Page 24 of The Darkest Parts of Me

She squints in thought, biting her lip to keep from smiling. “I’m okay with that,” she says, sipping her drink and watching me over the edge of the cup. “So, did you come to support the band?” I put my hands in my pockets as I reply.

“Sure. I just thought I would check it out, but I’m always happy to support.”

She nods along while listening to the music. “Tash says you do that a lot. That you’re supportive of all the local businesses and people here.”

I shrug. “Yeah, I guess I am.” She studies me, lips pursing to the side like she wants to say more, but decides not to. “So, what about you? Do you like to support local businesses? Or do you just really love coffee?” She brushes her hair back, and I inhale the warm scent of her shampoo or whatever perfume she is wearing. Maybe it’s just the way she smells. I gulp a little at the thought.

“Both,” she answers with a nod.

We stand side by side, taking in the music for several minutes. The band switches to a softer number, making it easier to concentrate and talk over the noise, and the silence between us isn’t awkward in the slightest. Being with Maven is effortless. She looks very at-home with her cup, enjoying the band, and relaxed under her wide-brimmed hat. I can tell she’s having a good time.

“Mave! Is that really you?” We both turn to see a man walking toward Maven with open arms.

“Jamie. Um, hi.” He wraps her in a hug before she can say more. She has to move into an awkward position so he doesn't knock off her hat while she also struggles to keep her coffee from spilling. I take note that she doesn’t hug him back.

“I heard you were back in town!” Jamie pulls away, scanning her face and body.

“Yeah, just a few days ago, actually.” Her eyebrows furrow in confusion. “Tasha told me you moved.”

His features puzzle, but he quickly recovers. “Oh, yeah, I did. I’m in town for a few days visiting my parents.” Maven doesn’t say anything for a few seconds, undoubtedly uncomfortable. “It seems like you’ve made some new friends,” he adds, his tone carrying a hint of annoyance as glances at me.

Maven smiles awkwardly. “This is Renn. Renn, Jamie.”

I hold out my hand, but he doesn’t notice or care as he continues to stare at Maven intensely. I don’t like the way he looks at her with hungry eyes, but who am I to do or say anything? They clearly have a past, and I’m someone she just met.

“We should go out while I’m in town. I’d love to catch up. You look amazing, by the way.”

Maven stiffens next to me. “Um, yeah maybe,” she says wearily, but Jamie doesn’t pick up on the hint.

“Are you free tomorrow night? I’d love to hear how you’ve been, and the fact you’re—” He stops abruptly as Maven moves closer to me, her shoulder brushing against mine, then she hooks her arm around mine, lightly placing her hand on my forearm where the bandage lies beneath my jacket sleeve like she knows exactly where it is. Without thinking, I lean into her like it is the most natural thing in the world. It’s such a small gesture, but holds a significant meaning. Jamie gapes at us, understanding clouding his face. “Oh, I see. Well . . . it was good to see you again, Maven. Take care,” he says quickly, then strides off, looking abashed, not waiting for either of us to respond. Once he’s out of sight, Maven steps away, letting go of my arm.

“Friend?” I ask, watching to make sure Jamie is gone.

“Ex-boyfriend,” she says, grimacing. “Maybe one of these days I’ll stop saying this, but thank you. I probably owe you at least ten favors at this point.” She blushes, looking up at me from under the brim of her hat. I sense her embarrassment, and I don’t like seeing her this way. She has nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to that asshole.

“He clearly can’t take a hint very well,” I remark casually.

“Nope. Never has,” she says, taking a deep breath and looking a little flustered. “You want to know something?” she asks as if she’s thinking out loud, but she doesn’t wait for me to respond. “He didn't even bother coming to see me after the accident, just sent me a few messages. Never called. It just ended.” Worry spreads across her face like she has shared too much.

“It’s okay. I get it,” I say, trying to reassure her. She looks down at the drink in her hand, the hat covering her face.

“I guess we all probably have regrets when it comes to relationships,” she mutters. Regrets were something I’m in no short supply of, but relationships . . . perhaps my only regret is I’ve never been in a serious one. There have been a few women over the years, but never anything worth noting.

I try to let my curiosity fizzle, but the longer I stand beside her and talk, the more I want to know.

“Can I ask you something?” I ask.

She glances up, looking relieved that I am changing the subject. “Sure,” she says, amused.

I lick my lips. “Why is everyone so worried about you?”

A flash of surprise skirts across her face, and she blushes as she sips from her coffee, like she is contemplating how to answer. “The truth?” She sighs, and I nod. “It’s a lot of things, but the biggest reason is because . . .” With a pause, she stares off into the crowd before she continues. “They think I’m running away from my problems.” She appears to be lost in thought for a second or two before she looks up at me, her bright, blue eyes full of complexities. I inhale a breath just looking at them. She snaps out of whatever memory she wandered to. “Anyway. I’m good. Everything is fine. I just wish they would believe me.”

She hides under her hat again, and just like every encounter I’ve had with Maven since meeting her, I’m compelled to uncover what’s beneath. I feel like I can see it, hints of an untold story in those deep pools of blue.

I shouldn't, but before I know what I’m doing, I hear myself ask, “So, what are you running from, Maven?”

She snaps her head up, her eyes wide, searching my face before her gaze narrows. It takes everything in me not to look away from those icy eyes staring straight through me.

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