Hey There,

Greetings PCA Stingrays! Following the old order of things, this chapter will be told from Logan's point of view. Picking up right where we left off with Quinn. Now we finally get a peek into what's going on inside of his head. I hope this is just as much fun for all of you as it has been for me.

Thanks so much to anyone who has read this far!

Standard Disclaimers Apply - I do not own any of the trademarked things mention I am merely borrowing all of these things for my own amusement. Most will be returned unharmed.

Enjoy!

"The Collective Trails of a Quinnventor… and Logan"

Chapter 15 - Burying the Competition

((Logan's Perspective))

I know that things have been weird since I realized I love Quinn.

Of course, she picked up on that weirdness. Of course, she is too brilliant to buy that this is all because of Vince. Even if he did bid on Quinn first at that auction this morning. And I don't know what that was about.

She knows there's more to all of this, something I'm not telling her, and she's likely to try to get it out of me when we're alone…

And we're more alone now than we've EVER been!

The cabin we're sharing is just south of my Dad's on-location shoot. We just wrapped for the night and the temperatures are going to drop to dangerous lows. To avoid more lost time thawing frozen equipment. I know we've got some hours till we're supposed to report back. Usually, I would be more relaxed during this downtime, but with Quinn in the next room, and I can hear her shower running. I can't seem to get my heart rate to run normally. Even with all of the familiar faces I see peeking in on us through the windows or just walking in whenever they want.

Talk about cramping my style.

That's just what the sound of her showering messing with me and I can't see anything! What's it gonna be like when she comes back?

Even though I know Chauncy and a bunch of my dad's staff is gonna be checking on us. All throughout this break so we're not completely alone. And Dad has people working around the clock. This is STILL the most alone we've ever been in the couple of months we've hidden this secret relationship. I know there had been times I'd wished for a chance like this one. For some alone time with my genius girlfriend. Just so I could kiss her when I wanted, hold her hand or sit closer than a friend would.

Now that I was getting handed this chance on a platter. I felt like I didn't even know what to do with it. Did we play this whole thing out like a date that doesn't end? Or do we play super casual and more like two friends hanging out. I had no clue which way Quinn was gonna want things to go.

I don't think I had ever been this nervous around her before. I had to get a grip, and fast! No matter what Quinn wanted this night to be, I knew me being a jerk wouldn't make the cut. I had to be suave and cool without coming on too strong. I needed her to know she could trust me while not letting this almost perfectly alone time go to waste.

I also knew that I could not and would not let this change in my feelings slip either. No matter how much Quinn would try to trick it out of me. I had to be game ready from the moment she came back. And I didn't think that would be such a problem. Until I had seen Quinn standing up there this morning. Offering a kiss to the highest bidder… Not only was Vince first to bid, and now I've got my eye on him. I also realized how much it would have torn out my insides to have to sit there and watch her kiss someone… ANY one. And was so glad I had won...

But for some unexplainable reason, I was mad about the fact there was absolutely no suspicion. Whatsoever, amongst our classmates, even our friends! Seriously, what was that about? And why wasn't I more relieved? Why was I so mad, when clearly everyone knew what a sensational actor I am? So none of them believed their eyes. Why wasn't I more smug and happy about this turnout?

Because I had kissed Quinn in front of everyone. I had worn my heart out on my sleeve for that moment and only Quinn knew it... well, I think my Dad probably knew it too. But my friends all just knew I was faking or hamming up. Do they really think I'm that shallow?

Yeah, I guess that makes sense...

But even so I was still furious with all of my friends and even more focused on why was Vince Blake first?

He couldn't have been playing Lola all of this time with his sights actually set on swooping down to take Quinn? When we all least expect it, would he? Gosh, that sounds like one of my Dad's crappy rom-coms for the early 90s. Thank goodness this isn't one of his twisted plots.

Quinn seemed to think the whole thing was harmless and I hoped she was right. Like usual, she's normally right, more than anyone else I know. But I got my eye on him, and a few others now.

How had Quinn done it? Sat there when Gretta was kissing me? That's what she'd been through when Gretta Getts won my kiss in the auction… How did she not run up there and jump between us? On stage in front of everybody? I know that's what I almost did. If I hadn't won, I almost punched out my own Dad for the peck on the cheek that he got.

Am I overthinking this? Is it suddenly hot in here to anyone else? Who the hell am I talking to?

As I'm starting to spiral, I hear Quinn come back to the shared rooms in the thick pajama bottoms everyone told her to bring. I had been so wrapped up in my own head, and how to make this feel like a date (and not be overkill) or a non-date. I was half expecting her to show up dressed for a date… then I made a mental note to escort this girl someplace nice as SOON as possible.

She was sporting a fluffy purple robe, with little (red & bright green) apples and bananas everywhere. Her blue pajama bottoms were speckled in stars and goats in neon sunglasses. Probably reminded her of Otis. Her tank top underneath the robe was just peeking out a little. It was that purply-pink color that has a name I can't remember (fushia). That had just a little lace at the neckline and even though she looked comfortable. She looked smoking hot! Even when her glasses kept fogging and her hair was still damp at the ends. Curling and waving as it dried. She just-

"Logan?" She snapped me out of my trance.

"What?" I asked trying to pretend I hadn't been staring. Or that I hadn't jumped a foot in the air when I heard my name.

"Are you alright?" She asked sounding worried.

"Yeah, I was just… you know… waiting for you before I dug in." I made up on the spot.

"Oh reeeeeally?" She drew out unveiling the pizza that had been waiting for us in this thing that kept it hot. My Dad always hooks his staff up with the best of everything… especially when the staff is also family. Quinn went on to read me like a book, even though this warming thing had perked her interest. And I could see how much she wanted to see how it worked…

How is every other thought about her all of a sudden that I love her? How was it not this way sooner?

That was when I realized she was talking to me and I had to ask her to repeat the question. She said, "Are you sure this isn't because this is probably the most alone we've ever been in the middle of nowhere?"

"No," I said confidently. "Why would that bother me?"

"Hmm." Quinn hummed before picking up a piece of the pizza and not looking at me as she came clean. "Because it hit me on the way here and again about five seconds ago. Before I stepped back out here. Looking more like a person and less a snowwoman mad scientist."

"That you're nervous, like when we first walked in?" I asked.

"Uh-Huh!" She revealed, making me feel so much better.

I couldn't help it, I put my arms around her from behind and just held her close and buried my face in her shoulder. Coming clean, "Me too, it hit me when I first came out here and could still hear your water running?"

Quinn asked, "How could the sound of water trigger that reaction?"

She'd asked, so I let her know, "Because I knew you were taking a shower."

"Ohh!" She realized, and she kind of slacked against how I was holding her. "I think I get what you mean."

I kissed her fluffy robe-covered shoulder before asking outright. "So how are we gonna do this? Do you want to play it super casual and like friends hanging out?" I'd asked but on the inside I was begging her. To 'please say no, please say no.' I'd been wishing for time alone with her like this. I really didn't want to just be her friend tonight.

"Or?" I drew out. "Did you want this to be a date? Or did you want to sorta play it by ear? See where things go? Dad's got people checking in here all night so we won't be completely alone. But close to it. We won't have to hide things so much here like at school."

Quinn was smart about her answer, "Well. I think we've both just shown we can't exactly handle a date right now. Not a serious one, anyway. I think after all of the traveling and madness today. We should just relax and see where things go?"

Quinn turned to me and was facing me by the end. So I agreed, "Sounds good to me," before kissing her. And showing her how glad I was that she hadn't chosen the safer 'let's just be friends tonight' option. That would have so sucked!

When she pulled away Quinn warned, "You better grab some pizza and meet me in front of the flatscreen, or else that's all we'll do tonight."

"What's wrong with that?" I asked even if I was doing as she'd said, making a plate.

"Nothing," she shrugged, "Nothing at all really. I just would like to remember more about this night than just that… maybe."

I had to admit, "Me too." Which made Quinn smile.

Then she suggested, "Why don't you channel surf for something to watch and I'll grab us some drinks?"

"Sounds good to me." I said as I found the remote and started flipping through the channels. There wasn't much to choose from. But I landed on a movie I knew well, so I wouldn't have to focus much to still know what was happening. I had a chance of sounding a little smart if Quinn hadn't seen it before too.

When she walked back in and stole the seat beside me. All of the nervousness I had been feeling melted away in a minute. Because she'd found a game in a pile of boxed board games kept in a corner. For any kids who might be stuck here, snowed in with nothing to do. A big possibility while staying here.

This is a game that we have had tournaments of with our friends. So between bites of pizza, we were way too invested in this game and it was a total blast. I think we played till win five times and I think I won more, but of course Quinn will claim differently. Then the day seems to catch up with both of us. And we ended up leaning on each other in the center of the couch. Her head on my shoulder and my head resting against hers. Quinn did fall asleep first and I could have still put her to bed. I carried her across campus knocked out before. Walking the short distance to her room should have been a cakewalk. But I didn't want to give her up and I couldn't let her go. So I snuggled her close and let myself fall asleep too.

I guess we both just knocked out after that and just stayed there all night on the couch together. I don't think I've ever slept on a couch that well before.

I guess, we overdid it a little too. The next thing I remember is Chauncy opening the front door of our cabin loudly. Blinding us with light before pushing the tiny button on a horn that sounded like a fog horn on a huge boat.

What I could make out over the ringing in my ears was. He said, "Good morning teenage contributors. Let's get moving, you were expected on set ten minutes ago." Then he slammed the door loudly.

Quinn muttered something, about cramming that horn in a place where it would never be that loud again. But we both rushed off to get ready in a hurry. We met back up a few minutes later. Layered up and ready to go, Chauncy had brought us a ton of other heavy warm clothes that we would probably need to change into when we were on our lunch break.

Chauncy warned as we were walking out to our snowmobile. "Believe me, everything you're wearing now will need changing out by then. And your father has some special plans for this evening at the lounge. You'll both be meeting him there for dinner. With lots of people, your father wishes to impress. Keep this in mind when the time arrives. Master Logan, maybe explain more of what that is to Professor Pensky."

I thanked him for the tip-off and let Quinn know, "Yeah, he probably wants our help winning over the support of some of the studio reps. They always lose faith in one of Dad's projects till I help him explain how I helped and what I brought to it."

I helped her into her helmet like yesterday as she asked, "Why is that?"

I tried to explain, "Think of it like cooking, the way it tastes is all about who made it right. Like if Michael makes ribs his way, it tastes completely different from the way I make them. Even though we're making the same dish, and do some things the exact same. Movies are kinda the same, really. Everyone has their own style and ideas, and whenever anyone steps in to help. No matter who it is, the higher-ups all need assuring that the feel and message they bought into won't change."

"Ooooooooh," She realized. "And it's probably a lot of money too, right?"

"Millions usually." I shrugged. Even if Quinn was looking at me, like that was completely nuts. But it was an average conversation with my Dad for me. I felt like I should warn her, "Since you've been placed pretty high up this time too. He may need your input too. Dad's thorough like that, when it comes to making all of the creators, producers, and other industry reps happy."

"I still can't believe how natural you are here." She said as I swung my leg over the seat of the purring snowmobile. She climbed on behind me as I was strapping on my own helmet. She didn't shy away from holding on tight today when we both were sitting on the seat.

"You mean with the whole movie thing, right?" I asked. She couldn't mean here in all of this snow. I'd gotten too many emails and laughing texts from my friends. I know how bad I'm weathering the cold. And I had been sending revenge pictures of Quinn all bundled up too. Too bad she was just too damn cute to give me much payback. But it was nice having so many new pictures of her and a good excuse if anyone asks about them.

She agreed, "Yes! You really know what you're doing. And you're really good at it. There's a reason your Dad puts so much faith in you, and it makes me proud of you too."

I couldn't help it, my chest swelled out a little with her encouragement. She was proud of me… how could that not make me feel good? If I hadn't just finished getting both of our helmets on. I would have totally kissed her for that compliment. So I had to tell her, "Remind me later I owe you a kiss for that boost you just gave me."

"I'll hold ya to it." She squeezed me a little tighter. More like a hug from behind… if she only knew what she was doing to me.

I revved the engine of the mobile (even if that wasn't the only motor revved) and told her to "hang on." Before taking off and not wanting the ride to end. I followed the track from the other mobiles for a little while and quickly met up with all of the set security helping secure our area from any wondering tourists who might wander this far from the resort or nature trails and ruin a take. Quinn and I were both ripped to different locations so fast. I barely got her helmet secured with mine back under the seat.

The director was postal today and Dad was having a terrible time with him. Some major thing had happened in the take they'd gotten before we arrived. An effect happened too soon and too close to one of our staff and the guy had been carried out on a stretcher. Since the Director's hurt already (like my dad) and is also relying entirely on his assistants and aids for these shots. He was screaming through walkies. The stress levels were high and no one on the set wasn't running damage control.

Just like that, Quinn was promoted to make certain nothing like this happened again. Everytime I'm turning around she's getting promoted to a new job or detail. But the thing is she juggles it all and is SO cool under pressure. She's somehow doing it all.

I heard her over walkie explaining exactly what had gone wrong to my Dad. Like the stink-bomber scare back at school, she'd run her own investigation and explained every detail to everyone else in the booth. She had an answer for every question they threw at her and a clear way planned to keep things safer with all the surrounding snow and moisture. She walked her crew and the higher-ups through every step of this plan and made it happen quickly. So no one lost nearly as much precious time. I think her explaining had taken longer than fixing everything had.

She's just… amazing! I found myself thinking that and saying it all throughout the day. Even when she was out of my sight. No wonder I love her.

The same swell I felt in my chest when Quinn said she was proud of me. Was back in spades, only now I was the one way too proud of her.

The director's assistant I was assigned to asked me, "Logan? Is that the one that's your girl?"

"Yeah," I tried to be cool. "That's my girl." It was nice to be able to admit it.

"How did you find her?" He asked sounding impressed, I wasn't gonna not brag.

"At school, she the smartest person in the whole place. She even smokes all the teachers there." Most of the day we were working in different places. But at that moment, she was working on the set I was helping run. She was in plain sight and still gorgeous even if she was buddled up for the extreme cold.

The guy beside me advised, "Hang on to her, all of the directors are gonna want to steal her after this. If she pulls it off."

"I'll do that." I said as Quinn was checking everything she'd just done as well as all of the pyrotechnics for a new better take.

He said, "Smart and beautiful too. Yowza! Hang on to her."

But something about the way he'd said that, gave me the idea. I'd better watch him too, or he could be one of them trying to steal her too. Dream on, pal! There was no way I was gonna let that happen. Besides, Quinn wasn't easily impressed either, if he came on to her. He'd probably be found passed out in the snow from one of her famous pressure point grabs. But I wasn't gonna let it come to that... not no way in hell!

Anyways the rest of the day was a blur of activity. But everyone in the booth was thrilled with all of our work. Even if my parnter was a sleeze, he did have pretty good vision. The lunch break buzzer {or bell} went off and before I could grab Quinn. That same director's assistant who had been talking to me earlier. Had rushed off and already grabbed Quinn I was even out of my seat, he was giving her a lift to the place the lounge had set up for our cast's lunch.

I had to watch her fly by looking at me like she didn't know what was happening.

What he didn't know, was Quinn wasn't supposed to go there. Her lunch was with mine back at the cabin with a fresh change of clothes. I know Quinn wouldn't have gone with him unless he'd told her it was mandatory. If she'd gone by choice, she wouldn't have been looking back at me like she was. She hadn't just looked like she was apologizing… had she looked worried to be riding with that sleaze-student director? Was she asking for help?

I kinda went into a daze and Chauncy snapped me out of it using that horn again.

He said, "Quit your gawking and go retrieve Professor Pensky before the brash little college student steals your thunder." Then he pointed at the snowmobile behind me shouted, "GO!"

So I ran to my mobile, kicked it into turbo, and blasted my way to the mess tents. I didn't get off or anything I rode right up beside them. Making sure to skid and cover that prick in enough snow to knock him down. Quinn had noticed me coming and stepped back to avoid getting covered. Your move, ass bag.

I flipped open my helmet and told Quinn, "Get on! Our lunch is waiting for us back at the cabin."

She jumped on and held onto me tight. Calling back to him, "It's like I said, I'm just here to help, I'm not a moviemaker, I'm a scientist. Byeeeeeee!"

Then I felt her hugging me like she was saying thank you. I pat her hands because between the whining motor and our helmets. She'd never hear me, so I waited to talk to her till we were home free. I raced back to our place and didn't stop till we were there. I let the lounge assistants take my mobile after that. They promised to refuel and have it back to me ready to go when the lunch hour was over. I thanked them and before I could say anything. Quinn was already talking a mile a minute.

She said, "I'm sorry. I knew this was the plan, I was paying attention earlier. I was! But he kept saying I had to come with him. That it was the director's orders. The director even backed him up on the walkie. Saying there was something they wanted me to see and per-fect before the break. So that the next shot when we returned will be immaculate. Then he pretty much made me climb on his mobile and took me to the lunch tent."

"I know," Is all I said, because it was all I could fit in. Because Quinn was still going.

"Then he kept making conversation, instead of showing me the thing I was supposed to see!" She fumed. "It was like the pick-up artist who didn't know when to quit!"

Not mad at all I repeated, "I know." I dealt with sleazes like him daily in this business. I had been expecting something like this when he'd been pointing out Quinn earlier. Especially when he did it right under my nose and kept mentioning how beautiful she was.

She is too! But that's not the only reason she's my friend or I love her. There's so much more to her than that, and I didn't want that slime ball finding any of that out.

Quinn was still fuming a mile a minute, really mad. At herself for falling for it, and so glad that I had shown up when I did. But I could see I wasn't going to calm her down before it was time to go back if I didn't play this just right. So just as soon as we were through the front door and it closed behind us. I pinned her to the wall and silenced her the most effective way I could. Kissing her like there was no tomorrow.

I had been wanting to do that since we'd gotten up really. There just hadn't been time at all, with all of the rushing around we'd been doing. And helmets blocking it too. But finally getting this moment with her… It was just what I had needed more than anything else this little break offered. And the way her fingers dug into my shoulders (even through all my layers and heavy coat) and her laugh echoed down my throat. I don't think I was the only one who'd needed it.

When we pulled apart I told her, "I know his game and that's why I came when I did. I was amazed you hadn't used your pressure point squeeze on him."

She smiled so beautifully and told me. "If you had been any later, I probably would have."

I thought she should know. "Before he made his move. He was telling me I needed to hang on to you. That a bunch of people wanted to steal you for your genius out there. Yesterday and today. If you ever want a break from science, you could have a great job in showbiz."

"That's really awesome to hear and know." She still smiled, just for me. "But you know I could never give up on science. Just like you could never give up on any of this. It's where you shine, and it's where you're meant to be. I believe that a little more, each time I get to see you work. I'm just glad I could be of help to you and your Dad."

"If I'm meant to be here," I said leaning my head against hers. "You can't be too far."

"As you can see, I'm not." She shrugged. "When you're the big shot director or producer. Maybe I'll be able to step in and help, here or there, when I can."

"I would love that." I let her know before saying. "I think my Dad's gonna steal you now as often as he grabs me too."

As if on cue, Quinn's walkie started cracking and talking. It was my Dad sounding worried as he asked Quinn, "Was she alright?" And, "If she was with me?" She confirmed both and he said, "Good, I apologize for the confusion and assure you, that will not be happening again."

Which told me, Dad had stepped in before I had to. Good, way to go Dad. But it doesn't mean I was going to sit by and not say something to that scummy assistant. And even though I know Quinn can take care of herself. That doesn't mean that she should have to either. I didn't even need my Dad to say he felt the same way. I knew he did.

After that crazy rescue, I'd just pulled off. The rest of the lunch break was peaceful and even fun. Quinn was telling me all about her plans for when she goes back. And she was running back and forth between her luggage and lunch. With all of these tools she'd brought by folding them up in her clothes. I asked what some of them did, but most of them I was afraid to know.

When I shared what I was looking forward to as well. She gave me her undivided attention and whenever there was anything she didn't get. I was filling in the gaps, which felt like our roles had reversed. It was usually always Quinn explaining everything to everybody else.

Lunch was this soup that helped warm us both up from the inside. But I still liked the kiss better. Where that hadn't hit the spot, the making out that happening on the kitchen counter had done the trick. Quinn had wanted to assure me that her head hadn't been turned by that poser. Or anyone else who might have tried and I was here for it! Though the change into dry clothes had helped a lot too.

As we were preparing to head back to the set. I tried to think of anything else I should be warning her about. While we could talk, and I had to keep telling myself. 'She wants more from this trip than making out! Stupid! Quit thinking about it all the time!' But I couldn't help it. The engine had been revved already so much, and I wasn't talking about my snowmobile motor either.

It was really hard having to report back to the set. I really wanted to lock us in and let us spend the rest of the day just chilled out and alone. I don't remember the last time anyone had ever made me feel like that. I usually never wanted to stay home… Even when I was at one of our actual homes. Chase had been teasing yesterday, when he'd mentioned past trips where I didn't leave the hot tubs when there was snow like this. That was true. But with Quinn here... I don't know, things were different. It hadn't even crossed my mind so much. I hadn't made one trip to the main lounge or taken a single dip in ANY hot tub. That wasn't just weird for me that was nearly IMPOSSIBLE to believe. If Dad or Chauncy ever slow down enough to realize that. I'll never hear the end of it.

But as we were walking back outside and preparing to leave. I remembered something else that I should be warning her about. Which was Dad's thing tonight, happening at the lounge. So while we were walking back to the running and waiting for our mobile. Holding hands and swinging them between us (even if I wish I was holding her real hand and not a bundle of cloth because we were both wearing thick waterproof gloves). I told her, "Not to stress about it. It'll probably just be smooshing with a ton of fancy food. It was just an excuse to dress nice and she should just relax, and have fun. Oh! And if you wanted too, we could even get to use one of the hot tubs at the main resort. They have tons and they're all in these little private rooms. It's really cool."

But I noticed the moment I'd brought it up Dad's party… I saw this weird shift in Quinn's body language that told me without words. She was nervous about something I had just said. So I asked her, "What's got you looking so stressed?"

"Weeeeeell," she began. "Some of the guys I was working with were implying that it was gonna be a black tie affair. That everyone's gonna be dressed to the nines and even though I'm pretty sure that they both were wearing sneezes that had frozen to their faces. They seemed to be looking forward to it."

"Yeah," I nodded. "Dad does usually go all out on these kinds of parties."

She seemed to look only more worried, so I asked her as I helped her with the strap on her helmet again. "What's wrong, why are you looking even more nervous now?"

"I didn't bring anything that nice to wear." She shared, "I only brought the warmest things I could find. I didn't think about elegant formal gowns or makeup. I'm gonna be the only one there in fluffy jammies."

"Come on Quinn!" I waved off. "Do you really think me or Dad would let that happen to you? Did it happen before when you needed to attend his almost wedding? Or when you were the most gorgeous extra on set, the day before?"

"No-" She admitted.

"That's right, no. Because my Dad is always prepared for these things. Trust me. The lounge is gonna be fully stocked with everything you could possibly need. If it's gonna be fancy, you will be the fanciest. If it's cool, you will look the coolest. And it'll all get that much better when you walk in with me. Okay? We're not gonna let you walk in there not feeling like a million bucks. And… when you take my arm. It'll be that much better because you're gonna be with me. Alright?"

She smiled at me and said, "Okay." And I stole one last kiss before I put on my own helmet and drove us back to the set. She'd hugged me the whole way again and it made me feel like I could almost handle living someplace this cold. But luckily, I was reporting back to a set that would do everything it could to convince me, California's weather was still way better.

Like no competition, better!

When I came back to the chair behind the camera. That sleazy director's assistant asked me. "Is this the part where you tell me to stay away from your girl?"

And I corrected him, "Nope, this is the part where I tell you to stay the HELL away from my girl. And if you try something like that again, I'm not the first one you need to watch out for. Because she doesn't need my backup even if she has it.."

He asked all snide, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"She can take care of herself, dumb ass! She was on our wrestling team at school. Grew up taking karate because she was bullied and has a Vulcan grip better than Spock. So don't even try it unless you want your own ass handed back to you." I said as I reclaimed my clipboard and got to work.

Between then and the end of our allotted time slot. (Dad's words) I was able to get all of the shots Dad had asked me to. Even alternatives he could play with in the final cut and extended scenes. When the actors had some in-character ideas I'd liked. He could use any of it that he and the director wanted to. I'd given them a ton of options and I was pretty proud of it all. When we wrapped production and were all heading back.

But then, ANOTHER poser was trying to steal Quinn away before I could. I overheard her saying, "Thanks but I have been given strict instructions to only go with my boyfriend when he comes to get me. I don't go with anyone else for nothing."

That was when I showed up (and covered another hudger in snow from nearly the waist down). I ignored him and asked my baby. "Ready yet?"

"Just a sec," she said holding up one finger to me and thanking the guy again before leaving. I keep telling Quinn she is GORGEOUS! But had she ever been this popular before? Or was she only not always getting asked out like this when she's standing between Zoey, Lola and Lisa? What was it?

The guy nodded at me and said, "The executive producer's son, I get it."

That's right! Quit while you're ahead, audio-geek. Who ruined too many shots today with his ever-lowering boom mic. Hit the road! Hit the gym and build up better stamina already. No way you've got a chance of outclassing me today or any day. And to his credit, he bowed out gracefully. That college student director's assistant or whatever should be taking notes from this guy.

Quinn came back, we got her helmet on and we were off in no time. The ride to the lounge was our longest one yet. I don't think even when we first arrived, our first mobile ride had been this long. It hadn't felt this long and that was after riding with a dog sled team for ages before it. That was a ride that couldn't have ended soon enough for me. Quinn was all distracted by the dogs and knew the whole team by name and breed before we'd taken off. Is it so surprising that I felt a little jealous of the dogs?

Anyways, we got to the lounge and even though I kept telling everyone that Quinn was with me. Somehow they still split us up. Something about girls getting ready in one place and all the guys getting ready in another. Quinn kept telling me, "It makes sense." Taking their side instead of mine. But after having to tear her away from too many guys today. I was… I was…

What's that word for when you're nervous because so many bad things have already happened?

Chauncy keeps calling me "Paranoid with a capital P." I don't think that's the right word. Chauncy insists also saying, "After nearly watching Professor Pensky get picked up by several other eligible young men. You have every right to be."

Which had me repeating, "Several? There was several? I only counted two."

Chauncy told me, "You had better put a one in front of that number." And I know my jaw hit the floor.

My Dad tried to hid his laugh behind his hand [the jerk] before he told him, "Take it easy on him Chauncy. It's not every day a son of mine has to up his game like this."

I let them know, "You guys aren't helping me here!"

Dad tried to calm me down. But I was so rattled as I was getting ready. I decided that they were right. I did have to up my game if I was ever going to even get close to letting Quinn know how I feel. I know that hadn't been my original plan, I had planned to never tell her. But it's amazing how the thought of anyone else telling her can push you to do crazy things. It was so embarrassing and so nuts! But it was all I had been thinking about all day. Every time I looked at her, heard her voice or someone mentioned her. Or even when no was mentioning her, when she wasn't in sight and when she wasn't talking. She was just always there… Always.

And I'm beginning to realize that I may not be able to keep this feeling to myself. No matter how humiliating admitting it will be…

Was this how it felt for Dad each time too? Was that why I had so many step-moms and almost-moms? Because he couldn't lock this feeling down either? Or because he had to fight back all these other men too? I was starting to feel like I understood Dad's actions a little better now. Which only made me feel even more anxious.

I'd always sworn that would never be me and I wasn't gonna confess tonight or anything. But I was beginning to realize that maybe I could… Confess. At some point, when I had sworn the moment I realized it was love. I would NEVER tell anyone. Not a soul… Especially not Quinn it would just be too mortifying!

Now I was beginning to feel like I may HAVE to tell Quinn. And honestly, that terrifies me. The only real-time Dad had been in real love hadn't worked out well for him. Even if he did get me in the end… I couldn't handle something this strong, not working out. I couldn't be as strong as he's been and I couldn't disappoint Quinn like that either… I couldn't handle that.

While I was forced to be away from Quinn to dress up. That's all my mind kept repeating till my head was throbbing and I wanted to just go back to the cabin. And not come out till it was time to go home. Dad did at least tell me that Quinn and me would be getting some of Saturday off... hopefully (If things kept getting done). To have some fun before we have to go back super early on Sunday morning. But tomorrow evening Quinn and me would be needed for another party like this one. Where we would be smooshing all of the people who couldn't make it tonight… great…

I ended up pacing in front of the place where Quinn was supposed to be meeting me. While Dad and Chauncy took turns riffing on me, like comedians (like Chase and Michael would have). Picking at everything I did waiting for Quinn. What was taking her so long? When would she be coming out. She was gorgeous when she walked in, it's not like she'd needed that much work.

What gives?

And what's with all these other guys waiting around too. Even the ones who don't have dates? Why are they camped out at the girl's dressing room? Even if there isn't a lady in there for them? Are they hoping to ask girls out as they came out? Does that even work? It probably would for me, but for these common joes and johns? No!

Come on Quinn! Where the heck are you?

That's all for this chapter!

I know this one is probably coming up a little short in comparison to other posts. But I had to do it this way because of a very fun perspective switch (that hit me as I was writing this chapter, and I couldn't resist it). You'll see what I mean tomorrow, and trust me. It's a good thing! But I am (believe it or not) trying to get better about the lengths of these chapters. I have been doing shorter ones for other stories and that was how this one began. I would like to get back to that if it's possible. And don't worry. The Date For Two Many and Coffee Ban chapters are still coming too! We've got this. But that's all for today! Thank you so much for sticking it out with me this far. You're the greatest! If you have time, please write in and review. I would love to hear from you. Hope you're having a great day! Take Care and Much Love!

~DarcyBeDippy85!