AN: Thank you for reading this fic and taking the time to review. Please keep on reviewing.


'I thought you said this wasn't a date,' Frannie said with an irritated sigh, as she watched Quinn disappear and reappear with new outfits on.

Quinn rolled her eyes as she pulled on some dark slacks, "All because this isn't a date doesn't mean that I can't look my very best." Besides Rachel had only really seen her in sweatpants and shirts that didn't fit like they were supposed to.

Frannie hummed as Quinn reappeared on her laptop screen. 'That shirt looks like vomit, pick another one. And burn the shirt you're wearing now." Quinn makes a face and Frannie rolls her eyes at this. 'You're asking for my opinion and I'm giving it to you. Don't you usually do this with Santana?'

Quinn sighed and pulled off her shirt going to find another one she hadn't brought that many dressy clothes with her. She hadn't really expected to be dating. "I tried her first but she wasn't picking up. Can you go over there and make sure that Charlie's still alive? I've only received one text from her and that's weird." Quinn said with a slight frown on her face.

Frannie picked up her magazine that she had been reading. 'No. I'm not checking up on them. That's your job Quinn. You're her best friend.'

"Santana isn't any scarier now that she's pregnant," Quinn grumbles.

'Says the person who fled to Ohio to get away from her.' Frannie retorts immediately. 'How's the book coming along? You know your publisher has been trying to get in touch with you. I thought the whole point of going to Ohio was to be away from all distractions and yet here you are going on a date.'

"It's not a date!" Quinn says as she moves to front of the laptop to let Frannie take a look at her.

'Passable.' Frannie says after taking a quick look at Quinn. 'If this isn't a date then you don't need my help getting dressed. Where are you taking her anyway?'

"She's a vegetarian and there weren't that many options in Lima for her so I'm taking her just outside Lima to this place that does have a vegetarian menu. I called and checked to make sure it was actual vegetarian food not just some crappy lettuce on a plate that they call a salad," Quinn explained.

Frannie decided not to waste her breath and point out that her sister was indeed probably taking this girl out on a date. 'Quinn, you left New York because you said it had too many distractions and you're behind in your book. My point is are you sure you should be spending all your time fascinated with this woman. You need to come back to New York.'

"It's not a date Frannie. And I've gotten more work done this past month than I have in a while. I knew the change of scenery would be good for me. She's just—I mean I know I don't know that much about her, but she is special. I know I don't know her but I can just tell.' Quinn explains rubbing her cheek. "Besides there's nothing wrong with making a new friend," Quinn says defensively. Frannie opens her mouth to say something and Quinn sighs. "She's interesting and she's reading my book, and she always looks so miserable when no one is looking. I just—I want to know her story Frannie. She's smart and I think she's a fantastic actress and I know she doesn't belong here, in Lima."

Frannie groaned. 'Hurry up with the book Quinn and leave. You can't be everyone's white knight."

Quinn didn't say anything right away as she straightened out her clothes and quickly did her hair, "I know that. I'm not trying to be, it's just—she read my book Frannie. You haven't even read my book. Most people don't read my book and she's taking the time to do it and maybe that mean more to me then I think it does." Quinn shrugs and looks at her phone. "I've got to go Frannie, I don't want to be late. Not because it's a date but because it's rude to show up late." Quinn was met with a derisive snort from Frannie and she frowned at this. Frannie was judging her and she didn't like it. "Look check on our sister and make sure that Santana hasn't killed her."


She had lied to him. She had lied to her husband. Well, that wasn't quite true. She simply hadn't told him the entire truth and she felt guilty about that. She hadn't asked for permission, she had simply told him that she was going out with a female friend. He had been the one to assume it was someone from work and he seemed a bit eager to have the house to himself that night. Said that he could have a few guys from work over and watch whatever game was on television that night. She doubted he would have been thrilled if she mentioned that Quinn had asked her out on a date. So she simply hadn't mentioned it.

Quinn was nice and seemed to be clearly interested in her. Common sense told her that she should simply inform Quinn that she was married and be alone in her misery. Quinn wasn't going to stay in Lima, not when she had a home back in New York. She didn't see the harm in just pretending at least for a little bit. Quinn didn't know she was damaged goods, she didn't know that she had gotten pregnant at seventeen and had lost her baby boy. She didn't know that she was the wife of a mechanic. So for a little while she'd at least get to pretend that she was someone who she wasn't before she had to return to her normal life. She felt a bit weird meeting Quinn at the Lima Bean, but she didn't really want Finn to be asking questions or getting involved in this small part of her life that was hers.

Quinn stepped out of her car and quickly moved to the passenger side so she can open the car door for Rachel. She can already hear Frannie and Santana's voice in her head mocking her. This isn't a date, she liked Rachel but they could just be friends. She wasn't going to pine over someone who only liked men. "You know, I could have always picked you up at your place," Quinn says gently.

Rachel is quiet for a moment but she smiles. "I just got off work and it seemed to be a waste of energy to head back home especially when you live so close by." Rachel smiles at Quinn gratefully and slips into the car. It's not an old beaten up truck like Finn has but it's not a brand new car either. "There isn't that much to see in Lima, so I'll show you the most important things."

Quinn smiles at her, "That sounds like fun, I did look for a restaurant that had some vegetarian options. There's a small place just a little outside of Lima that we can go to. If that's okay with you?" Quinn asked. "It just opened up recently, so I have no idea if they're any good or not," she admits.

Rachel blinked surprised that someone had put in that much thought into her eating habits. Finn certainly didn't care, and she doubted that he remembered most times. But she had only told Quinn once and she had gone out of her way to make sure she was comfortable. That she could eat more than just a terrible side dish. Maybe the restaurant wouldn't have the best food, but Quinn didn't know anywhere in Lima. It was the thought that mattered. "I'm sure it'll be fine, I didn't even know about this place." Rachel admits.

Quinn flicks her hazel eyes towards Rachel, the surprise in her voice bothers her. Why wouldn't she look for a place where Rachel could eat? It was the least she could do, she wanted Rachel to enjoy herself. She wondered what type of idiots Rachel had dated in her past that didn't know how to treat a woman, or well anyone that you were going on a date with. "You seemed surprised that I'm taking you out to a place that serves vegetarian."

Rachel paused for a moment she was sure that she had hidden her surprise but Quinn had seen right through the act again. It was infuriating in its own way. "It's Lima, there aren't that many vegetarian options around. I guess there isn't a big enough market for it. Supply and demand. It's easier for me to just get a side dish."

Quinn shakes her head. Then her dates should have learned how to cook some simple vegetarian dishes. Lima wasn't some place that didn't have the internet. It wasn't that difficult, she smiled though. No wonder Rachel was miserable all the time. She'd be miserable to if she was stuck in a place like this with very little prospects, where they didn't even have a simple vegetarian menu. "Dating must not have been very good for you then," Quinn says with a laugh. "They should have respected you enough to at least attempt to make you dinner. Unless of course they are completely lethal in the kitchen."

Rachel blinks and looks at Quinn, "Are you completely lethal in the kitchen?" she asks.

"I can cook when I'm in the mood for it," Quinn replies flashing a smile at Rachel. "Maybe one day I can show you." Rachel shoots her a small smile and it's enough for now. They drive in silence for a bit, and Quinn has to bite her tongue from just blurting out the questions that she's been dying to ask so she reaches for the radio and turns it on. Rachel seemed like the type of person who enjoyed show tunes, especially Barbra. It seems to be the right call when Rachel smiles at a familiar song. If this was a date she'd be giving herself a pat on the back because this first date wasn't a disaster.

It had been ages since Rachel had sung. Ever since she had lost her son, the music just seemed a bit duller and she didn't care anymore. She wasn't going to be a star. She would never be anything more than a mechanics wife. But there was something about the song On my Own that just filled her with something. She didn't even know she was singing along with the song, it had been so long.

In the rain the pavement shines like silver
All the lights are misty in the river
In the darkness, the trees are full of starlight
And all I see is him and me forever and forever

Quinn stares at Rachel and she nearly drives off the road, it's the most—her voice is the most beautiful sound she has ever heard. The power that is coming from someone that tiny is astounding not to mention the way she sang the song. All that pain and the heartache it nearly breaks Quinn's heart. She has too much talent to be stuck in this crappy little town. She wants to say something but she doesn't she doesn't want Rachel to stop singing.


The restaurant was small and it wasn't the fanciest place that Quinn had ever taken a girl but Rachel seemed quite pleased with her surroundings. Quinn pulled Rachel's chair out from her, she reminded herself that this wasn't a date. Quinn quickly took a seat in her chair and looked at Rachel who picked up the menu that the waiter had given them. Quinn studies Rachel for a moment but she seems engrossed in the menu and Quinn really can't wait any longer. "What are you still doing in Lima?" she blurts out and Rachel flicks her eyes towards her. Quinn flushes and sinks down in her chair a bit. "I mean—that came out rudely. Your voice is incredible. I have never heard a voice like that you belong—on the stage. I don't even think I've heard people on Broadway sing like you. Your voice—you belong there Rachel." Quinn says with a smile on her face.

Rachel freezes for a moment, unsure of what Quinn is getting at. "I don't belong on Broadway Quinn, I'm just not that good. Every single time I've tried I've failed," she doesn't mention that she's only tried once. "I didn't get in to NYADA—let alone anywhere else. My life is in Lima. Besides I don't think I've had a lesson in years," Rachel says looking back at her menu. It was nice of Quinn to think that she could ever be on Broadway but that's not the hand she was dealt. She was married to Finn Hudson, she was his wife and he was a simple mechanic. He'd never fit in New York, he'd never be happy in New York. He's a mechanic and he likes living in Lima.

"Do you know how many times I failed before one of my books was published? A lot, I finished my book by my third year of university," Quinn said. "I didn't get it published until I was twenty-three. It was two long years of hearing no all the time. I mean in the long run it wasn't that long and the book was a success and you know what everyone who told me no thought? Well, fuck, we made the wrong decision." Quinn said with a shrug. "I felt like a failure, but I went back and reworked parts in my book took the criticism and made the book better. I went to writing workshops. I did everything to make myself better. I found an editor, I did most of it out of my own pocket and finally I had one bite, and that's all I needed. Someone taking a chance on me. I failed a lot before I got here, them telling you no shouldn't stop you Rachel." Quinn winces as Rachel looks at her. "Sorry for the unsolicited advice."

Rachel doesn't say anything right away. "They really told you no? I know I'm not the target for your books but I think that the first one was really good." Changing the subject was simple and Quinn seemed to like hearing what people thought about her book.

Quinn didn't bite, "I think that NYADA was wrong, just like all the people who told me no were wrong. It's their loss, I wish I could sing like you," Quinn admits and she smiles when Rachel flushes and looks away.

"I've been singing since I was two and my fathers, played Funny girl for me. I wanted to be on Broadway," Rachel says opening up a bit. "It wasn't in the cards. I had—responsibilities here to take care of. I still do. Being stuck in Lima isn't that bad though, I mean my dads are here and—" she balks at the idea of talking about Finn. Sure her fathers think that she could still go to Broadway but they're her parents who have been supportive of her since she was a child. "My family is here. Besides getting on Broadway is difficult, my friend Kurt Hummel had to give up his dreams and is now working for some fashion magazine in New York, I mean he loves it—what's the matter?" Rachel asks noting that Quinn's facial expression had changed.

"That name seems familiar is all," Quinn said with a shrug. "Can't place it though." She noticed there was a slight look of relief that crossed Rachel's features and she frowned inwardly. She would definitely look into it later. "I understand that though, having your family all in one place. Both my sisters are in New York, and my friends. It's difficult sometimes, but sometimes you just have to do what you need to."

Her situation is a bit more complicated than that. She's married she can't just call it quits, she made a vow and she still loved him. Even still. There were times when he was still that boy that she fell in love with. Where he was still sweet, and kind and generous. There were days that weren't filled with fear or pain or screaming. "I wish it were that easy," Rachel says grateful that the waitress has decided to come ask them for their orders. She studies Quinn over the menu again, it was odd Quinn trying to be supportive even though she didn't know her. "I did have some questions about your book," she says hoping that the focus isn't on her anymore. This time Quinn bite's as they begin to talk about her book and the characters.


The dinner had probably been the best food that Rachel had eaten in a while and she hoped that she had managed to look refined while eating. Truthfully it had been difficult with how hard she had been laughing. It was interesting how many of the events and the character development that happened in the books were based off some real life events. The discussion had continued past desert and now they were nearly back at the Lima Bean where she was going to be dropped off. "He didn't, how did he manage to get a vending machine on the school roof?" Rachel asks as Quinn pulls up in front of the Lima Bean.

"To this day, Puck won't tell us how he managed to do it. I mean the principal at our school was furious, and he knew it was Puck. But he had no proof. Like none at all and Puck had this smug grin on his face for weeks. I don't even know how he did it. I can't believe he didn't expel all of us for that stunt." Quinn said shaking her head. "You would have loved it at my school. Half the stunts that we pulled and yet they could never figure it out."

Rachel smiles, "It sounds like glee club back at McKinley. Not the pranks wars and all that but a close knit group. I wish that we had kept in touch like you did."

"It's hard not to when your best friend marries your sister," Quinn points out with a small laugh. "I wouldn't change it for the world—maybe if you're ever in New York I'll introduce you to them." Quinn says to Rachel. She smiles at this when Rachel just nods and smiles at her, maybe Rachel would think about it. She'd pay the insane ticket prices to see Rachel on Broadway. If just once to hear that voice again. She frowns slightly as they arrive in front of Lima Bean where Rachel had asked to be dropped off. She really could just drive her home but she doesn't say anything. Maybe Rachel is just embarrassed about where she lives. It's a possibility. But she has to wonder. She stops the car in the parking lot and gets out of the car. There aren't that many people in the Lima Bean but it is still open. She moves and opens the door for Rachel and watches as she gets out of the car. "This was fun Rachel, we should do it again."

Rachel smiles, her cheeks hurt from all the smiling and laughing that she did and for the first time in a long time she hadn't been completely miserable. She had thoroughly enjoyed herself. "I would like that," she admits looking at Quinn.

Quinn bites her lip, "Does Lima have a karaoke, I mean I'm not much of a singer or anything but I would love to hear you sing again and maybe sing with you. I mean so long as you don't laugh at me cause I'm not that great at it. Plus I mean I can sort of cook some vegetarian dishes so you have something to—" She's interrupted by Rachel's lips against hers and it takes Quinn a moment to realize she's being kissed, but she immediately responds, leaning in a bit and wrapping her arms around Rachel. So maybe this was a date.

It's an amazing kiss. Quinn's lips are soft, and really the kiss is rather tame with minimum tongue. It's probably the best kiss she's ever had and Quinn wrapping her arms around her makes it considerably better. Quinn's not to tall and she doesn't have to look up and kiss her like she has to with Finn. Finn, the thought is like a splash of cold water. She's cheating on her husband with a woman. She immediately jerks back away from Quinn scrambling backwards. "I—we can't do this. I have to go." Rachel manages to get out before she takes off, leaving a bewildered Quinn standing there. She had cheated on her husband. With a woman, why had she done that? She had been so forward and Quinn had been such a good kisser. She had cheated on her husband.

Quinn blinks and looks at where Rachel had just run off to. She was confused an unsure of whether she should go after her. She half expected Rachel to lose a shoe at this rate but she doesn't. She glances down and sighs, maybe Rachel had freaked out when she had felt her growing arousal. She rubs her arm and heads back to the car. She does smile after a moment that had been some kiss.


AN: Please review