Phoebe sipped her cappuccino as he pulled her door open. Bending down, he said, “Are you ready?”
Phoebe smiled delightedly. “Yes.” She took another sip of her caffeine then sat the cup in a holder.
With his hand held out, Quentin stepped back and helped Phoebe to her feet. He pulled her in and linked their arms together then strolled inside the building. Phoebe leaned slightly against him with a bluster of nervousness swirling inside her belly. A look at her blushing face and Quentin knew she was excited beyond measure. Always happy to receive a surprise.
The corridor they strolled down was brick layered, and it held the foundation of an ol’ school poetry club or concert hall. Black marble tile outlined the flooring, and a waft of sweet incense sat in the air. They turned a corner and stopped in front of an open door.
Quentin tapped lightly on the solid frame, and a voice quickly ushered them inside.
“Come on in, please,” a lady called.
Phoebe peered around the corner as they stepped inside the room.
“Good evening,” the woman approached. “You must be Phoebe.” She held her hand out, and Phoebe’s eyes lurched.
“Oh my God, Geri Halliwell!” Phoebe shrieked, tossing her arms out and pulling Geri Halliwell in for a hug.
Geri laughed and held Phoebe’s back as Phoebe stood star-struck and unable to hold in her excitement. Standing off to the side, Quentin watched Phoebe as she bubbled over and spoke enthusiastically to the fifth member of the Spice Girls’ original group. When Phoebe had thought the moment couldn’t get any better, the other original four members walked into the dressing room with smiles as they welcomed her to France and thanked her for being a long-time fan.
Quentin loved Phoebe’s beautiful smile, and his heart thumped as he continued to gaze on. Nothing in his life had ever felt so paramount than the weight of loving Phoebe and holding on to her forever. His mind shifted, and he thought back to his last conversation with Jordan.
“Are you saying you’ve found the woman you will marry? Are you saying, Quentin Davidson, that Phoebe’s the love of your life, and you plan to make her your wife? Because if you are, that’s a whole different scenario. Don’t get it twisted. None of us would be mad because of that. We would most likely welcome it. But let’s be honest here. You are not there, and you know it.”
Quentin’s mind shuffled. With the odds stacked against him, anyone else would set out to prove Jordan and his brothers wrong. But Quentin didn’t feel the need to prove anything to anyone other than Phoebe. And she had told him that she trusted him already. Knowing this settled his spirit and warmed his soul. It was a good thing, too, especially when thoughts of a lifetime were relentless as of late. What he would give to see Phoebe light up every time he produced a surprise, or see her eyes glaze over anytime they released together.
He’d been more reckless than ever before, sexing her down with no protection and no fucks given. His blood boiled, and his nerves jumped as excitement of a real future with her took hold of him. Where there was no pretending to just be friends, or playing the role of big brother, little sister, but just uninhibited love, emotion, and need as they sailed this road of life together. Eternally. A swelling in his chest locked him down, and for the reminder of the day, Quentin had found himself lost in space.
“Hey, is everything okay?” Phoebe asked later as they sat across from each other in an French restaurant.
Quentin cleared his throat. “Everything’s fine,” he said. “What was your question?”
Phoebe frowned slightly. “Are you sure? You would tell me if anything was wrong, right?”
Quentin reached across the table and covered her hand with his own. “I promise you, everything is fine. I haven’t lied to you before. I won’t start now.”
Phoebe combed her eyes over him and decided he was telling the truth. “I wish we could stay in Paris a little while longer. It’s been so blissful here.”
Quentin agreed with a nod. “It’s been the best trip I’ve taken,” he said.
Phoebe smiled coyly. “Me, too.”
Their eyes met and held, and they exhaled simultaneously.
“Look on the bright side, we can come back as soon as your caseload decreases. My schedule is pretty flexible.”
“Ha, if only,” she said. “As you know Rose and Garnett LLC is the highest rated and most sought-after firm. Our client list is large enough to share with independent firms across the nation and still we would have to refer some to others.”
“That’s a good problem to have.”
Phoebe grinned. “Yeah.”
Something in her voice caught him. “You love your career, this I know for sure. So what’s up, sweetheart?”
Phoebe silently mused over her thoughts. Her family was important to her, but dating Quentin had seemed to split them down the middle. Thinking of going back home where there would be more sideways glances or silent treatment, specifically from Jonathon, saddened her.
“My lady love,” Quentin penetrated her thoughts, “tell me what’s wrong.”
Phoebe sighed. “I just wish things didn’t have to be so by the books, you know?”
Quentin’s forehead creased as he frowned. “I’m not sure if you mean the law or something else.”
Phoebe smirked. She had just changed the subject on him. “I’m talking about this ridiculous guy code you and my brothers have.” She dabbed at the corner of her lips and took a sip of her ice water.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
Phoebe stared into his eyes. “You didn’t know at the time you’d fall hopelessly in love with me,” she teased.
Quentin chuckled. “Actually, I did.”
Phoebe’s eyes widened, and a flurry of chills spread over her.
“What do you mean?”
Quentin let out a deep breath. “I’d always assumed that me being so protective over you throughout your youth and as we grew into adults was because your brothers were my best friends, and it was my duty to help protect you.” He sighed. “And it was my intentions in the beginning, but…”
Phoebe held on to his words, waiting for him to finish as her heart beat enthusiastically in her chest.
“I grew to love you. It happened sooner than I’d realized. When I first recognized it, I tried like hell to deny it. I even went as far as to stop coming around you guys for a spell.”
Phoebe’s lips parted. “That’s when no one heard from you for about a year,” she said, recognizing the distance between them during her early adult years.
Quentin smirked. “I called myself trying to break through the ridiculous fantasy that one day you would grow to love me. Can you believe that? Chicago’s most notorious playboy.
“Truth is, none of those women could satisfy the thirst I had. Because it belonged to you.” He sighed again. “And now I’ve managed to piss off my best friends.” The laugh that came from his mouth didn’t hold a comical note. “I know that’s something you’re worried about. And like I said before, I’m sorry to have caused this disruption in your life.”
“Quentin.” Phoebe’s eyes watered. She had cried a lot lately, and she didn’t know if it was because she was a sap or being with Quentin just made her heart melt that much. “Don’t ever apologize for opening up to me and loving me. I love you, too, babe, and you know without a doubt that I’ve always had my eye on you. So it looks like we have something in common.” Phoebe thought again. “Maybe we should sit down and have a conversation with them. Cordially.”
At Quentin’s raised brow, Phoebe continued. “I know the last meeting didn’t go so well, but it was unplanned and knocked a few of their socks off. This time, we’ll meet at my father’s house. I can set it up.”
“No,” Quentin said, “I’ll set it up.”
Phoebe watched him for another second.
“You don’t have to,” she started.
“But I want to.”
And not only did he want to, but it was also his duty to make sure all was w
ell between them. If not for the sake of his long-term brotherhood, then for the sake of Phoebe and the rift that would only get bigger the more he ignored it.
Their conversation settled back into a comfortable one, with Phoebe questioning how he was able to get backstage passes for The Spice Girls New Year’s Eve celebration. Quentin had adverted her question. Giving her enough to satisfy her inquiry. What Phoebe didn’t seem to understand was that Quentin’s mission throughout life had been to give her everything she wanted, and from the very first time she’d cried when the group broke up, he’d vowed to find a way to get them together.
It was only fate that The Spice Girls would be performing in Paris while they were there, but he’d pulled out all the strings to get exclusive passes. Phoebe had apologized to the moon about missing the concert, which she would’ve been on stage to watch up close and personal had they been there. But Quentin paid it no never mind. She’d still gotten a chance to meet them, and he was happy about that.
On the flight home Phoebe had slept in Quentin’s arms while his thoughts had whirled with the conversation he would have with her family. Phoebe had explained that her last conversation with Jordan was thoroughly different from his. It didn’t surprise him that the guys saw their mother in Phoebe, Eden, and Jasmine. Nor did he need a reason why they were so protective of them. What did take him back was Jordan’s defense of him against Phil Grayson. After everything that had went down, Quentin was certain none of them had any faith in his ability to be monogamist and hold things together.
When they’d touched down in Chicago, and he and Phoebe had departed, the first phone call he made was to Phoebe’s father.
“Good afternoon, how can I help you?” Norma chimed when she answered the phone.
Norma Rodriguez was the wife of Phoebe’s father, Christopher Lee Rose. They were newlyweds, just getting married on Christmas.
“Good afternoon,” Quentin responded. “This is Quentin Davidson, how are you today, Mrs. Rose?”
“Oh, just call me Norma,” the senior woman said. “Nothing’s changed but my name,” she said. “How are you, Quentin?”
“I’m doing just fine. How was your New Year?”
“Oh it was great, I hate that you missed it. You know we had the party at Chandler Center. Mostly everyone was there, except for you, Phoebe, and Jordan. By any chance were you three together?”
“Phoebe and I were together. I can’t speak for Jordan’s whereabouts.”
“Hmm, probably with Selena,” she mumbled. “Anyway, would you like to speak with Christopher?”
“Yes, I would, thank you.”
“Just a moment.”
Norma disappeared from the line, and Quentin cleared his throat. Standing in the office of his fitness center headquarters, Quentin tugged at his tie and undid the first two buttons on his shirt as he stared out the window to the street below. Cars passed going about their usual day and sunny skies and strong winds greeted the city of Chicago.
“Hello,” a deep voice barked into the phone.
“Mr. Rose,” Quentin began.
“Good afternoon, Quentin. How are you, son?”
“I’m better than ever,” he responded.
“And your New Year?”
“The best,” Quentin quipped.
“And my daughter?” Christopher asked. The phone fell silent, and the question prompted Quentin to move into the conversation.
“From what she tells me, she’s happy.”
“What does she show you?” Christopher inquired.
Quentin cleared his throat again. Talking to Christopher Lee didn’t usually hold discomfort. Although he had a mother and father of his own, Quentin had grown to love Christopher like he was also his father.
“She’s happy,” Quentin said. “Phoebe and I would like to talk to you and your family in person.”
“My family,” Christopher ruffed out. “I thought my family was your family. Why the specifics?”
Quentin released a long breath. Christopher wouldn’t make this easy for him, and he didn’t expect anything less.
“I was,” Quentin said then stumbled back, “I am. I figured in this instance, specifics were required. Sir, I want nothing but the best for Phoebe—”
“And you think the best is you?” Christopher cut in.
“I do,” Quentin said with firmness.
“Okay,” Christopher said. “When would you and Phoebe like to have this conversation?”
“I know everyone has their own schedule, so I’m thinking Friday. If that’s still too soon, we’ll find another date.”
“Friday’s fine, son,” Christopher said with finality. “I’ll make sure they’re all here.
“Thank you. See you then.”
“Goodbye.”
Quentin sat the phone on his desk and slipped his hands inside his pockets with eyes cast out the window. Thoughts of Phoebe and their departure this morning slipped through his mind. The entire time they’d been in France, Phoebe’s phone had been powered off and Quentin hadn’t had a clue. As soon as she powered it back on, Phoebe had been hit with thirty voicemails and a few text messages from Jordan.
Apparently, one of their high-profile clients had had too much to drink on New Year’s Eve and been caught with his pants down with a woman other than his wife. Since that time, which had only been about seventy-two hours, more women had come forward accusing the political member of having sex with them even in public places. The scandal had started the New Year off with a bang, and Phoebe had gone straight to the office.
Quentin would wait until she reached out to him before bothering her. But in the meantime, he retrieved the phone and dialed his mother. The line rang out almost to an end before she answered.
“Hey, baby,” she cooed.
Quentin smiled. “Happy New Year, Mom.”
“And what a happy new year it is,” she said. “You’ve been busy I see. I’m glad you were finally able to reveal your true feelings for Phoebe. That’s lovely.”
Quentin smirked. “True feelings?”
“Oh, you don’t think I thought you two were just friends, right?”
“How would you know when I was just as protective over Eden and Jasmine as I was for Phoebe?”
His mother chuckled. “Baby, I’m your mother. I see everything, even the way your world stopped when Phoebe was in the vicinity. Sure, you were protective over them all, but Phoebe gave you a joy like none I’ve seen before. As your mother, it was scary to see my little boy falling in love so young, but you were so graceful, and you put your friendship first.
“After a while I became used to the way you would stare at her, or be the first to help her with something she needed. Then when you both became adults, it was a pleasure. I knew when you mutually decided to give it a go, you’d have a love most people could only dream of.”
Quentin silently listened to his mother speak such touching words. It was true, parents knew best.
“So, when’s the wedding?” she added.
Quentin closed his eyes and smiled. “I haven’t asked her yet, Ma.”
“Well, I won’t rush you to do that either. When you’re ready I guess.”
Quentin swallowed thickly. “I’m not sure if it’s in our stars,” he admitted.
“Why is that?”
“Her brothers didn’t seem to take the news of us dating so well.”
“Ah,” his mother said, “the friendship pact.”
Surprised, Quentin quirked up an eye at her. “What do you know about that?”
“I was there when you made it, remember? I’d just entered the living room to ask you boys if you wanted lemonade, and apparently, Jonathon had caught you gazing off at Phoebe.”
Quentin chuckled remembering that day.
“You’d promised not to talk to his sister if he promised not to talk to yours. You guys wrote it out on paper and everything. I figured one day you would come back to regret that. But I don’t want you to worry about it much at all. They’l
l see the same love I saw all the years you guys grew up together.”
Quentin hoped his mother was right. If it were up to him, he and Phoebe would be together no matter what. But he knew that she would never be able to commit to him fully if her family had a problem with it, and Quentin wouldn’t let that happen.
“We’re coming to see you tomorrow night.”
“Oh, great,” his mother perked up, “I’ll make a dinner out of it.”
“Thank you, Ma. Is Dad there?”
“No, your father was at an auction today. He found a bunch of stuff he thinks is worth some money, so he’s gone to get an appraisal.”
Quentin frowned. “You guys don’t need money, do you?”
“No, but your father can’t help himself.”
Quentin grinned. “I see.”
“Well I look forward to seeing you both tomorrow. I’ll let your father know.”
“I love you, Ma.”
“I love you, too, baby.”
Quentin ended his call and sent a text to Phoebe.
I miss you terribly.
He didn’t expect to get a response right away, so he closed the screen and slipped the phone in his pocket. Quentin shifted his attention to his computer screen and the email he’d gotten from Cindy that morning. This was the busiest time of the year for his company, when people sought out to execute their new year’s resolutions by getting memberships at the gym. Like Phoebe, Quentin wished they could’ve spent more time in Paris, but he had a specific destination in mind for what he was hoping would be their honeymoon.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The knock on the door jolted Phoebe from her current telephone conversation. With the cord from the retriever stretching as she glanced over at the wooden barrier, Phoebe shuffled it to the side and turned on her heels, motioning for her visitor to come in.
The man stepped inside with a bouquet of roses in his hands. The flower arrangement was so big it covered the top half of the deliverer. Phoebe held a finger out at him as she finished the call she was on.
“It’s no problem, thank you very much.” She dropped the phone in the cradle and glanced back at the guy.
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