"Quinn's really something. I hope you know that," Mr. Thomas had said.
With that thought in mind, I grabbed the cellophane-wrapped flowers and got out of the car. My stride hitched once on the front walk, but I forced myself to the door. Mr. Thomas opened it only seconds after I knocked. He must have been watching from one of the bay windows.
"Glad to see you decided to finally join us," he said.
I winced, despite the neutral smile on his face. I was just used to having him dislike every single thing I did. "I heard that Mrs. Thomas is feeling better, but I wanted to give her these anyway," I said.
"How thoughtful."
I took a deep breath and handed Mr. Thomas a long, heavy bag. "And here's a bottle of aged whiskey for you. I was not sure what kind you drank, so I can return it if it’s not right. I want you to have something that you actually like, so please tell me."
"Owen, I'm sure it’s fine. Whiskey is great, thanks," he said.
"I want to thank you for everything you did for me. Helping me out with the arrest, clearing my record, and for giving me a second chance," I said.
"Well, don't screw it up this time." He opened the door wider and led the way into the house.
I looked around and expected Quinn to bound down the staircase or come jogging around the hall corner from the basement. "Quinn is home, right?" I asked.
"Yes, she'll be down when she's done. Some practice test. She's been studying very hard and her scores are excellent, but she insists on taking every practice test anyway," Mr. Thomas said.
"Studying?" I rubbed my chin. I had been so wrapped up in my own situation that I had completely missed a big change in Quinn's life. Here I was already screwing up the second chance I had been given.
Mr. Thomas saw the look on my face and laughed. "Don't worry. It’s a big secret. I mean, I got it out of her, but then again I am the king of cross-examinations."
"So whatever it is, Quinn is doing well?" I wanted to look around for a hidden camera. This was not the Mr. Thomas I was used to encountering.
"Yes, she's really found her way. It’s the perfect blend of her skills and her desire to make her own schedule and have some freedom. Plus, I think she likes the idea of all the excitement," he said.
"Excitement. Freedom?" I asked. It sounded as if Quinn was going to take off for some fantastic career and leave us all behind. Was that why Mr. Thomas was so happy? Did he know she would soon be breaking my heart?
"Exactly how I feel about it. I'm more like you. I like work I can do in my home office. I mean, sure, I have to go and visit clients in jail now and then, but mostly, I can work from here," Mr. Thomas said. He clapped me on the shoulder. "That's at least something we have in common. I even suppose your tournaments are a lot like when I go trial. All those people watching you, waiting to hear what you say."
I realized my mouth was hanging open. "Yes, except you are actually helping people."
"No need for flattery, Owen. I finally managed to read that magazine article on you. Sounds like you inspire a lot of people. Real leadership skills and all that."
It was a relief when Quinn came down the stairs. She was stunning in tight dark jeans and a black buttoned shirt. The shirt was tucked in around her tight waist, and the buttons undone just enough to make my pulse jump. She had finally given up the pastels that her sister insisted were best for her complexion. Quinn looked confident, sexy, and completely aware of her effect on me.
"Oh, speaking of the home office, I hear my
phone," Mr. Thomas said.
I belatedly realized I had not heard a ringer, but by then Quinn was already in my arms. Her chestnut hair fell over my arms as she tilted back and smiled up at me.
"You look so shocked. I know my father did not say anything mean, so what on earth were you two talking about?" she asked.
"I don't know, but whatever it was, we agreed on it," I said.
Quinn laughed and the sound broke my reverie. I kissed her sweet strawberry lips and the world felt right again.
"Turns out getting arrested was the best thing that ever happened to you, huh?" she asked.
"If you are not angry with me for the way I freaked out, then, yes. Your father saved my ass, and now we're getting along. That is the best possible outcome. Maybe I should have gotten arrested months ago."
"Back when I was still a good little nursing student? I probably would have written you off for good."
"Yeah, speaking of that. I love all these changes in you I'm seeing. Want to clue me in on what's happening?" I asked. "Your father says you are studying for something. He seems really proud of you."