Page 37 of More than Paper

An uncomfortable silence follows. I want to see Quinn happy. Right now, she looks sad and borderline upset.

“Do you still see your cousin a lot?”

She smirks. “Funny. I should never have told you that.”

I throw my hands in the air. “What?”

She changes the subject. “Where is your apartment compared to here? Is it close?”

“It’s not too far.”

“What are you doing to it?”

Ah. There’s that smile.

“Updating it. It’s all cosmetic.”

“Have you lived there long?”

“I bought it five years ago.”

“What made you buy it?”

“I got a good deal and loved the location. Do you live in the city or on the outskirts?”

“Near downtown. I rent though. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to afford anything in the city on my editor’s salary.”

“Maybe that’s why you should publish your books.” I wiggle my eyebrows.

“You seem really interested in my unpublished, unread books.”

“I think it’s cool you write. I couldn’t do that. And they are only unread because you haven’t put them out there.”

She rolls her eyes again.

“Besides, I said I wanted to read them.”

“I’ll think about it.”

I grin at her. “Yeah?”

“I said I’ll think about it, not that you can,” she reiterates.

“Think yes.”

The waitress comes over. “Are you finished or still working on that?” she asks Quinn.

“I’m done. Thank you.” Quinn hands her plate to the waitress.

“Quinn, you want a milkshake?” I ask.

“I’m stuffed.”

I turn toward the waitress. “Can we get our check?”

“Sure.” I hand her my card, she pulls out her card reader, and we complete the transaction. The waitress leaves.

“Ready?” I ask Quinn.

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