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Chapter 50: The Meeting
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 51: Like A Ship In A Bottle
QUINN'S POVMy voice began to shake. "If there's something dangerous about Ford, I need to know.""I don't think he'd ever hurt you."I shivered. "That's not reassuring."He leaned across the table again, close enough for me to smell his peppermint breath. "When my dad altered his will, Harp stood to gain almost everything. With the exception of what he left Mom and Maddie, Harp got everything else. He got even more than my mom with the acquisition of HI.""That wasn't Ford's doing. That was your dad's decision. It's not his fault."He smirked. "Defending him to the end, I see."My eyes narrowed. "What aren't you telling me?""My dad loved my mom. He loved his family and his business. Why would he take his own life?""People keep secrets from their loved ones all the time. Maybe he struggled with something privately.""I don't think so. You don't find it odd that he changed his will, basically leaving everything to Harp, and then he's found dead barely six months later? And 'Harp' was
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 52: A New Chapter
QUINN'S POVI had a hard time breathing as I walked toward home. The night air had grown colder and still, constricting my lungs. I shuffled along, oblivious to my surroundings. Vaguely, I realized I wasn't walking toward home. My robotic feet were heading toward Ford's loft. Even with everything I'd just learned, my internal compass still steered me in his direction.I choked back the tears clogging my throat. I replayed my conversation with Hayes over and over in my head. He couldn't have been telling the truth. Ford would never murder his own father. Hayes' story sounded more like a Greek tragedy -- a made up scenario to entertain and delight. Except I hadn't been entertained or delighted.Oddly, in some ways, maybe it even made sense. Ford's reluctance to talk about his family, his obsession for personal privacy, the fiery animosity between he and Hayes, the way he'd tried to keep me at arm's length for weeks now. I should've questioned his strange behavior more. Or maybe I did an
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 53: This Is Goodbye
QUINN'S POV The Metro rolled to a stop in Maryland nearly an hour later. I'd mentally scratched out a plan for the next four weeks and I felt quite pleased with myself. I hopped in an Uber and rode to the hotel feeling a sense of renewed hope and resolve. But the feeling didn't last long. I'd barely checked in and showered before the dreaded call.I knew Ford would eventually call, so I should've been better prepared. I'd had ample time to think of how I wanted to conduct myself. But as I stared at his name on my caller ID, my mouth went dry.As I gazed at his beautiful name, words failed me. I wanted to explain myself; I felt like I owed him that much. I didn't answer, instead, letting my voicemail do the talking. I couldn't avoid him forever, but I could for tonight.I waited for my phone to alert me that he'd left a message, but it didn't buzz. Maybe he'd seen my closets were empty and figured I was gone for good. The abrupt breakup would make it ea
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 54: One Last Chance
QUINN'S POVWhen I knew Ford had gone, I eventually went back downstairs and to the business center. After spending some time job hunting online, I made three appointments to view apartment complexes in the area. Since Ford had found me in Maryland, I could apply for more commodity trading positions. At least I still had my career.After I finished in the business center, I grabbed a quick lunch and then took a self-guided walking tour of downtown Annapolis. History littered the city practically around every corner. I convinced myself I'd be happy living in this beautiful place. I convinced myself I'd made the right decision -- that being without Ford and his constant hot/cold behavior, I could truly begin to figure out who I was without him.The problem with trying to convince yourself of the lies is, eventually you realize it doesn't work. I 'wanted' to work at HI and I 'wanted' to sleep in Ford's bed for the rest of my life. I wanted our lives to meld into one.I wanted to grow old
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 55: The Whole Truth
QUINN'S POVI'd never heard him string together so many words at one time. I choked back tears. I wanted him to care for me. I wanted to matter to him. But I couldn't help thinking if this sudden, uncharacteristic display of emotion came on the heels of a confession to murder. Was he trying to soften me up so I wouldn't turn him in to the police? Not that I ever would."You said you'd never lied to me. Are you lying now?"He leaned back. "I can see why you'd ask that. And if I'm being completely honest, I have to admit to telling you one lie. I told you once I didn't need or want your love. That wasn't true. I need it now more than ever. And I want it. I want 'you' -- all of you."I wanted to grab him and kiss him at the same time I wanted to slap his face. I remembered when he told me he didn't want my love and it had crushed me. Why now? Why did he wait to tell me when I'd decided to move on without him and start over?"I had a pretty great childhood," he began again. "If you could'
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 1: The Bridge
QUINN'S POVFrozen ice water rushed all around me, piercing my skin like a thousand sharp knives. I became almost instantly numb. Suppressing the instinct to kick my legs until I reached the surface, I forced myself to still, letting my body go limp and grow leaden. I expelled all the air in my lungs in a slow gurgle and begin to sink. Glancing up toward the surface, the watery murk of buttermilk colored sunlight began to fade with each passing second. Quiet surrounded me. Darkness crept in the deeper I sank and I squeezed my eyes shut. My lungs burned with the need to gasp for air. Every swimmer instinct I had raced to the surface. I sank so heavily; my limbs bobbed of their own accord, my hair floating around my face like spiraled kelp. The cold quickly became increasingly unbearable. My entire body ached with the sting of it.I sank deeper and faster all the while it became gradually harder to concentrate. Blackness edged its way around my thoughts until it took over entirely --
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 2: Ford Harper
QUINN'S POVSpastically I shook as another chill jolted me. From the corner of my eye, I saw Ford glance at me."We're close to my place. As soon as we get there, we'll get you in a hot bath."The tone in his voice made me quiver. On second thought, it may have been the freezing cold. Whatever the reason, a hot bath sounded ideal. Should I have been more concerned that I so willingly agreed to go wherever this stranger took me? He hadn't really given me much of a choice. But my thoughts were now consumed with the bath he'd offered and getting warm. The cold sliced through me like frozen shards of ice, chilling my blood. My feet were pressed near the top of the floorboards and the seat warmer warmed my bottom, but I couldn't fight the shivers that shook my very bones. He didn't speak again and neither did I. He slowed the car down a few minutes later in front of a six-story brick building. I slipped on my soggy shoes and opened the door. My gaze slid up the industrial looking buildin
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 3: The Plane
QUINN'S POVNothing but the wheels on the road interrupted the overwhelming silence on the drive to the airport. He didn't play music on the car radio, no conversation, nothing but the soft hum of the heater and the occasional sneeze and sniff from me.We circled the airport, bypassing several parking garages, and I looked on in confusion. Ford eventually pulled into a private bay and parked his car. In seconds, an attendant appeared at his side, opening the driver's side door and then grabbing Ford's belongings from the back seat."Good morning, Mr. Harper," I heard the attendant say as I climbed out of the car."Good morning, Roger. She ready to go?""Yes, sir. Fueled and waiting. I'll bring your briefcase and bag.""Has Dr. Johanssen arrived?""Yes, sir. She's already on board."Ford nodded curtly and tossed a glance at me over his shoulder. I scampered around to the other side of the car and Ford gently grabbed my elbow. He led me out of the bay and onto the tarmac. The side of th
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Happily, Hopefully Chapter 55: The Whole Truth
QUINN'S POVI'd never heard him string together so many words at one time. I choked back tears. I wanted him to care for me. I wanted to matter to him. But I couldn't help thinking if this sudden, uncharacteristic display of emotion came on the heels of a confession to murder. Was he trying to soften me up so I wouldn't turn him in to the police? Not that I ever would."You said you'd never lied to me. Are you lying now?"He leaned back. "I can see why you'd ask that. And if I'm being completely honest, I have to admit to telling you one lie. I told you once I didn't need or want your love. That wasn't true. I need it now more than ever. And I want it. I want 'you' -- all of you."I wanted to grab him and kiss him at the same time I wanted to slap his face. I remembered when he told me he didn't want my love and it had crushed me. Why now? Why did he wait to tell me when I'd decided to move on without him and start over?"I had a pretty great childhood," he began again. "If you could'
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 54: One Last Chance
QUINN'S POVWhen I knew Ford had gone, I eventually went back downstairs and to the business center. After spending some time job hunting online, I made three appointments to view apartment complexes in the area. Since Ford had found me in Maryland, I could apply for more commodity trading positions. At least I still had my career.After I finished in the business center, I grabbed a quick lunch and then took a self-guided walking tour of downtown Annapolis. History littered the city practically around every corner. I convinced myself I'd be happy living in this beautiful place. I convinced myself I'd made the right decision -- that being without Ford and his constant hot/cold behavior, I could truly begin to figure out who I was without him.The problem with trying to convince yourself of the lies is, eventually you realize it doesn't work. I 'wanted' to work at HI and I 'wanted' to sleep in Ford's bed for the rest of my life. I wanted our lives to meld into one.I wanted to grow old
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 53: This Is Goodbye
QUINN'S POV The Metro rolled to a stop in Maryland nearly an hour later. I'd mentally scratched out a plan for the next four weeks and I felt quite pleased with myself. I hopped in an Uber and rode to the hotel feeling a sense of renewed hope and resolve. But the feeling didn't last long. I'd barely checked in and showered before the dreaded call.I knew Ford would eventually call, so I should've been better prepared. I'd had ample time to think of how I wanted to conduct myself. But as I stared at his name on my caller ID, my mouth went dry.As I gazed at his beautiful name, words failed me. I wanted to explain myself; I felt like I owed him that much. I didn't answer, instead, letting my voicemail do the talking. I couldn't avoid him forever, but I could for tonight.I waited for my phone to alert me that he'd left a message, but it didn't buzz. Maybe he'd seen my closets were empty and figured I was gone for good. The abrupt breakup would make it ea
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 52: A New Chapter
QUINN'S POVI had a hard time breathing as I walked toward home. The night air had grown colder and still, constricting my lungs. I shuffled along, oblivious to my surroundings. Vaguely, I realized I wasn't walking toward home. My robotic feet were heading toward Ford's loft. Even with everything I'd just learned, my internal compass still steered me in his direction.I choked back the tears clogging my throat. I replayed my conversation with Hayes over and over in my head. He couldn't have been telling the truth. Ford would never murder his own father. Hayes' story sounded more like a Greek tragedy -- a made up scenario to entertain and delight. Except I hadn't been entertained or delighted.Oddly, in some ways, maybe it even made sense. Ford's reluctance to talk about his family, his obsession for personal privacy, the fiery animosity between he and Hayes, the way he'd tried to keep me at arm's length for weeks now. I should've questioned his strange behavior more. Or maybe I did an
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 51: Like A Ship In A Bottle
QUINN'S POVMy voice began to shake. "If there's something dangerous about Ford, I need to know.""I don't think he'd ever hurt you."I shivered. "That's not reassuring."He leaned across the table again, close enough for me to smell his peppermint breath. "When my dad altered his will, Harp stood to gain almost everything. With the exception of what he left Mom and Maddie, Harp got everything else. He got even more than my mom with the acquisition of HI.""That wasn't Ford's doing. That was your dad's decision. It's not his fault."He smirked. "Defending him to the end, I see."My eyes narrowed. "What aren't you telling me?""My dad loved my mom. He loved his family and his business. Why would he take his own life?""People keep secrets from their loved ones all the time. Maybe he struggled with something privately.""I don't think so. You don't find it odd that he changed his will, basically leaving everything to Harp, and then he's found dead barely six months later? And 'Harp' was
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 50: The Meeting
QUINN'S POVAn early evening emergency call at HI demanded Ford's immediate attention and at six o'clock, he left to go downtown to tend to it. I stayed at his place, but I clawed at the walls with the need to escape. My thoughts were spinning and no effort I made could quiet them.I knew I shouldn't have let Hayes get in my head, but he'd only voiced my same fears. I'd fallen in love with a man I barely knew. I'd been curious about Ford's relationship with his father from the day I met him. He'd been so tight-lipped about the topic, that it only made me more inquisitive. But I didn't know how to get the answers I needed.I thought about calling Madison, but I had a feeling her sisterly devotion would overtake her willingness to help me. Collin probably didn't know any more than I did. Although he'd known Ford considerably longer than me, Ford kept their association purely work related. Hayes was the only person I knew for sure who would talk to me. I hated to call him. I hated to gi
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 49: The Warning
QUINN'S POV"I'm going to sleep well into the afternoon," I slurred as Ford and I entered his loft. After the last guest speaker, Ford and I danced for hours afterward. The talented band played everything from mid-century jazz to modern pop songs. Ford didn't leave my side, even when associates tried to pull him away or asked me to dance.Guests congratulated me all night, thanking me for my candor and courage. It'd been an exceptional night, but also emotionally taxing. I felt drained. I slipped out of my heels and my feet screamed with gratitude."You tired?" Ford asked me as he eased out of his coat and jacket."That's an understatement.""Too tired for a little surprise?"My lips curled into a grin. "What kind of surprise?""Let's get out of these clothes and I'll show you."Obediently, I skipped off to his bedroom, a new spark of energy ignited in me. I loved when Ford showed me his playful and easy side. It wasn't often so I'd learned to seize the moment when it presented itsel
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 48: The Speech
QUINN'S POVI exhaled, instantly calming as his brown eyes deepened and drown me in their russet depths. I followed him onto the dance floor and he spun me around before pulling me into his arms. The band started playing, "The Way You Look Tonight", and I melted into him.As with everything else, Ford excelled at dancing. He moved so lightly on his feet, so gracefully, and I found myself more impressed with him by the minute. Everything he did seemed effortless."For someone who doesn't enjoy music, you're awfully good at moving to it," I remarked."I don't particularly like dancing, either, but it was an easy way to get you in my arms."I let his comment sink in while trying to appear like I wasn't tickled pink."I hope you won't let anything my brother said bother you. He keeps trying to drag you into the middle of our complicated relationship because he knows it will get a rise out of me."I raised a shoulder, but couldn't help wondering if Hayes spoke the truth in some instances.
Happily, Hopefully Chapter 47: The Waiting Game
QUINN'S POVI took a seat at the table as the band began an upbeat tune and flooded the room with a popular jazz song I recognized as one by Ira Gershwin. I quickly became so involved in the song, I almost didn't hear my name being called from behind. But when my stomach dropped with the sound of that undeniably sexy accent, I knew instinctively who'd summoned me."It's Quinn, isn't it?"I turned and stood, immediately recognizing Anya Abeni -- Ford's ex."Yes. Anya, correct?" I asked as if I didn't know."You have a wonderful memory. How are you?"She looked so unbelievably stunning I took a minute to answer. She'd somehow managed to be even more striking than the first time I'd seen her. She had on another fabulous dress -- this one stark white which stood out so beautifully against her chocolate skin.She wore no jewelry -- only the diamond studs in her ear. I couldn't help wondering if hers had been a gift from Ford, too. But she didn't need any accessories. The simple, clingy dre
