“No, not that bench,” Autumn protested. Her words were a little more fervent than she’d intended. She watched as concern etched its way across her friend’s faces.
“Sorry. That’s the bench where Quinn told me she was going to ask me out as soon as the bar project was over. That’s where things sort of started with us,” Autumn explained.
“Okay, let’s sit under that palm tree then,” Piper suggested. She pointed to a nearby tree. Autumn nodded her agreement.
Once they were seated, River turned to Autumn. Her voice was calm and even.
“Now will you please tell us what’s going on with you and Quinn?” River asked, her voice was calm and even. Autumn took a moment to gather her thoughts, and breathe in the salty air.
“Quinn’s ex found a necklace that was very important to Quinn. She insisted on coming to hand deliver said necklace even after Quinn told her to just mail it. This whole time leading up to her ex getting here Quinn has been talking about how she wanted to get the whole thing over with. She didn’t want to see her ex. She didn’t want to spend more time than necessary with her.”
“Sounds reasonable so far,” Piper said.
“So, what happened?” River asked.
“I told Quinn I would swing by the bar later in the evening. You know, give her a chance to get her necklace back and send her ex on her way.”
Her friends remained silent but smiled reassuringly as she spoke.
“When I got there not only was Rory still at the bar, she and Quinn were dancing together. Then Quinn let Rory fasten the necklace around her neck and give her a kiss on the cheek. I know it could all be very innocent, but it’s really throwing me for a loop.”
“I think that’s understandable,” Piper offered.
“Yeah. No one wants to see their girlfriend be quite that chummy with their ex,” River suggested.
“Now Quinn’s sorry, and she swears the whole thing was innocent. But how do I know that she doesn’t secretly want to get back together with this woman? How do I know I can trust that they’re really done with one another?”
“I think you have to talk to Quinn and get a gauge on things. Find out what was going on inside of her head at the time,” Piper answered.
“I agree with Piper. Though I can certainly understand why you’re upset. I don’t think anyone wants to catch their girlfriend dancing with one of their exes,” River offered.
“I’m afraid to talk to her.”
“Why are you afraid?” Piper asked.
“Quinn has been so vocal about being done with Rory. What if seeing her changed something for Quinn? Maybe her feelings for Rory aren’t as done as she thought they were.”Autumn felt the weight of her own words. These were the fears that had kept her awake the night before. Her friends sat in silence with her for a few minutes.
“If it helps, I think Quinn’s feelings for you are genuine,” Piper said.
“I think her feelings are genuine too. But that doesn’t make this easier,” Autumn admitted.
“But you’re both right I won’t know until I talk to her about it.”
Autumn stood and stretched. They still had to run back to their cars. She took off before any more conversations about her relationship with Quinn could be started. Her friends seemed to get the hint and jogged with her in silence. Once they reached their cars each gave her a hug promising to be there if and when she needed them.
“I really do love you guys,” Autumn brought them both in for a tight hug.
“We love you, too,” Piper smiled.
Autumn waited in her car until Piper and River drove off, then she pulled out her phone. Autumn shot Quinn a text message asking the woman to meet up with her. Quinn responded quickly with a yes. Autumn wondered if the woman had been waiting for her to text or just happened to be close to her phone? Quinn was more than happy to meet up with her.
Autumn suggested that they meet at her place in an hour. Quinn agreed to those terms readily. It was obvious that Quinn just wanted to have a conversation with her. Autumn supposed that was a mark in her favor.
Autumn stripped out of her sweaty clothes and hopped in the shower. She’d gotten into the habit of taking morning showers with Quinn. Now she couldn’t stop herself from remembering Quinn. The way her body looked and felt. It wasn’t fair to give Autumn everything she’d ever hoped for in a partner only to have a messy complicated ex come on the scene. Or maybe that was fair. No relationship was perfect. But could this particular ex be overcome? Autumn would find out in under an hour. Her feet were cold when they hit the tile floor. Autumn rushed to get dressed, she had allowed herself to enjoy the shower for too long.
She had just pulled on a pair of socks when Quinn knocked on the door. Perfect timing, Autumn would have expected nothing less. She opened the door and noted that Quinn looked terrible. Her eyes were red and puffy, and there were dark circles under them. At least she’d taken their fight seriously.
“Hey,” Autumn managed.
