17. Chapter Seventeen
Chapter seventeen
Peter
After leaving the property and putting my phone back in service, there were a few messages waiting for me.
Ryan:
Quinn:
Quinn:
Once I was on the main road, I called Ryan back.
“Should I be worried you called me back?”
I chuckled at his greeting. “No. I’m driving. This is the safer option.”
He hummed in agreement. “Everything go okay earlier? I peeked in on the feed for a bit.”
“Of course you did. And yes, everything looked good. Honestly, I’d love to have a place like that to disappear to every once in a while. Not that I ever doubted how relaxing camping is but even being ‘on’ and working while out there was rejuvenating.”
Now Ryan chuckled. “I keep trying to tell that to everyone. Glad someone else is finally seeing that being out in the middle of nowhere for a bit as relaxing as I do.”
I turned onto another road that would lead me back into town. “Neat trick with the Wi-Fi.”
“It’s just some coding.”
I rolled my eyes. “Just some coding, my ass. You’re a damn genius when it comes to this shit. Can you please take the compliment?”
The man let out a sigh. “Thank you.”
A smirk appeared on my face. “You’re welcome. Anything else?”
“Nope. Glad it went well today. I’ll touch base later.”
After he ended the call, I dialed Quinn’s number.
“Hey, Peter! Everything okay?”
I shook my head at the concern in her voice. “You would think I never call people with the reactions I’ve gotten in the last two days.”
“Well, I appreciate a call from my shadows. I’m hoping this one is about pizza.”
It made my heart light, hearing the lightness and joy now in Quinn’s voice. “It is. I wanted to know what kind you wanted, or if you wanted to call in the order. Regardless, I’m more than happy to pick it up for us.”
“I’ll call it in and then text you.”
“Sounds great.”
She ended the call, and I made my way to the liquor store.
I had told Cole I was running errands, so it was going to be a lot more convincing if I actually came home with a few things.
After picking up another bottle of Quinn’s favorite wine, a bottle of whiskey, and a bottle of cucumber vodka Avery had told me about, I made my way to the grocery store for a few snacks.
Quinn texted me the order confirmation number, and by the time I checked out at the store and drove to the pizza place, it was ready for me to pick up.
Not long after that, I walked into the house and Quinn practically skipped up to me, taking the boxes.
“You’re in a good mood.”
She shrugged as she put the food on the counter. “I get to have my new favorite pizza without hearing anyone else complain about it being too spicy. What’s not to love?”
“I thought I smelled something spicy.”
“Oh yeah!” Quinn inhaled deeply as she opened the box before letting out a groan. “Come to Mama!” She pulled a piece out, immediately taking a bite. The look of bliss that appeared on her face was adorable.
“Do you even need a plate?”
“Nope.” Quinn shook her head as she sat on a stool, pulling the pizza box closer to her.
Chuckling, I washed my hands, grabbed some napkins, and sat on the stool next to her.
We ate in peaceful silence for a few minutes until a sigh came out.
When I glanced over, she was staring off, not focused on anything in particular.
Her phone was in front of her, and a text conversation was up on the screen.
“Everything okay?”
She looked down at her phone. “Yep.”
“You sure?”
Quinn glanced over at me and let out a deep, frustrated sigh. “Yeah. I’m fine. Just worried about Lukas. Again. Still.”
I nodded. “Anything I can help with?”
She studied my face for a moment before her eyes narrowed slightly and a determined look covered her face. “Actually, yes. Well, possibly. I have a plan I’m still working on. And I’ll need your help in executing part of it. I’ll let you know as soon as I make a final decision.”
While somewhat calmer, Quinn was not quite herself the rest of the night and the next day, even at work. While Cole, Phil, and I tried to be respectful and not ask too many questions, we were concerned.
Lukas kept checking in, asking about her and how things were going out here, and we all kept things factual and professional. Quinn’s behavior wasn’t throwing up any red flags, so there was no reason to worry him unnecessarily. That didn’t mean we weren’t keeping a close eye on her.
Another day passed, and I was halfway through watching a movie when Quinn came downstairs in a rush, determination all over her face. “I need to get to Chicago.”
I launched off the couch, pulling my phone out in a panic. Did I miss a call? There was nothing new or missed on the screen. “What happened?”
“Lukas.”
I pressed my lips together and let out a sigh. “I’m going to need a little more than that. Is he okay?”
Quinn nodded as she ran her hands through her hair and paced back and forth between the couch and the small kitchen island.
“Yeah, though apparently, he and Ryan had quite the chat on the way to the campground. Like a tough truths kind of chat. The two of them cleared the air by the time they got there, but while he was driving home, his thoughts were… Well, he was pulling a Lianne and overthinking everything. I talked him down for now, but I don’t think it’s going to last long. ”
“Okay. So, when are we heading out?”
She let out a tense laugh and shook her head. “I have a wedding tomorrow, so Sunday? How early of a flight can we get?”
Cole walked out of the security room, glanced at me, and then looked at her.
“Really early, but I think you’re going to want to get some sleep, especially if you want to be rested enough to tackle whatever version of Lukas is there.
” He tipped his head slightly to the side as he studied her face. “Does he know about this?”
Quinn shook her head as a little grin spread across her face. “No. I want to surprise him.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. I’d worked with Quinn long enough to know there was more to her plan than she was letting on, but I also knew she would fill me in when she was ready. “Okay. Do you want us to book the ticket or you?”
She sighed and chewed on the inside of her bottom lip. “Well, Ryan’s busy camping and, in theory, won’t be doing all his tech stuff and spoiling the surprise, not that he would if I asked… I think. What’s the sneakiest way of doing this? Or am I overthinking this, too?”
“We’ll book the tickets and then get in touch with Connor to organize a pickup at the airport.”
Quinn narrowed her eyes at Cole. “Tickets plural? As in more than one?”
I nodded. “Do you know what Lukas would do if one of us didn’t accompany you? Why are you pushing to go alone?”
“I have my reasons, okay?” Quinn sighed dramatically as she flopped on the couch.
“I want to say you’re overreacting, but I know you aren’t.
” She stared at the ceiling before sitting up again.
“Okay, hear me out. What if you drive me to the airport, stay with me all the way to security, and then I promise to send photographic documentation of every step of the way until I’m on the plane and then in Connor’s capable care?
Hell, knowing him, he’d probably be able to finagle his way to my damn gate if we give him enough notice.
Would that satiate your security needs? I don’t think it’s necessary that you fly with me… unless there’s an active threat?”
“There’s nothing new on the threat front.” I looked at Cole, who looked as torn as I felt. “I can live with her plan if she tells us why it's so important she does this on her own. Can you?”
After a moment, he nodded. “Yeah.”
She stood up, practically jumping off the couch, eyes wide. “Wait, really? You’re not going to shut down my idea?”
I arched my eyebrow before leaning back against the wall. “We’ve spent too much time together for me not to assume there’s something up your sleeve. You’ve been scheming.”
“You’re not wrong.” Quinn let out a nervous breath, and her focus bounced between the two of us. “I’m proposing to Lukas.”
My eyes went wide. “That’s awesome!”
A huge smirk appeared on her face. “I’d like to think so.”
Cole chuckled. “He’s lucky to have you.”
Quinn shook her head. “I don’t know why I thought you two were going to make a fuss over it.”
“Over you proposing to him?” When she nodded, I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Why?”
A deep sigh rushed from her lips. “I don’t know. I assumed you would balk at the woman being the one proposing.”
I chuckled and shook my head. “Honestly, Lukas has waited too damn long to ask the question himself.”
Cole smiled before heading out. “I’m glad you’re taking the initiative. I’ll get you on the first flight out Sunday morning.”
“I thought he should have proposed when you moved in, but that’s me.”
Now she laughed and shook her head. “I hope he says yes.”
“He’d be an idiot not to.” I shook my head. “Let me talk to Connor and make sure he can cover the Chicago end of things, but it’s a more than reasonable plan.”
“Not my first rodeo. I have one more favor, though.” Lifting my eyebrow in question, I waited. “After work tomorrow, I need you to take me to town to get the ring.”
A huge smile crossed my face. “Done.”
It was still dark Sunday morning as I parked in the garage at the airport and pulled her carry-on out of the backseat.
It was fairly busy as we waited, but nothing unreasonable, and Quinn tensed up as the press of people crowded in while we worked our way through security.
Shifting the handle of her suitcase to the other hand, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and gave them a small squeeze. “You’re good.”
She nodded. “Yeah, I know.”
“We’ll be out of the press of people soon. I can still chat with security and have someone escort you to your gate.”
Now Quinn shook her head. “No. That would draw attention. I’m good at hiding in plain sight.”
It wasn’t long before we were up to the actual security checkpoint, and once she was through, she turned and waved before heading toward her gate.
I stood there until I couldn’t see her anymore before heading back to the truck.
I was a little anxious about the whole thing, but by the time I made it back to the parking garage, Quinn had texted me a picture of her with a to-go coffee cup in her hands.
Quinn:
Peter:
As promised, she texted me pictures when she got to the first-class lounge, when she boarded the plane, when she touched down, and finally when Connor met her at her gate.
Quinn:
Before I could respond, another text popped up.
Connor:
Peter:
I was settled in on my bed reading, and an hour later, another text and photo from Quinn popped up. This one was taken inside the Agosti garage. Quinn was standing next to one of the SUVs, holding her finger up to her lips.
Quinn:
Even though I had nothing to do with it, I was nervous and excited for Quinn. I really hoped Lukas wasn’t an idiot.
I didn’t have long to wait.
Quinn:
Attached was a picture of Quinn and Lukas beaming. He was holding up his left hand, showcasing a silver-gold band on his ring finger.
Peter:
Almost immediately, another message popped up.
Lukas:
Peter:
Peter: