6. Chapter Six #2
“There’s the million-dollar question.” She let out another heavy sigh as she leaned against the window, staring out, not really focused on anything.
A moment later, she continued. “I think his grief is more overwhelming than he was expecting, not that anyone can predict how death and betrayal are going to affect them. Being at the house after the funeral was so much harder on him than he’ll ever admit to.
He saw memories of his father at every turn.
He saw his mother struggling. Lianne, his other rock steady person in this world, wasn’t doing great, either.
Not that I blame any of them. And then there was his brother.
” Quinn shook her head and took a deep breath.
“Liam was an ass… again.” She shook her head in frustration.
“Dealing with him in this new context is so much harder than Lukas will ever openly admit.”
I nodded. “I heard and saw bits and pieces while I was there with Edith. The tension was off the charts.”
She sniffed and nodded. “It’s so hard right now. There are days I can barely reach him. Lukas loved and respected the hell out of his dad. Losing him has blown up his entire world. I know he wants to be there for his family, but he’s struggling with his own demons.”
My eyes went wide as I processed what she said. “I didn’t know it was that bad.”
Quinn wrapped her arms around herself and held tight, as if she was trying to hold herself together… and maybe her boyfriend, by proxy. “He’s trying to put on a good face for everyone, and most people are buying it.”
“Clearly not us, though.”
“Nope. We know better. I’ve also caught enough grumbled comments and mumbles in his sleep to piece together that he feels like he isn’t good enough…
that he has to look and act a certain way in front of everyone…
that he’s failing everyone in some way.” Quinn leaned forward.
“Between the two of us, I think Liam has been a problem a lot longer than we realize… Like it started even before they worked together. I can’t prove it, but I’m pretty confident Liam berated and belittled Lukas every chance he could, somehow convincing him he’d never be anything more than second best. I think on some level Lukas truly looked up to him, just because Liam is his big brother, and is struggling with the fact that family loyalty cost him his dad.
” She let out an angry breath. “I also think Lianne being picked as Lynette’s second fucked with his head. ”
My eyes went wide at the confession as I pulled into the parking lot of the lodge. Interesting. “What brought you to all these conclusions?”
She locked eyes with me, pinning me to where I sat with a hard stare.
“I’m observant, Peter. I pay attention to people and how they act in different situations.
I am also extremely good at making connections and eavesdropping.
You’d be surprised how much I hear when working in the ballroom or organizing one of my storage closets, or while prepping the Reading Room.
” A small grin appeared on her face. “I could show you mafia boys a thing or two.”
I nodded, loving that her mood had lifted enough to tease me. “I’m sure you could.”
Her blue eyes went hard again. “That being said, don’t think I didn’t miss how Liam spoke to his brother when he thought no one was listening.
The absolute arrogance and gall of that man.
He had me seeing red more than once. Also, don’t think the lodge staff weren’t reporting things to me when everyone was out here last December for Ben and Lianne’s wedding.
I may not be an Agosti in name yet, but I still have connections of my own. ”
I didn’t miss her use of the word yet, but didn’t comment on it.
Quinn would be part of the family soon enough.
I felt it in my soul. She was too well-suited for Lukas and fit into the family like she was made for it.
Her fire, drive, and ability to go toe-to-toe with him in the most no-nonsense, ball-busting way was impressive and intimidating.
“Glad to know I’m not the only one not upset Liam isn’t taking over. ”
Quinn arched her eyebrow. “Not a fan of the eldest brother, either?”
“Nope, Phil feels the same way. Lukas wasn’t the only one on the receiving end of his bullshit while he was out here. He was an ass to Borce, too.” Among other things.
A tense chuckle came out as she grinned.
“Chelsea told me how she would have beat the shit out of him had it not been for Phil quite literally picking her up and carrying her out of the room. God, I love that woman.” Her laughter died out.
“Mark my words, though, that man is up to no good and treading on thin ice. I didn’t like him when I met him, and I don’t like his wife, either. ”
I was a little surprised at Quinn’s sudden brutal honesty about Liam and Susan, but I didn’t want to sully her improved mood. “You ready to head in?”
She let out a sigh and nodded. “Any chance I can bribe you to go to the kitchen for me and grab a coffee and whatever delightful pastry Edith has baked today? I don’t want to have to rehash this morning with anyone else right now.”
“No bribe needed. I’m happy to deliver sugar and caffeine.”
I stayed at Quinn’s side as we walked into the lodge, watching her until she was inside her office.
“Everything okay?”
Chelsea’s concerned voice caught my attention, and I looked over at the front reception desk. “It’s complicated.”
Her shoulders drooped as she leaned on the counter. “Phil said the same thing.”
“Well, if you want an excuse to check on Quinn, she asked for me to bring her coffee and a muffin or pastry.”
Chelsea’s face lit up. “Edith made cinnamon rolls today. I can’t leave the desk right now… expecting a phone call, but I know eating one or two of those has never made a day worse.”