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In Sydney, Quinn lets herself believe that love might still be enough.
For a few beautiful days, it almost feels true.
Chapter 4 - Mirage of Trust
Chapter 4
The Things We Almost Believe
Earlier that year
Quinn pulled up the ticket Robbie had sent her.
The cheapest fare.
Three flights to Sydney. Thirty-two hours door to door. Premium coach, not first.
That’s not going to work. Not with her long legs.
She logged into the system she had used for thirty years with Homeland Security. Her tenure gave her lifetime upgrades to first class. The familiar Global Aircraft Services screen appeared.
Within minutes, she had rebooked.
Sabáka to Honolulu, where she could shower, stretch her legs, and get a proper meal in the lounge. Then on to Sydney. Even with the layover, it cut the travel time almost in half.
She glanced at the clock.
Four hours until departure.
She’d better move.
Quinn didn’t tell Robbie she had changed the ticket and would be arriving early.
On the plane, a glass of sparkling wine chilled her hand as she looked out the window. The desert below stretched endlessly and pale beneath the wing.
Life had seemed so different just a week ago. Simpler. Friends pitching in to help Raven prepare for the Centennial.
I’m so sorry I missed that.
Just today. Robbie couldn’t wait one more day.
Instead, she had sent Quinn two terrible itineraries and told her to pick one.
Am I looking forward to seeing her?
Robbie had promised a real vacation.
If that’s true, then maybe.
But trust was harder than it used to be.
Quinn studied the directions Robbie had sent for the cottage. Thirty minutes outside Sydney. Not on the harbor.
She says it’s near a ferry stop. Maybe that will be fine. And not a hotel. A rental with a kitchen. I wonder who’s cooking on this “vacation.”
Before drifting off to sleep, Quinn made a quiet mental adjustment.
I’d better change my tune before I see Robbie.
Hope for the best.
The landing in Sydney was smooth. The sun was dropping toward the harbor, turning the water copper and gold.
Quinn ordered an Uber.
Since she had not told Robbie she was arriving early, she did not expect to see her at the airport.
From the car, she sent a quick VID message.
Hi! Guess what. I got in early, and I’m on my way to the cottage. See you soon.
A few minutes later, her comm pinged.
I wasn’t expecting you yet. I’m in a meeting. I’ll see you at the cottage in a couple of hours. I’ve messaged the agent to let you in. There’s food in the kitchen if you’re hungry. Love you.
A meeting?
Who has a meeting in Australia when they’re supposed to be on vacation?
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