One Enchanted Summer

Chapter 24

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FOUR

Quinn

I haven’t seen Collin for a few days, so I’m assuming he left town. I was freaked out when Gertie said he came to her house. I don’t know how he knew where she lived or why he thought that was a good idea. It means he’s desperate, and that’s a problem. I don’t want to know what kind of things he’ll do if he feels desperate.

When I get off of work, Gertie informs me that she has plans with Doris. Instead of walking to my car, I turn and walk into the park. I know I’ll end up at the WOE show eventually, but first I decide to stop by Yeti Mountain. It’s a rollercoaster that takes you up a steep mountain and then plunges you down into darkness. I love the thrill rides just as much as I love the simple child ones. Since I’m riding alone, I get to pass most of the line and practically walk onto the ride. I get placed next to a girl in the very front car.

“Have you ridden this before?” the girl asks me, a bit wary.

“Yeah, it’s great. Don’t worry,” I reply.

“I apologize in advance for screaming,” she laughs.

“Don’t apologize; screaming makes it more fun,” I assure her. The ride jolts forward, and we start the climb. It’s a slow climb up the mountain as the anticipation builds. The mountains are capped with snow and the shadow of a yeti passes over the side as we pass. We reach the top, and it slowly crests over the edge. As we plunge down, we both erupt in screams. I raise my hands in the air as we reach the darkness. It winds around through the mountain with another small drop before coming to a stop.

“That was amazing,” she says breathily. I grin back at her, and she exclaims, “I’m riding it again!”

She invites me to go again, but I gratefully decline and make my way to the WOE show. It doesn’t matter how many times I see it, I still enjoy it. I walk to the front and see that the VIP section is still empty. I like to give priority to other people who have VIP tickets, but when it’s empty, I usually sneak in. The guy working nods at me, and I duck into the second row. The show starts, and I smile as Grayson walks onto the stage. I notice Mikey walks out next. I like Mikey. He’s funny and a good friend to Grayson. It’s pretty incredible that both of us get to work with our friends. The show continues as smoothly as ever, and I wonder if Grayson has noticed me yet. I’m always amazed at how well he can do what he does and still see and interact with the crowd. He told me once it’s just like second nature, and he doesn’t have to think about it and that completely blows my mind.

When the show ends, I jump up for a standing ovation as I always do. Then a voice behind me says, “So that’s him, huh?”

It takes me a second to comprehend the apprehension that floods through me. It’s a voice I didn’t expect to hear here. But then again, I never expected him to be in Florida in the first place. I turn and see Collin walking down the steps towards me. I glance back at Grayson, and he’s talking to some fans on the other side of the stage.

“I thought you went home,” I say curtly.

“I didn’t get what I came for yet,” he replies.

“Are you kidding me right now? How many times do I have to tell you we’re done?” My blood is starting to boil at the extreme gall of this man.

He steps towards me again and gives me a menacing look. “Do you think you have a choice?”

I swallow shakily. He’s angry, angrier than I’ve ever seen Collin before.

“I didn’t spend all that time with you for nothing. That would be a waste, and I won’t allow it,” he spits out.

He lunges towards me, and I know he’s going to grab my arm. In an attempt to get away, I stumble off the bench. I land against the pole, and before I can even blink, I see Grayson jump over the pole and stand beside me.

“Q! Are you okay?” he asks, gently grabbing me.

“Yeah,” I say shakily. “I’m fine.”

Grayson stands up and steps in front of me. “Who the hell are you?” he demands.

Collin is never one to back down from a fight, even when it’s so obviously not in his favor. He’s always been too prideful for that.

“I could ask you the same question,” Collin replies. Honestly, his ego is so severely unmatched it could almost be impressive.

“You need to go,” Grayson says.

“Yeah, let’s go Quinn,” Collin says to me.

Grayson chuckles darkly. “She’s not going anywhere with you.” The muscles in his arms flex instinctively.

Collin glances between me and Grayson, possibly realizing that he is in fact outmatched. And yet, he stands his ground.

“Quinn,” he says, taking another step forward.

Grayson looks at me. “Do you want to go with him?” he asks quietly.

I shake my head vehemently.

“There you go. She’s not going with you. Now, go home. If you come anywhere near her again, I promise I won’t be so nice,” Grayson threatens.

Collin rolls his eyes dramatically. “Really.”

Grayson takes a step towards Collin, and even I can admit how intimidating he looks.

“You saw the show. It’s not all fake. I promise I can do that and worse to you just as easily.”

I see the doubt flash across Collin’s face. He’s finally nervous. I don’t know if Grayson realizes how impressive that actually is.

“Whatever,” he says, trying to play it cool. He looks around Grayson and says, “You’re not even worth it.”

Before I can react, Grayson steps forward and pushes Collin backward. He falls and lands hard on a bench behind him. He looks up in complete shock before standing up and brushing himself off. For a moment, it looks like he’s going to hit Grayson back. I can see the contemplation on his face. He was never good about backing down from a fight. But, this time, he surprises me.

“I don’t need this,” he declares in a huff, before turning and storming away.

“I’m so sorry-” I start to apologize to Grayson.

“Are you okay?” Grayson asks at the same time.

I laugh uncomfortably and before I know it I’m crying. Grayson pulls me into a gentle hug as I completely lose it. I don’t know why I’m reacting this way. I realize it’s extreme and dramatic, and yet I can’t stop crying. I think I realize that for a minute I was scared, but now I’m just embarrassed. I’m so incredibly ashamed that I brought this drama to Grayson’s work. I’m embarrassed that I ever dated Collin, when I obviously should’ve known better. I’m flustered that Grayson had to defend me when I know I’m capable of defending myself.

“Are you okay?” Grayson repeats.

“I’m a mess,” I reply and he gently chuckles.

“You’re not a mess, Q.”

“I’m so sorry about that,” I say.

“Hey,” he pulls away a little so he can look me in the face. “You don’t need to apologize for someone else’s behavior.”

He hugs me again and quietly says, “I’m so glad you realized you deserve more than that guy.” He pauses and adds, “I’m not sure if I’m worthy of you, but I’m definitely better than him.”

I burst out in laughter and it’s just enough to make the embarrassment and tears subside finally.

Grayson invites me to stay for the next show and then hang out after work, but I’m feeling exhausted. I don’t know if it’s from the emotional rollercoaster I just went on or if it’s because I haven’t been sleeping very well, but I decided to go home instead.

When I get home, Gertie is cooking in the kitchen. She’s dancing and mixing some type of garlic chicken on the stove and I get hit with a wave of smell. Suddenly, my stomach flips and I rush to the bathroom and throw up. What is going on? I look in the mirror at my clammy face full of confusion. Then I freeze in horror. I quickly look at my phone and realize the date. There’s no way. This can’t be happening. I grab my keys and rush back out the door without saying a word to Gertie.