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“That’s good,” Quinn replied. “Did you notice in yourCheryl and Diana story that you’re a writer there, too?”

“Not the same kind, but yeah. And did you notice that Diana wanted to go to nursing school?”

“God, we’re so different,” Quinn joked, causing Abby to laugh.

“It’s fascinating, isn’t it? How, one time – or, I guess, two times, at least,that we know of– you did or wanted to do it, but you did it this time and hated it, so you left. Now, you own an antique shop, and that’s how we met.”

“Maybe the details are what makes us different,” Quinn suggested. “I’m still me because of those differences. I drink wine, hate nursing school, love owning a shop filled with old and, sometimes, dusty things, and I’m attracted to a woman who writes novels, not a would-be reporter or farmer.”

“So, you’re saying you wouldn’t be attracted to me if I were a farmer?”

“No, I would be. You’re hot.”

Abby laughed and replied, “You know what I meant, Quinn Elizabeth.”

“I told you what I like about you so far, so stop fishing for compliments, Abigail Foster.”

“This possible relationship is going to end pretty quickly if you never compliment me again,” Abby teased.

“Oh, now, it’s a possiblerelationship? A minute ago, you weren’t even sure you wanted to go out with me once.”

“Shut up.” Abby laughed.

Quinn’s phone rang, stopping Abby’s laughter.

“What is it with your phone always interrupting us?” Abby asked as she continued to laugh.

“It’s my mom. Sorry. Can you give me a second? If I don’t answer, she’s just going to think I’m dead in a ditch somewhere and keep calling until I do.”

“Sure. Want me to go, give you some privacy?”

“No!” Quinn protested quickly and held up her finger. “Just a second.”

Abby smiled and gave her a nod because Quinn was really cute when she was trying to get Abby to stay.

“Hey, Mom. Can I call you back later?”

Abby looked around the room while Quinn continued talking to her mother. She felt strange, sitting there, listening in on at least half of their conversation, but then, she found herself shifting a little closer to Quinn on the sofa. Her head went back to it, and she rested it to the side, looking over at Quinn, who was staring back at her as she talked to someone else. Abby smiled softly. Quinn did the same. Abby wanted to take her hand or rest her own on Quinn’s thigh. She also wanted Quinn to reach for her, cup her cheek softly, and then silently suggest that Abby lean in for a kiss. She didn’t know how much of that desire was coming from the present and how much was coming from the past, and it bothered her, but not enough to leave. Not this time, anyway.

“Uh… Mom, I can’t talk about that right now.”

Abby wasn’t sure what Quinn was trying to avoid, but it was clear that she didn’t want to talk about whatever it was with Abby sitting right there.

“Yeah, uh… We’ve been talking.”

Abby squinted at her.

“She’s here right now, Mom. That’s why I can’t talk. So, can I please go so–” Quinn stopped. “Great. Love you, too.” Then, she hung up the phone.

“I’m sorry. What wasthat, exactly?” Abby asked through her laughter.

“My mother is always asking me about women. She doesn’t like that I’m here alone and single, and I swear, sometimes, she only calls to ask me if I’mstillsingle.”

“And you couldn’t talk about that with me here?”

“Full disclosure, after you and I first met, I might have suggested to her that you were coming back to the shop to maybe talk more about the possibility of us maybe going out on a date or something.”

Abby laughed louder and said, “How many maybes and possibilities did you put in there?”