Our Love

Wade

"Ben Stevens. What do I owe the pleasure?" I kicked the gravel, dragging my feet as I walked from the garage to him.

"Evening Wade. How are you?"

"I was doing just fine, thank you." I flipped my ball cap off, running my fingers through my hair before putting it back in its place. I was impatiently waiting to find out what he wanted.

"I just wanted to stop in and apologize for being so hateful the other night when I was out with Quinn. It was just a misunderstanding, and well, you know how it is when you're out with your girl." He shifted on his feet, wearing street clothes. I knew he was off duty, and it somehow made me feel more comfortable with planting my fist on his sleazy face.

"Sure. No problem." I glanced back at the garage, then toward the house, hoping Ben was picking up on the vibe that I had no desire to talk with him any longer. Of course, he didn't; the man was oblivious for a cop.

"I also wanted to mention the lady you were with that evening. She was a looker, eh?" He blew out a whistle, shaking his head. "It's funny; I found out she works for my Uncle's company. This small town and I had no idea all these years that your Father and my Uncle were in the same business, so to speak. Run in the same circles, it seems." Now the asshole had my attention; what were the fucking chances, and how had I never known?

"Small town stuff, eh? That's nice. Was there something you wanted, Ben?"

"Oh, just wanted to let ya know, well that I know how important my Uncle's business is to your Father, that's all. That looker, man, she sure likes to talk."

"What the fuck are you talking about? What's your deal?" I shoved my hands in my pockets to prevent myself from getting thrown into jail.

"No deal. Just a friendly conversation. Since Quinn and I didn't seem to hit it off like I thought, well, your lady friend reached out to me. I'm sure you won't mind if I take her up on her offer?" He winked at me. The slimy fuck winked at me. I mentally ran through all the scenarios in which Ben Stevens and Denise would team up to work against me. This was some alternate reality; I had no idea what I'd done to bring this upon everyone.

"Have at it; sounds like you two are made for each other. Have a good night, Ben. I'm done."

Once I was inside the garage, and I was sure Ben was gone, I started slamming things around. I was livid. Whatever Denise was up to, and up to with Ben, I had to put a stop to it. I wasn't invested in my Father's company, but my best friends and Quinn all worked there; if this affected the company, then it affected them.

"Goddamnit!!" The random tool flew down the garage, hitting hard against the tin siding. The noise vibrated throughout, matching the level of anger I held.

"Holy Shit!!" I turned quickly to see Carrie standing in the doorway with a petite woman with black hair; her eyes were wide. She looked slightly terrified, and I immediately felt guilty.

"Sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't know you were coming by." I adjusted my cap, running a hand down my face.

"It was a last-minute idea. What's going on?" Carrie was concerned, despite the fact that I was acting like a barbarian in front of who I presumed to be her girlfriend.

"It's nothing. We can discuss it later. Who is this?" I did my best to shove down the rage and put on a friendly face. I nodded toward the dark-haired lady who was clinging to Carrie's side.

"Oh, erm. This is Natalia. Natalia, this monkey here is my best friend, Wade." Her smile was wide and proud, and I felt terrible for our meeting beginning like this. "We were just out and about, and I thought I'd finally introduce you two." Natalia and I exchanged greetings; she was soft-spoken and kind. I apologized for the outburst she had to witness and offered them both to come into the house to chat. Thankfully neither one seemed too upset with me, and they happily joined me.

We sat around in the living room, Natalia telling me more about herself and her career. She was an attorney who worked for one of the companies Carrie had worked with. They both agreed they were on and off again, but for the moment, they were on and enjoying it. I couldn't help but laugh a little, knowing what Quinn had seen. Carrie gave me a knowing look as if not to say anything, which of course, I wouldn't. When Natalia excused herself to the bathroom, Carrie immediately jumped up and plopped down next to me. She nudged me a few times, giving me a look that I knew was her way of asking me what was going on.

"She's nice." I complimented, not wanting to get into all of the Ben Stevens bullshit right now.

Carrie rolled her eyes. "Of course, she's nice. What was up with you? Come on. Are you upset because Quinn is out with Grant?" She continued to push.

"Well, up until now, I had forgotten that Quinn and Grant were on a date, so thanks." I hopped up, heading to the kitchen for a beer. I could definitely use one or twenty about now.

"I'm sorry. I'm sure she's having a horrible time."

"I hope she isn't. I want her to have a nice time. She deserves it." I was serious when I spoke. I hadn't known Quinn very long, but she'd been nothing but kind, loving, and caring. She was a hard worker and had been dealt a shit hand when it came to having the right people in her life. I wanted nothing more than for her to have all of us as support in whatever way she wanted us.

"There's the big softie I know, so explain who brought out the big lug we walked in on?" Carrie pressed as Natalia rejoined us.

"Just some Ben Stevens bullshit. He stopped by mouthing off, some things we'll have to look into, but for now, it's okay." I tried to ease any worry she may have.

"He's so gross." Carrie shivered. "We'll come back to that, though, don't think I'm letting you off the hook. We're about to head out and grab a late dinner; wanna join?"

I had no desire to be out and about, and I certainly didn't want to ruin their time, so I politely declined. Carrie tried to put up a fuss about it, but eventually, Natalia got her to calm down. I was a fan of hers after that, for sure.

"Start planning an amazing date for our girl, then!" Carrie called out as they left; she had no idea I'd been planning a date with Quinn since the first time I saw her. Between the drama with Ben and the excitement for the date, I didn't plan on getting much sleep. I sat on the deck with my beer until the early hours of the morning before I finally turned in.