Page 56 of Falling Stars

“Take your time. Leo and I are gonna discuss the meaning of life.”

As hard as today has been, as difficult as leaving is, I’m relieved Mav and I aired out our grievances. Maybe we’ll still be friends after all is said and done.

When I get to the parking lot, it’s dark and cold and windy. Shivering, I run to my car and drop my bags. Reaching into my pocket, I grab my keys. I’m just about to unlock the door when something flapping on the windshield catches my eye.

Maybe it’s a Guac ’N’ Roll taco truck coupon. Sometimes they put flyers on all the cars.

I reach for it, but immediately, I realize I’m wrong.

It’s not a coupon.

The red ink makes me freeze.

‘Stupid bitch’ is scrawled on a torn piece of notebook paper.

Whirling around, I scan the parking lot. The wind whips through the cars, and along the edge, close to the river, trees sway and bend. Is someone hiding in the shadows? Is someone watching me, waiting?

My skin prickles along my neck and shoulders, and I whip around, but no one’s there.

“Fuck you, asshole!” I shout.

Just then, a huge gust of wind blows the note out of my hand, and it disappears in the darkness.

Damn it. Well, there’s a zero percent chance of me being dumb enough to chase after it. Because that’s the crap you do in a slasher movie just before you get axed. The sheriff won’t know what to do with more evidence anyway.

Fumbling with my keys, I almost drop them. I finally get them in the door and unlock it. I’m reaching for my bag, when my phone rings in my back pocket, scaring the shit out of me.

I lean against my car and suck in several deep breaths.

Get a grip, Baylee.

By the time I get my cell out, I’ve missed a call from Paige, but I’m relieved it’s not another creepy unknown caller. Just then, I get an incoming text from her.

I’m so sorry to cancel on you, but I think Austin caught a stomach bug. He’s been puking since he got home. I don’t want you or Leo to get sick. Can we postpone a few days?

Damn it. I should’ve waited to have this talk with Maverick. Waited until I was settled at the ranch before I made things weird between us.

I respond to Paige.No problem. Hope Austin feels better soon.It’s not her fault I suck at life.

After I scan the parking lot one last time, I lock up and drag my duffle bags back into the building.

I stare at my bedraggled reflection in the elevator. Why do things never go my way?

When I get to Maverick’s condo, I pause to close my eyes and take a few more breaths to calm down.

As I open the door, I make a split decision not to mention the note. There’s no need to worry Mav, which will only make him more protective. Because that won’t be conducive to us going our separate ways.

I find Leo in Mav’s arms as they watchBack to the Future. Mav gives me a crooked grin. “It’s never too early to teach the kid about the flux capacitor.”

Nodding, I drop my bags. “Change of plans.” I press my palms to my eyes. “I’m so sorry to do this, but Austin is sick, and Paige thinks we should wait a few days before we go over. Could we possibly?—”

“Of course.” His smile widens. “Stay as long as you want.”

The fear and anxiousness that threatened to overwhelm me in the parking lot begins to fade. Because here with Mav, I know Leo and I are safe. “Thank you. Really.”

I drag my stuff to the other side of the living room so it’s out of the way. I ignore the temptation to unpack so Leo and I will be ready to leave once Austin feels better.

Mav holds up the remote. “Wanna watch some Netflix? There’s a fireman show I’ve been meaning to see, and Leo doesn’t really get Doc Brown’s sense of humor.”

---