“…sorry Professor, I forgot my-”
Dwight and I separate, he flies backwards a few feet away from me, his wide eyes fixed over my shoulder. My head whips around and I find Amy stood in the doorway, her eyes wide, her mouth gaping open.
“Quinn? What the hell?” she exclaims.
I jump off the desk. “Amy, let me explain.”
“Don’t bother, I think I’ve seen enough.” She whips around and heads back out the door.
“Amy! Wait!” I call after her. “Shit!” I grab my stuff off the floor and shoot a glance over my shoulder at Dwight, giving him an apologetic look before I break into a run after Amy.
I race down the corridor and out of the main doors until I finally catch up to her as she begins descending the steps at the entrance of the building.
“Amy, please let me explain,” I say, slowing my pace to walk beside her.
“I don’t want to hear it.”
“It’s not what you think.”
“Oh really? So I didn’t just see you kissing him, Quinn. I might wear glasses but I’m not totally blind.”
“I love him, Ames. Just hear me out, I’m begging you. You’re the only friend I’ve got.”
She stops in her tracks and turns to me, arms folded across her chest. “Friend?” she scoffs. “Friends don’t keep secrets and lie to each other. Didn’t you think you could trust me with this?”
“Of course I trust you, I just didn’t know how to tell you. I was scared of how you’d react, I was going to tell you, I was just waiting for the right time. I’m so sorry, but I’m asking you, just listen to me. Please, Ames.”
She contemplates for a few moments before nodding. “Fine,” she huffs, “but not here.”
I set her coffee down on the table in front of her before taking a seat opposite and having a sip of my own.
“So, you remember when I told you Hollie moved out, and that I was struggling to pay the bills?” I ask. She nods. “Well, I had to get a second job… at a strip club.”
Her eyes bulge. “What?”
“I’m not proud of it, but I was desperate. I needed money fast and it was my only option, other than becoming a drug mule.” My attempt at a joke fails, but I keep talking.
I tell her everything, from my job as a stripper, to meeting his family at thanksgiving and everything in between. To my surprise she listens and doesn’t judge.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you and that you had to find out the way you did.”
She sighs deeply. “It’s okay. I get it now. I’m not saying I fully agree with it, him being our professor and all, but… if he makes you happy…”
“He does. So happy.”
“Then who am I to stop you?”
“You’re not mad?”
“No, Quinn. I’m not mad. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”
“I will. Does this mean that you’ll keep our secret?”
“Of course I will. What are friends for?”
“Thank you Ames, so much.” I reach over and squeeze her hands. Do you forgive me?”
“I’ll forgive you on one condition.”
