18

Chapter 2- Secrets and Lies

"I am not doing this again!" A slammed door echoed through the house as Quinn stood in shock-unsure exactly what to do. Not allowing her enough time to figure that out, she was forced to act nonchalant, when inside her curiosity was nearly burning her alive. Hudson emerged from the hall with a slightly red complexion-but looking as heavenly as always. In her mind, she found it odd. He was not the Adonis-type of handsome, but the rugged kind. It was obvious he was older from the lack of soft tone in his eyes and the deep rough skin he had-but underneath it all, he was as vivacious as her-but more mature. Her gaze froze on him as she was unsure what to say.

"Quinn? I am sorry you had to hear that...is something wrong with the kids?"

"No. I left my psych book here..."

"Oh. Do you need help?"

In a short vision, she envisioned him helping her look for it; their eyes would meet and then their fingers would touch. Next would be a steamy make out session on the coffee table. Just as quick as it began, she was back to present time.

"No. It's okay."

He nodded and moved to the kitchen where he took out a small glass and poured some alcoholic contents into it-as he observed her. In her thin and tight jeans, she bent over to retrieve the book that had fallen from the table as his brow arched. Moving his gaze away, he poured another glass and offered one to her as his hand lingered in the air, holding the glass and its contents.

"I feel you should know something if you are going to be our permanent nanny...But you will need a drink first."

She accepted the glass as he moved to the kitchen. Sliding herself onto the bar stool, she traced the top of the glass and looked to him as he took the final sip of his glass.

"I am sure she would kill me for telling you this, but the kids are gonna make this job difficult enough for you...so I want to give you a heads up."

"Alright...." She said shyly before moving closer, resting her weight on her elbows.

"You asked me how long her and I have been married. The truth of it is...we got separated about a year ago...and are waiting for the divorce papers to come through...at least I am. She still has us going to therapy every other week or so-to try to fix things...but...some things just can't be...." His gaze caught hers. "Never mind."

"No, go on."

He took a deep exhale before taking the bar stool next to her.

"When her and I first met, it was like a roller coaster. We were both holding on so tight, and then throughout the years, we just let go of one another...then I started volunteering at the station and she was always starting this charity and that campaign that we never saw each other...that feeling of excitement and admiration just died out..."

"But the way she talks to you...calling darling and honey-"

"Appearances for the kids...and anyone else who she doesn't want to let on...but when the papers are finalized-which shouldn't take more than a month, we are going to come clean."

"What will happen when the papers are finalized?"

"Well we don't want to put the children through custody battles, so we designated half of the house to the other-kitchen and living room is mutual."

"You will still live together? That seems...unhealthy."

"It isn't ideal...but it is what is best for the kids."

Quinn admired the way he cared for the kids. How he put his own feelings aside and did not care of the pain it would cause him. Feeling as though they were getting a genuine moment, her phone buzzed-breaking the sweetness.

"It's David..."

"David?"

"My on-again-off-again..."

"Oh. Don't let me keep you. Go enjoy your night. You have school tomorrow, after all."

"Only four classes. I can't afford more than that." She said honestly.

"How will you graduate with your class?"

"Well...I won't...I mean...it will take a bit longer...but I will eventually graduate."

"I see..."

Her phone buzzed again.

"I should go."

"Yes! Go enjoy your night!" He pushed as he watched her leave-his gaze following her as she left.

Making her way back to campus which had been only a block away, she found David sitting in his car with his stereo blaring. Upon seeing her, he jumped out and pulled her in for a deep hug and attempted to kiss her before she pulled back.

"What? What are you pissed about now?"

"I'm not mad...I'm just tired...that's all..."

"You are ALWAYS tired...you never want to do anything fun anymore..."

"I am just very tired, David...."

"Then maybe I should take Shelley instead."

Her gaze fell across the air between them as she glared.

"I am so tired of you making me feel bad because I am trying to make something of my life! Not everybody is able to have their parents pay for everything! Some of us have to work for a living!" She snapped as she turned to find Hudson standing behind her. Clearing his throat, he held out her jacket that she had left on the bar stool upon sitting down.