Page 88 of Temptation

Quinn

The week before the party was busy for both Quinn and Tenn. At Quinn’s, Joel called into work on Monday, telling Quinn he couldn't show up looking like he did. He spent the day on the couch, looking subdued and sad. Not wanting him home all week, she ran to the drugstore and got him some concealer with a yellow tint to cover the bruises. When she got back, she gave it to him and offered to help him cover them if he felt like returning to work.

“Thanks.” He nodded. “Yeah, I think going back to work would help me. Sitting here thinking about it isn't pleasant.”

“I can see if I can find a therapist specializing in sexual assault if you want.” She offered as she covered the various bruises and bite marks. Viki had really done a number on him, and she once again found herself wondering how he didn’t notice her doing it. Joel wasn’t really much of a drinker, or at least the Joel she knew wasn’t a drinker; she didn’t know who he was with Viki.

“I'm supposed to do those things myself.” He reminded her with a small smile.

“You are, but that doesn't mean I can't help you when you've been through a traumatic event.” Quinn pretended to be concerned, wondering if she could get him to trip up. “Have you heard from the police?”

“No.” Joel shook his head and sighed. “You're too good for me, Quinn. I've been a terrible husband, and you're still here, trying to make me feel better.”

“I'm not heartless.” She shrugged, inwardly cursing. “Are you still coming to the party on Friday?” He nodded enthusiastically.

“Since you've invited my parents and brother and freaking Del Aston will be here, yes.” He watched her cover the bruise in the mirror. “And as long as this works, and it doesn't look splotchy.”

“That's why we blend,” Quinn murmured, showing him how to do it.

“You weren't home much this weekend.” She glanced up and raised an eyebrow. “I checked the cameras.” He confessed, looking sheepish. She figured he must have gone in to delete any videos of him and Viki and made a mental note to check. “Where were you?”

“Spent it at Quills.” She lied smoothly. We had the Mario Kart Tournament on Friday, and I stayed because I wasn't feeling well on Saturday. I had a few too many.” She put the cap on the concealer and stepped back. “There. Does that work?”

Joel looked at it critically in the mirror. “Yeah, that's perfect. Thanks, Babe.”

“Welcome.”

Tenn

Just like Tenn predicted, Viki took the week off to spend with her mom. From what Frannie told Tenn when he came out of the gym in the morning before work, she was very closed-lipped about what was happening, blaming being unhappy and stressed.

“She says it's not you and knows you want a divorce. She doesn't, but she doesn't know how to fix things. I told her that speaking to someone would be an ideal start. We've been looking for a therapist.” Frannie smiled, obviously relieved that her daughter was coming around. “She's agreed to do couple's therapy but has some conditions.”

“She's not in a position to set conditions.” Tenn scoffed. “But let's hear them.”

“You have to meet her halfway -”

“No, I don't, actually. It's been two years of me attempting to meet her halfway and getting nowhere. I need you to understand that this isn't just about her breakdown. This is two years of resentment, me trying to fix things and nothing changing. It's not my problem that she suddenly realizes I'm done; I want out, and now she has to fix it. She didn't get a job or stop seeing David until I kicked her out. She never stops doing anything unless life-altering consequences follow.” Tenn really liked Frannie, but she had a blind spot the size of Texas when it came to her daughter.

“I see.” Frannie pursed her lips. “Well, she's willing to commit to marriage counselling if you promise it means you won't get divorced and if you stop being friends with Quinn.”

“Nope.” Tenn shook his head and snorted. “Neither of those is happening. The point of marriage counselling in the prenup is to resolve the issues. If we can't sort out the issues, and I really don’t think we can, I'm getting a divorce. As for Quinn, I'm working on a huge, year-long project with her. Yes, I volunteered for it, but now it's been approved by my boss, so it's happening. I'm not spending the next year awkwardly trying to work with someone I enjoy being around just because Viki suddenly sees me as something she doesn't want to lose. Not to mention, Quinn’s twin brother is one of my closest friends. I'm not giving up that friendship and pissing him off by hurting the person who matters most to him.” Tenn turned and headed to the stairs. He was about to climb up when he decided to let Frannie in on the loophole for counselling.

“Just so you're aware, all I have to do is make an appointment with a marriage counsellor, prove I sent her the correct address and time and show up. If she doesn't show up for three sessions, I can file. The fact that I haven't yet should tell you how hard I've been trying to avoid it, but my goodwill is running out.”

“She didn't tell me that.”

“I imagine there's a lot of information you're not getting.” He grumbled as he climbed the stairs.

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By Thursday, Tenn was incredibly grumpy. He had only been able to see Quinn for an hour on Tuesday night. They had been texting almost constantly, keeping each other updated, but since they were trying to keep Joel and Viki happy, they agreed to keep phone calls and seeing each other to a minimum.

Quinn was letting Joel lean on her as he navigated his “trauma,” which Quinn was sure just meant to help him get over his breakup with Viki. Tenn, on the other hand, had to be present for the meals his mother-in-law was cooking and attending the “fun” activities she planned for the three of them in an attempt to bridge the gap between him and Viki.

Tenn dragged out his workday as long as possible on Thursday. Frannie and Viki were sending him pictures of them sightseeing around Boston, and every time his phone chimed; he had to resist the urge to throw it against the wall. So, when a knock came on the door around lunchtime, he expected it to be them and gave a very terse “Come in.”

“Bad time?” Quinn poked her head in and smiled at him.