Page 154 of Just Let Go

On the screen, Grady laughed, that smile doing its very best to weaken Quinn’s defenses. “Well, yeah, Brian and I had our differences in the past, but I came out here ready to get humble and learn what I can from that man. He’s a genius, and I was foolish not to see it before. He’s the reason I’m here.”

Carly appeared in the doorway. “Whoa. What’s going on in here?”

Both Jaden and Quinn hissed, “Shhh.”

“So what is it that’s different about you, Grady?” Kat asked. “What can we attribute these remarkable changes to?”

He pulled his gloves off and looked at the camera for the first time since the interview started. “Well, you know, things weren’t really going my way for a while, but I met somebody who taught me the value of hard work and faith. She taught me that sometimes your dream is worth fighting for. I guess I want to make her proud, and I want her to know I’m not done fighting.”

“Will she be here cheering you on?”

Grady’s eyes glassed over. “Now, thatwouldbe a dream come true.”

“She’s one lucky girl, Grady. We wish you the best of luck this weekend.”

“Thanks, Kat.”

She droned on about something, but Quinn had stopped listening.

“You don’t think he was talking about...”

“Yeah,” Jaden said. “He was talking about you.”

“You think so?”

Carly had sat in the chair across from Quinn. “Yeah, which makes me wonder why you’re still refusing to contact him.”

She didn’t respond.

Carly groaned. “You’re so stubborn!”

“It’s not being stubborn. He really hurt me.” Saying the words aloud brought that dreaded lump back to her throat.

“Did you hear what he just said?” Carly asked. “Whatever happened before doesn’t matter.”

But it did matter. He was doing well, and she was happy for him—so happy—but that didn’t mean she was supposed to be at his side.

Quinn swiped a tear as it trickled down her cheek. “There’s really nothing for me to do, you guys. He made it clear that he didn’t think we were a good fit. End of story.” She stood. “I have to go.”

“Quinn, wait.” Carly put a hand on her arm, but she pulled away and kept walking. She’d had her chance with the Olympian.

And it wasn’t meant to be.

CHAPTER

40

THE DAY OF THE FLORAL EXPO DESIGN COMPETITION,Quinn awoke in an unfamiliar hotel room across from the convention center in Grand Rapids. While she knew she wouldn’t see her mother that day, she had to believe that somewhere, Jacie Whitman was keeping tabs on this competition. And while once upon a time that would’ve made her nervous, now it didn’t seem to matter all that much.

When she’d let it go, she’d felt something lift—a burden that she’d been carrying around like extra luggage for the whole of her life.

Now she wanted to rise to the top of her field for her own benefit—and for the good of the flower shop.

She’d arrived at the Expo the day before and set up her display, a smaller version of the Secret Garden design that had landed her here in the first place. As she worked with those same flowers, she couldn’t help but think of Grady.

Wild and untamed.If he hadn’t said those words, she might not be sitting here now.

The Olympics were over. She’d avoided the viewing parties atCedar Grove, much to Carly’s dismay. “You should come,” her sister had said. “It’s really fun.”

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