Our Love

Wade

The hostess led us to our table, and the server had already taken our drink orders. Denise sat across from me, staring me down. I had no idea what to discuss with her; I didn't really want to be here. There was a time when I enjoyed her company and looked forward to an evening out with her, but that was another lifetime ago.

"This contract with my Father. Why is it such a big deal?" I asked her, focusing on the only topic I only slightly cared about.

"It's not. I mean, Scholts would've signed weeks ago, but I asked him to let me take the lead." She smirked. "To Scholts, it's not a big deal, that is. To your Father, well, I think it's his last-ditch efforts at keeping the company. He's made some bad investments, and honestly, without us, he'd be forced to shut it down." She admitted. I was surprised at her candor, though I appreciated the honesty.

"Well, I hope you stick to your end of this deal then. I may not work for him or even in the company, but I don't wish for him to fail." I sipped my water.

"You were so good. Why give it all up? You could be running that company right now, making millions upon millions." She played with the stem of her wine glass.

"I never had an interest in it. You know that. I've always enjoyed working with my hands and being outdoors. I guess everything that happened with you just made me realize I was wasting my life being there." I shrugged in explanation.

"Glad I could help." She laughed nervously.

The server returned to get our meal order, and as we were discussing our options, I looked up. Unfortunately, I looked up just in time to see Quinn walking in with Ben. Ben fucking Stevens. That slimy fuck. I watched as she walked, her hair down in waves, wearing a black dress that fit her well, too well.

"Christopher. I mean, Wade. Wade." I heard Denise bark as she snapped her fingers in front of me. The long, manicured nails nearly poked me in the eye.

"Oh, sorry. I spaced out for a minute." I tried to play it off, but of course, Denise turned to see where my gaze had been, and she saw her.

"If you can stop ogling other women while we're on a date, that'd be great." She huffed. "He's waiting for your order." She thrust her menu toward the young man. I rattled off something I had seen on the menu, helping to get him out of our situation.

"Just for the record, I can ogle any woman I want. We're not dating. I was just watching; I recognized Ben. You remember him."

"You were watching her, the roommate. There's something going on there, isn't it?" She looked at me hatefully then her eyes seemed to spark with an idea. "Is that why you aren't interested? You're chasing her?"

"Denise, you have no idea what you're talking about. We were done a long time ago. There's nothing going on with Quinn." I rubbed my hand down my face. "You're making this pretty unbearable," I grumbled.

"When did your family start running a charity?" She pushed. I could feel the anger building up. "Your father has always been a decent man, but taking in a stray like her and then polishing her up. Or was that all from you?" She took the wine glass, throwing back the remaining sip.

"I'm going to tell you this once and once only; if you want to finish this ridiculous dinner, then I suggest you stop talking about Quinn. Stop talking about things you have no idea about and that do not concern you." I spoke pointedly with gritted teeth.

"Understood." She rolled her eyes just as the server appeared for an appetizer that she had ordered. I took the chance while she was distracted with her food to look over at Quinn once more. They were seated in perfect view. Ben was facing my direction, but I could still see the side view of Quinn. They looked to be having a nice conversation, which made me sick to my stomach. I screwed up. I didn't talk honestly and maturely with her; now, she was moving on.

The rest of the dinner with Denise was really uneventful. We talked about random things from our past. We spoke in detail about her infidelity, something we had done at the time, but this time was different. I had no emotion about it; I was no longer hurt by what she had done. I was over it; I forgave her in the sense that I was no longer bothered by it.

As we finished dessert, Denise sat back with a strange smile. "No more dates. I'll make sure the contracts are sent over on Monday, and we'll be amicable." She stood from the table, clutching her bag. "I am really sorry, Wade. I messed up. I've thought about it a lot, and when the deal with your Father came up, well, I thought maybe this was a way to win you back. We never really were great together, were we?" She asked, stepping over to pat my chest.

"I don't think so. It was convenient. I appreciate the apology and for keeping your word about the contract. I think from here on out, amicable is certainly an option." I was doing my best to keep civil, but I didn't trust this sudden shift from her at all. I put it at the back of my mind, though, too concerned with what Ben and Quinn were up to.

I paid the check as Denise waited for me by the door so that I could walk her to her car. As I stepped around the restaurant, I noticed that Quinn and Ben were no longer at their table. Another twinge of jealousy rushed through my body. After I ushered Denise to her car and began walking back to my truck, I heard voices that seemed to be in the midst of an argument. I paused briefly, then realized that it was Quinn raising her voice.

I quickly walked around the truck and toward the back of the parking lot, where I found Quinn pushed up against the side of Ben's car. He had her pinned in and was leaning in, saying something close to her ear. She looked frightened and uncomfortable.

"Hey! What the fuck are you doing?" I growled out as I jogged over. Ben stood back, giving me a look.

"Nice to see you, Wade, but we're busy here," Ben replied hatefully.

"She doesn't look too happy to be in your company." I retorted, looking from Quinn to Ben and back again.

"We were having a private moment, about to leave." He snapped, pulling at Quinn's wrist and tugging her toward the passenger door.

"Quinn?" I questioned. "Are you okay? Do you want to go with him?" I stepped forward, asking. I hoped she'd feel safe enough to respond truthfully. I could see in her eyes she was scared.

"I...I um...Ben is going to take me home; I'll be fine." She stuttered out.

"I told you."

Quinn quietly climbed into the car, and once the door was closed, Ben stomped over to me. "Sorry, you missed your chance, Wade. I'm taking her home; we had a wonderful date and now a nightcap. Have a good night."

I swallowed down the bile that rose in my throat as I watched him climb into the driver's seat, start the engine then eventually pull away.