Our Love

Wade

My heart was breaking for Quinn. This apartment building wasn't the best, but it was her home. I couldn't imagine having your personal space violated in such a way. The officer, Harold, a man I knew from having lived here most of my life, described the apartment as completely trashed. He told me she wouldn't be able to stay here tonight or any night in the foreseeable future. We both knew that the owners weren't likely to be quick with any repairs.

I wasn't sure if she had somewhere else she could stay. Based on the issue with the car, I doubted that she did. My farmhouse had plenty of space and I already knew I would offer her to stay. I could tell she was strong-willed and it would take some convincing to get her to take my help though.

When she came back down from her apartment, her arms were loaded with what I assumed were her only salvageable belongings. I took some items from her and walked them over to her car as she finished her conversation with the other officer. Harold had followed me over to her car.

"Wade, do you know her? I mean, I just. I get the feeling she doesn't have anyone or anywhere to go. Just thought I'd let you know." He shrugged.

"She's just new in town, getting settled, and clearly not having the best luck. I'll make sure she gets somewhere safe." I smiled at him. He was a kind man, always trying to help others. He patted my shoulder before walking back toward his patrol car.

Quinn walked toward me, the worry and stress heavy on her face. I wanted badly to wrap her in my arms and tell her I'd help her, I'd take care of her. I didn't though, I had no idea why I felt such a desire toward her but I knew it wasn't good to act on that right now. I wasn't sure if it would ever be a good idea. I seemed to act first and think second when it came to Quinn Gordon.

"Do you have anything else?" I asked her as she stood next to me and the car.

"Um, no. No. That's everything I could take. They spray-painted the whole apartment. My clothes. They sprayed over the clothes in my closet." She muttered. I could tell she was still processing everything while trying not to break down in front of me.

"Jesus. I'm sorry. I'm glad you weren't home though, things can be replaced." I tried to reassure her, and she responded with a nod. "Is there someone I can call?"

"No. I'm..I'll be okay. I obviously can't stay here tonight so, yeah." Quinn put the rest of her things in the back of the car then looked up at me. I could see the tears threatening to spill out from those beautiful hazel eyes.

"Here, let me drive." I reached for the keys. She handed them over without question, which I appreciated. Once she was seated in the passenger seat, I started out toward my house. She was quiet, not even questioning where we were going. I glanced over a few times and the last time I saw her scrolling through her phone, at what looked like her bank account. "Quinn." I spoke, getting her attention.

"Hmm. Yes?" She finally looked up.

"I have plenty of room, you are more than welcome to use one of the spare rooms tonight. You'll have your own bathroom and privacy. It wouldn't be any trouble at all."

"Wade, no. I'm sorry. I can't impose on you. You've already done so many things for me and I work for your Father. Oh God, work. I have to be at the office at six and I have none of my office clothes. Fuck." She blurted then quickly covered her mouth after swearing in front of me, eyes wide with embarrassment. I couldn't help but laugh, she was adorable.

"Are you laughing at me?!" She squealed.

"No! Not at you."

"Well not with me either!" Quinn cried out.

I couldn't stop laughing at this point. I don't know why. The heaviness of the situation, my nervousness around her and the fact that she was so fucking adorable I couldn't take it were probably all contributing factors. I was relieved when Quinn started laughing too. We laughed for several minutes of the drive before we both were sighing.

"I'm sorry. I promise, I was honestly laughing because of the way you reacted to using a swear word. It was cute." I smiled over at her.

"I think I needed that laugh." She started to cry. I felt horrible. It was almost one in the morning as we pulled into my driveway. I turned toward her, reaching my hand out to her shoulder. I rubbed her gently as her cries slowly quieted. "Where are we?" Her voice was raspy from the tears.

"Oh, we're at my house. I wasn't sure, I just well, here we are. I'm sorry."

"My life is such a mess." Quinn whispered out, leaning forward holding her head in her hands.

"Come on, let's go inside. You need a night of rest and I can help you figure stuff out after a good night of sleep." I opened the door and got into the back to get her duffle bag then met her around, in front of the car.

"I'm only staying tonight. I don't want to impose on you." She sniffled.

"Yea, Yea." I teased her, as we walked up onto the porch. I dug around and unlocked the door then flipped the lights on. I stood back letting her walk in first and following right behind.

"Sorry it's a little messy, I spend most of my time in the shop so not a lot of cleaning going on in here."

"It looks fine. It's lovely actually. You have a nice home." She smiled over at me, her eyes red and puffy from the crying. "I just. . " Quinn stood, looking lost as ever.

"Come on, this way." I led her down the hall and up the steps to one of the spare rooms. It was a basic room, the only one with a bed besides mine. "It's pretty bare, but it'll do. There's a bathroom right here and you're welcome to help yourself to anything in the house you need." I let her take in the room as I put her bag down for her. I turned to see her just staring down at her phone.

"Which is worse, calling in your first week on the job or showing up in inappropriate work attire?" She frowned, her eyes looking so tired.

"How about a compromise? Get a shower, get into bed and get some sleep. In the morning, you can run to the mall and get a new outfit for work and go in at lunch."

She nodded then thanked me again for all of my help. I left her to settle down and hopefully get some rest.