Page 128 of Falling Stars

“Are you sure? I don’t think Mav would mind you staying in his condo.”

“It wouldn’t be right for me to stay there. I can’t afford to payhim the kind of rent he should get for a place like that. I already owe him so much money.”

She leans forward. “You know he didn’t do anything for you with the expectation of getting paid, right?”

I still hear Nicole’s mother in my ear about saddling Maverick with my problems, and I inwardly cringe. “I know, and I love him for that. But being there makes me really sad. Honestly, I woke up this morning and felt like I’d died and gone to hell. I hate this.”

Paige listens to me complain and offers me hugs and tells me everything will be okay. I don’t really believe her, but I appreciate the optimism.

Once she’s done eating, I tell her about that “present” I received today. “I’ve thought about who might hate me enough to send me a box of crap. I’m guessing it was Kira.”

Paige’s mouth drops open. “Who does something like that?”

“Someone with mental health problems.” I hand Leo his tattered lion rattle. “I’m really starting to think she’s the one who shattered the salon window and trashed my bedroom.”

“We should tell the sheriff.”

“I don’t have any proof.”

“What about those cameras Maverick put up in the salon? Did they catch anything?”

I shake my head. “My building won’t let me install anything outside. We have two cameras focused on the front. If she’d come into the salon or left the box at the main entrance, maybe I’d have some solid evidence.” Even if the third camera had arrived in time for Mav to install it, it would’ve been mounted inside.

As we walk back to my shop, Paige tugs on my arm. “Would you like to come over tonight? I hate the idea of you being alone after getting that horrible gift.”

“I need to clean the condo and pack. That will take me a fewdays. But I don’t know what to do with Leo’s crib.” Just the thought of dismantling his nursery breaks my heart.

“We might have some storage space in the barn. I’ll talk to Rhett tonight, and we’ll figure something out.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate it.”

We hug in front of my shop. “Take care of yourself.”

“I’ll try.”

I trudge through the rest of my day. I constantly reach for my phone, crestfallen when there aren’t any messages from Maverick.

I’m dying to call him, but I’m not sure what to say. My mom’s words about Mav needing to make this decision without me is haunting. I don’t want to derail his career. I don’t want to be the reason he gives up on his dream.

At the same time, it feels wrong to give up on us.

By the time I close the salon, it’s getting dark, and exhaustion tugs on my eyes. But as I stand in the back alley to lock up, the skin on my neck prickles, and I’m suddenly on edge. My heart starts to pound, and as I grip Leo’s carrier, I whip around.

There’s no one there.

Just trees making creepy shadows along the opposite side of the alley and some croaking frogs.

“I’m losing it, Leo. Let’s go home.”

Only it won’t be home for long.

46

MAVERICK

In a daze,I stare at the skyscrapers blurring by as I Uber back to my apartment.

Leaving without saying goodbye was an asshole move.

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