Page 50 of Falling Stars

“A few weeks before homecoming junior year. Your stepmonster had you on lockdown, which is why you weren’t at Chet’s party.” I groan and press my face into my hand. “The worst part is I kept the video, and I tortured myself by watching it over and over again.”

“Oh, Baylee.” She reaches over and squeezes my hand. “So what happened back then? I don’t remember you two ever having some big rift.”

“The following week, we had to go help my grandfather in Amarillo, and that saved me from seeing Maverick right away, but when I got back, we basically pretended it never happened.”

Her eyes widen. “Was that before or after homecoming?”

“Right before. I made this big declaration about how I had feelings for him, he lied to me and denied it, and then he turned around and took Nicole Asshat to homecoming two weeks later.”

“That would definitely sting.”

I pull Leo up over my shoulder and burp him on a cloth diaper. “It took me years to date someone, while he ran off and fucked his way through Lone Star State.”

Tilting her head, she pauses. “While I did see him talk to a lot of girls, I never saw him hooking up with anyone. And you know how crazy those football parties got. So I mean, I’m not totally sure the manwhore description is accurate. Aside from Kira, I don’t know who else he ran around with.”

“I guess that’s better, but I’m still angry about it.”

“Which is understandable.”

“What if he and I had been able to date long distance?” I snuggle Leo, not able to articulate that I wish Maverick was his father and not Sean. “What if we’d had what it took to be high school sweethearts who lasted?”

Our food arrives, and after she takes a bite of her sandwich, she hums. “I don’t know if this relates at all, but I think Maverick had it the worst as a child, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s been sabotaging his own relationships as a result.”

“What do you mean?”

“His mom took off when Maverick was little. All the other boys were older except for Mav and Jace, and Jace…” She pauses.

“Jace is the biggest player in town.”

“Yeah.” She takes another sip of tea. “All the Walker brothers have commitment issues, and the only reason Rhett worked through his is because he could either marry me to get that loan or lose the ranch.”

After I take a bite of my brisket sandwich, I smile at her. “If Ihaven’t told you lately, I’m thrilled for you. You and Rhett are great together, and I’ve never seen Gabe and Austin happier.”

“I love those boys, and I’m so grateful Rhett and I figured things out.”

I grin. “You two always have heart eyes when you look at each other. It’s a little nauseating, but adorable.”

She laughs, but nudges me. “I want you to get your happily ever after too.”

I’m a romantic at heart, but I’m also a realist. “I don’t see that happening any time soon.”

“Don’t bottle it up this time. Talk through it all, and if that means you give Maverick hell, then do it. Do whatever it takes to confront this head-on. You owe it to yourself and to him to finally get everything out in the open.”

“Honestly, I’m scared. Mav’s been so sweet since he got back to town, but I’m afraid to open up. If we crash and burn, I can’t just bury my head and cry. I have to take care of Leo and the salon. I have people who rely on me. I have employees and bills. I don’t have time to fall apart.”

Nodding, she gives me a sympathetic smile. “That’s true, but consider the alternative. This might be your last chance to work something out with him. And I know deep down that you’ve never felt what you feel for Mav for any other man.”

“Sad but true. I genuinely thought I was over him when I got with Sean. Except now, the more time I spend with Maverick, the more I’m reminded of all the reasons I fell for him when we were younger.” I fiddle with my napkin. “But I’m not sure I can open up like I did when I was seventeen. Back then, I was ready to go anywhere for him.”

“And that’s his loss. Maybe he’s figured that out. I mean, there has to be a reason he’s always reached out to you even when he was the big football star on campus.”

I tilt my head down. “Paige, I’m afraid to let myself love him again.”

She reaches across the table and takes my hand. “Love is scary as hell, but it’s worth the risk.”

“I have to admit that Mav was awesome the other day. He helped me clean up my mom’s house. I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet, but it got vandalized.”

“Your house got vandalized? What?” she yells, and everyone looks at us again.

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