Page 93 of Maverick

The waiter approached, we each ordered, then waited in uneasy quiet until the server left.

“How’s Chigger?” I asked about Nova’s on again, off again fling, changing the subject.

She could talk for hours, telling me every detail of their adventures and their sex life. I was living vicariously through her as she babbled.

Finally, Nova cleared her throat. “You deserve real happiness, Lex. You shouldn’t be living in fear.”

I forced a wry laugh. “And how do I get that? I can’t snap my fingers and fix the mess I created. Mark has the power to kill us all if I stray from my contract.”

Nova frowned, glancing at the baby. “Still, maybe there’s another way.”

Our brunch arrived, eggs benedict for me, a fruit-laden waffle for her. We nibbled half-heartedly, the baby dozing in the stroller. When the plates were cleared, Nova dabbed her mouth with a napkin with a thoughtful look on her face.

“Don’t hurry off. I want to show you my new place. You have never visited since I moved out of the city. Please come, even if it’s just for an hour. I'll drive you home before Mark’s back, promise.”

I hesitated. Mark’s schedule was unpredictable, but I craved any semblance of normalcy. “All right,” I said softly. “But let me text him, say I’m doing some shopping.”

Nova nodded approval. “Do it now. We can head out soon.”

I typed a quick message to Mark,Going shopping after brunch. Be home later.

He responded with a curt,Ok.

Good enough.

Soon, Nova guided her SUV onto the highway, the baby strapped securely in the back seat, me in the passenger side. The city disappeared, replaced by endless suburbs. We chatted a bit or tried to. My mind was drifting to the day last year when we’d driven together for that ill-fated rally. My life had changed so drastically.

“It’s wild,” I murmured, gazing at the passing scenery. “A year ago, we were hitting book signings, squealing over hot cover models. Now I’m married to a man I don’t love, and I have a baby who might never know his real father.”

Nova gave me a sympathetic smile. “I know. Life’s insane. But you’re strong, Lex. We’ll figure something out.”

I gave a sad smile. “I wish I could be truly happy, you know? Like the heroines in those romance novels we used to devour. None of them had to face real mob threats. Only imaginary ones.”

Nova gave a quiet chuckle. “True. Our real-life story is a bit more… real. But maybe we’ll find a better ending if we keep fighting.”

My smile faded. I knew Nova was just trying to cheer me up, but since Maverick showed up, and I learned he hadn’t been happy with his wife, I’d been throwing a pity party for one.

We arrived in a quiet suburb outside Frisco, pulling into the driveway of a modest, single-story home with a neat lawn. Flower pots lined the porch, the paint fresh. It wasn’t big or flashy, just cozy like her place before we got the condo. She helped me carry the diaper bag and ushered me inside.

The interior smelled faintly of fresh paint, boxes scattered around the living room. I blinked, taking in how half the place seemed packed up. “You just moved here, and you haven’t unpacked?” I teased lightly, noticing labeled crates, kitchen, books, bedroom stuff.

Nova grimaced. “Yeah, about that…” She motioned for me to set the baby’s car seat on the couch. “Let me get you something to drink. Have a seat.”

Confusion gnawed at me. “Is something wrong?”

She just shook her head and gave a strained smile. “Relax. I’ll explain in a sec.” Then she disappeared into the small kitchen.

I gently unbuckled the baby, holding him close while scanning the boxes. A pang of worry fluttered in my stomach. Was she moving again so soon? Was it because of the mob threat?

Nova returned with a cold glass of iced tea, pressing it into my hand. “Here, sip. Put him down for a bit? The couch is wide. I have a blanket.”

I raised an eyebrow but followed her suggestion, laying the baby on a folded blanket. He stirred, then fell back to drowsing, lulled by the house’s cool air. Whatever she had to tell me, she thought I didn’t need to be holding the baby. Was it that bad?

“You’re stalling,” I said, taking a sip of the tea. “What’s going on?”

Nova settled onto a nearby chair, fiddling with her glass. “I have news,” she began, voice trembling slightly.

She was taking her sweet time with it. I took a big gulp, waiting.

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