Tying You To Me

Chapter Thirteen: 2022

May 2022

"So this is it," Lorne said, looking over his desk at Quinn. "I knew this day would come but I didn't think I'd still be around to see it." He looked down at the resignation paperwork in front of him. "We've had a good run together, Quinn."

Quinn nodded, eyes watering. She knew if she opened her mouth to speak, she'd cry. She'd made it five years without crying in Lorne's office and she wasn't about to start on her way out the door.

"You're good at this, Quinn," Lorne continued, a high compliment from a man who was not known for his effusive praise. "I hope that wherever life takes, you don't forget that."

Quinn nodded again. "Thank you for taking a chance on me, Lorne," she squeaked, before clamping her mouth shut and dabbing at her eyes.

"We'll push this morning's meeting if you want a few minutes to collect yourself," he said gently.

Quinn nodded a third time and exited the room.

She took the long way back to her office, knowing it was the only way to avoid the rest of the cast and staff in her emotional state. She still couldn't believe this would be her last week on the show. 30 Rock had become her second home over the years and, even if she was taking on a new opportunity, a chance to mold a show into her own vision, it was still bittersweet saying goodbye to the place that made her who she was.

She closed the door to her office and picked up her iced coffee from her desk. Harry had surprised her that morning with coffee from one of her favorite spots, knowing that she'd need the pick-me-up. He was in town for his own milestone, the rollout of his new album, and despite Quinn's protests, had centerted the first batch of appointments in New York to maximize their time together.

When she felt a bit more centered, she picked up her phone, drink, and notebook, and headed to the conference room where she'd spent countless Mondays meeting celebrities and laughing at sketches. She slid into a chair in the back corner as Lorne called the meeting to order. Quinn knew what was going to come next – Lorne was going to announce the names of all the departing cast members – Aidy, Pete, Kate – and Quinn's own departure as well. She was fully aware that her news would be overshadowed by some of the show's most famous faces leaving, but in a way, she was happy about that. She didn't get into this business because she wanted the attention. She did it because she loved getting to make something she was proud of.

As expected there were shouts and cries and all sorts of emotions as the announcement was made. When Quinn's own name was called she offered a little wave, and everyone made the appropriate "aww" sound, but turned their attention back to the main cast. Marcus was the lone exception, moving his chair to sit next to Quinn, taking her hand in his own, and squeezing as hard as he could.

"I know you probably couldn't say anything, but you couldn't give a guy more than a week's notice?" he said, eyes glistening.

"I've been in denial that this was even happening," Quinn said, sniffling.

Marcus wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "What am I going to do without you Quinn?"

"Oh, you'll be fine."

"No, I won't! Someone offered to pick up my lunch the other day and they didn't get the good orange soda."

Quinn laughed wetly. "You'll just have to train them better."

When the meeting was over, Marcus followed Quinn back to her office where they sat on the couch together, checking items off of their respective to-do lists just like the old days.

"How are your parents feeling about this move?" Marcus asked.

"Eh, they wish I was staying a little closer to home, but they'll get over it. They know how important this is to me and we'll be able to FaceTime and message each other. And they'll have a fun trip when they come to visit me once I'm settled."