"You have a temper."
"So do you."
"I have better control of mine."
I rowed us quietly as the sun set, letting her valid point drift away without response.
"Thank you for staying with me the past few days," she said, breaking the silence.
"You don't have to thank me."
"I've got used to doing a lot on my own. I forgot how nice it was to have company."
The sentiment was something I was familiar with. I kept few close to me, mainly because there weren't many that chose to be close. When you had responsibilities like I did, people made their judgements quickly. They failed to remember that I didn't ask for my gifts. They were bestowed upon me, and I was living up to them.
Quentin’s independence was different. Stemming from abandonment, she chose loneliness. She protected herself by beating them to the punch.
"I'm surprised you didn't ask Holden to come here with you," I said.
She looked at her feet and shrugged. "He wouldn't have enjoyed it."
"He's not into travel?"
"No, not that bit. I..."
I knew exactly what she meant, but wanted her to say it aloud. Wanted to hear her admit what I’d known all along.
"What is it?" I pressed.
"He's not a bad guy."
She was trying to protect him from me.
"But?" I pressed.
"I don't think it's going to work."
It felt like a heavy weight had lifted from my chest. I knew it. I knew she had no genuine desire for Holden. The entire relationship was a farce.
"I think he just wants a pretty face,” Quen explained quietly.
"And you're so much more than that."
Her cheeks flushed pink. "Sometimes I wonder…" She trailed off and bit her lip. "Sometimes I wonder if I should ease up with work. Give my time to someone again."
It angered me that she thought she had to bend just to get approval from some male.
"And then I think of my parents,” she continued. “And I think if someone loves me that much, they'll meet me halfway."
I wondered if she realised that we'd met each other halfway. I'd never interrupt her work, and she didn't judge me for mine.
Quen looked at me and laughed. "Sorry. You must think I'm such an idiot."
"Completely the opposite, Scott. I think you're an ambitious woman and you deserve someone who appreciates that."
She smiled. "Who would have known you could be so sweet?"
"Don't go telling people. I have a reputation to uphold."
