Page 122 of More than Paper

He licks his lips. “Okay.”

We ride in silence and are almost to Charlotte’s when he says, “Where is your ring?”

My heart starts racing again. “I took it off.”

“I can see that. Want to tell me why?”

“I’m not ready to answer questions.”

“Are we back to hiding?”

The cab pulls up to the curb. “No.” I jump out and quickly get into the building and to the elevator.

I can feel Jamison’s stare. We get to Charlotte’s door, and I knock.

“Quinn—”

Xander opens the door.

“Hi, Xander,” I say with forced cheer.

“Hi. Come in.” He steps back so we can enter, and I shimmy out of my coat. I hightail it over to the kitchen and say hi to Noah, Piper, and Charlotte along the way. Setting the bags on the counter, I start to take all the ingredients for my cheese dip out.

“Want some help?” Piper asks.

“Nope, I’ve got this.” I open the drawer I know Charlotte keeps her apron in and put it on and concentrate on the recipe.

“Quinn, you all right?” Piper asks with concern.

“Fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, can you stop asking me?” I snap.

“Okay. Sorry.”

I exhale. “Sorry. I just want to get this made. Leave me to it.”

She walks away.

I’m halfway through my recipe when Vivian comes into the kitchen and hugs me. “Jamison is still in town?”

I avoid her eyes. “Yep.”

“Is he staying with you?”

“Nope. He can go back to New York now.”

Why did I just tell her he isn’t staying with me?

She furrows her brows. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing.”

“Quinn—”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” I put on my most cheerful voice and once again make myself smile.

---