Page 121 of More than Paper

“I hope you feel better,” Valeria says.

“Yes, me, too,” Cindy chimes in.

Quinn leaves.

Valeria asks, “So when is Quinn moving?”

25

Quinn

I lie to Jamison.I don’t have a headache. Instead, my heart is racing, and I feel like I can’t breathe. When I get outside, the cold air hits my lungs, but it doesn’t help my beating heart.

The cab drops me off at my apartment, and I go inside and sit down on the couch.

They have secrets.

They are married.

I’m wearing a ring that tells the world we are engaged, and we aren’t.

My mother has a similar ring. Sure, it’s not a rare pink diamond, but it’s big, beautiful, and a statement piece.

My father got it for her. My brother and I call it her mistress ring.

I have become my mother. I am Jamison’s mistress.

The shame I felt when the waitress asked if the diamond was my engagement ring was the highest it’s ever been.

How many people are going to ask me that?

And he said we were engaged. We aren’t. We will never be.

I sit lost in thought as the daylight turns into the darkness of night. My phone rings, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“I didn’t realize the time. I’m on my way back. Are you feeling better, or do you want me to tell Xander we aren’t coming over?” Jamison asks when I pick up.

Ugh.I forgot Charlotte and Xander are having a game night, and I’m supposed to bring the cheese dip.

“No, I’m okay. I’ll meet you downstairs.”

“Okay. I’m about ten minutes away.”

“See you then.” I hang up and collect the ingredients and throw it all in a bag. I put on my coat and am walking out the door when I stop.

I take off the ring and zip it into my coat pocket. I can’t handle any questions tonight.

When I get downstairs, I only wait for a few minutes before Jamison’s cab arrives. I get in, and he kisses me on the cheek. “Doll, you sure you’re okay to go?”

I put on a fake smile. “Yep. Headache is gone.”

He scans my eyes. “Everything all right?”

“Yep.”

He tilts his head and squints. “You sure?”

“Yes. Please stop asking me.”

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