Our Love

Quinn

After not hearing from Wade since I moved out, I decided I needed to keep space between us. The feelings were obviously one-sided, and I didn't want to make a fool of myself. We'd all gathered together for dinner at Carrie's house a few times, and while it was a little awkward, I'd managed. I'd been spending the majority of my time working at the office and taking shifts at the diner. I was saving every penny so that I could get a place of my own and have a cushion for when my car eventually gave out. Though, thanks to Wade, I was hopeful that wouldn't be any time soon.

Last week I ran into Officer Stevens, or Ben, at the store when I was making a junk food run for Carrie and myself. She had broken things off with her girlfriend, a mutual thing, but it still hurt, so we were going to drown our sorrows in junk food and wine. As I made my way down the aisle of wine selections, I was met with Ben. He smiled widely at me, and though he was nice enough, I couldn't help the gut feeling that he wasn't as nice as he appeared to be.

"Quinn." He sang. "It's been a minute. How are you?"

I held on so tight to the tiny cart that my knuckles turned white. Carrie and I had discussed Ben and his intentions. She was concerned he may have been the one to send the pictures of Wade with Denise to me. Though that didn't negate that Wade had been with Denise. Carrie was tight-lipped about any details about that, and I didn't press her, not wanting to cause any issues with their friendship.

"I'm well. How have you been?" I asked, attempting to be polite while scanning the wine bottles.

"No complaints. I stay pretty busy with work. Hoping for a night out soon, if I can get this pretty lady I know to take me up on the offer to go out." Ben smirked.

"Well, hopefully, she does." I laughed, hoping to God he was not talking about me. I mean, he was most likely talking about me, but I could hope, right?

"Quinn." He chuckled, reaching out and touching my arm. I flinched at his touch. "I'm talking about you. I know last time wasn't probably the best time to ask, but I really would like to take you out sometime."

"I'm not sure. I'm so busy with work and just trying to resettle myself. I don't think I'm in a position to be dating anyone right now." I huffed out, shifting on my feet.

"No dating." He held his hands up in defense. "Just one date, dinner out together, as friends."

I could tell he wasn't going to back down easily. I really just wanted to get the wine, check out and get back to the house to wallow on the couch in my pajamas with Carrie. So, despite better judgment and having no interest in spending any extra time with him, I agreed to one date.

*

Now I found myself standing in front of the mirror, trying to decide if I looked nice enough or not. I tried not to think about how this was the first date I had been on since I was with Rex. Or how I hadn't been with anyone since Rex. I was too damaged for a while to have any interest in romantic relationships on top of running from Rex and his wrath. I promised myself that I would get away from him, I would be safe and happy, and I would find someone to love and to love me. I knew Ben wasn't that guy, but here I was.

Grant: Have fun, but not too much fun. Remember, I'm just a text away and a much better date.

I giggled, reading the text from Grant. He'd been quite flirty with me lately, and I had to admit, I was falling for his charm. I went from running from a man to having more than enough to deal with. My head was spinning from it all. I laid the phone down on the bed, giving myself another glance over just as Carrie entered the room.

"You look hot." Carrie smiled, walking up behind me. I was wearing a simple black wrap-around dress. It was frilly at the bottom, stopping just at my knees.

"I look pretty plain." I scrunched my nose up, looking in the mirror.

"Nothing is sexier than simple. A gorgeous woman like yourself, a simple black dress. You look great. Hang on." She ran out of the room, returning with diamond earrings. "These will finish you off perfectly."

"I'm not really trying to look that good, ya know." I chuckled nervously.

"That's annoying. You're not even trying, and yet you look great." She rolled her eyes as I put the earrings in. She was right; they finished off the look perfectly. "At least enjoy a nice night out, free food, and something other than the couch with me and red wine." She sighed. "Maybe you'll get a little action tonight." She wiggled her eyebrows at me. I could feel the heat rush to my cheeks just at the mention of it, and her mouth flopped open immediately.

"No thanks, I'm good."

"Are you a virgin?!" She squealed out in shock.

"No. Jeez. I'm not." I replied, slipping on my heels.

"Ok, but the way your face just changed color." Carrie started. "Fuck, I'm sorry. Touchy subject?"

"No. I just... ugh." I flopped down onto the edge of the bed. "I haven't been on a date or romantically with anyone since Rex," I answered quietly. Carrie quickly sat next to me, taking my hand into hers and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize."

"Don't apologize. I'm just shy in that regard, I guess. Rex was my first and only. I was too busy dealing with the aftermath of everything with him even to entertain the idea of being with anyone, ya know? Sad, isn't it? Twenty-six years old, and look at my life." I fidgeted with the small bracelet I was wearing.

"Nope. Not sad at all. You're amazing. You are a gem and have plenty of life to live. So, we're not going to have a pity party tonight. Go out, enjoy a meal, enjoy the attention and have fun." She pulled me in for a quick hug. "Ben may not be the guy, but you can still enjoy the time." I nodded; she was right, at least I thought at the time. I could at least enjoy a night out.