Quinn laughed. “That’s the best thing? You spying on me?”
“I think of it more like social control,” Lindsey said with a grin. “So? Are you interested in putting an offer in? I could show you more properties, but this one is a gem. Besides that, I know you so well, and therefore I know what suits you.”
“I’d have to think about it. I wasn’t exactly planning on buying anythingrightnow.”
“Okay. But I’m not speaking as a realtor chasing commission. I’m speaking as your friend, and I’m telling you, this will be snapped up in days once it officially goes onto the market. That’s the only reason I insisted you come here today.”
“I can see that. It’s absolutely stunning, but I’d still have to think about it.” Quinn hesitated. “I don’t know what it is, but something’s holding me back.”
“Is it Riley?” Lindsey asked, tilting her head as she looked at Quinn. “If it works out between you two and you decide you’d rather live somewhere together, you can always rent this out to tourists. It will make you a fortune in summer. Or maybe Riley would like to live here too, eventually. I think she feels a bit lost in that big house.”
“It’s way too early for conversations like that.”
“Sure, but you can’t deny it’s been on your mind. There’s no shame in admitting that.” Lindsey’s smile softened. “Look, here’s what I think. Talk to Riley about it. Not about moving in together or anything like that, of course. Just tell her you’ve seen a property you like. It’s what you do when you’re dating. You talk about things.”
Quinn nodded. “I will.”
“Just don’t wait too long because—”
“I know, I know. It will be gone.” Quinn didn’t like the pressure, but she knew Lindsey was only trying to help. Glancing around the living room, she tried to imagine herself living here. Apart from Aster house, she’d never lived anywhere other than on campus and on her narrowboat, and it would be nice to have more space again. “Well, I’d better get back to work, but thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. Message me if you have questions,” Lindsey said as she let them out. “What are you up to tonight? Are you seeing Riley?”
“Yes, I’m seeing her later. I was worried maybe we were jumping into this too quickly, but the truth is, we want to see each other, so it seems silly not to.”
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. It’s cute.” Lindsey put an arm around Quinn’s shoulders and squeezed her. “I loved seeing you so happy with her.”
Quinn smiled at her. “Are you still messaging with that catfish?”
Lindsey gave her a playful slap. “Marcellus is not a catfish!” She laughed. “Okay, maybe he is. He kept putting off our date, so I gave him an ultimatum. I told him I wasn’t interested in a WhatsApp relationship and if he was hoping for any chance with me, he’d have to meet me in person.”
“And?”
“And he agreed to meet me for a coffee on the weekend. Let’s hope he shows up.”
“Will you be okay? I’m a little worried. I can come along and hang around in the background, like we discussed?”
“Nah. It’s fine. He suggested we meet for a coffee at the bakery, and Martin said he’d look after me.” Lindsey chuckled. “It’s probably best if you stay away from him.”
“Yeah.” Quinn frowned. “I didn’t know you and Martin were close. You never mention him.”
“We’re notthatclose, but we always have a nice chat when I’m there, and I told him I had a date. Besides, why would I mention him to you? It’s still a sore subject.”
“As long as you don’t think I’ll have a problem with you and Martin being friends. That would be silly,” Quinn said. “I mean, it’s unlikely we’ll ever hang out together, the three of us. The guy hates me. But whatever you do is your business.”
“I know that.” They crossed the road and Lindsey lingered in front of her office. She seemed lost in thought as she eyed the bakery at the far end of the high street. “I don’t understand why he’s still single, he’s such a nice guy. Not bad looking either.”
“How much do you like him?” Quinn asked. “Are you attracted to him?”
“God, no. I’ve known him since high school. I don’t see him that way. He’s far too familiar.” Lindsey waved it off and smiled. “He’s just a nice guy who bakes delicious cookies.”
“You’ll have your love for cookies in common.” Quinn shrugged and gave her a grin. “And with your undying love for them, on paper, it’s a match made in heaven.”
“Will you stop it!” Lindsey hissed when a couple passed them. “Someone might hear you. You know how people talk.” Her phone pinged, and she gasped. “Oh, God. I forgot I was supposed to meet someone regarding a rental. I’d better fly.” She raised her voice and looked over her shoulder as she ran toward her car, parked out front of her office. “Think about the house. I don’t want you to miss out and regret it!”
54
RILEY
