Page 28 of Coming Home to Maverick

Bailey grinned. “That’s the best meal you serve. I’d like exactly that.”

Maverick shook his head. “Ho, ho, not the best meal, the second best. I’d like your barbecue double with cheese, and I agree on the fries and sauce.That’syour best meal.”

“Done. And to drink?”

“Chocolate shake for old times.”

When she turned away, Bailey shook her head. “She’s something. I missed her almost as much as my own mom.”

“I think she can take credit for helping to raise half the kids in this town.”

“She really can. I remember she sat me down one time to talk about girl stuff and how to handle the mean girls in middle school.” She sipped the water Judy had left them. Bailey expected Judy’s version of the inquisition would come sooner or later. And after all the times they’d talked, she deserved her own explanation.

Maverick leaned closer. “Thanks for explaining things the other night, Bailey. The hardest part was not knowing.” The pain in his voice and on his face brought immediate tears to her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Maverick. You didn’t deserve it. Would it help to talk about it?”

He fiddled with his napkin. “I think so. At any rate, there are a few things I’d like you to know. And this will be quick. I want today to be fun and relaxed, the start of something new.” He frowned. “But I have to say a few things. You should have called, texted, sent a message through a friend, anything. We all care about you. We were worried. We didn’t know if you’d been hurt, or abducted, or what. Not until the first paper picked you up.”

Bailey dipped her head. “You’re so right. I’ll try to make it up to everyone somehow. I was scared. It was hard to own up to doing something so terrible. And I didn’t want everyone trying to convince me to come back. So I ghosted.”

He didn’t answer.

“And I know that doesn’t make it okay.”

“The other thing I want you to know is that all these years, all this time, I’ve loved you. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved. You were my first and only girlfriend. You’re the one, Bailey.”

Her heart tripped in hope.

“But I’m in a strange position. My heart might be shouting for you, but my brain is telling me to stop. I just don’t know enough to know where this should go.” He searched her face. “And I can’t tell where you see this going either.” He fiddled with his napkin. “So, as long as you know I’m a mess, we’re good.”

“I came here with no expectations. I’m the one with nothing to offer. You owe me nothing, that’s for sure.”

He nodded. “You’re a part of my life, my family’s life, no matter what. Can we do friends?”

“I’d feel really lucky, actually.”

Judy brought their food. “Here you go, sweethearts. When Cook heard it was you, he added some extras.” She smiled and left them to themselves.

Bailey stole one of his fries.

“Hey!”

“Yours always taste better.” She dipped it in her strawberry shake. “Mmm. At last.” She closed her eyes. “These really are the best fries no matter where you go.”

“Glad to hear I’m not missing out on some secret, amazing fries in Nashville.”

“No way. Judy has something special here.”

They ate for a few minutes with Bailey loving every bite.Friends.She would love to be back in Maverick’s life. Seeing his mom, his brothers, made her realize all the more how much she was missing out on when she wasn’t a part of the Dawson clan.

“So tell me about your interview. Did they offer you the position?”

“They did! On the spot.”

“That’s awesome. They’re lucky to have you.”

“I hope so. I was super happy. It’s like something’s finally going right again.” She bit her tongue and looked away. Then she shrugged. “I’m trying not to be such a downer, but it’s been tough. And this is the first really good news I’ve had in a while.”

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