Page 85 of The Forbidden Fling

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Nothing’s wrong. Just…you need to come with me.”

“I can’t.” Their brows furrowed. “I have to ring my dad in five minutes.”

“Quin. Do you want to ring your dad?”

“I have to. It’s part of the rules.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

They looked at their phone in their hand and slowly shook their head.

“Then please, come with me. We can tell him a storm wiped out the Wi-Fi or something.”

“He’ll check the weather forecast.”

“Well then, a giant, clumsy parrot. Please. I really want to do this with you. And we have to do it now.”

They raised an eyebrow. “You look completely unhinged. Do you know that?” Then they grinned, reaching out a hand for Faye to pull them up. “Fine. You got me. What is it you want to show me so badly?”

Faye threaded her fingers through Quin’s, and they ran down to the beach, giggling like schoolchildren. They didn’t stop until they were at the water’s edge. The late sun was sinking, painting the waves with pink and orange streaks.

Faye kicked off her shoes, letting out a happy sigh as the sand sank between her toes.

“Is this the part where you sacrifice me?” Quin asked.

“Don’t tempt me.” She nudged them. “Shoes off, please.”

“Oh, I see. You’re trying to seduce me.” They laughed but did as she asked, slipping out of their worn Birkenstocks and into the grains glistening beneath their feet.

Faye took Quin’s hands, urging them to look at her. New energy continued to surge through her veins, making her unafraid, and she needed to share it. “Quin, you’re one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. You make people smile without trying, even though I know you have your own shit to deal with. You’ve been there for me, been the best wing-pal ever, and…I’m really going to miss you.”

“Girl, don’t you start. You’re going to have me ugly crying in a minute.”

Faye squeezed their hands. “You’re awesome, and I hate seeing the way you change whenever you speak to your dad. You shouldn’t make yourself small for anyone. You shouldn’t have to hide who you are.”

Their eyes glossed over, and they looked away. “It’s not that easy, Faye.”

Her heart squeezed. “Oh, Quin. I’m so sorry. I’m sorry that someone who’s supposed to love you unconditionally lost the memo somewhere. But you can’t change who you are.”

“He’s my only family. I don’t have anyone else.”

“You have me.”

Tears spilt from their eyes then, and they wiped them on their arm.

Faye squeezed Quin’s hand again. “This might sound crazy. But when this course ends, come live with me. I’ve been wanting to move out again, but I’ve been too afraid. We can make a new start together.”

Their eyes flicked over Faye’s, searching for any crack in her expression. “You mean it?”

“Of course.”

They crushed her in a hug, knocking the breath from her, and spun her in circles. “Oh my god. This is going to be great. I’m going to be the best roomie ever, I promise. I make a mean veggie tortellini and—oh my god. We can have a Drew Barrymore marathon!”

Faye screamed as they continued to spin her, feeling dizzy when they finally put her back on the ground. “We have to mark it. Make it official.”

“Sure!” They held out their pinkie, but Faye shook her head.