Chapter 1:
"I think I'll take Beth to the park today," Quinn told her best friend Tina. "She's been wanting to play in the sandbox all week."
"Alright," Tina replied, "I have work but I'll be back around 5. And then I'll make spaghetti for my favorite niece," she finished as she kissed Beth on the cheek. "Oh my beautiful little girl," she cooed.
"You know, it's not too late for you to have kids," Quinn teased, "You're only 22."
"I'd have to find a guy first. And we both know how hard that is." Tina said as she slipped her coat on. "I'll see you in a few hours."
Quinn shook her head as Tina walked out the door. Tina had given up so much to help Quinn. She was only a year older than Quinn, and they had met at the Photo Studio in town. Tina's mom had owned the shop, but had passed away when Tina was 17. Out of sheer stubbornness, Tina had kept the shop open attending the local college at night and managing the shop during the day. Tina had originally hired Quinn as a receptionist, but when she saw her talent promptly promoted her to partner and they had been taking photo's and running the shop since.
When Quinn was 19 she had gotten pregnant. Adam, her then boyfriend wanted nothing to do with her, he ended up moving town and they lost contact. Her parents were ashamed that their daughter had screwed her life up. The only person who was really supportive was Tina. She insisted Quinn move in, and ended up being her breathing coach and being with her in the hospital when Quinn went into labor. Two years later the two of them were taking care of Beth. Quinn felt a tiny bit guilty. Tina had sacrificed so much, and even though she said it didn't bother her Quinn wanted Tina to find a good guy. Even with all the gang activity in the city, there were still a few good men out there. Even if she had already lost her chance at finding a good man that didn't mean that Tina had too.
Breaking out of her thoughts she turned to her daughter, "Honey, you want to go to the park?"
"PARK," Beth squealed, "Mommy! Park!"
"Let's get you dressed then," Quinn laughed as she began to change her daughter. For all the difficulties she had because of parenting, she wouldn't change any of them for the world.
Tina drove up to the car garage. She was hired to take some photos of the shop in an attempt to help the business. She wasn't really excited, cars weren't her thing, but money was money. Stepping out, she surveyed the place. There were some nice cars from what she could see. She thought about the possible angles and the lighting for the photographs, yes, it would do quite nicely.
Looking around she didn't see anyone. "Hello," she cautiously called out. "Is anyone there?"
"Yes, one moment please," she heard as she saw a man roll out from under a car. He was beautiful. Tina usually didn't go for Asian men, but at that moment she was seriously rethinking that. This guy was tall and lean and mouthwatering.
"Um, hi," Tina let out as he walked over to her. "I'm Tina Cohen-Chang, Mr. Pine called and set up an appointment for me to photograph this garage. May I speak to him please," breathe she told herself. Do not act all giggly.
"Wow, Max didn't mention it. I'm sorry, I bought this garage from him two weeks ago and had no idea."
"Oh, well, um, okay," Tina felt totally embarrassed. "I'll just leave then. Sorry to bother you."
The guy stopped her. "Hold on Cinderella," he laughed. "If Max wanted you to take some pictures, maybe it would be good for business. What would you shoot?"
"Just some of the cars and the garage so he could put this garage online for a website."
The man paused to think. "That's actually a good idea. Okay, what do you need?"
"What do I need?"
"To take some pictures?"
"Um, just some space and my lighting equipment from the car."
"Great, hey Rory, help this lady get her stuff out of her car." He held out his hand, "I'm Mike Chang. I own the place now. Let me know if I can help."
"Alright, thanks." She said as she shook his hand. It was like she felt a little spark, but quickly forgot about it. There was no way a guy that good looking would be interested in her.
Tina spent the rest of the day shooting the cars from different angles. Her favorite was a red mustang. It just looked beautiful. What she didn't notice was that while she was shooting pictures with her camera, Mike was shooting glances at her.
As she sat to upload the photos, Mike walked up to her. "So, got any good shots?"
"You tell me," Tina replied. She began to upload her shots and showed Mike. He picked out his favorites and she agreed to touch them up a bit before uploading them online.
"Thank you so much, this is great," Mike told her.
"Oh it's no problem. So, um," he paused, "how am I supposed to pay you?"
"I'll send you the bill and the photos."
"Alright," he said as he held out his hand. "It really was a pleasure to meet you."
Tina felt herself blushing as she shook his hand, "No it was awesome getting to shoot something new. The photos should be done within a week. Goodbye Mr. Chang," Tina said as she started to walk away.
"It's Mike," he replied. "My name's Mike."
Tina turned, "Goodbye Mike."
Mike watched as Tina walked away before turning to return to work. He sighed. Wow, she was beautiful.
Quinn swung her daughter on the swingset. "Yeah baby, one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and four to go," she sang as she pushed her daughter higher and higher.
"Flying!"
"That's right Beth, you're flying,"
"Well, isn't she just a Tink," came a voice from the benches.
Quinn looked over and saw a guy in a leather jacket with a Mohawk sitting on the bench. He had an easy smile and Quinn felt herself smiling back.
"Peter Pan is her favorite movie."
"It's a great one, my little sister loved it when she was a kid." The man stood up and walked over to them. "I'm Puck. What's your name little lady?" He asked Beth.
"Her name's Beth," Quinn replied a little harshly.
Puck obviously noticed Quinn's response, "Wow Mama Bear, sorry. Did not mean to offend. Though I can understand wanting to protect your daughter. She's beautiful."
"Thank you."
"How old is she?"
"She's two."
"I remember that time."
"You have kids?"
"No, just three younger sisters. My mom wasn't around much, so I kind of stepped up."
"Wow, that's nice."
"The youngest is sixteen and driving me crazy. I keep having to threaten her boyfriends."
"I doubt you mind," she said laughing.
"No, not really. You're husband is going to have his hands full when Beth get's older."
"Oh," Quinn bit her lip, "I don't have a husband. I'm raising Beth alone. Well, not alone. My best friend helps."
Puck put his hands in his pockets, "So, what's your name Mama Bear?"
"It's Quinn."
"Would it be to forward of me to invite you and this best friend out for drinks? Assuming your best friend is a girl."
"It is a bit forward."
Puck just stared. "Look, I get it. My dad walked out on us when I was a kid. My youngest sister's dad isn't around. I know that your whole life resolves around this beautiful little girl," he paused and smiled at Beth who smiled right back. "So, just drinks. You don't even have to give me your number."
Quinn just stared at Puck. "I," then pausing, remembering her deal with Tina. "Sure, why not? Say 9 at the bar on Sydney?"
Puck smiled at her, "I'd like that."
"Great."
"Until you leave, mind if I hang out with you and Beth?"
"Why not?" Quinn laughed. "We're going to build sandcastles."
"Well, I am your man then." And with that the three of them spent the rest of the morning and afternoon at the park, playing and laughing. It was during that time that Puck fell totally and completely in love with Quinn.
After Quinn and Beth went home, Puck pulled out his phone and dialed a number. Puck didn't wait for the person to talk before saying,
"Hey Mike, I need a favor."
"Sorry Puck, the car won't be done for another few days."
"No, I met a girl this morning, and I kind of told her that I'd meet her and her friend for drinks. I need a wingman."
"Okay, what time?"
"7," Puck paused. "Only, she doesn't know who I am."
The line was silent for what seemed like an eternity. "She doesn't know who you are?"
"No, and I'd prefer to leave it that way." Puck stated, "If you know what I mean."
"Not one of your normal girls?"
"She has a two year old daughter."
"Puck, no worries. But I need your help with something."
"What do you need?"
"If I gave you a name, how long would it take to track down a phone number?"
TBC...
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