Page 67 of More than Paper

“A restaurant,” Vivian and I both cry out at the same time.

Chase chuckles. “Yep.”

“The restaurant didn’t call the cops?” Vivian asks.

“Oh no, they did,” Chase says.

“Did you get arrested?”

Chase shakes his head. “We know the police officers who came, and we got lucky. Noah threw a wad of cash at the restaurant owner, who we knew, too.”

“He threw a wad of cash at him?” I say in disgust.

“Yep.”

Vivian chides, “Simmer down, Quinn.”

“What?” I ask.

“I’m sure things got broken.”

“Unfortunately, there were,” Chase admits. “It’s not like we’re proud of what happened.”

“Of course you aren’t.” Vivian rushes to his defense.

Jamison slides next to me. “What did I miss?”

“Xander’s birthday,” Chase tells him.

Jamison groans. “Let’s not talk about that. He’s had better days.”

“Xander! What about Chase?” Vivian points to his face.

“You embarrassed to be seen in public with me like this?” Chase teases her.

“Funny,” she says.

The waitress comes over and takes our order. Chase orders a bunch of appetizers for the table, including Vivian and my nachos.

Jamison looks to me. “You’re spending the night at Piper’s tomorrow, right?”

“We’re supposed to be. I haven’t figured anything else out,” I say. I know I’m here to visit Charlotte, and I want to see her, but I want to stay with Jamison for the entire trip.

Why does he look relieved?

As quickly as it crosses his face, the expression leaves. “Xander has been depressed, and Noah said he thinks Charlotte is, too. I think it will be really good for her to be with all of you. Even if it’s just for a night.”

He is only being a good friend. Stop worrying, Quinn.

Jamison puts his arm around me, and the conversation continues. We eat and finish our drinks, but I can’t help feeling that Jamison seems distracted.

We leave the restaurant. Chase and Vivian get dropped off first. When we’re alone, I sit up and turn to him. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, why?”

“You seem distracted. I feel like there is something you aren’t telling me.”

“I’m sorry—a lot of things going on. Everything’s fine, doll. I’m happy to see you.” He pulls me onto his lap.

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