Page 120 of More than Paper

“No.”

“It makes no sense he’s coming after me to run things.”

“Something is going on. I don’t know what, but we need to figure out his motive.”

“How do we do that?”

“We could go to Colombia.”

My gut drops. “Go to Colombia?” The last thing I want to do is go back to Colombia. Every trip there had resulted in me wanting to leave before I even arrived.

Valeria holds her hands in the air. “We could talk to him. I could talk to my mama in person and see what she knows.”

“I think we are grasping at straws. Going to Colombia puts us in danger. It’s on his turf. That’s not smart, V.”

“What if I go alone?”

I grab her hand with both of mine. “V, do not put yourself in danger.”

“But—”

“No. I’m telling you this is not a good idea.” I am sure she is contemplating it though. “V, don’t.”

Quinn clears her throat, looking at V’s and my hands. I pull away.

“Sit down, doll.”

“I’m not feeling well. I’m going to grab a cab back.”

“What’s wrong.” I’m alarmed.

“Just a headache. I’m sure I’ll be fine after I lie down.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“No. Stay. Please.”

I put my napkin on the table and start to scoot out of the booth. Quinn puts her hand on my shoulder, and I stop.

“Jamison, stay. It’s just a headache. I’ll go home and take an ibuprofen and lie down for a while.”

Cindy comes back to the booth and sits down next to Valeria.

I put my hand on Quinn’s forehead. She doesn’t feel warm.

“It’s just a headache.”

“You haven’t eaten,” I say.

“I’m not hungry. I just need to lie down.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?”

“Yes. Stay.”

I reluctantly agree and kiss her on the cheek. “Text me, so I know you got home okay.”

“All right.”

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