Page 118 of More than Paper

Quinn’s face flushes.

“You did good, darling.” Valeria pats my hand.

The waitress comes back and sees the ring. “Ma’am, your ring is beautiful! Is that your engagement ring?”

“Umm...” The red on Quinn’s face deepens, and she looks down, not sure how to respond.

“Yes,” I say, tightening my arm around her.

“Congratulations. When is the wedding?”

Quinn’s lip starts to shake, but I think I’m the only one who notices since her head is still down.

Shit. I never anticipated this.

“I gave it to her recently. We aren’t sure yet. Can we order?” I ask the waitress, trying to change the subject.

“Sure.”

“I’ll have the number two,” V says.

“Me, too,” Cindy tells the waitress.

“I’ll take a number four,” I say.

Quinn looks up. “Number three, please.” She grabs her coffee and concentrates on it.

We are just going to have to figure out what to say when people ask us these questions. We will get through it.

The waitress writes everything down and leaves.

“You’re an editor, Quinn?” Cindy asks.

Quinn replies, “Yes.”

“But she’s really a writer. She is going to concentrate on launching her fiction books when she gets to New York,” I boast.

Quinn’s face reddens again.

Valeria’s face lights up. “You finally said yes! That’s great!”

Quinn stiffens. “It’s a big move.”

Valeria nods. “I told Jamison to give you time. It’s a huge move.”

Quinn gives me a look I can’t decipher.

“Quinn, what kind of fiction do you write?” Cindy asks.

“Thrillers, mostly. I’ve dabbled in some other areas.”

“When you launch, you’ll have to let me know. I love to read.”

Quinn smiles at her. “Okay.”

“Not to change the subject to bad topics, but, V, we need to get your father under control.”

“I called him yesterday and told him to stop. Santiago is more than capable of handling things. This has nothing to do with us.”

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