“Hi. Can I help you?”
“Hi, um, is Quinn here?”
“Oh sure.” She turned her head, shouting, “Quinn!”
From her angle, Addison couldn’t see much.
Cleo waved, and the door widened to another woman coming to stand by the girl who’d opened the door. This must be her friend, Quinn. She didn’t look exactly happy to see Cleo. If anything, she seemed worried and a tad bit confused. Quinn’s eyes darted over the parking lot, and she shifted on her feet.
“Cleo, hi. What are you doing here?” She frowned. “Is something wrong?”
“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d pop in.” Cleo leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Is that okay?”
Clearly, Quinn was caught off guard, and she hesitated. But she recovered and smiled, though she seemed nervous, and again looked around the lot. An uneasiness spread through Addison’s body.
“Sure, come on in.” Quinn widened the door, and the other woman stepped back. They awkwardly stood in the foyer, and Addison watched the interaction. It did nothing to help her sudden nerves.
The other girl shot out her hand in front of Cleo. “Hi, I’m Sloane Baxter.” She then blinked and immediately shook her head. “I mean, Sloane Cody.”
“It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Cleo, and” —she hooked her thumb over her shoulder— “this is my friend, Addison.”
Addison gave a small wave but found herself staring down at Sloane’s hand. She quickly leaned forward and shook it. “Nice to meet you, Sloane.” When she released her hand, she glanced up at Quinn standing a few feet away. “And you too, Quinn.”
She smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She stepped to the side and gestured to the hallway. “Why don’t we go to the office?”
Cleo walked ahead and Addison followed with Sloane and Quinn at her back.
“Did he say what time he’s coming in?” Quinn whispered.
“I think in a few hours. He and Trey had a meeting.”
“Okay,” Quinn muttered.
Addison had the distinct feeling that conversation wasn’t meant for her or Cleo’s ears. Her friend gave no indication she’d heard anything.And I have no idea what they are talking about.
They walked inside, and Quinn followed, but Sloane remained near the door, grabbing the handle. “I have to check on a few things, but enjoy your visit.” She closed the door, shutting in the three of them. Quinn rounded the desk and clasped her hands.
“So what brings you here?” Quinn was asking Cleo, but for some reason Cleo had gone completely silent. She rocked on her feet but hadn’t answered the question. She seemed as unsettled now as Quinn. What the hell was happening? She’d been soexcited in the car and now she was…I don’t know what she is. Hello, Cleo?
The silence lingered, making for an oddly tense scenario. Addison stepped closer to Cleo, nudging her slightly, but Cleo flattened her lips.
Addison cleared her throat. “Uh, we were driving back from the airport after dropping my sister off, and Cleo mentioned stopping by. She was excited for me to meet her friend.”
Quinn’s brows knitted in confusion and shifted her eyes to Cleo, who continued to remain quiet.
Addison pointed to Quinn. “You’re the friend.”
Quinn flinched, then her face softened, and she glanced over at Cleo, smiling.
“Well, I’m glad you did, Cleo. It’s been a while.”
She peeked up, smiling. “Did Rogue tell you I said hi? I saw him a few months ago.”
“Trey told me.”
Cleo chuckled. “As long as someone told you.”
It was still very awkward, but both women seemed fond of each other. In a strange sense, though. Maybe they were new friends? Long distance friends? Addison was having a hard time figuring out and wrapping her head around this relationship.
