Chasing My Forever (Beaumont: Next Generation 3)

Quinn groans. “I’m so sorry I didn’t lock the door.”

Oh, now he’s sorry. I guess in the grand scheme of things, it’s better that his mother walked in and not some axe murderer. We could be dead, chopped to pieces and stuffed into garbage bags, heading for the landfill where no one would find us. Quinn and I could’ve become an unsolved mystery all because of his carelessness. And now my mind is getting carried away. Sofia really must have done a number on me.

“Maybe next time we lock it after we come in.”

He smiles. “Next time. I like that.”

Me too and so does my body because the thought of being with him again, sends a new wave of energy through me. “Can you get me a shirt?”

Quinn does as I ask, thankfully, it’s just a plain black shirt. For a brief moment, I had visions of him giving me a band shirt, making me look like the ultimate groupie.

Is that what I am? A groupie? I want to escape. I want to run and hide and forget this ever happened. But Quinn, he’s smiling, like this situation is something comical.

“My shirt looks good on you,” he says as he kisses me. “I’m going to go out there and talk to my mom. The bathroom’s through that door.” He nods to the door behind me. “I can’t wait for you to meet her.” With another kiss, he’s out the door and leaving me to more thoughts on how horrible this situation is. I

’m going to have to save face with a woman who caught me having sex with her son.

I do my best to straighten out my hair by leaving it in a ponytail. Braiding it would take too long and a bun screams messy, and well, I’m trying to erase the image she already has of me.

Quinn’s shirt is too long and tucking it in is near impossible without it bunching up in my shorts. I push the front in and call it good. My face though… it’s another story. I have razor burn from Quinn’s scruff and my makeup is everywhere. I do my best to clean my face, but there’s no mistaking the look of shame. I guess I’ll have to wear it well, and proudly.

Quinn likes me, and I’m downright infatuated with him right now. I have been since I first saw him and mistakenly thought he was Sofia’s brother. What a mistake that was. They’re nothing alike and the woman I saw standing in his doorway definitely isn’t Alicia for which I’m extremely thankful. I use the toilet, wash up and square my shoulders. I can do this, I tell myself. Even though I’ve never been in a scarier position in all my life. The Tucker’s house, notwithstanding.

I find Quinn and his mother sitting at his small dining room table. When he sees me, he stands, smiles and comes to me, taking my hand. “Mom, I’d like you to meet Nola. Nola, this is my mom, Katelyn.”

“Mrs. James, it’s such a pleasure to meet you,” I say, extending my hand to shake hers. She hesitates, eyeing me up and down. I don’t even want to know what she’s thinking because if it were me, I wouldn’t be keen on shaking the hand of the woman bedding my son. But she does. Her movements are slow, but nonetheless, she puts her hand in mine and we shake.

Quinn motions for me to sit next to him. The tension in the room is thick, but Quinn is either completely oblivious or he just doesn’t care. His mom doesn’t smile or even make eye contact with me, but she’s looking at her son with a stoic expression. Maybe he was supposed to save himself for marriage or she thought he was, and this is a blow to their family values. I know my parents were expecting the same of me and would completely freak out if they found out I haven’t been a virgin since high school, thanks to Roy.

“So, Quinn tells me you met at the Bean Song?”

“Yes, I just started working there.”

Mrs. James picks up her mug and takes a sip. “And where are you from?”

“I moved here from Idaho,” I tell her, leaving out anything about South Carolina and college.

“I see. Quinn tells me you’ll be joining us this afternoon at the beach. His sisters are very excited to meet you.”

“Geez, Mom. Do you think I could ask her first?”

His mom laughs. “I would think your friend would rather come out to the beach, where everyone will be as opposed to your sisters showing up at your doorstep.”

I’m so confused right now. I look at Quinn, pleading for help. He sets his hand down on my leg and gives it a little squeeze. “Nola might have plans, and I’ll never understand why you had to text Peyton and Elle so quickly.”

“Your father too.”

Quinn hangs his head, making me feel sorry for him. Maybe this is why he’s never introduced anyone to his family.

“Josie and Jenna as well,” she says before picking up her mug. “It’s not my fault you took forever to put your clothes on.”

He throws his hands in the air. “You’re unbelievable.”

She winks. “You should’ve locked your door, Quinn.” His mom stands and looks directly at me. “Please consider coming out to the beach today. His father would love to meet you.” She leans down and kisses Quinn on the cheek. “Lock your door next time, son. She deserves better than that.” I don’t know if she meant to whisper this or not, but I heard her loud and clear. I can’t help but smile, even though Quinn is clearly uncomfortable.

The silence thickens after his mom leaves. Quinn is staring at the table, but his hand is still on my leg. I set mine on top and push my fingers between his. “I don’t have to go with you later. I know we’ve only known each other for a few days and well…”

“And well what?” he asks, turning his attention toward me.