Page 23 of No Turning Back
And with that, I turn around and walk away, before he can stop me, before he can lie.
Chapter Seven
Quinn
Jackson wanders into the kitchen where I’m parked at the table, laptop open but screen idle.
“Uncle Markus is out front,” he says. “Said he won’t leave until you talk to him.”
I take a slow breath and swallow the curse threatening to slip out, sixteen or not, Jackson’s still a kid.
Pushing back my chair, I stand.
“Aunt Quinn?” Jackson stops me before I can take a step. “If you want, I’ll spray him with the hose until he leaves.”
That earns him a small smile. I pat his shoulder. “Maybe later.”
Outside, I shut the front door firmly behind me. Markus climbs out of his truck, but I hold up a hand and head for the passenger side. He takes the hint, gets back in, and shuts the door.
I don’t bother with the seatbelt. “What?”
He turns toward me, eyes soft. “You look beautiful.”
I keep my gaze steady, unmoved. “I don’t care. What do you want?”
“Quinn,” he says, voice edging on a plea, “we’ve been together eight years. Are you really going to end us over a fight?”
I scoff, folding my hands. “I’m willing to end us over years of lies and manipulation.”
His head jerks back. “I have never manipulated you.”
“Really?” My voice sharpens. “Telling me you wanted kids, then stalling, pretending to quit, only to never do it because you were waiting for me to change my mind was what? Encouragement?”
He drags a hand through his hair. “I was confused, okay? I still am. But…look-” His shoulders drop. “I’m willing to try therapy, alright? Just don’t give up on me.” He reaches for my hand.
I arch a brow. “I thought therapy was for losers.”
A ghost of a smile. “Well, I’m the biggest loser ever, so I’ll fit right in.” Then he sobers. “I realize I need help. I’ll get it, I pro-” He cuts himself off, knowing promises don’t land with me anymore.
I slide my hand free. “If you’re serious, then… fine. But Markus, I don’t believe you.”
He looks away. “I get it.”
Silence settles between us until he lets out a humourless laugh. “My mom wanted us to come to their anniversary celebration this weekend. I know I have no right to ask, but it’s their fortieth. If I show up without you, the whole thing will turn into… me. Can you please-”
I glance away, jaw tightening. His mom can’t stand me, and the feeling’s mutual. But his dad… damn it, his dad is a good man.
“Fine,” I say. “But the second your mom says something-”
He grins, wide and boyish. “I’ll drive you away myself.”
His happiness is annoyingly contagious, and I almost smile. Almost. “When is it?”
“They’re doing a backyard grill. I’ll pick you up at noon.”
“Fine.” I push the car door open, but before closing it, I lean down. “Don’t go to therapy for me. Do it for yourself.”
He nods, but I don’t wait to see if it sticks. I walk back into Kate and Aiden’s house, knowing without looking that Markus is still parked there, watching until I disappear inside.
