Chapter 2

Quinn

I watch as my new neighbor walks away, with that meathead's arm draped across her like he owns her. The thought irritates me. The girl is pretty, gorgeous even. Long brown hair, expressive green eyes, a cute button nose and the kind of smile that makes you feel like you're sipping on hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire while it snows outside. Hank instantly fell for her and there's no other endorsement that I need. He's an excellent judge of character.

Which is why he didn't like the guy.

Brad.

The fuck kind of name is Brad?

I have no idea what she's doing with a neanderthal like that, but if she is with him she definitely isn't the kind of girl I would date. I have nothing in common with a guy like that.

We walk in front of Briar's house when another car pulls up with a couple more girls. I learn they live in the house with Briar and they seem nice enough. The smaller one, Izzy, is a little too chatty for my liking. She's got that kind of personality that I can't stand. I can't remember how people describe it...

Oh yeah. Bubbly.

I involuntarily shudder at the thought.

The last thing I am is bubbly. I'm quiet, contemplative, careful, methodical. It's what makes me so good at computer programming. I think about every outcome before making a decision and I do it all from the privacy of my own home. It's how I like it.

It's too people-y outside.

So I learned easily enough that I will need to now avoid this house. I already miss Mrs. Novak, the eighty year old woman who lived here before. She was quiet, kept to herself.

It was quite unfortunate for me that she died.

I sigh at the thought and enter my front door. Luckily I was able to avoid the new chattering birds next door on my way home. I unhook Hanks' leash and he heads straight for his water bowl. I do the same, grabbing a bottle of water out of the fridge and standing in front of the open window by my sink to get a light breeze while I gulp it down. This side of my house faces the birds, and they also have their window open so I can hear every word of their loud, animated conversation.

"Really, Izzy? That guy? He looks like such a nerd." The blonde one, Sadie, says. I might be embarrassed if it weren't something I've heard hundreds of times. I've embraced the stereotype at this point. Not that I care what this girl thinks. She looks like more of a California girl with her long tan legs and ample cleavage that she has no problem showing off.

"I think he's cute. There's nothing wrong with a smart guy." Izzy replies. I can imagine her flipping her dark hair over her shoulder like she did earlier and squaring her shoulders.

"It doesn't matter. He's our neighbor. He is strictly off limits. We just moved here and we don't need to be having issues or awkward run ins." Briar's voice chimes in and it's confirmed they are talking about me. I chuckle a little to myself listening to them. I look down at Hank who is watching me curiously and shrug as they continue to talk about me.

"I don't care if he's our neighbor. Plus I never said I was going to ask him out. I just think he's cute." Izzy says and one of the other girls snorts.

"You can have him as far as I'm concerned. He's not my type. At least not with the glasses." The blonde says and I feel instant relief at her words.

She's not my type either and she also doesn't seem the kind of girl that accepts the word 'no' easily.

"But did you hear the way he told his dog to 'come'. Holy hell, I wouldn't mind him training me to come on demand too." She adds and I spit out the water I was chugging, laughing so hard I double over and hold my stomach.

"Oh my god!" The girl squeals and I right myself, looking out the window. They see me and Sadie's face flushes red. I don't say anything, just give them a wide smile and wave at them before I shut my window, walking to the back of the house into my room to shower.

I get some work done and eat some dinner before deciding to call it a night. I've done a lot more socializing today than I usually do and it was mentally exhausting. I let Hank out and glance over to the house next door. Mrs. Novak used to be in bed by this time and the house was always pitch black, but it seems every light in the house is on, the whole structure practically buzzing with activity. I can smell pizza wafting through the open windows and hear the tinkling of female laughter as it hits me from across the small lawn.

"Hank!" I hear from the other side of the fence. I look over at Briar who seems to be walking back from the garbage cans. She is watching my dog with the same warm affection as earlier. Hank sees her and lets out a happy bark before he goes barreling towards her and gets up on his hind legs, putting his paws on the fence so she can give him ear scratches. I walk over to them slowly and Briar's eyes widen when she sees me, apparently not realizing I was outside with him.

"Hey, Quinn." She says, averting her eyes.

"Hey." I respond, standing a few feet away watching as my dog soaks up her attention.

Traitor.

"I'm uh... I'm sorry about my friends... You know... earlier." She says shyly and I chuckle a little at her nervous stance.

"It's fine." I say with a shrug.

"We're having a housewarming party this Saturday. It's at six if you'd like to come." She offers and I groan internally. I hate parties, but her hopeful expression almost has me accepting.

Almost.

"Thanks, but I don't really do parties. Or any other event that includes large groups of people at a time." I say and she nods in understanding.

"You're kind of a loner, huh?" She asks and I feel the hairs on the back of my neck go up. I'm so tired of society acting like people who enjoy being alone are freaks, loners, or weird somehow while it's the people who can't stand to be in their own company that are considered social butterflies, or the popular ones.

"It's called being an introvert. But yes, I prefer to be alone." I say and she gets a thoughtful expression on her face, but doesn't elaborate on it.

"Alright. Well, if you change your mind the offer stands." She says. I nod and turn towards the house.

"Hank, come." I say, snapping my fingers. I trained him with a clicker, so he follows the sound instantly now. He jogs up to me and I flash Briar a shit eating grin.

"I'll make sure not to use that command around your friend. Wouldn't want her reduced to a puddle every time." I say and she tilts back her head to let out a roarous laugh that fills the night like her laughter is the exact sound it was missing to feel complete.

"No, please do. It's not often I get to see Sadie embarrassed. I will pay you for it next time. It's worth every penny." She says, with that charming smile. I huff out a laugh and nod, heading towards the house.

"Night, Briar." I say, without looking back.

"Goodnight, Quinn." I hear her quiet response.

Hank follows and we both settle into bed. I lay under the covers for a long time, looking up at the ceiling. I feel like somehow a lot has changed today, and yet everything remains the same.