Although it’s probably considered trespassing, I exit my car and make my way toward the auditorium. The call of the stage is beckoning me and I need to see it, if for only one last time.
I tug on the front door but it doesn’t budge, so I move toward the back of the building to find the stagehand door leading to the back storage room. Just as I suspected, with a tug and a quick twist of the knob, the door swings open for me. Remembering exactly where the light switch is located, I flick it on and bathe the room in light.
Beyond me is a sad sight. A room that used to be filled with props and stage screens now lies barren, a large open space gone to waste. As I step through the storage room leading backstage, I take a deep breath, fearing the place I loved so much has gone to ruin. But I’m surprised to find all the black stage curtains clean and hanging in their positions, and the red velvet curtain is closed, not showing a single tear.
They may not fund the drama program any longer, but at least they’re taking care of the stage.
The same urge I felt on the road rises inside my gut and I push forward, walking across the wooden stage until I’m directly behind the velvet curtain.
Making a dramatic entrance, I plunge my hands into the rich material, right along the seam, and tug each end to the sides, allowing me to step through the opening.
It’s not as foreign as I had imagined, but as I step downstage toward the area in front of the curtain—the apron, as we called it—I feel at home. I walk across the full length of the apron once and then a second time until I’m chanting a monologue in my head.
The monologue isn’t enough. Deep inside of me, rooted underneath years of scripts and plays, comes the entrance to one of my first performances.
Inspired, I begin singing the opening song to Beauty and the Beast. Belle was one of my first starring roles, and despite the fact that I was—and still am—a Disney junkie, there was more to the role than just a girl stuck in her own world. It was that great adventure she was after. I easily transitioned to the role of Belle because we both wanted something more out of life.
As I begin to sing the melody, remembering each step as I prance through the pretend village, I’m transported back to that sophomore performance that opened to a full house. The newspaper even had a reporter in the audience. I had been nervous, my first starring role, but the moment the lights shined down on me, I became someone else. I became that character. And the only time I broke free was the moment the curtain fell for the last time.
A clap sounds in the house and I stop singing, almost tripping over my feet mid-skip. As the figure emerges from the shadows at the back of the auditorium, I’m pleased to see Ms. Percell, the principal.
“Well, Ms. Miller, this is certainly a surprise, though I’d hoped you would make an appearance at some point during your visit,” she says as she steps up to the lip of the apron.
I take a seat on the edge, my feet swinging freely, and smile at her. Ms. Percell had been one of my favorite administrators, always pushing us to do our best, and she made it to nearly every sporting event and school activity. She cared for her students just like they were her children and supported them in their endeavors. Everyone at the school loved her, and I’m thrilled to see she’s still the principal.
“I’m sorry about that. And I didn’t mean to trespass, I just… needed to be here.”
“No need to apologize. It was an absolute pleasure to hear you just now. And the things you’ve accomplished… your parents must be so proud of you.”
I want to lie, to tell her they’re ecstatic with my career, but something about Ms. Percell makes you want to tell her the truth, always.
“Actually, I wouldn’t know.”
“What do you mean?” she asks as she pulls herself onto the edge of the apron beside me with the grace of someone half her age.
“I found out recently that I’m adopted. I never knew, not even an inkling. But it explains why my parents were less than supportive of my path in life.”
“I see. Well, I can’t say why your parents wouldn’t be proud of you, but we all certainly are.”
“Thank you, Ms. Percell.”
“You’re welcome, dear. Anything else on your mind?”
“Actually, yes. Why did you all cut the arts programs? You know how much the drama class meant to me and everyone else.”
“Unfortunately it was out of my hands. A public school needs public funds, and the school board decides where those funds are best to be used. I did fight, and I tried to explain how much those programs meant to the community. I believe I even used you as an example, but I was overruled. And when the plays stopped, so did the community group. Now our students don’t have any programs for their artistic outlets, which is sad. Especially for an old drama club member myself.”
Surprised, I turn my gaze from my knees to look at her.
“You were in drama club?”
“I sure was. It was some of the best times of my life. Why do you think I came to every showing? Not just because I wanted to support the students, which I did of course, but it gave me a moment to relive my youth. And Quinn, you were always remarkable on stage. You could draw in the audience and hold their attention through an entire play. I knew you were going to do amazing things.”
“Wow.”
“Now, I do need to close up the auditorium, if you don’t mind?”
“Oh yes, sorry,” I apologize as I hoist myself back up on the apron. Ms. Percell follows me out the back door and we lock it up before moving toward the front. “Actually, how did you know I was here?”
“Same way I knew everything when you were enrolled in school—I see everything. Have a lovely rest of your vacation, Ms. Miller. It was nice to see you.”
“You too, Ms. Percell.” I wrap my arms around her and squeeze her tightly.
Back in my car, I check the clock and see I’ll make it to lunch with Izzy right on time. I don’t type the name of the restaurant into my GPS, choosing to just drive downtown. How hard could it be to find a Chinese place on Main Street?
Ten minutes later, I learn it’s extremely difficult. I called Izzy when I didn’t see any signs, and she said they’re located behind the law office. Of course, I wouldn’t have seen that from the main thoroughfare.
As I open the doors, I’m assaulted by the smell of soy sauce and fried egg rolls. I walk past the hostess station when I notice Izzy sitting at a corner table looking at the window.
“Hey, sorry I’m late. Have you been here long?” I ask as I take the seat opposite her.
“Just got here myself. How did the script reading go this morning?”
“It was great. And on my way here, I stopped by the school and broke into the auditorium.”
“You little rebel.”
I laugh. “I know, right? Anyway, I was walking around the stage singing a song from Beauty and the Beast.”
“Of course.”
“And in walks Ms. Percell. I thought I would be in so much trouble, trespassing and all, but she was just as awesome as I remember. Did you know she was in drama club too? I had no idea.”
“Me either.”
“Other than that, I drove around Main Street looking like a crazy person.”
“More than you already are?”
“Yep.”
A server steps up to our table and takes our order. I don’t even need to glance at the menu to know I want chicken lo mein and two egg rolls.
“So, tell me all about your date last night, Izzy. I’ve been dying to hear it.”
“It was, hands down, the absolute best date I’ve ever been on.”
“Wow.”
“He took me back to his house, where he cooked me dinner. Quinn, he cooked me dinner! No one other than Trevor has ever cooked me anything. And it was delicious. Filet mignon and lobster. I mean, he cooked food better than most five-star restaurants.”
“What else?”
“We just sat around on his back deck talking. Quinn, he has this beautiful ranch o
n the outside of town, farmhouse and all. It was breathtaking, with acres and acres of land. It was left to him when his grandfather died, and his grandmother wants him to live in it now. He’s thinking of selling it, but I think it really does suit him.”
“So, all you did is talk?”
Izzy’s face blushes a beautiful color I’ve never seen on her cheeks before.
“Iz?”
“I did it, Quinn,” she whispers. “And he was so gentle and sweet, didn’t push me at all. And I had wanted to. Not because I thought, ‘why the hell am I still a virgin?’ but because it felt so right to do it with him. Like it was supposed to be this way.”
“Oh, Iz. How are you feeling?”
“A little sore, but okay. Vic’s called me twice today to check in and make sure I’m okay. He already asked me to dinner again tonight.”
“I am so happy for you. So incredibly happy for you.”
“I’ve known him for a while, since he’s friends with Trevor, but Quinn, I think I’m falling in love with him. Is that crazy?”
“Not in the slightest.”
Not crazy at all.
Chapter Eighteen
Trevor
“HEY, MAN,” VIC SAYS as he strolls into the office, looking a bit too smug for someone who took my sister out on a date the night before.
“Hey, how did things go with Izzy last night?”
His pierced eyebrow rises in skepticism as he turns to look at me from over his shoulder. “Are you sure you want to know the answer to that?”
I can tell my face blanches because Vic’s smug smile rises as he returns to the folders he snagged from my desk. And he’s right. I absolutely do not want to know what took place between him and my sister.
So far, today has been a complete hornet’s nest, from the moment I got called into work at four in the morning, giving me only three hours of sleep after dropping Quinn back at my sister’s house, to the five speeding tickets from my morning patrol, and now to the mound of paperwork the chief slammed on my desk once I walked into the building. Not even the paperwork would’ve been too bad had two of the files not contained a drug bust and a homicide. At this point I’m worried I won’t be leaving my desk for another three weeks, let alone an hour for lunch.
My stomach growls loud enough to garner Vic’s attention, as well as the other trainee in the room.
“Hey, man, you want me to go grab you something?” Vic asks.
“Naw, I’m okay. I’ll find something quick. I have too much work to tackle.”
He sighs and goes back to filing the papers, shaking his head. “You work too damn hard. You better get a promotion after this.”
“Doubtful,” I sigh just as the chief strolls into the office, his oversized belly hanging over the top of his pants and his shirt barely holding together by the tiny buttons fighting to stay within their loops.
“Shaw,” he bellows as he takes in my workload. “I need to see you in my office.”
I jump from my chair, the wheels squeaking as it slides against the linoleum, and answer, “Yes, sir,” before following him toward the back of the station.
“Have a seat,” the chief commands as he takes his own behind his solid walnut desk.
“Thank you, sir.”
“I want you to know that it hasn’t gone unnoticed how hard you’ve been working. Not just the extra hours but the paperwork and shit no one likes to deal with. You do it and don’t complain, and I commend you for that.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“That being said, you’ve been with the department for roughly five or so years and have proven yourself time and time again. Therefore, I’m promoting you to captain. There’s a hefty pay increase, and we’ve also been able to hire three officers from other Houston departments, which should significantly decrease your hours worked.”
“Wow, Chief Stanley, I don’t know what to say. Thank you,” I declare in awe. My body is practically frozen to the seat. I hadn’t expected this turn of events.
“Well, son, you earned it. You have about a month before we’re fully staffed again, so be sure to let me know if you need to take any vacation time. Perhaps to visit a certain celebrity who’s been hanging about.”
“A vacation does sound nice, sir.”
“All right, now get back to work. Congratulations, Trevor. I’ll let you know when the promotion ceremony will take place.”
I nod and then quickly exit the office. My smile must be contagious because Vic raises his head and returns the grin, then I notice his eyes dart off to my vacant chair.
Well, my chair that was vacant and now sits occupied by a magnificent waterfall of blonde waves.
“Quinn?”
She quickly stands from the chair and turns to face me.
“Hey. I, um…,” she begins nervously. “I brought you some lunch.”
“You did?” I ask, eyes wide as I take in the scent of Chinese food.
“Yeah, I mean, I was having lunch with Izzy and thought this would be a nice treat. I gave Vic one of your eggrolls though. I didn’t know he was working.” She shifts side to side on her feet timidly.
Still in shock, all I can do is repeat myself as I stare down at the brown paper bag sitting idly on my desk. “You brought me food.”
“Yes, I did.”
“No one’s ever brought me food,” I tell her in bewilderment. “Not even my mother. Holy fuck.”
“Um, do you want me to take it back?” She reaches toward the bag and I promptly snag it in midair.
“Don’t you dare. Vic, I’ll be back in… a while. You’re coming with me,” I tell Quinn as I tug her across the station toward our break room and staff training area.
The building is cramped, but past the training area is a bathroom. A bathroom with a secure lock.
I don’t even turn around to see if Quinn’s able to navigate around the tables and mats. When I get to the bathroom, I shove her inside, close and lock the door, and then flick on the light.
“You fucking brought me food,” I say as I push her against the door, my body against hers. “I need to thank you.”
“Well, you don’t—” she begins, but I cut her off by fusing our mouths together.
I quickly move to her neck and then to my favorite soft spot behind her ear, nipping and sucking on the delicate skin.
“What if someone hears us?” she pants as she unfastens the buttons on my pants and tugs my shirt out of my waistband.
“Don’t care,” I respond as I make quick work of removing her jean shorts.
I slide my hand into her panties and groan when I meet the slickness of her heat. My girl is ready.
Lifting her by the back of her thighs, I align my exposed cock with her slit and then lower her body. The tightness is overwhelming, and I frantically thrust in and out of her body, my desire fueled by my hunger for her. It’s not long before our frenzied pace is bringing us both toward our release.
“Fuck, sweetheart. I’m gonna come.”
“Me too,” she whispers against my lips before my tongue slides inside her mouth.
Quinn throws her head back, slamming it against the door as her orgasm takes over her body. The way her muscles tug at my cock, I find myself quickly falling behind her.
Fuck, I’m going to miss the amazing sex when she leaves.
As her shivers begin to subside, I place her back on her sandal-covered feet and slide out of her sex.
I grab her shorts from where they landed on the sink, thankful I had bathroom cleaning duty this morning so I know the place has been bleached in every crevice, and kneel before her as she steps into each opening.
“Well, that’s probably the best thanks I’ve ever received for bringing food.”
Unable to fight the impulse, I place another kiss to her lips, “You can bring me food anytime.”
“Hmm,” she moans into my mouth.
“I want to celebrate with you tonight.”
Pulling back, she asks, “What are we celebrating?”
“I was just made captain.”
I open the door at her astounded face and walk into the training room, her small feet finally moving for her to catch up. Quinn launches herself onto my back and I catch her effortlessly, her smooth legs around my waist.
“Trevor, that’s amazing. Congratulations.”
“Thanks,” I say as I spin her around, resting my hands on her flawless ass but keeping an eye on the door in case anyone walks by.
“You should celebrate with your family.”
“I will tomorrow at dinner. But tonight I want to celebrate with you, in my bed, for hours and hours and hours.” I rock her against my cock, which is hardening once more.
“Well, I’ll see what I can do.”
Kissing me once more, she moves her legs back to the floor and I mourn the loss of her body.
“Did you still want to work on the script tonight like we’d planned?” I ask as we make our way back to the entrance.
“That sounds good. Just text me when you’re home.”
“I will. Thank you again, Quinn.” I chuckle as a blush rises on her cheeks. “For the food.”
“You’re welcome, Captain,” the saucy minx replies as she walks out the front door with an extra sway to her hips.
That girl is going to be the death of me. Her and the Chinese food.
*
I’VE BEEN HOME FOR an hour, anxiously waiting for Izzy to leave and Quinn to come over to my house. It’s probably our last night to be alone together, since tomorrow she’s joining us for dinner with my family and Saturday Izzy’s planned for us and Vic to go to the clearing for old times’ sake. I doubt Quinn’s told her that we’ve already spent an evening there. Lord knows I haven’t said anything; Izzy would strangle me with one of her elastic hair ties. Sunday I’m sure Izzy will want to spend time with her best friend, and Monday… well, then Quinn leaves for good, and I can almost bet on my life that she won’t be returning to Dale City. There isn’t anything for her here.
Finally Quinn’s text comes through and I jump from my couch. I’m almost too eager to see her, to claim her again. Needing to calm myself and not seem too enthusiastic, I walk around the lower level of my house, able to complete a few rounds before I stop in front of my door.
Between the Lines Page 15
