Leo:Babe, I like you the way you are. You’ve always been the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. I’m happy that you feel healthier. You sound (on text) better, too.
Quinn:I think I am. Allan and I are going over the final edits today. I’m proud of the work we’ve done. This book might not break records or even hit the lists, but it’s an important story, and I hope lots of people read it.
Leo:It’s going to be wildly successful. I just have a feeling. So when does Zelda get there?
Quinn:Tomorrow morning. She’s already complaining about how early she has to get up, but I can’t wait to see her. Hard to believe how much I’ve missed her—remember how different from each other we were back in freshman year?
Leo:You’re still different from each other. Nothing against Zelda, but I like you better.
Quinn:That’s good to hear. I was kind of worried, you know. ;)
Leo:Yeah, you know me. I can’t resist the chicks who threatened to cut off my dick, grind it up and feed it to the dogs.
Quinn:What?! When did that happen?
Leo:Uh, maybe I never told you that. Remember when I flew up to surprise you sophomore year? After the Arkansas game? I met Zelda and she gave me that warning. It’s the kind you never forget, you know?
Quinn:Wow. Sorry about that. I had no idea. Z can be a little protective of me. Sometimes I think she sees me as weaker than she is.
Leo:I’m not sure it’s that. Think it’s more that she sees you as better than she is. Nobler, maybe? She told me that night you were the best person she’d ever known. Zelda puts on a good show, but she doesn’t have a very high opinion of herself. At least that’s my hunch.
Quinn:You’re right about that. I think it’s part of the problem between Tuck and Z. Deep down, she doesn’t feel like she’s good enough for him.
Leo:I can relate. That’s actually something Nate said to me, the last time I saw him—that me feeling that way wasn’t helping us. But I’ve always felt like I couldn’t measure up to who you needed me to be.
Quinn:Is that because of something I did? Did I make you feel that way?
Leo:No. I think it’s because I’ve always known who you are—I’ve known your heart. Every time you stood up for Nate, every time you gave up something for him and I didn’t, I knew you were right and I was wrong. After a while, it was just easier to accept that I couldn’t measure up to the example you set.
Quinn:But maybe all those times I wasn’t doing the right thing. Maybe by giving into what Nate wanted, I was hurting all of us.
Leo:You did the right thing, Mia. I’m not saying you didn’t.
Quinn:I know that’s not what you meant. But isn’t it sad that it took Nate dying for us to figure all this out?
Leo:It’s what he wanted. He told me all he wanted was to know you could be happy. I think if he could see you now, he’d be proud of you.
Quinn:I think so, too. Kara and Allan talk about Gunner’s legacy. Maybe that’s what Nate left us. It’s why he’ll always be part of who we are.
Leo:Okay, now you’re getting too deep for this simple-minded football player. I should probably go grab a shower, anyway. Assuming I can drag my ass down the hall.
Quinn:Don’t hurt yourself. I’m going to get back to work on this manuscript. I’ll talk to you later. xxx ooo
Leo:Miss you, babe. Tell Zelda I said hey, and you two have fun.
Leo:Uhhh—what is that picture?
Quinn:What do you think it is?
Leo:I’m afraid to guess.
Quinn:Zelda and I went to this place ... she wanted to get a new tattoo. I was just going along to keep her company, but then one thing led to another ... and I got my belly button pierced.
Leo: ... .
Quinn:Leo? Are you still there?
Leo:I think I swallowed my tongue.
