Quinn:LOL Why?
Leo:Not something I can explain over text. All I can say is, just when I think I know you, you go and surprise the hell out of me. Also, how much longer do you think you’re going to stay in California?
Quinn:Is that a real question, or are you just teasing?
Leo:Maybe a little of both. If I wasn’t in the middle of the mini-camp, I’d be making reservations right now. God, Mia. That’s seriously hot.
Quinn:I’m glad you like it. But before you go getting ideas, I did it for me. It’s a symbol that I’m taking back my life, you know? Moving on. Stepping forward. I’m badass now.
Leo:Honey, to me, you’ve always been a little badass. But I’m proud of you. Did it hurt?
Quinn:At first, not as much as I thought it might. The guy who did it was very good at his job. The clamp actually hurt more than the piercing, but they use this loooooong needle—I almost passed out when I saw it. But I womanned up and stayed strong. Then I was so excited by how it looked that it didn’t matter. It hurts a little now, but nothing I can’t handle.
Leo:I’m surprised you went with a piercing and not a tattoo.
Quinn:I thought about it, but that’s more Zelda’s thing. I wanted to be different.
Leo:You are, for sure. You two are having a good time? She’s not being a bad influence on you?
Quinn:No, of course not. I mean, yeah, we’ve been out dancing, and we went to this club that was really, really cutting edge. What some of the people were wearing—and not wearing—blew my mind. But we’ve also been hanging out at the apartment, watching movies and binge-eating ice cream. She’s cooking for me tonight. So be jealous.
Leo:I’m jealous, but not of her cooking for you. Did you meet anyone at these clubs?
Quinn:Uh, yeah, I met lots of people. The clubs were all really crowded.
Leo:Did you dance with any guys?
Quinn:I did. Quite a few.
Leo:Oh.
Quinn:It was fine, Leo. No one made a move on me. It was nothing serious—just fast dances and fun. I’m not looking for a casual hook-up.
Leo:But you are looking for something?
Quinn:Not looking. If I was, I think I’d know where to find what I need. I’m not sure I’m ready yet. I’m a little scared.
Leo:Will you think I’m a wuss if I say I’m a little scared, too?
Quinn:Not at all. Maybe being scared makes us smart.
Leo:Then I’m a fucking genius. Do you—shit, I just saw the time. I have to leave now or I’m going to be late and Coach will have my ass.
Quinn:Okay. Don’t worry, I’ll be around later. Be careful out there, okay? xxx ooo
Leo:Always am. Miss you, Mia.
Quinn:Are you still awake?
Leo:Yeah, I’m here. What’s up, babe? You okay?
Quinn:Sort of. I was busy all day, working on the last edits for the book, and I never even thought about the date—and then I got a text from Sheri. It was a year ago today that Nate and I got married.
Leo:Was Sheri upset?
Quinn:Hard to tell, but I don’t think so. She was pretty sweet about it. She thanked me for being Nate’s best friend and his wife. But it made me feel like shit that I didn’t remember before.
Leo:Don’t beat yourself up. Do you think Nate would want you to be moping around all day, remembering?
