Page 131 of Falling Stars

As much as I’ve wanted to reach out to Maverick this week, I’ve had a recurring dream every single night. The one of him in a huge stadium, celebrating a win.

So I don’t need to talk to him to know what choice he made.He’s still in New York. If he failed his physical, he’d be home by now.

Fortunately, Paige waltzes in with Austin, sparing me from having to make awkward conversation with Maverick’s brother.

Paige smiles at me before she turns to her brother-in-law. “Beau, Austin was hoping you’d help him build that volcano.”

“Sure thing.” Beau hops out and a minute later, I hear Austin squealing with laughter as Beau carries him on his shoulders back to the main house.

“Do you have a sec?” Paige asks hesitantly.

I jerk to a stop. “What happened? What’s wrong?”

She swallows. “Nothing’s wrong. Exactly. It’s just… I want to give you a heads-up.”

Sucking in a breath, I nod. “Go ahead.”

“Maverick told Rhett to rent out the condo.”

My heart falls and shatters at my feet.

With one arm braced on the sink, I try to breathe through the pain. “Does he know I’m moving out?”

“Yeah. He, um, he’s also looking at more investment properties. So Rhett’s scouting that for him.”

I nod slowly.

Okay then.

I guess that’s the confirmation I’ve been waiting for. Mav’s made his decision. He’s staying in New York.

Because if he was returning, he’d live in the condo. I mean, where else would he stay? Bunk with Jace and all of his fangirls?

If he was returning, he wouldn’t have hired that security company, which I cancelled when I found out it cost twenty fucking grand.

If he was returning, I would’ve heard from him by now.

Closing my eyes, I count to ten.

I give myself ten seconds to mourn the loss of the best man I’ve ever known.

To rage at the universe for the injustice of this situation.

To hate myself for breaking up with him.

To lament that I’ll never find anyone I love as much as Maverick Walker.

Sniffling, I open my eyes and nod. “Thanks for telling me.”

Then I turn around and scrub harder.

48

BAYLEE

Sittingon the steps of the camper, I take a sip of coffee.

It’s early, barely sunrise. The air is crisp, and fog hovers along the hills in the distance. Paige’s rooster crows.

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