Bab 30: How To Catch A Fish
Have you ever had a coincidence so perfect that you wonder if someone had planned it?
Well, I don't know if someone planned yours. But the coincidence that is currently about to happen? I definitely planned it.
Three days after the match, there I was, seated at a corner table in the clubhouse as I sipped on my cup of coffee.
I had my notes on the boutique hotel venture in front of me and I flipped through them.
The morning sun hit me at such an angle that I'm sure I now looked like a commercial for something.
The perks of being handsome.
Some of the members around me were conversing among themselves while others were like me, content with just a book or the morning paper.
The game I'd had with Quinn, Charlotte, and Noah three days ago had gone better than I had expected.
It gave me a glimpse into the kind of dynamic I could build with Quinn.
And today, I was hoping to push that a little further.
Little drops of water make a mighty ocean and all that.
As if on cue, Quinn approached my table. She had a tennis bag slung over her shoulder and I could tell she was just coming for a morning match.
For a moment, I wondered if the rich camped here because they're so bored and had nothing else to do.
Who plays tennis as a warm up on a Monday morning? The rich, apparently.
She stood in front of me with a smile, her forehead glowing with a light sheen of sweat.
"Mind if I join you?" She asked, gesturing to the chair across from me.
I waved my hand in a friendly gesture. "Be my guest."
Quinn sat down, placing her tennis bag beside her and grabbed a napkin from the table to dab at her forehead.
I hadn't just picked this table at random. This table was close to where she usually had her morning coffee.
After I'd heard that Charlotte doesn't come on Mondays, I'd decided to seize this opportunity.
I'd bet on the chance that she would want to have coffee with a familiar face and I was right.
"We had a good game on Friday, didn't we?" She asked with a grin, taking a sip of her coffee. "I have to say, you do have some nice moves."
I chuckled, setting my cup down. "I try. But I think we both know you carried me through most of that game."
She raised an eyebrow, smiling wider. Flattery would indeed get you anywhere.
"Is that your way of giving me credit without admitting you were outplayed?" She teased.
I leaned back, smirking. "I'm giving credit where it's due. I wouldn't have won without your help."
Quinn laughed lightly, the sound catching the attention of a few nearby members but she didn't seem to notice.
"Well, I'm always up for another match. Maybe next time, I'll take it easy on you."
"Maybe next time." I said, not wanting to appear too eager. "I'll bring my A-game."
Quinn tilted her head, studying me for a second, then shook her head in mock sympathy. "You can try but I don't think that'll change the outcome."
I couldn't help but laugh at her words.
There was something about Quinn. She had a sense of confidence that wasn't overbearing but still felt like a challenge.
The kind of challenge I was all too happy to engage in.
"So," I said, changing the subject slightly, "you and Charlotte seem like you've been playing tennis together for a while. Is that your usual routine?"
Quinn nodded, wiping her hands and taking a sip of her coffee.
"Yeah, we've been playing for years. Mostly here at the club. She's a good friend and keeps me on my toes. We've been playing since we were teenagers, so it's a bit of a tradition now."
I smiled, leaning forward. "Must be nice to have that kind of connection with someone. I'm still getting used to the place and figuring out where I fit in."
Quinn looked thoughtful for a moment, then shrugged.
"You're doing fine so far. You've already got Noah in your corner and trust me, that counts for a lot."
"Yeah. I'll definitely be lost without Noah."
That was a lie but who cares?
She opened her mouth to say something but before she could, a familiar voice called out.
"Nico Voss! There you are."
Just in time.
I turned to see Michael Lincoln, my attorney, striding toward our table with a wide grin.
He was dressed as usual in his perfectly tailored suit.
He had an air of confidence that matched the surroundings.
He extended his hand as he reached me and I stood up to greet him.
"Michael." I said, shaking his hand firmly. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Also a lie. I definitely did expect to see him here. I just didn't know if he'll approach me.
I could see some people around glancing at us.
I was killing two birds with one stone. Establishing my credibility in the eyes of the people at Pine Press and showing Quinn that I also had connections.
"I was just finishing up a meeting with a client." He said, gesturing toward one of the private rooms in the back of the clubhouse.
"But I wanted to stop by and congratulate you. I heard the good news. You're officially a member of Pine Press now."
"Thanks." I said, smiling. "I owe a lot of that to you."
Michael waved his hand dismissively. "That's a lie and we both know it."
We both shared a laugh.
He then glanced at Quinn, who had been watching our interaction in curiosity.
I quickly made the introductions.
"Michael, this is Quinn Adams. Quinn, this is Michael Lincoln, my attorney."
Michael nodded politely at Quinn, who offered a smile in return.
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Adams." Michael said. "I can confidently say you're in good company."
Quinn raised an eyebrow, glancing between us. "I've heard of you, Mr. Lincoln." She said. "I didn't know you were Nico's attorney."
Michael chuckled, clapping me on the back.
"We've been working together for a while now. But I'll leave you two to your conversation. Good seeing you, Nico. Let's catch up soon."
I nodded, and with that, Michael strode off, leaving Quinn and I alone once again.
Quinn watched me with an amused smile.
"First things first." She leaned forward. "Nico Voss? When were you going to tell me you're related to the Voss family?"
And that, is how you catch a fish.
Hadiah
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