Page 77 of Roommate's Guide to Love

TO: Quinn Banks

FROM: Quinn’s Crew Book Club

Miss Banks,

We need to talk. You owe us. And I’m not just talking money from the Bruh Jar.

Here’s a Zoom link. Meeting time this Tuesday.

Sincerely,

Quinn’s Crew

P.S. Some of our moms know we’re doing this, but the not-cool ones don’t. Just thought you’d like to know that.

I laugh out loud, because I have no idea which of my former students is behind this, but it’s too good. And Quinn’s Crew? I’m here for it. Even if they’re doing this to yell at me for quitting how I did, I’m going to commend their creativity and their initiative to make contact.

I save the meeting in my calendar before checking the time. And while it’s a beautiful day, I probably need to go inside and face the music.

I quietly walk into the house, knowing this is usually Grace’s nap time, and I’m glad I do. Because as I turn the corner into the living room, I see Porter and Grace napping together, Turtle joining them from his spot on top of the couch.

And this isn’t just any nap.

Porter is shirtless, and the gray sleep pants he wears have traveled dangerously low on his hips.

Oh, and then there’s Grace, napping on top of him, her little hands holding onto him like she’s afraid he’ll sneak away.

Oh, baby girl…that man isn’t ever going to let a thing happen to you.

And I bet if I let him, he wouldn’t let anything happen to me either.

No, no, no! Stop it Quinn! Right the fuck now!

In an absolute panic, I sprint upstairs and shut my bedroom door before throwing myself onto my bed and screaming into my pillow, thinking that somehow might stop my ovaries from trying to combust. Or stop my heart from beating faster. Or regulate my body temperature that suddenly could benefit from a cold shower.

Newsflash: it doesn’t.

Seriously, what is happening to me? Am I that weak? Why am I reacting like this? Why do I want to go back downstairs and curl up on the couch with them? Why do I want to ask Grace if I can take a turn lying on top of him?

And why the fuck does a slight part of me now want to see that image every day for a very long time?

Oh, that’s right. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.

I’m a weak,weakwoman.

22

porter

“There he is!The newest member of the Dad Squad!” I look up from my menu at Mona’s Diner to see Simon clapping as he makes his way over to my booth. “Where’s the little one?”

I stand up as we slap hands and exchange a back-slapping hug. “On her way with your sister. I had a few errands to run, and Grace was having quite the morning, so Quinn said she’d bring her over so we could have breakfast.”

“Awww, the little family going for breakfast,” he says. “But beware of Quinn when it comes to biscuits. She’ll eat them all if you give her the chance.”

“Good to know.”

Yet another thing I didn’t know about the woman. I never pegged her as a biscuit girl. Does she like them with honey? Is it a biscuits and gravy situation? Jelly? Should I order some for her so they’re here when she arrives?

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