Page 35 of Cruel Titan

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Quinn

“Are you really working for my dad?” Victoria asks, taking a seat across from me, only we aren’t at our usual lunch table since it’s pouring rain outside. The entire day has felt off, and this change of scenery isn’t helping at all.

“Yes. Just for a week or so.”

She eyes me suspiciously. “Okay. I was just surprised you weren’t working with Nathan anymore.”

“I’m going back after I’m done. I just needed a little extra experience for my resume.” Stuffing envelopes probably won’t be of much value, but I did volunteer to help wherever needed. Although much of my time was spent picking up the mess Asher made during his surprise visit. Even if I stuff envelopes the entire time I’m there, it’ll be worth it just to know how much it got under his skin. “Did Asher tell you?”

“No, I heard my mom and dad talking about it.”

“Oh.” That’s odd. Unless it was just casual conversation, in which case, I really hope that’s all it was. “What did your dad say?”

“He just mentioned that you were helping out and my mom was kind of surprised too.”

“Yeah. That’s not shocking. Nathan isn’t taking it well either.” Monica isn’t very fond of me, and through no fault of my own. Ever since our first run-in during her secret meeting with Nathan, she’s given me the cold shoulder. I am a little surprised that Nathan really isn’t taking the change very well. He lectured me for an hour, then asked a lot of questions. He keeps saying he’s friends with Victor, but some of the things he’d said and asked just didn’t give me the impression that he was very fond of Victor. And Nathan is usually a pretty easygoing person. Barker Bennett pops into my mind, and I recall him being friendly with Victor but standoffish with his own son. Something is definitely off there.

“So, the important question … what are you going as?”

“Huh?”

“Halloween, it’s this weekend. Don’t tell me you don’t have a costume yet.” Victoria takes a big bite of pizza, shocked as I shake my head. “Yay, another shopping trip!”

“No. I don’t need one. I’ll probably hang out at the house or maybe take Tanner to get candy.”

“Quinn, that’s before it even gets dark. You’ll have plenty time to take Tanner trick-or-treating and come to the party. Unfortunately, the party is at Elliot’s, but fortunately, he throws the best Halloween bashes ever. Just think Bonfire 2.0, but with costumes.”

“Yeah. No. That doesn’t make it appealing at all. Actually, that makes it less appealing.”

“Will you at least think about it?”

“Sure,” I lie, there’s no way I’m going. I plan to sit on the couch and eat Halloween candy all night.

“So that means we need to go shopping for a costume.”

“No, I’ll find something to wear. I’m sure I can come up with something.”

“Ugh. You’re not planning on showing.” Victoria dramatically rolls her eyes, finishing off her pizza. “Well, you’re really going to miss out.”

Yep … on shenanigans and torment. Can’t wait to miss out.

* * *

As I’m jotting down a few notes, Elliot takes his usual seat next to me. Lightly tapping on my head with his finger to get my attention.

“Can I help you?”

“A little birdie told me you’re planning on skipping my epic Halloween party.”

“I bet that birdie has red hair.”

“Yep. And it was highly irritated because said birdie blames brother bird and his best friend bird for you not wanting to attend.”

“She’s a smart birdie.” At least half of that.

“She’s a hostile birdie when she doesn’t get her way.” Elliot smirks, before looking to me. “Just like another birdie I know.”