”

Amystaredathim.Shedidn’tknowwhywhathe’djustsaidmadesuchadifferencetoher,butitdid.

Shefeltasthoughsomethingpainfulthathadlongbeenoutofplacehadshiftedbackintoalignment
insideher.

Thensheknewwhatitwas.Alltheseyears,she’dthoughtQuinnhadchosenLisaoverher.ButLisa

wastheonewho’ddonethechoosing.

ItwasasmallbutimportantdistinctionforAmy.

“HaveyoueverseenthatmovieSlidingDoors?”sheasked.

“Doesithaveexplosionsandchicksinbikinistotingguns?”

Shegavehimadrylook.“It’saboutthelifeyoucouldhavehadifyoumadedifferentchoices.”

“Ah.”Hewassilentforamoment,thenhebrushedahanddownherarm.“Greatideaforamovie.”

“But?”

Heshrugged.“Reallifeismorecomplicated.”

Sheunderstoodwhathewassayingwiththosefew,sparewords:he’dlovedLisa.He’dmarriedher,

beenpreparedtobuildforeverwithher.Hewasn’tgoingtosayheregrettedanyofthatasasopto
Amy.Hewastoohonestforthat.

Shecaughthishandinhers.Ifhe’dfeltanyotherway,she’dlikehimalotlessthanshedid.Andshe

likedhimawholehellofalot.

Hepulledherintohisarms.Sheclosedhereyesandsavoredtheclosenessandthepromise.

Afterafewminutes,Quinnclearedhisthroat.

“YouknowhowImentionedthosedirty,horny,pervertedfantasiesIusedtohave?”hesaid.“Oneof

theminvolvedthisparticularbitofyourparents’yardandallthislonggrass.”

“Really?”

“Tomyshame.”

Hedidn’tlookveryashamed.

“Isthatwhyyouwouldn’tletmeputmyunderwearon?”

“Iliketoplanahead.”

“Prettyconfident,aren’tyou?”

Hekissedherdeeply,pushingherbackagainsttheoldappletree,holdinghertherewithhiships

andhisflatbelly.SheshiveredashishandsslidunderherT-shirttocupherbralessbreasts.Hekissed
herneck,thennuzzledthesensitiveplacebeneathherear.SheslidherhandsunderhisT-shirtand
smoothedherhandsacrosshisbackandchestandbellybeforefinallyfindingthestudonhisjeans
andworkingitfree.

Oneday,shewouldtakethetimetoexplorehisbodyslowlyandsurely.Butnottonight.Tonightshe

wastooimpatient,tooneedy,toodesperate.

TheysanktotheirkneesinthegrassandQuinnpulledhisT-shirtoffandspreaditonthegroundto

protectherfromthedampgrass.

“Sogallant,”shesaidasheeasedherontoherback.

“Smartmouth.”

Suddenlythelightcameonatthebackofherparents’house,floodingtheyard.

“Istheresomebodyoutthere?Amy,isthatyou?”hermothercalled.

“No.Tellmethisisn’thappening.”Quinnrestedhisforeheadagainsthers.“Hasshegotawiretap

onyouorsomething?Iswear,she’slikeawalkinghard-ondetector.”

Amybitherlip,tryingnottolaugh.Quinnleveredhimselfuponhisarms.

“Mrs.P.,ifyouvalueyourlife,you’llgobackinsideandturnoffthelightrightnow.”

“Quinn?Isthatyou?”Hermother ’sfootstepssoundedonthepatioasshecametoinvestigate.

“Whatonearthareyoudoingoutthereinthemiddleofthenight?”

Amystuffedherhandintohermouth.

“Well,Iwaskindofhopingtogetyourdaughternaked.ThenIwasplanningonspendingtherestof

mylifemakingherhappy,”Quinnsaid.“Ifthat’sokaywithyouandMr.P.”

Therewasashortsilence,thenthesoundofhermother ’sfootstepsretreating.Afterafewseconds

thelightwentoff.

Quinnsettledhisweightoverheragain.“Now,wherewerewe?”

“Youwerelivingoutyourteenfantasy.”

“That’sright.”

Butinsteadoffinishingundressingher,hisexpressionsuddenlybecameveryserious.Hetracedthe

angleofherjaw,brushedhisthumboverherlips,pressedakisstoherforehead.

“Alltheseyears…Iloveyou,Ames.Ican’timaginemylifewithoutyouinit.Ineverwanttolose

you.”

Amystaredintohisface,sowellknownandprecioustoher.Shethoughtaboutallthechallenges

thatstilllayahead—workingthingsoutwithLisa,ifthatwasevenpossible,thefactthatQuinn’shard-
earnedpartnershipwasinSydneyandshewasboundtotheGrand,plusallthesmall,everyday
complicationsanytwopeoplefacedwhentryingtobuildafuturetogether.

“Thendon’t,”shesaid.

EPILOGUE

Eightmonthslater

“T

HISSUITISHOT

.Andscratchy.Tellmeagainhowyoutalkedmeintowearingthis?”Quinnsaid.

Amystifledasmileasshelookedatthemaninthegorillasuitstandingnexttoher.Anysecond

nowthefirstguestswouldarrivefortheofficialopeningceremonyfortherestoredGrandPicture
Theatre.Theinvitationhadaskedgueststocomeastheirfavoritestarsofthesilverscreen.Inkeeping
withtheirowntheme,sheandQuinnhadpaidavisittothecostumerentalshop.

Theywereexpectingoverthreehundredgueststonight,manyofthemQuinn’sclientsfromhisnew

practice.HehadashopfrontonVincentStreetandmorethanenoughworktokeephimbusyand
challenged.Therewasthecasehe’dtakenonlastmonth,forinstance—anegligenceactionagainsta
certainpropertydeveloper.Probono,naturally.

“You’retheonewhoinsistedonbeingKingKongtomyFayWray.Yousaidthatitwasoneofthe

greatestlovestoriesofalltime,”shesaid.

“TherewasaveryrealchancethatIwasundertheinfluenceofpowerfulpheromonesand

hormonesatthetimeasaresultofourhoneymoon.Someoneshouldhavesteppedinandsavedme
frommyself.”

Shereachedupandpattedhisfurryface.“Youmakeaverysexyprimate,ifit’sanyconsolation.”

Hemadeajunglenoiseinthebackofhisthroatandwrappedabig,furryarmaroundher,pulling

heragainsthischest.

“Mewantprettylady.”

“Mewantsweaty,scratchymonkey.”

“HelpmegetthisheadoffsoIcankissyou,”Quinnsaid.

Sheheardthesoundofvoicesandhighheelsclick-clackingonthetiledfoyer.

“Toolate.We’reon.”

Therewerewaitersandwaitressesinthefoyerwithtraysofchampagneandwine,butsheand

Quinnshouldreallybetheretogreettheirguests.Shecouldn’twaittocelebratetheirachievements
withtheirfriendsandfamily.Quinn’sparentshadtakenabreakfromtheiradventuresontheroadto
attend.AndLisahadflowninthismorning.

Althoughshe’dbeeninvited,Lisahadn’tcometotheirwedding.Amyhadunderstood,butshe’d

stillfelttheloss.Therehadbeenafewe-mailsexchangedsincethen,acoupleofphonecalls,but
nothingevenclosetothefriendshipthey’donceshared.She’dbeensurprisedwhenLisahad

respondedtoherinvitationtoattendtheGrand’sopeningnight.Amyhopedthatitmightbethe
beginningofanewphaseintheirfriendship,butitwasearlydaysyet,andshedidn’twanttoforce
anything.

“Weready?”Quinnasked,offeringherhisarm.

Shesmoothedahanddownthefrontofherdressandglancedquicklyaroundthetheatretomake

sureeverythingwasasitshouldbe.

Therestoredseatinghadbeeninstalledlastweekafterbeingre-chromedandreupholsteredindeep

burgundyvelvet.Matchingvelvetcurtainsdrapedeithersideofthebrandnewscreen,thickgold
tasseledropesholdingthembacksothattheyhunginelegantfolds.Thefloorsgleamedandthewall
sconcescastwarmlightupthesoftcreamwalls.

Shetiltedherheadbacktolookattherestoredceiling.OfallherachievementsattheGrand,she

wasmostproudoftheceilingwithitsstylizeddepictionoftheheavens.Sheandtheplasterrestorer
hadputinmorethanfivehundredhoursrecastingandrepairingthedamagedmoldings.Nowit
glowedabrilliantwhitewithgoldleafhighlightsandshadows,itslinesonceagaincrispandclear.It
hadalreadyattractedtheinterestofanumberofarchitecturalandinteriormagazinesinadvanceof
theopening,andshe’dbeenapproachedbyaphotographerwhowantedtodocumenttheGrandina
bookcelebratinggreatheritagebuildingsinAustralia.

SheturnedtoQuinn.“Beforewego,there’ssomethingIwanttosay.”Shereachedupandpulledthe

gorillaheadoffsoshecouldseehisface.Theirguestscouldwaitafewminutes.Thiswasimportant.

“Iwouldn’tbeherewithoutyou,QuinnWhitfield.Youmademydreamscometrue.Allofthem.I

loveyousomuch.Thankyouforbeingsopatientandstrongandgenerous.Thankyouforbeingthe
bestfriendI’lleverhave.”

Hiseyessoftened.“You’retheonewhomadeallthishappen,Ames.You’retheonewhoneverlost

faith.”

Hishairwasrumpledandhewasagorillafromtheneckdown,butherhusbandwasstillthebest-

looking,sexiest,mostwonderfulmanshe’deverknown.

Shesmiledasshehandedhimhisheadback.“Ifyouplayyourcardsright,wecanhookupfora

littlegroomingbehaviorlateron.”

Quinn’sdarkeyeslitwithinterest.Ifevershe’dneededit—andshedidn’t—hisunending,

apparentlyinexhaustibledesireforherwastheultimatereassurancethatherfeelingsweremorethan
reciprocated.

“Where?When?”heasked.

“Howabouttheprojectionist’sroom,inanhour?”

“Makeitfortyminutesandyou’vegotadeal.”

Shestoodonhertiptoesandkissedhim.Forsixteenyearsshe’dfantasizedaboutwhatitwouldbe

liketobelovedbyQuinn.Realityfarsurpassedanydreamshe’deverhad.

“Anytime,anywhere.”

Shewaiteduntilhe’dputthegorillaheadon,thenshetookhisarmandwalkedthroughthearchway

togreettheirguests.

Itwasgoingtobeagreatnight.

ISBN:978-1-4268-5253-4

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