“I’d like that,” I told her gratefully.
She smiled and squeezed my hand again. “Savannah left a load of clothes at the house when she moved in with her boyfriend. You look like you’re a similar size. I’m sure I can find you some things to wear once we get home.”
“Oh no, you don’t have to do that. I can manage until I can earn some money to replace my things. I’m sure Savannah won’t want me wearing her clothes.” Giving me a job and a place to stay was more than enough. I couldn’t expect to be given clothes to wear as well.
“I’m sure she won’t mind. She won’t be needing them, not for a few months anyway.” Claire assured me. Seeing my confusion, she laughed. “Savannah’s pregnant. She’s due in a couple months. She won’t be needing those clothes for a while.”
I nodded in understanding. “Yes, but I still wouldn’t feel comfortable taking her clothes. I’m sure I can find a thrift store in Marble Falls.”
Just as she was about to reply, a knock sounded on my door. “Come in,” I called out. Brody’s head appeared around the door and I felt a smile tugging at my lips when I saw him.
“Hello, Brody. I thought I’d come and introduce myself to Quinn.” Claire turned to smile at me before looking back at Brody. “We’ve been chatting. Quinn’s going to be working on the ranch and staying with us until she gets on her feet. Isn’t that great?”
“Yeah that’s… great,” he replied. His eyes locking on mine. “When can you come home then?”
There was that word again, home. Claire had said it and now Brody. It wouldn’t be my home though. I didn’t have a home. My stay at the ranch wouldn't be long term. I couldn’t stay anywhere long term. I had to keep moving as I had no idea if Evan or the people he owed money to were looking for me. If they were, I couldn’t let them find me.
“Quinn?” he said when I didn’t answer him. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, his voice pulling me from my thoughts. “I’m hoping I can get out of here in a few hours.” He walked across the room and sat on the side of the bed. “How’s your sister’s boyfriend?”
His face lit up, and I felt my stomach flip as I watched him smile. “He’s awake. He’s going to be fine.”
Before I could stop myself, I’d placed my hand over his. “That’s great news, Brody.” His eyes dropped to our hands before he lifted his head to look at me. My face flushed as I realized what I’d done.
“I think I’ll go find your dad,” Claire said as she looked between us. “Brody, could I have a quick word outside?” He pulled his hand from mine before standing up. “Quinn, sweetheart. We’ll come pick you up when you’re ready to leave. I’m assuming Brody will stay with you until you’re discharged?” Her eyes flicked to Brody.
“Brody doesn’t need—”
“I’ll stay,” he replied, cutting me off.
“Thought so,” Claire muttered. “I’ll see you later then, Quinn,” she said, her voice louder.
“Bye, Mrs. Parker, and thank you. For everything.”
“Please call me Claire, honey, and you’re welcome.” She smiled and gave me a small wave as she gestured with her head for Brody to follow her outside. I watched as they both left the room, my head dropping back onto the pillow, barely believing I had a job and somewhere to live. I was beginning to think that deciding to come to Marble Falls was the best decision I’d made in a long time.
Brody
Following my mom out of Quinn’s room, I closed the door behind us. “Thank you for giving Quinn a job and a place to stay.” I leaned over and pecked her on the cheek.
“I’m not sure what’s going on with you two, but from what little she’s told me, she’s been through a lot.”
“Nothing’s going on. We’ve only just met.” I frowned wondering where she was going with this.
“Brody, I’ve seen the way you look at her, and how she smiled when you walked in.”
“I didn’t look at her any way! And she wasn’t smiling when I walked in.” But I was lying. I’d noticed she’d smiled when she saw me looking around the door, and I'd liked that she was pleased to see me.
“I’m your mother. You can’t fool me,” she scoffed. “She’s different from the girls you normally date. She’s special.”
“I know, Mom.”
“So, you have noticed then?”
Rolling my eyes, I sighed. “Was there anything else? Or can I get back in there?”
Laughing, she went up on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek. “She’s only eighteen, Brody. Just thought you should know that.” She raised her eyebrows before turning and heading back down the corridor. Reaching for the door handle, I paused before pushing it open. Only eighteen? She looked older. I don’t know why her age bothered me, but it did. I wanted her to be older.