Page 11 of Maverick

“Are they still living?”

“Well, my adoptive parents are. I’m not sure about my biological parents.”

“You were adopted?”

“As an infant. My mother gave me up since she was only fifteen. I don’t know who my father is.”

“But you love your adoptive parents, don’t you?”

“I do. I was just thinking about going to visit them soon.”

“Are they in Cheyenne?”

“Yes. I’ll probably go when I get my vacation this year. I rarely take time off.”

“Somehow, I can see that.”

When they reached the diner, he reached around her and opened the door. The bell above the door jingled and everyone who knew them waved or called out to them.

“I love this place.”

“The town or the diner?”

Parker laughed. “Both.”

“Booth or counter?”

“Booth.”

Maverick inclined his head for her to lead the way and he followed behind, stopping to talk with people as he passed them. Parker smiled when an elderly lady stopped him.

“Hello, Maverick Whitaker, you handsome devil,” the woman said.

“Mrs. Needham, how are you?”

“Well, my hemorrhoids are bothering me, but other than that, I’m fine.”

Parker slid into the booth, placed her hand over her mouth to keep her laughter in, and watched Maverick trying to get away from the woman.

“Uh, well, I’m sorry to hear that.” Maverick touched the brim of his hat. “Have a nice day.”

When he finally made it to the booth, he slid in across from her, he shook his head and grinned, making Parker laugh.

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine. You seem to know a lot of people,” Parker said with a smile.

“It’s not a big town, and I know a lot of ranchers and farmers.” He shrugged.

“It’s a great place to live.”

“And to hear things you’re not interested in hearing.”

“I almost burst out laughing.” Parker laughed and he chuckled.

“Hey, you two. What can I get you?” Connie set two glasses of ice water on the table.

Maverick looked at Parker and nodded.

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