She Didn’t Ask
Quinn is home, but something has changed. Riley sees it and chooses to wait. Mirage of Trust, Chapter 2
If you’re just joining us, you may want to begin with Chapter 1:
“She called. Then the line went dead.”
Read it Here
Quinn returns to Echo Canyon on a red-eye, asking Riley for a ride from the airport with very little explanation.
Something has shifted in her life. She doesn’t say what it is. Riley doesn’t ask. The canyon welcomes her back.
But the silence between them says more than either of them is ready to admit.
Chapter 2 Mirage of Trust
She didn’t want to VID-call. They would see the worry on her face. The garden circle had always been Quinn’s backup family, and Riley sent a quick message instead
Hi gang. Quinn came in yesterday. She’s exhausted. Once she’s rested I’m sure she’ll want to see everyone.
The responses arrived almost immediately.
Is everything okay? I can make her some restorative tea, Val wrote.
Bring her by the stables when she’s ready. A quiet ride might help, Raven added.
Skylar’s message came next. I’ll be back by the end of the week. Jim’s in town if you need anything.
Riley thanked them and said she would be in touch soon.
Putting her comm down, she started her routine with her potted plants. It had been a hot summer, with rain only coming this past week. Many of her annual flowers were barely hanging on, but the kumquat tree and Mexican honeysuckle were doing well. The giant pine trees on the west side of her property provided shade for the pots by four o’clock, helping them escape the sun’s intensity as it built through the morning.
Riley carefully inspected her garden, noting how her summer snaps had transformed into tall, vibrant beauties since the recent rain. The vinca were doing well too.
Her hands slowed in the pot. Ben would have noticed this right away. She wouldn’t have met so many people so easily, and she certainly wouldn’t have her garden. Ben had an easy way of showing people the path by introducing them to others. He could teach everything himself, but he didn’t.
As she thought about Ben, Riley lifted her head and peered through the back doors, as if expecting something. Her expression shifted to sadness as she remembered what Quinn had looked like at the airport, and when she had gone into the bedroom to rest.
Riley realized her hands were still hovering over the pot, clutching the pruners. Shaking her head, she turned her attention back to the plant and delicately pruned the longest branches of the vinca deep inside the foliage, knowing this would encourage new growth and result in a fuller, more robust plant. As she worked, she noticed the first signs of fresh shoots emerging from within, a reward for attentive care.
Satisfied, Riley gathered the best cuttings of summer snaps and vinca blooms to arrange in a vase. Intrigued, she added a few branches of Mexican honeysuckle, curious to see how they would fare in water. With a sense of contentment, she went back inside to brew a pot of coffee, hopeful that Quinn would wake soon and feel somewhat refreshed.
I’ve never seen Quinn like this. Her shoulders rounded, diminishing her height by inches. So reluctant to say anything. She’ll tell me when she’s ready, she always does. But God, I hope she’s okay.
Riley’s thoughts broke off at the sound of the guest room door opening.
“Hi! You’re up! Did you have a good rest? I’ve just made a fresh pot of coffee. Would you like some?”
“That’s nice, Riley. It smells good. Don’t get up. I can get it.”
Quinn opened the kitchen cabinet door and saw her favorite mug. Reaching for it, she added, “Yes, I’m starting to feel better. I feel like I haven’t slept in days. Can I top off your coffee? Maybe I’ll have one of these bananas.”
“Yes, please help yourself.” Riley held up her cup for a refill. How long has it been since you slept a full night?”
Quinn shrugged, not tasting her coffee. “Days without sleep. Weeks with poor sleep.”
Quinn pulled the comm from her pocket, glanced at it, and set it face down on the counter.
She hated that she wanted it to light up.
She hated that it didn’t.
Riley noticed but chose to slide past it.
“Well, now that you’re here, I’m sure you’ll sleep like a baby. I messaged the women to let them know you arrived.”
Quinn looked up, startled.
“You didn’t say anything, did you?”
Riley lifted her hand in reassurance. “No. I just said you came in and were really tired. I told them we’d be in touch when you’re ready to see everyone. They all sent their best.”
Quinn seemed satisfied and turned toward the veranda, leaving her mug on the counter.
The next morning started quietly.
Quinn did not come into the kitchen until nine. She poured herself some coffee and took a long drink, looking out toward the veranda. Riley sat in a deck chair, staring into the canyon. She didn’t seem to notice Quinn behind her.
“Good morning.”
Riley shifted in her chair and looked up. A quick smile replaced the blank expression on her face.
“Hi! Sorry. I didn’t hear you come out. I guess I was lost in thought. Did you get some sleep?”
“Yes. In fits and starts. My best sleep was actually from seven until now.”
“Well, you look a shade better. I’ve been up since six. You know me. Up with the sun. I baked some blueberry muffins, and there are still bananas if you’re ready for something to eat. It’s such a lovely morning here on the veranda, I decided to enjoy it.”
“Thanks, but not yet. I want to see your garden. Did you cut those flowers this morning?”
“Not today. Yesterday I was cutting flowers back, and there was no need to put them all into the compost. We’re fortunate the heat has pulled back. We’re finally out of the hundreds.”
“I didn’t even notice, Riley.”
Quinn looked down at her coffee. She used to notice everything. It had been her job. Now the days slipped past like they belonged to someone else.
Riley could see she was holding back tears.
Quinn stood and moved to the top of the stairs, hesitating as if she wasn’t sure she could go down. Riley moved over next to Quinn and took her hand, leading her down the veranda steps into the morning light, shadows stretching across the garden.
She’d spent the summer creating small naturalized areas. Pots tucked between boulders and ground plantings, succulents catching the long eastern sun.
They wandered through the garden and Quinn paused beside a gray vase filled with aloe.
“I love what you’ve done,” she said quietly. “It feels… settled.”
Riley caught the weight in that word.
“Thanks Quinn. It’s a labor of love. Come on,” she said gently. “Let’s get some food.”
Riley leaned toward Quinn, Riley stayed close as they climbed the steps.
They took their sandwiches into the great room and snuggled amidst the pillows on the couch. Quinn’s message alert sounded and she froze, then glanced at her watch like time could protect her. She looked up with tears in her eyes.
Cautiously, Riley asked, “Are you up to telling me what’s happening?”
The words came fast, tangled with tears. “How did I end up here? I’m supposed to be living the life, fully retired and traveling the world with my soulmate.
“Now I’m lost, alone, and devastated.”
Riley quickly set her plate down, moved closer, and drew Quinn in while she sobbed. She rubbed her back and whispered slow, soothing words until Quinn’s heaving stopped and she could push back into the sofa. Riley offered the box of tissues she always kept handy.
“I’m sorry, Riley. I thought I was done crying.”
“Oh, Quinn. Don’t be sorry. I’m glad you’re here and not alone. You know I’m always here for you. I would have come anywhere if I knew what you were going through.”
“I know, Riley. And I’m sorry I’m keeping you in the dark. I just can’t get into it yet.” Feeling a little guilty, Quinn gave Riley’s hand a squeeze. “Soon, I promise.”
After lunch, Quinn went back to her room. Riley was surprised that her usually energetic friend was taking another rest, but whatever had happened had taken its toll on her. She suspected Quinn was using the naps as an escape but hopefully it would work and restore Quinn to her normal self.
Riley puttered around the house, checking her auto-payments and online accounts, then emailing a few architecture clients about upcoming meetings. She wasn’t used to staying in so much, but there was no way she was going to leave Quinn alone now. She wished she could talk to Raven but she would not betray her trust. She was relieved when her friend came out several hours later.
“Hi! I’m glad you’re up.” Riley looked carefully at her friend to see signs of rejuvenation. She surged on. “Ben called while you were asleep and invited us over for happy hour. I said maybe you’d prefer he comes here, if you’re up for it.”
“I think I’d like that. I enjoy Ben. And I appreciate you letting me stay with you. How about I make something for his visit? We’ll sit outside?”
“Of course. I’ll call Ben and let him know to come over. Is an hour too soon? I had some more fresh blueberries, so I made a tart, and maybe we can get some cheese ready. I’m sure he’ll bring something over.”
Laughing slightly, Quinn rubbed her stomach. “You’re making me hungry again.”
“Well, I was just going to have a G&T, if you’d like one.”
Quinn sat at the breakfast bar, rubbing her eyes. “I can’t believe I slept again. I was out. Sure, the drink sounds refreshing. The tart smells really good.”
Riley made the drinks and brought them to the stools at the breakfast bar. The view through the back window stretched over the expansive backyard and the wooded area beyond. “I think we’re all set. Ben will be here shortly, so you woke up at the right time.”
Quinn shifted, wanting the conversation to stay on lighter topics, trying to distract herself. “What’s up with the gang? I haven’t been very reliable in staying in touch with our friends.”
Riley looked away for a moment. Not even me.
“They have been busy. Raven..” She glanced toward the back door. That’s got to be Ben knocking. He never knocks. Must be all proper for you. He’s just in time for the blueberry tart.”
Ben arrived with two cloth bags in hand. He set them on the counter, glanced at Riley, and at her subtle nod stepped toward Quinn with his arms out.
Quinn paused, not knowing if she was ready for a hug, even from someone who cared deeply. She took one step forward as Ben erased the distance between them and pulled her in tightly.
“Welcome back, Quinn. We’re glad you found your way home.”
Quinn slumped, and Riley was quick to shift the moment.
“Quinn, look what Ben brought. Loads of goodies. And Quinn, this one must be for you, the red Zinfandel you always ask for. What a spread we’re going to have.” She smiled. “For just the three of us.”
While Riley was displaying the food, Quinn and Ben had both turned toward her and, being the same height, draped an arm around each other’s shoulders. Quinn leaned gently against Ben, steadier now after his emotion-filled greeting.
They each grabbed what they could and settled on the veranda. Riley refreshed her and Quinn’s drinks and brought a fresh G&T out for Ben.
“I thought we could save the wine for the tart. They’ll complement each other well.”
The conversation stayed relaxed, local happenings, the garden tour Riley had attended, plans for shopping with Val and Skylar over the weekend.
Finishing her drink and setting the glass down, Quinn glanced at her watch before asking, “What happened to Whitman after he was ousted from the Centennial?”
Ben picked up the story first. “You heard that Eleanor, his wife and chair of the event, basically laid him out in front of the entire community, right?”
Quinn nodded, and Ben continued. “Well, if the land were the law, their divorce would have been final right then. Between that and the loss of community support for, well, anything, he’s gone, and good riddance.”
“That must be a relief for Eleanor. I can’t imagine living under the thumb of a person like him,” Quinn added, sinking further into her deck chair’s deep cushion.
Riley and Ben exchanged a glance, catching the potential meaning behind what Quinn had just said.
Riley added, “We’re all better without him.”
“Well, ladies, even though we haven’t opened the wine yet, I think I’m going to call it a night,” Ben said. “I’m going to the upper ranch tomorrow for the weekend. Donnie needs some help mending the fences, and I told him I’d come up. Maybe we can make a date with everyone at my house when I get back, if you’ll still be here, that is.”
Quinn looked away.
Catching herself and wanting to move away from Ben’s comment, she asked Riley, “What’s that structure out on the tree line? I hadn’t noticed that before.”
Riley glanced at Ben at Quinn’s rapid change of subject and quickly brightened. “Oh! I didn’t show you that. We, well, I mean Ben’s crew built a pagoda for al fresco dining and evening moon watching. It faces east so we have a great view, especially on full moon nights. Hey Ben, how about we check for the next full moon for happy hour? Depending on what time it rises,” she finished, chuckling.
Quinn leaned back in her chair as Riley spoke. “That sounds like a good plan.”
“Quinn, why don’t you sit still while I walk Ben out to his gate. I’ll be right back.”
“As lovely as it is out here, Riley, I’ll start taking these things inside. I’m ready to call it a night too.”
Ben quickly grabbed the glasses and a tray. “Eh, we’ll make short work of this right now. Charlotte taught me better than this, to leave dishes on a table. Then you two won’t be left with the cleanup, just the leftovers,” he added, chuckling. “The best part of a get-together.”
Riley and Quinn made short work of the final cleanup. As Riley washed the last glass, looking out the window, she said softly, “Quinn, you know you don’t have to do this alone.”
Quinn opened her mouth as if to speak, then shook her head no. She turned quickly and ran to her room.
The last thing Riley heard was the creak of the old floorboard right outside the guest room door.
Then the door closed firmly.
Riley stood still in the quiet kitchen.
Quinn’s comm was still sitting on the counter.
Face down.
There are things Quinn hasn’t said yet.
And questions Riley is choosing not to ask.
If you feel that pull to stay a little longer,
to sit in these moments with them…
you don’t have to leave.