Quinn:No, he absolutely wouldn’t. He’d be pissed if I were. He wanted me to keep on living. But I don’t ever want to forget him, you know? He was important to me. He still is.
Leo:I get that. I don’t think you ever will.
Quinn:Will it bother you if I’m sad about him now and then? I mean ... if it happens when I’m with you?
Leo:Never. And I need you to know something right now, Mia. I want you to be with me, when you’re ready. I’m not pushing. I’m not giving you a deadline or an ultimatum. But when you feel like you’re in a place where we could be with each other ... never doubt that I’m just waiting for you to say the word. I want you with me even if you’re still sad about Nate, or even if we’re still figuring out how to make things work for us.
Quinn:How did you know I needed that today? I thought about marrying Nate last year, and how much it hurt you, and it made me wonder if you really did want me.
Leo:I think I told you once, babe. The day I stop wanting you will be the day my heart stops beating, and even then, I’m pretty sure your face is the last thing I’ll want to see.
Quinn:I miss you, Leo. I wish you were with me tonight. xxx ooo
Leo:I wish that, too, Mia. But soon, right? Soon.
“Are you sure there isn’t anything else I can do for you?” I leaned one hand on the corner of Kara Crocker’s beautiful antique desk. “Do you need me to go over those press statements one more time? Or I can run out to pick up the new candles you ordered for the front table. Or—”
“Quinn.” Kara shot me a stern look. “Stop. The press statements are perfect. They’ve already been sent out. And the candles will be delivered. You are off the clock, sweetheart. Get out of here. Go for a walk, or go shopping, or go out to lunch. Or take a nap.”
I dropped into the small, elegant chair that fronted the desk. “But I don’t want to be off the clock. I want to be helpful.”
“Darling girl.” Kara stood up, came around to stand in front of me and tugged me to my feet. “You’ve spent the last five months being helpful. Allan and I are so grateful for everything you’ve done for us. We love you, and we will always consider you part of our family. But now, you need to take a little time for yourself. Look at this book as your baby. You’ve given it everything you can—we all have. Now Baby is leaving the nest. Flying the coop. And you have to let it go and enjoy some well-earned relaxation. Got it?”
I nodded reluctantly. “Yes. I got it.”
“Good. Now shoo. Skedaddle. Hit the road.”
“Fine.” I almost literally dragged my feet on my way out of Kara’s study. “I know when I’m not wanted.”
“You’re always wanted, sweetheart.” Kara shook her head. “Now, tell me what are you going to do with your free afternoon?”
I shrugged. “I think ...” I reviewed my San Francisco bucket list in my head. I’d written down all the things I wanted to do and see before I left the city. Not that I’d set a date for doing that yet, but with the book finished, I figured my time here was running out. “I haven’t really spent any time at Fisherman’s Wharf. I know it’s a big tourist attraction, but—”
“Excellent idea. You can get something to eat, you can walk around ... good thinking. And off you go.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?” I scowled at Kara.
“Yes, I am.” She cocked one brow. “Allan is on his way home from the restaurant in Fremont, and I have a special surprise planned for him ... to celebrate the book being finished. Just the two of us, if you get my drift.”
My face went hot, and my mouth dropped a little. “Um. Yeah, I get it. Okay, I am out of here. I’ll talk to you ...”
“Tomorrow.” Kara’s lips curved into a cat-like smile. “I’ll call you.”
“You got it.” I stumbled in my haste to leave. “Have fun. I mean—yeah.” I practically ran out of the room and toward the front door, where I nearly mowed over Allan as he came in.
“Whoa there! Where’s the fire?” He grinned down at me.
“Nowhere. I’m taking the afternoon off. Kara’s in her study. See you later!” Without even pausing, I sailed out the door.
Since I was embracing the full tourist experience, I walked a few blocks and hopped on a cable car across from Union Square, riding it all the way through Nob Hill, past Chinatown and along the edge of Russian Hill until we reached the end of the line at the Bay. It took longer than a cab would have, but it was much more fun.
Stepping out, I sucked in a deep breath and lifted my face to the sun. One thing I’d learned during the course of my months in the City by the Bay was that warmth was a fleeting commodity. It was rare that we hit seventy degrees, even during the summer.
I paused at the entrance to the Wharf and held up my phone to snap a picture of the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf sign. Sending it to Leo, I added a quick message.
Quinn:Taking the afternoon off to relax and play tourist. Who knows what trouble I might get into!
He didn’t answer me right away, but I wasn’t too worried. Since mini-camp had ended a few days ago, I knew he was tying up loose ends before therealpreseason training camp kicked off at the end of July. Leo and Gia had been working hard on the non-profit they were starting together. I’d noticed that Gia had sounded perkier the last few times we’d spoken, and I knew they were both excited about being able to help young athletes and memorialize Matt at the same time.
