Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78542 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78542 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Standing, I rush to my room. As quietly as I can, I pick out an outfit and straighten my hair. I add some mascara and call it good. I’m a mom, and I’m struggling every single day. I don’t want to hide that from Jordyn. She needs to know who she’s hiring. Chances are this is the best I’ll be able to do with a one-year-old underfoot, so I might as well be me. I just hope that’s enough.
My phone vibrates, the sound blaring in the silent room, and my belly flips at the possibility that it might be Maverick getting back to me. It’s completely ridiculous, and I internally scold myself as I rush for the phone that I left on the bed and check my message. I smile when I see his name.
Maverick: Strangers? Stel, we’ve shared two meals together. We’re friends.
He follows it up with a string of smiley face emojis.
Maverick: And not that I appreciate the thank-you, but you can stop sending them my way. I know you’re appreciative.
Maverick: How’s Ada? How are you?
His texts come in rapid fire. I’m holding my phone and can’t help but compare Maverick to literally every other man in my life, with the exception of my grandpa. He asked not just about me but my daughter. He knows she’s an extension of me, and while I’m certain Maverick isn’t interested in me, it’s hard for me not to crush on him just a little with how he includes my daughter. Oh, and that big ole heart of his that he so freely gives without expectations.
Me: Friends, I think I like the sound of that.
Me: Thank you.
I send a string of face with tongue emojis.
Me: We’re both doing well. And I have a job interview today, so you see, this thank-you is for a new, very nice and incredible thing you’ve done for me.
Instead of texting me back, my phone rings silently. His name flashes on the screen, and I debate not answering, but after everything he’s done for me, taking his call is the least I can do. I step out of my room so I won’t wake Ada, and I head toward the living room as I hit Accept.
“Hello.”
“What job interview?”
“Like you don’t know.”
“I don’t know.”
“Your sister-in-law Jordyn called me today, and she’s looking for help at her boutique.”
“You’d be perfect for that,” he says with conviction.
“You didn’t know she was going to call me?”
“No. I truly didn’t. I was at my parents’ place with all my brothers over the weekend, planning our annual camping trip. I mentioned to Ryder that you were looking when he said that Jordyn was doing too much. He’s worried about her since she’s pregnant.”
“That’s close enough,” I tell him.
He laughs. “Maybe, but I wasn’t sure if Ry was going to be able to convince Jordyn she needed help. She’s been through a lot, and she wants this boutique to succeed, and she’s beyond determined to make that happen.”
“She seems really nice. She even said I could bring Ada with me.”
“Told you, Stel, we love babies.”
“I’m starting to believe you,” I reply, and even I can hear the lightness of my tone. It’s the Maverick effect. He just has a way of making you feel calm and relaxed and believe that everything will work out.
“So you’re going today?” he asks.
“I am. Ada is sleeping. She said to just come over when she wakes up. I feel bad that I have to take her, but my grandma had a doctor's appointment, and Grandpa is at the store.”
“It’s fine, trust me. Good luck. Not that you’ll need it. Jordyn is a sweetheart, and I have a feeling the two of you are going to hit it off.”
“Mav—” I start, and he stops me.
“Nope. No more thank-yous, Stel. Let me know how it goes.”
“I’m sure everyone in your family will know,” I say, only half joking. They seem to be a very tight-knit group. Not that there is anything wrong with that. It’s just not what I’m used to. It’s a little overwhelming, if I’m being honest.
“Oh, they will, but I want to hear it from you.”
“I can do that.” That’s a simple ask for all that he’s done.
“Talk to you soon,” he says. “We’ll go out for dinner one night this week to celebrate.”
I can’t hold back the laugh that sputters out. “You’re putting the cart before the horse, buddy.” I’m shaking my head, even though he can’t see me.
“I’m manifesting,” he replies with ease. “Besides, I know Jordyn, and I know you. It’s a perfect fit.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
“Be thinking about where you girls want to go to celebrate,” he says, ignoring me. “I need to get back to work. Kick ass, Stel.”
“Be safe.” The words are out before I can stop them. I’ve heard lots of stories about road construction crews and the dangers of the traffic, and even the equipment. I bite down on my cheek. I hope he doesn’t read too much into my request, and I hate that I let my cards show. Maverick isn’t a stranger. I’ve known him for a short amount of time, but dare I say that he’s my friend?