Page 44 of More than Paper

I know better. I should see that this is just another unobtainable fairy tale and not set myself up, once again, for failure.

9

Jamison

Xander wokeup a few days ago, and he can’t remember the last twelve years of his life. He thinks he’s still with Billie, his ex-girlfriend, and doesn’t remember Charlotte.

We’ve been at the hospital all day. Charlotte is getting discharged and will stay at Noah and Piper’s in New York until she can take care of herself. She is going to need a lot of therapy and a nurse to help during the day.

Piper finally tells her that Xander has been awake but doesn’t remember her. She insists on seeing him, thinking he will recognize her, and we all hold out hope, but he doesn’t. He’s obsessed with Billie, and it’s heartbreaking to see both of them so distraught.

Charlotte leaves with Noah and Piper. Quinn and Vivian ask if she wants them to come over and visit, but she says she wants to be by herself and rest.

I‘m secretly happy Charlotte doesn’t want them to go. It’s my last night with Quinn in town. I haven’t slept in my bed without her the entire time she’s been here. And I don’t want to. It’s Saturday night, and she’s leaving tomorrow so she can get back to work.

After our first date where I royally screwed up, I want to redeem myself. We’ve stayed in since then. I’m still kicking myself that I interfered in Quinn’s business. I wanted to show her what was possible, but instead, I made her feel bad. I don’t know her entire history, but I can see she’s hurting and scared of something. I wish I could fix whatever is wrong, but I don’t delve any further. I don’t want to make her feel worse.

We’ve spent the week working side by side in the mornings. The day after our date fiasco, Quinn’s boss sent her a nasty email about meeting her deadlines while she was gone. It’s another reason I want to tell her to get her books published, but I bite my tongue.

I still want to read her stories, but I haven’t asked again. I figure it’s best if I stay away from the topic.

I work on my old laptop while Quinn works on my new one. She fought me on using it, and we finally pulled straws. Before we went to the hospital today, she finished up her project and closed the laptop. “I’m going to miss this computer.”

“Keep it,” I tell her.

“Funny.”

“You can keep it. I’ll get another one.”

“Keep your brand new Mac? Are you crazy,” she cries out.

I chuckle. “Seriously. Take it home with you.”

“Ummm...no.”

“No? Why not?”

She stands up, bends down, and kisses me on the forehead. “Thank you. It’s very generous, but I’m not taking your laptop.”

I wrap my arms around her waist. “Can I take you out tonight?”

“Let’s see what’s going on with Charlotte. I’m not sure if she’s going to want us to come over to Piper’s or not.”

“All right.”

“But you can if she doesn’t want us to come over, and thank you for asking.”

I stroke her cheek with the back of my hand. “Is there anything in particular you want to do before you leave?”

“Spend more time with you,” she sweetly says, and my heart drops. I miss her already, and she’s standing in my arms. I don’t know where this is going between us, but I know that there is something special developing.

“I’m more than happy with that.”

“We need to go, or we will be late.”

We go to the hospital, the day progresses. All four of us are on an emotional roller coaster. On the way home, Vivian and Quinn are both upset about Charlotte. Chase and I are worried about Xander. Vivian is leaning into Chase’s chest and Quinn mine.

Over the last week, we all act one way in the hospital, in front of the others, but as soon as we get into the car, it’s as if we all can breathe. The pact we made the first morning the girls stayed with us was smart. It let everyone relax. There are no questions, explaining, or judgment from any of us, and we’ve naturally coupled off.

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