Page 67 of Maverick

I wish you were here. I’m cuddled up on the sofa. We closed early.

It’s too bad I can’t be there.

I agree.

Talk soon, baby. I’ve got work to do.

Okay.

I love you, Parker.

I love you too.

Maverick smiled as he replaced his phone, then entered his office to work on the men’s hours, then he’d email them to Warren so he could do the payroll. Maverick closed the door behind him and sighed at the warmer air. The heater in the room wasn’t big, but it was enough to keep the room warm. Taking a seat behind the desk, he opened the computer and got busy.

****

With a heavy sigh, Parker slumped onto the wooden stool behind the counter. The winter months were always slow for business, but with the snow falling in thick blankets outside, she knew it would be even quieter than usual. Shay was out to lunch with Wes, leaving Parker alone in the shop to wait for customers that may never come. She had already dusted and organized everything that morning, and there were no new items waiting to be unpacked. Leaning on her elbows, Parker gazed out the window at the flurry of white, longing for some form of entertainment or distraction.

Finally succumbing to boredom, she turned to the computer to check for any new orders. Thankfully, there were a few. With a sense of purpose, she began printing them out and preparing to order the necessary items. But just as she settled into this task, the door opened and in walked Della.

Parker’s heart sank at the sight of her. For ten long minutes, Della wandered around the store as if genuinely interested in the merchandise. Parker could feel her annoyance growing with each passing moment.

“What do you want?” she finally snapped.

Della turned to face her with a smug smirk. “I’m just looking.”

“Yeah, right,” Parker retorted. “Say whatever bullshit you came here to say and then get out.”

Della raised an eyebrow and met Parker’s gaze head-on. “Is that any way to talk to a potential customer?”

“If you’re a potential customer, I’m the Easter Bunny,” Parker shot back. “You’re only here to try and stir up trouble because Maverick chose me over you.”

Parker couldn’t help but grin as Della clenched her jaw in frustration.

Just then, Shay walked through the door with a smile on her face. “Hi there! You’re braving this weather like a champ,” she greeted Della.

But the smile quickly faded when Della spoke up. “Your employee is being incredibly rude to me.”

Shay’s eyes widened as she turned to Parker for an explanation.

“Is there a problem here, Parker?” she asked cautiously.

“Yes, she needs to leave,” Parker stated firmly.

“Why?”

Parker took a deep breath before answering. “She’s Maverick’s ex-girlfriend.”

Understanding dawned on Shay’s face. “I see. Well, if Parker wants you to leave, I’m going to have to ask you to do so.”

“What if I want to buy something?” Della challenged.

“Do it online,” Shay replied coolly. “Please leave the shop. I will not tolerate anyone coming in here and harassing my employee. Now go.”

Della’s eyes narrowed as she glared at Parker. “He’ll never stay faithful.”

Parker chuckled. “He was faithful while you were together, so stop trying to stir up shit.”

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