Page 11 of Read Me, Baby

“Just saying,” she replies teasingly. “With Wes and I spending more time together, we could become in laws if you play your cards right.”

I cross my arms over my chest and stare her down as I reply, “You mean if you’d stop stringing Wes along, right?”

“Oh,” she gasps in fake outrage and then crows, “See? No retort about being too new or not wanting romance. You do like Jay!”

Do I like him? We spent the afternoon together on the beach. It was fun and the more time passed the more comfortable I became. Hazel and I chatted and cheered them on while the three guys roughhoused and picked on each other. It was such a normal and fun interaction, and I could see how much Wes and Maverick look up to Jay. He carries himself differently. He’s quick with a joke but also quick to build someone up or give a compliment to make them feel good. It was refreshing to see a man being kind.

“Girl, I don't even know him. What I do know is that Wes is obsessed with you.”

“I wish he was,” she says with a sigh. “I don’t think he’ll ever commit.”

“What I saw yesterday speaks differently.” Hazel has spoken about Wes on and off for the last couple years and every time I could tell in her voice that she really liked him. There never seemed to be an issue from what I recall her telling me about him, just that they were always in different places in their life. He’s a little older than her, but age gaps don’t mean a thing these days.

“But what about Jay. Are we giving up the love ban yet or what?”

“I spent three hours with him.”

“But didn't you like what you saw in those three hours?”

“I did,” I admit. “He was fun. He seems to be a great guy. He was funny with his friends; they clearly love him.”

“You two had some fun banter happening.”

I shrug. “I’m surprised that it slipped out.”

“I’m not,” she snorts. “You’re not boring like you think. I know that when you’re comfortable with others, your fun, snarky self shines through. And Jay made you feel good yesterday which is why you were able to be yourself.”

“I get the idea that's just who he is though. He makes everyone feel at ease. It wasn't just me.”

“I think he was a bit more interested in making you feel good yesterday.“ She eyes me for a moment and then adds, “And he is that way, the town loves him for it. After that ex of his basically slapped his dick in front of everyone, he became the favorite.”

“What happened with them?”

“It was a long time ago, but he was happy being a small-town boy. And she wanted someone to be her bank card. She humiliated him publicly, broke his heart. “

I know that feeling. My ex made such a joke about me in front of everyone, it's no wonder I couldn’t meet anyone normal after that. “So how is he so nice and outgoing and still single?”

“That's just who he is but I also think he’s careful about who he gives his heart to. I’m sure he was hurt. But he rallied and refused to settle.”

I think about how long it took me to rally back. I had to leave my town and move away in order to feel at peace. Glancing at the clock, I say, “Okay I have to go meet Mrs. Holly. Wish me luck.”

Walking into Deja Brew, the first thing I spot is Maverick walking closely behind Mrs. Holly.

I narrow my eyes, she seems to be moving very slow and he’s right there doting over her. She sits gingerly, which is totally opposite from what I saw the other day when we met. Maverick scurries to the counter picking up two coffees and a donut and comes back to the table placing it in front of her. Her sly smile and warm eyes have me giggling.

“Nina!” She spots me and waves. Maverick looks up and smiles as I approach.

“Mrs. Holly. Are you okay?” I ask with concern.

She pats Mavericks hand. “I’m fine dear, just a little tired today. Maverick here was so nice to get our coffee and donut.”

“Anything for you, Mrs. Holly. But I have to run, the boss will be waiting.” He winks at me at the mention of Jay. “Good to see you again, Nina. I’m sure I’ll catch you around town.”

He takes off and I slide into the chair opposite Mrs. Holly. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

She chuckles. “Oh, honey, you’ll see. When you're my age and have a young man fawning over you, you take advantage of it every time.” She slides the second coffee to me. “Double shot macchiato. Nice and sweet.”

I laugh, taking the cup from her as I say, “Thank you. It smells wonderful.” I blow on it before taking a sip. “So, I wanted to ask about the catalogs–”