Quinn and Ava navigated through the airport crowd, each carrying a ridiculous "Welcome Home, Jayden!" sign Ava had insisted on making. It had glitter, tiny pom-poms, and an over-the-top sketch of Jayden's face, which was somehow both hilarious and unsettling.
"Do you think this is extra enough?" Ava asked, holding her sign high with a wicked grin.
Quinn raised her eyebrows. "Oh, definitely. This could make the news."
They finally spotted Jayden coming through the arrivals gate. He wore a big grin, pushing a suitcase that looked ready to burst open. His hair was a little longer, a small tan highlighted his features, and he had that same mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Welcome back, Mr. Vacation!" Quinn yelled, waving her sign dramatically.
Jayden chuckled, dropping his bags to pull both of them into a hug. "Did you two really make those signs?"
Ava grinned, "Don't pretend you're not flattered!"
As they walked out of the airport, Jayden started filling them in on his trip, complete with exaggerated hand gestures and dramatic impressions of people he'd met.
"And then," Jayden continued, "I'm trying to ask for directions, and this guy is looking at me like I'm speaking ancient Greek."
Ava snickered. "Well, considering your 'perfect' sense of direction, maybe you actually were?"
Quinn laughed, playfully elbowing him. "I hope you didn't get too lost. Wouldn't want to be without our self-proclaimed navigational genius."
They loaded Jayden's bags into the car, but before getting in, he pulled out a small gift bag from his backpack.
"For you, Miss CEO," he said, handing it to Quinn with a wink.
Quinn opened it to find a tacky souvenir keychain with the words "World's Most Serious Boss" printed on it, complete with tiny glasses and a briefcase. She groaned but couldn't stop laughing.
"Wow, you really know how to make a girl feel special, Jayden."
He smirked, leaning back in the car seat. "Only the best for my high-profile friend. Next time, I'll bring a whole briefcase of these for you."
Ava chimed in, "Please do. We'll need something to hand out at her next big event."
As they drove back, the three kept laughing and catching up, filling the car with the same easy friendship they'd always had. Quinn couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this relaxed—between work, family, and…well, certain interesting neighbors, she'd forgotten how great it was to just be herself.