38. Sutton
Sutton
“I’m going to be so happy when this is over,” Quinn said as she sat back in her chair.
I straightened my back and moved my neck from side to side.
I’d been with her all day doing some serious planning for a new grant program that Quinn was spearheading.
It got approval from the Knight Enterprises board, the head of the foundation in London, and from the hospitals.
From her time volunteering at the children’s hospital, Quinn understood how important it was for families to have breaks and moments of normalcy.
The new grant would allow us to work closely with the hospitals already connected to the foundation to fund supervised activities and short outings for children with parents in long-term care, giving the kids a chance to step away without being stuck at the hospital all day.
It gave the parents some breathing room too.
“It’ll be great,” I replied reassuringly as I saved my document one more time and closed my laptop. She let out a happy sigh and smiled at me.
“Thanks. This is what I always wanted—to do something that made a difference. And this just feels so right.”
“I love that.” I was right there with her. I never imagined working at a foundation like this.
“But my brain is full and I don’t know what to do next.” She yawned and I also had to cover my mouth.
“Well, considering it’s five, I would say go home.” She smirked as I stood up.
“Theo is on his way,” she said dreamily. “He had a late meeting so he’ll be here soon. Is Ash on his way?” she asked as she followed me to my desk.
“Not today. I drove myself.”
“Why?” She frowned and I tried to hide my smile.
“I knew we had this planning today and there was a chance it would be a long day. He’s just at Iris’s grabbing Sophie. I’ll meet them at home.”
“He didn’t try and force you to wait?”
I shook my head and rolled my eyes. She knew him well. “Oh, he tried. But it would have made absolutely no sense for him to grab Soph and then drive all the way back here.”
“How’d you convince him?” she asked with a smile.
“I said Soph needed to get home. She needed to play before dinnertime. We can’t rush her night just because he wants to drive me.” She laughed along with me.
“You used one of his only two weaknesses against him.”
My heart warmed like it did anytime someone mentioned us changing Asher. Because he had been doing the same to us.
“Well, it’s not like I can’t drive myself.”
“And you’re coming on Friday?” she asked as I grabbed my bag.
“Yessss…” Someone had been asking me this every day, usually more than once to make sure the plan hadn’t changed. I thought it was funny but also sweet. This group didn’t shy away from making sure you knew you were wanted and it filled a hole in my life.
“Just checking.” She winked. “What are you doing on Sunday?”
“I don’t think we have any plans.”
“I want to have brunch with Jane, Emma, and you. Sophie is welcome, of course. Does that work?”
I smiled. “I would love that.” For once I didn’t feel like I needed to ask if she wanted time with just her family. If she didn’t want me there she wouldn’t have offered.
“Great. Now go home and see your sweet girl and your man.”
With that I gave her a hug and headed out of the office. There weren’t many people left as I cut through the building. Quinn was big on work-life balance and made sure people knew that they should leave on time.
I stepped outside into the evening and took a big breath of air.
The lights in the parking lot were on despite the fact that it wasn’t dark. My car was one of only three left in the lot and it wasn’t far away.
But as I started walking across the parking lot, something felt off. Tiny hairs were standing up at the back of my neck. It felt like someone was watching me. I looked around but I couldn’t see anyone. I picked up my pace to my car.
My hands shook a little as I grabbed my keys from my pocket.
I got in as quickly as I could and locked the door.
I took a moment to look around again but there was no one there.
I shook myself off and started the car. The feeling had disappeared.
It could have been a chill from going from the air-conditioned office into the hot night.
I was imagining it—I had to have been. I pushed it out of my mind and drove home.