Page 133 of Falling Stars

After I finish her trim and walk her out front to her ride, I’m wiped out, but I can’t stop thinking about what Miss Rosie said.

I’m going to do it. I’m going to swallow my pride and call Maverick.

Tonight, when I get home, I’m going to apologize and tellhim breaking up was a mistake. That I love him. And if he wants to play football, I’ll do whatever I can to support him.

Because Miss Rosie is right. Regret is the worst feeling in the world.

Just because my parents didn’t work out long distance doesn’t mean Maverick and I won’t. Because he’s done nothing but be a stellar boyfriend since we got together. He’s proven time and time again that he loves me.

I need to believe more in him and in us than I do in my insecurities. I might hate the idea of doing long distance, but if anyone is worth that effort, it’s Maverick.

Decision made, I rush through the rest of my to-do list—catching up on bills, ordering supplies, and cleaning. I take a break to feed Leo. It’s late when I finally finish.

I look around for Vera and then remember I told her she could leave hours ago. I frown at Leo, who’s sound asleep. “Sorry, buddy. I didn’t mean to stay so long.” I had a lot to catch up on since I spent so much time this week cleaning the condo and moving into the camper.

Realizing that everything is clean except my station, I tidy up for a few more minutes. The thought of talking to Maverick in a little while gives me the energy I need to finish these last tasks.

After I flick off all the lights except for the one in the office, I put Leo in his car seat and place that on the desk. “Bud, I just need to take out the trash. Give me one sec and we’ll get out of here.” Now I take it out every night and throw it in the dumpster. That way, there’s nothing terrible that psycho can use to destroy my salon. I also had a lock put on my hair dye cabinet.

After I prop open the back door, I drag out two trash bags. It’s dark outside. Unfortunately, the street lamp hasn’t flipped on like it usually does.

More annoying, though, is the dumpster in the alley. It’s closed for some reason.

It takes me a few tries to get it open because the lid is heavy, and I’m not that tall. Finally, I get it to lift. With a grunt, I fling the garbage into it.

As I turn, thunder rumbles in the distance, and goosebumps break out on my arms.

Uneasily, I glance up and down the alley, but it’s empty. The air is thick and still and eerily quiet.

Rubbing my arms, I jog back into the salon and wash my hands at a sink. “Leo, I’m all done. Sorry that took so long.”

Turning to face my office, I slide to a stop. “Leo?”

My heart pounds as I stare at the empty desk. In a panic, I turn in a circle, frantically looking around my dark salon.

Am I losing my mind? Did I put him down somewhere else? I flip on light after light as I scan my shop. “Leo!”

I run out into the alley. It’s somehow darker now.

Everywhere I turn is shadows. Is my baby out there? Is he all alone?

“Leo!”

49

BAYLEE

Sitting in my office,I can barely answer any questions because I’m shivering so hard.

The sheriff places one of my towels around my shoulders. “It’s the adrenaline. The reason you’re shaking.”

“Please lo-look at the camera footage again. Maybe we mi-missed something.”

He jots down more notes in his dumb notepad. “We already checked the two cameras.”

“Two? I have three cameras.” I ask myself again, how the hell did someone sneak in behind me, grab Leo, and take off? And I didn’t notice anything? “This is my fault. I shouldn’t have left him to take out the trash. I should’ve waited until morning when Vera could’ve watched him.” Oh, God, I shouldn’t have cancelled that security company. I just felt so guilty about the money Maverick was spending on me. I sob into my hand.

The sheriff pats my back. “It’s not a crime to leave your baby secured in his car seat while you take out the trash.”

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