Page 109 of Never Started
It’s Thanksgiving Day. A day I’m supposed to reflect on all I’m thankful for in my life. Yet, the only thing that comes to mind effortlessly isher.
“What are you doing, Mav?” I mumble to myself, my murmur filling the quiet of my bedroom.
I can’t do this. I can’t stay here and just let things remain questionable between us. I have got to fix this.
Through my life, I’ve learned that if something is worth it, you work hard for it. You fight for what you want. I wanther, and I know that doesn’t come easily. ButI don’t want easy, I want Izzy. I don’t know if I can just coast idly by and hope for the best. I’m willing to do whatever I have to in order to make this work.
I make quick work of packing a bag, rush to my truck, and drive to the nearest grocery store. I get the prettiest flowers I’m able to find. It’s a small gesture, but it’s all I can come up with on a whim. Besides, the object in my pocket is already burning a hole in it.
Not today, Maverick, not now. It isn’t time.
Maybe tomorrow. Maybe the day after. Who knows? When I get to Ander’s family's ranch to see her, maybe the answer will become clear.
My mind is set, my heart is hopeful, and I am determined…I’ll fix this. I’ll get her to see what we have and get us back to where we once were—so we can move forward and become exactly what I know we were always meant to be.
After all, she’s mymystery girl. She’s the one who crossed my path multiple times. The one I couldn’t ignore.
It took me a while to believe in fate. The universe would be cruel to bring us to where we are now if we aren’t meant to be forever.
We are, though. We will be okay. I’ll make sure of it.
Chapter fifty-four
Izzy
November 2025
Beauty, you've always been mine. You will always be mine. Sooner or later, you're going to realize that.
Jett's words have been replaying in my mind since last night, so much so that I haven't been able to sleep. I was already feeling conflicted before, but now I'm downright confused.
I knew coming here was a bad idea.
I don't want to be an adult today. If I had a choice, I'd stay here wrapped in these cozy blankets and drown in my thoughts and self-pity. Yet, that won’t happen. Today is Thanksgiving, and Via is oddly excited for us to all be together. I can't let her down.
"Ughhh,"I groan, reluctantly rolling out of bed.
I take my time getting ready; I'm in no rush.
How could, after all this time, my heart still turn to mush when I'm around him? I love Maverick. I'm in love with Maverick, as hard as that is to admit. Why can’t I lean into it? It doesn’t scare me like it did with Jett…
A large piece of my heart still belongs to the man I never fully allowed in. Maybe that’s why I can’t lean in; I love them both. Fuck… What kind of person loves two men at the same time? What does that say about me? They're both amazing, and both are completely enough on their own. Yet, both have my heart captured in a vice-like grip without signs of letting it go.
My thoughts swarm, holding me captive to the divide in my heart. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I finish applying my makeup and then take one last glance in the mirror before leaving.
The morning goes by rather uneventfully, which, I suppose, is a good thing. Ander is off to the corner of the living room in front of the fireplace, strumming away on his guitar as he sings, and Via sits with her legs crossed at his feet, taking him in with admiration.
I've never wanted something like they have, and I've never been a girl who longed for that connection. It's always scared me more than anything. However, looking at them now has me convinced that I'm the one who's missing out.
Kasten and Dessa are in the kitchen chatting with Silas and Ander's parents about holiday recipes. That dude can seriously talk about food for hours. I can't hang out with him, because he makes me hungry.
Everyone has been here for a few hours, minus Jett. He just got here a bit ago, and although he's sitting opposite me in the living room, he's kept his distance. We haven't spoken other than brief hellos. I catch him looking at me every now and then, but when I do, he looks away and stifles a smile.
Something shifted last night. His words changed a part of me that I can't explain.
Although his sense of possessiveness pisses me off, the fact that he's never given up on me and is willing to wait and fight for me... I don't know. It just means something to me.
Ander and Via giggle in the corner, pulling me from my annoying ass thoughts, and I listen in because I'm nosey as fuck.
