Page 112 of I Stop Somewhere Waiting For You

He’s right. I slipped up. Let my guard down for a moment. That can’t happen.

“Hey, Jones.” His attention slips to her as he moves in front of us. Jonsie and Nicky still haven’t spoken since I shot him at the house, and while I know she’s still mad, I also know she misses him a shitload. He stands there, holding a plate of fried dough as a peace offering while he continues to silently assess her demeanor. “I got this for you,” he continues. “Your favorite.”

I suddenly realize I’m holding my breath, awaiting her response. I hate to admit it, but I almost feel fucking bad for how pathetic he looks at the moment. Her chest rises, and for a moment I think she’s going to say something, but then it deflates just as quickly as she taps my arm, signaling for me to release her. I oblige, allowing her to sidestep Nicky as she attempts to make her retreat.

“Jones, please.” He thrusts the plate at me before chasing after her with me in pursuit. Catching up in just a few short strides, he swipes at her arm, spinning her to face him. “Please, Baby J. I can’t do this anymore. This week has been fucking torture. I’m so sorry.”

She scoffs, attempting to turn away once more, but his hold stays firm.

“Please,” he pleads with a slight shake to her arm. “I know I fucked up. I know I had no right to do what I did. But you are the most important person in the world to me and I was just trying to do what was best for you. Because I know the price you might pay… the price you have unknowingly paid… by loving someone in our position. I see now though all that did was hurt you more. I was wrong, Jones. I was wrong and I can never give back the years I cost you and Maverick.” Nicky’s head swings my way, his eyes carrying a sincerity not typically reserved for me. “I’m sorry, Mav. Man to man, the moments I robbed from you will haunt me forever.” Nicky swallows down his emotion as he references the baby. After a moment, he continues. “I may not be thrilled with this, but considering we’re most likely going to be brothers down the line, I’d really like us to be able to do more than simply tolerate one another. And you,” he turns his attention back to her, “I miss you so fucking much.” Nicky’s voice cracks slightly on the way out. “You’re my best friend. And I’m knee deep in so much shit I barely know which way is up anymore. I’m spiraling. I need my anchor, Jones.”

He stands before her, his expression so tortured that for a moment I think he really might cry. Even I’m a little relieved when her hand reaches up to cup the side of his face. Nicky’s body visibly trembles as she steps into him, directing his gaze down to her.

“I know the price, Nick. I’m well aware of what I’ve paid.” It’s as though the world mutes around us. Both of us are stunned to silence as she continues. “You think I don’t know what that was about? While I don’t know who they were, I’m not stupid, Nick. I know the rape was a shot at you.”

Hearing her say it, I watch something break inside Nicky. His shoulders round forward, almost as though he’s caving in on himself, his head dropping down to press his forehead to hers. “I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault.”

“You know why I never said anything to you about it?”

He stares at her, offering a slight shake of his head.

“Because I don’t blame you.” The corners of her mouth turn up into a sympathetic smile. “I love you, Nicky. You are not responsible for the actions of evil men. You’re only responsible for your own actions. So, I’m telling you right now, don’t you hurt me… and trust that I can handle the rest.”

Nicky’s arms wrap around her, pulling her into him as he rocks them back and forth. “I love you so much, you fucking brat.”

“Yeah, yeah. Where’s my fried dough?” Jones pulls back, smiling up at him while he chuckles through a sniffle, quickly swiping at his eyes. Nicky gestures in my direction as I offer up the plate. “Come to mama!” J greedily reaches for the sugar-coated dessert, swiping it from my hands before she heads off down the path with Nicky and me in tow.

“Want a tissue?” I whisper to Nick.

“Fuck you, Mav. I’ll fucking shoot you.”

“I don’t know,” I continue to taunt him. “You just got back in her good graces. Probably not the best idea.”

“Play nice, you two!” J calls out over her shoulder, eliciting a snort from me.

“So, you’re like dead set on her?” Nicky gestures up ahead where J’s skipping over to the fried Oreo stand. “Nothing I can do to sway you? You know she squeezes the toothpaste from the center of the tube, right? Straight-up serial killer shit.”

I snicker. “Yeah, but she can do this thing with her tongue—”

“Oh my fucking God!” His hands clap over his ears as he shakes his head furiously back and forth. “I am never gonna fucking survive this shit. I’m taking bets now we kill each other by Christmas.”

“Fucker, if we make it past Labor Day, I’ll be legitimately shocked.” I momentarily snicker before my voice drops low, my expression turning serious. “Anything on Yuri?”

Nick shakes his head. “Nah, not yet. But I wouldn’t worry about that. You got bigger fish to fry at the moment.” My brows draw together in confusion before Nicky gestures up ahead with a nod. “Time to meet the parental units.”

My head snaps forward, my heartrate skyrocketing as it beats furiously in my chest. Nicky chuckles at my side. “And to think, I almost didn’t come today. Hey, Ma!” he calls out with a wave as he simultaneously nudges me in their direction.

The woman hugging J glances over, smiling warmly at Nicky before her gaze shifts to me. She eyes me apprehensively as she says something to J, who then glances back at me with a smile before facing her mother once more. I realize I’m not the ideal husband type by most parents’ standards. Between my tattoos and my refusal to expand my wardrobe to many colors other than black, I look like I just knocked over a liquor store. It’s gonna have to be my personality that wins them over, which means I’m fucked.

Nicky and I make our final approach, coming to stand before them. He reaches out, giving his dad the pound before leaning in to give his mom a kiss.

“And who’s this?” Nicky’s dad gestures toward me with a smile, extending his hand. “Mitch Conners,” he introduces himself. “I’m Nick and Joanna’s dad.”

“Nice to meet you, sir.” I grasp his hand, offering a firm shake. “Maverick Bishop. I’m Joanna’s boyfriend.”

“Maverick Bishop,” Mitch repeats as though he’s lost in thought. “The club owner?”

“Yes, sir.” I respond, slightly impressed he can place me like that. But then I remember Mitch Conners owns several stores in the area, one of which is in Queen City, and if he pays attention to real estate opportunities like I do then he undoubtedly learned of me as I acquired my various businesses over the years.

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