Page 5 of Maverick

Walking down the hallway, she noticed doors on either side leading to bedrooms. With curiosity getting the best of her, she peeked inside each room before reaching the middle door. Opening it, she saw a bathroom featuring a large clawfoot tub.

“Oh, just imagine soaking in that,” she murmured wistfully.

Making her way back to the living room, she couldn’t help but admire how seamlessly it flowed into the kitchen separated only by a small bar. The maroon sofa and beige recliner matched the color scheme of the room perfectly. If she took the apartment, she would keep the furniture. Hers had seen better days, so she’d donate it.

A grin spread across her face as she envisioned herself living in this charming apartment. However, before making any decisions, she needed to know if the rent was reasonable. She could afford it but didn’t want to overpay for any place she rented.

“You could just buy a house,” she muttered.

It wasn’t a bad idea; Parker knew she had enough money to make such a purchase. But when she first moved to Clifton, buying a permanent residence wasn’t at the top of her priorities since she didn’t know how long she’d be staying. At that time, all she wanted was to escape Oklahoma and its painful memories.

The quaint town of Clifton enveloped her in its welcoming embrace, and Parker knew she had found her new home. As she stepped out onto the stoop, she turned and pulled the door closed with a soft click, locking it behind her. She made her way down the steps and through the parking lot, a sense of excitement overtook her. The diner was bustling with activity, and Connie’s smile greeted her from behind the counter. She waved at Parker and beckoned her over.

“Well?” Connie asked eagerly.

Parker couldn’t contain her excitement any longer. “I love it! What’s the rent?”

Connie chuckled. “There is no rent, hon. I’ve never charged anyone for living there. Just take care of the utilities.”

Parker widened her eyes in surprise and protest. “But I can’t live there for free!”

Nodding firmly, Connie reassured her, “Of course you can. I like having someone upstairs.”

Still hesitant, Parker asked again, “Are you absolutely sure?”

“Positive. If you want it, it’s yours.”

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Parker exclaimed, “I do want it... and the furniture too.”

“Consider it done. You can move anytime,” Connie said with a wink before returning to work.

“I have a month left on my lease. Is that alright?”

“Of course. It’s not going anywhere. It’s yours when you want it.”

As Parker looked around the cozy diner and the friendly faces within, she knew this was exactly where she belonged.

****

Maverick maneuvered his truck down the narrow alleyway behind the bustling diner. Trying to avoid the heavy traffic on Main Street, he took a turn onto a smaller side street and then into the alley behind the diner.

As he approached the diner, he noticed a woman on the metal stairs of the building wearing a blue sports bra and matching shorts. She carried a large box. Her blonde hair was in a ponytail and his groin tightened just looking at her ass in those tight shorts.

As he returned his eyes to the alleyway, a cat darted in front of him, and he had to slam on the brakes. When he did, he saw the woman glance in his direction, and as she did, the box she was carrying hit the railing, making her lose her balance. She dropped the box to place her hand on the building to keep her upright, but the box rolled down the steps, busting open, and spilling the contents before finally reaching the ground. Maverick heard glass breaking and quickly opened the door and ran toward her.

“Ma’am? Are you alright?” he asked with genuine concern and thought she looked familiar.

She looked up at him as she sat on the step, and recognition dawned on her face. “Oh, hi. I’m fine, but the items in the box are not,” she replied, pointing at the shattered glass scattered across the stairs and on the ground.

“Dishes?” Maverick guessed and remembered she worked for Shay.

“Yep. Looks like I’ll have to make a trip to Walton’s in Spring City.” She sighed, but still managed to smile.

“Do you have a broom? We should clean this up before someone gets hurt or gets a flat tire.”

“Yes, I’ll get it. But you don’t have to help,” she insisted.

“It’s no trouble. Besides, I see you have more boxes to unload, and I can lend a hand with that too,” Maverick offered.

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