Page 39 of Maverick

I sigh, the weight of the day heavy on my shoulders. I let myself soak in her warm, friendly touch. "I'm having a shit day. It's just been one thing after another at the rescue. We had a dog get loose, a volunteer no-show, and then the washer broke down. I'm just running on fumes tonight."

Trixie nods, her eyes filled with understanding. "Oh honey, we've all been there. Take a few minutes, put your feet up, and grab something to eat. We've got it covered out here."

I don't even hesitate. Just pull her into a grateful hug, making her laugh and pat my back, then head to the breakroom, sink into a chair, and close my eyes. The clatter of pans and the ding of the kitchen bell is a symphony in the background. The quiet is a welcome reprieve from the blaring rock music coming from the stage.

The door opens, and Alexis walks in, her eyes red-rimmed. She plops down next to me, letting out a heavy sigh. She's still inher costume from earlier. The woman has killer moves, making her a favorite out there. Her tips must be incredible.

"Rough day?" I ask, my own exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

Alexis nods, wiping at her eyes. "Custody battle. It's just... it's a mess."

I reach out, squeezing her hand. "I'm sorry, Alexis. That's got to be tough."

She gives me a watery smile. "Do yourself a favor. You meet a man that's hot as hell, a little dangerous, a little mean? Turn around and run like your life depends on it. He's not worth it." She hiccups a little breath. "The only good thing he ever did is give me my little girl."

I’ve been there. I dated the dangerous mean guy, but thankfully I had a grandpa to help me pull my head out of my ass, and send the guy packing. I can’t imagine being Alexis’ age and have a kid. And now, my window of opportunity is closing quickly. I would like to be a mom someday, but not enough to let it happen with the wrong guy. "Can I do anything? Do you need anything?"

She sighs, raking her hand through her blonde hair. I absently pat mine. The color is fading a bit, and I know my dark roots are showing. I kinda like the blonde, I might hang onto it, despite the cost of maintaining it. The tips here got way better as soon as I changed up the color. I'm not a scientist, but that seems pretty damned scientific to me.

"Maverick's been helping me out. He's been a godsend. I don't know what I would do with him." Her eyes light up when she talks about him, the hint of a blush on her cheeks. "He's just…amazing."

Something twists in my gut at the mention of Maverick. It's obvious she has a crush on him. She's so young, the idea of themtogether feels wrong. But he wouldn't be the first rich man to date a young pretty woman.

Woah. I feel like a bitter old woman, which is plain stupid. I'm the one who drew the line. It's my own issue that stopped the obvious interest between us from blossoming. I'm the one that pulled away from that damned kiss. And now I have my panties in a twist because someone else likes him? How sixth grade of me.

He's my boss, and I'm not going there — again —, but that doesn't mean everyone thinks the same way I do. And Alexis is a sweetheart. She deserves someone to take care of her. But still, the thought of Alexis and Maverick together... it doesn't sit right with me.

I push the feeling down, focusing on Alexis. "That's great that he's helping you out. I'm sure with him on your side, things will work out."

Alexis nods, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "I hope so. I just want what's best for my daughter, you know? And that's me. Her dad is not a good man."

"You're a good mom," I tell her, gently tapping her knee.

She bites her lip, giving me a hesitant look. "You think so?"

"I know so. My mom dropped me off with my grandma when I was little. She was not a good mom. She’d tell you that right to your face." No, good was not a word that could be used to describe my mom. Flighty. Self centered. Immature. Those words fit. "You know, now that I think about it, maybe taking me to my grandparents is the most mom thing she could have done. Because she knew Nan would take care of me. Mom's want what's best for their kids, I think."

"I don't want her to grow up like me," she whispers, tears making her eyes glassy. "She deserves to feel safe and loved, and have a home. I didn't have any of that growing up. That's howI ended up here. It was not a safe place to be when I started working here."

"I don't really know much about this place before. Was it that bad?"

Her lips tighten. "Bad doesn't even begin to describe it. There were fights every night. For the most part, security kept us safe on stage, but it always felt…scary to be in here. The people who came in were drunk and loud. There were drug deals out in the open."

"That does sound scary. It's a good thing Maverick bought it."

"It's the luckiest thing that ever happened to me." She pauses, fingers pressed to her mouth and she breathes. "I never knew what it felt like to be respected, you know? I take my clothes off for a living. I tried to convince myself that it's a respectable job, which I guess it is, but this place didn't make me feel good about it. But now? We don't get totally naked, and we're taken care of. The tips are insane, and nobody's taking half away from me. For the first time in my life, I have money in the bank." The awe in her voice makes my throat close up. I understand exactly where she's coming from. Two years ago, I wouldn't have. Back then, I didn't worry about anyone but myself.

And my animals.

And my volunteers.

And a little bit about Nan.

Okay, so maybe I worried, but it was different. Failing myself is one thing. Failing Nan? Failing my rescue? I don't think I'd survive that.

"He gave you security."

"Yes. And respect. I didn't realize it until I had it, but the respect matters even more to me."

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