Page 47 of Mine to Take

I blink and there’s…

No one.

Whoever it was is now gone.

Or maybe I’m hallucinating.

For just a second I’d thought…

“Maverick? You still there, or have you chucked your phone into a snowbank?”

I snort out a laugh. “Totally chucked it.”

“That’s what I thought.” His voice turns serious again. “You know I struggled with the same issues in school. It wasn’t easy, but I did get through it. And you will too.”

The tension filling my muscles drains. “So you keep saying.”

“Just work as hard as you can. That’s all Mom and I can ask of you.”

“I’ll try.”

“We’ll see you tomorrow for dinner?”

“Yup.”

“Looking forward to it. Just remember that we love you and we’re proud of all you’ve accomplished, Mav.”

I drop my voice as warmth spreads through me. “Love you too, Dad.”

With that, I end the call and slip the cell back into my pocket. Some of my previous irritation at the situation melts away, leaving me feeling resigned. Talking to my dad always helps me get my head on straight.

As I pick up my pace, my gaze slides to the building where I thought I saw her.

It’s so tempting to look up River’s socials, because I’m willing to bet that I’d find the hot blonde somewhere on there.

Maybe then I could figure out who she is.

As soon as the sneaky little idea pops into my brain, I quash it.

I’ve never looked up a chick on social media.

It seems stalkerish.

And that’s the last thing I am.

Girls have always chased after me.

Not the other way around.

The cell burns a hole in my pocket as I hit the parking lot and click the locks on my truck.

No way in hell am I breaking down and doing it.

I shove the thought from my head and yank the door handle before sliding behind the wheel. One press of the ignition and the vehicle roars to life. Instead of hauling ass out of the parking lot, I sit and stew as an internal struggle takes place in my brain.

What I need to do is forget all about that chick.

Not make things worse by finding out who she is.

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