The thought made him recall his conversation with Kayn last night.Heath cringed mentally.Was it fair of him to call Quinn inflexible about her career when he was just as intractable about his?Couldhebe the one creating the chasm between them?
He got his phone and checked again for a text from her.Nothing.So, he sent her one.
Heath
What are your plans for the day?
It took a couple of minutes, but she finally replied.
Quinn
The area has some great hiking trails.I’ve got my eyes on a couple because that will put me up in the trees among the colors.
A pair of conflicting fears stabbed Heath’s chest.He didn’t want to encourage time with Viktor, but he also didn’t want Quinn going off by herself.
Heath
Is Viktor going with you?
Quinn
I’ve already gone.He’s still there.
Heath
You’re not hiking alone, are you?
She replied with a frowning emoticon.
Heath
So, is that a yes or a no?
Quinn
I don’t hike alone for several reasons.I scheduled a hiking tour with a local company.Is that all right with you, Mother?
She was getting snarky.It made him feel a little better.
Heath
It is now that I know you won’t be alone.I was worried for a minute there.Don’t forget the game night this evening.
Quinn
I’ll be back in plenty of time.Have fun at your meetings.cya
Bummed, Heath glanced at the time.He didn’t want to go down to breakfast without Quinn, so he opened his current programming assignment.Might as well get some work done.
When he finished, it was time to leave for his meeting.After sending it off, he gathered his things and hurried down the stairs.
“You should eat something before you leave.”Sara handed him what looked like a breakfast sandwich, eyeing him as she did.“Is everything all right between you and Quinn?Sorry.I shouldn’t have asked.It’s none of my business.”
“Did she say something to you?”Heath accepted the food.
“Not directly, but she seemed in a big hurry to get away.I couldn’t help wondering if you’d had a fight.”Sara’s tone held kindness and concern.
He glanced up the stairs toward Viktor’s room before returning the woman’s sympathetic gaze.
