Page 74 of Shuttered Hearts

“You love her.”

It’s not a question, but I confirm he’s right, anyway. “Yeah, I am very much in love with her; though, I haven’t told her yet.”

“She’s been through a lot.”

“I know.” I nod my head.

“No, man, it’s more than just stuff with my mom.”

“I know, Caleb. Quinn told me about what happened in New York. When you and Emily went to help her.”

“She told you?” he asks, a little surprised.

“Yeah. After Max’s birthday party.”

“Was it …” He pauses, swallowing visibly, “Was it as bad as I think it was?” he finally manages to ask.

“Yeah. It was.”

Caleb looks down, needing a moment to gather himself. When he looks back up at me, his eyes are glassy. “I knew it in my gut. I just didn’t want it to be true.”

“I know, but your sister is so fucking strong. She made it to the other side. And I know she couldn’t have done it if you hadn’tacted exactly as you did. She needed you to trust that she had it handled.”

“I know I joked about it a few weeks ago, but you two are perfect for each other,” he says, a small smile taking shape.

“I want to believe that, but I’m scared.”

“Of what?”

“Of what your mom coming back means for her.” I think about how to phrase my next words. I never want to break Quinn’s trust. Telling him about what happened after her attack is not my place, but I also need Caleb’s advice. He’s the person who knows her best. If anyone can help me understand what’s happening with her now, it’s him.

“Quinn has a lot of feelings around your mom, and not all of it comes from her leaving you all the way she did.”

“She’s afraid of being like our mom, isn’t she?”

“Yeah. I think she is.”

“Declan, if that’s true, then none of this has anything to do with you. I know that doesn’t make any of it better, but it’s the truth.” Caleb shifts in his seat, turning to face me more head-on. “I have never seen her with anyone the way she is with you. I’ve never seen her happier.”

“Is that enough, though?” I ask quietly, afraid of his answer.

He doesn’t hesitate. “Yes. It might take her a minute to realize it, but she will, and when she does, she won’t stop at anything to make sure you know it.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I am,” he tells me confidently. “And for the record, I’m really happy you two have each other.”

Another knock sounds at the door, stopping the conversation.

“You’re popular today,” Caleb jokes.

I open the door, and it’s almost as if Caleb conjured her, because there in front of me is Quinn.

“Hey.” She sighs, as if she can finally relax now she’s seen me.

“Hey,” I say, a little stunned.

“Can we talk?”

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