“Yeah. I think everyone’s having a really nice time.” Riley met her eyes and smiled. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Just for being you, your amazing self. You have no idea how much your energy lifts me.” Riley blushed as they were about to fall into a kiss. “Okay, maybe we should wait because if I start kissing you now, it will be a proper smooch.” She focused on the corn instead, shifting them to a dish.
“A proper smooch, huh? I wouldn’t say no to that.” Quinn grabbed her behind and Riley shrieked, slapping her hand away. Behind them, the kids were giggling at the sight, and Mindy yelled at them to behave.
“Sorry!” Riley shot them a grin. “Who wants burgers?”
“Me, me, me!” Tommy held up his hand.
“I want pizza,” Lila protested.
“That’s not happening today, Lila. Have you ever seen a barbecued pizza before?” Quinn asked her niece, who furrowed her brows, considering that question. “Exactly, I don’t think so. Now come here and help us get the plates to the table. Britney can have a burger too.”
“I want to help!” Mindy joined them and carefully walked away with the corn dish Riley handed her. She took her task very seriously, her tongue sticking out as she went on her tiptoes to place it in the middle of the table, then gave everyone a piece, including the two dolls who now had a prime seat at the head.
Riley plated the rest of the vegetables and tossed the salads while the kids served the burgers. The chatter and laughter around her warmed her, and once again she was filled with a sense of belonging. She was part of a family, and that was something she truly appreciated. Mystic had been a godsend. It was the community she never thought she needed, the support system she now embraced and treasured. It felt like she’d been destined to end up here, in this place randomly chosen by her assistant, and that she’d been destined to meet Quinn. Otherwise, what were the chances of finding such happiness? Aster House was no longer intimidating. It was a warm home. It was where she belonged.
65
QUINN
“Look at her, she’s exhausted.” Quinn pointed to Mindy, who was sleeping on the blanket next to her doll.
“She’s had such a fun day,” Jane said, wiping the table after they’d cleared it. “And so did I. I’m still amazed at how nice it’s been, and I was thinking… Well, I was thinking maybe Mindy and I could stay a few more days if you guys are okay with that? It’s good for her to be outdoors so much, and I haven’t seen her this animated in a long time.”
“Of course. We’d love to have you here longer. Right, Quinn?” Riley shot Quinn a beaming smile, and Quinn returned it. She could tell by the tone of Riley’s voice that she was touched to hear her sister was enjoying herself.
“Absolutely. I’ve loved getting to know you.” She frowned when Riley suddenly reached for her chest and swallowed hard. “What is it? Are you okay?” Her first thought was that there might be something wrong with Riley’s heart. “Is it—”
“No!” Riley quickly said. “It’s just indigestion.” She narrowed her eyes at Quinn, a clear warning not to bring up the subject. “I’ve been eating richer foods since I moved to Mystic. Pasta, barbecues, cake, pizzas… I got some pills last week, but I’m out of them.”
“Tell me about it.” Jane rolled her eyes and remarked to Quinn, “She used to live on sushi and green salads in New York. The few extra pounds look good on you, Riley. You look much healthier.” She rooted through her purse and held out a box. “Here, take these. I have a spare strip in my suitcase. I get indigestion too. It must run in the family.”
“Thank you.” Riley took one and sighed. “I should probably get back to salads, which I love, by the way, but ever since I started considering food as something enjoyable rather than just fuel, I’ve been having these cravings.” She turned to Quinn. “It’s your fault. Your barbecue and pastas are addictive.”
Quinn laughed, but she wasn’t quite at ease, and she was grateful when Jane picked up Mindy so they could have a moment alone.
“I’ll take her to bed. God, she’s getting heavy.” Jane groaned as she pushed her daughter, who continued to sleep, farther up her hip. Mindy’s head fell onto Jane’s shoulder, and Jane brushed her hair away from Mindy’s face and kissed her cheek lovingly. “I won’t be long.”
Quinn waited until she was out of hearing distance, then rubbed Riley’s shoulder. “Are you sure it’s not your heart?”
“Positive. My betablockers are working, and anyway, indigestion feels entirely different from tachycardia.”
Quinn nodded, somewhat relieved. “Are you ever going to tell Jane?”
“I will.” Riley’s gaze shifted to the back door. “Just not yet. I don’t want to dampen our lovely time with something so serious, and she’ll just worry about me when there’s nothing to worry about. I’ve been fine for months. Jane was worried sick when our father got admitted to the hospital. I guess as a nurse, she feels responsible for everyone’s well-being, and she blamed herself that she hadn’t seen it coming.”
“I get it,” Quinn said. “That’s a lot of pressure on her, but you shouldn’t keep health problems to yourself.”
“Even if it causes Jane sleepless nights? Even if it means she’ll go out of her way to check on me every day and panic when I don’t pick up my phone?”
Quinn nodded.
Riley sighed. “Okay, I’ll tell her before she leaves. I promise.”
“Please do. If I were Jane, I’d want to know.”
