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“Glad you’re finding this amusing,” I said sarcastically.
“You were cute.” He nudged my shoulder and held out the muffin. “Sorry it’s not a better breakfast. I really can’t cook for shit.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, taking the muffin from him. “This is perfect. I love blueberry muffins.” I started to pull the candle from the top when he stopped me.
“Wait,” he insisted as he took some matches from a pocket in his shorts. Igniting the match, he lit the candle. “Make a wish.” Closing my eyes, I wished for something I could never have, before blowing the candle out. “How are you feeling?”
I broke the muffin in half and handed him some. “I felt better after I’d thrown up, now I’m just embarrassed and hungry.” I rolled my eyes, not quite believing how stupid I’d been.
“You threw up? God, Quinn. I feel so bad. I should have noticed you were getting drunk instead of just giving you more. Why didn’t you tell me you’d never had a drink before?”
I shrugged my shoulders as I picked at my half of the muffin. “I didn’t want you to think…” I trailed off and bit down on my lip.
“Think what?” he prompted. Sighing, I reached over to the nightstand and picked up the bottle of water, gulping down a mouthful to help my dry throat.
“I didn’t want you to think I was young and immature. I guess there aren’t many people who get to nineteen and haven’t even tried alcohol before.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that, Quinn.”
“I never got to go to house parties with my friends because my mom got sick. I didn’t mind, I wanted to spend time with her rather than be out drinking. After she died, Evan wouldn’t let me go out, let alone drink.”
“Evan, your brother?” Meeting his eyes, I shook my head. “He’s not your brother, is he?” I shook my head again. “Is Evan your stepfather?”
“Yes,” I whispered, terrified I’d finally admitted it. I knew Brody wasn’t stupid. He knew someone had hurt me, and it wouldn’t take much to work out that the someone was Evan. He picked my hand up and held it tightly.
“And Evan was the one who hurt you?” I nodded, unable to speak the words. I felt his body tense beside me and he took in a deep breath.
“Sweetheart, today is your birthday and nothing is going to ruin that. I can promise you we will finish this conversation tomorrow. Okay?” His voice was calm, but his body was still tense.
“Brody, my birthday was yesterday,” I reminded him.
“Technically, yes, but as you chose to keep it a secret from everyone, you’re having another birthday today,” he informed me.
“What do you mean?”
“With Mom and Dad being away, I’ve got to work today, but I’ve arranged for you, Savannah, and Libby, to go to a spa in Marble Falls for the day. The girls will be here in an hour. The perfect hangover cure, I reckon.” I looked at him in disbelief. Like I could go to a spa. I had no money, let alone a swimsuit.
“Brody, I can’t—” I started.
“You can. It’s all arranged. You’ve got an hour to get ready.” I shook my head.
“I’ve no money, no swimsuit. I don’t even have a towel!”
“It’s all paid for; my treat. Savannah’s told me to tell you there's bathing suits in the closet, and here...” He got up and walked into the bathroom, coming out with a towel in his hand. “Here’s a towel,” he said triumphantly. I stared at him before laughing.
“You’ve got everything covered then?” He nodded, and I surprised myself by standing up and throwing my arms around his neck. He dropped the towel and wrapped his arms around me, holding me tightly. “Thank you,” I muttered into his chest and I felt him squeeze me tighter.
“I’m taking you out for dinner tonight as well, so make sure you wear something pretty. Let’s call it a date,” he whispered in my ear. Butterflies erupted in my stomach and my heart was beating so loud I was sure he could hear it. Pulling away slightly, I looked up at him. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.” He lowered his head and brushed his lips against my cheek. “Have fun.” He stepped out of the hug and left me standing open-mouthed in the middle of the room staring after him as he slipped out of the room.
Brody
Closing the door behind me I clenched my fists at my side. I knew Evan was the one responsible for Quinn’s injuries, and I’d pretty much figured out he was her stepfather and not her brother. I wanted her to tell me everything, but not today. She’d missed out on her birthday yesterday. Today was going to be a day where she enjoyed herself, not a day where she talked about that bastard.
After I’d found out last night it was her birthday, I’d called Savannah and asked if she and Libby were free for a spa day. Of course, both girls jumped at the chance. Fortunately, I knew a girl who worked at the spa in Marble Falls, so was able to speak with her and get the girls booked in. From what she had told me briefly this morning, she hadn’t spent much time with any girlfriends due to her mom’s illness. A day full of girly shit seemed like something she would love.
Quinn
I couldn’t believe Brody had gone to the trouble of arranging a spa day for my birthday. I was so excited. I’d never stepped foot inside a spa before and I couldn’t wait to see what it was like. An hour had passed since Brody had left for work and I was impatiently waiting in the kitchen for Savannah and Libby to arrive. I’d found four bikinis in the closet, and I’d spent some time trying them on. My chest was larger than Savannah’s and two of the bikinis had been completely unsuitable. I’d settled on a plain black one. It was very skimpy, and I didn’t feel all that comfortable in it, but it was the one that fit the best. Finding a sports bag in the closet, I’d put my towel and comb inside, along with the black bikini.
