Page 56 of The Fortunate Ones
“Will be back soon, Mav. I promise. But I’m on team Wes here. I love you guys, but the constant check-ins are becoming too much. I do know how to use a phone if I really need it.”
Smart ass.
“Perfect. Maverick, get some rest while Brooks is out. It’s going to be a long night, so take the break while you can, like they tell new parents.”
Wes was in a bossy fucking mood. It was kind of sexy.
Lucky Luca and Diego. I was sure he’d take care of them.
“Skye, let me know when you’re done there,” Luca ordered, his final one before Wes cut him off.
“I will.”
“And if anything changes with Brooks?—”
“I’ll let you know,” I informed him. I doubted I could sleep even if Wes was right that we all needed to decompress. We werefucking professionals, but when one of us got hurt, it was hard to remember that.
It took longer than I was sure Wes or Skye wanted, but we finally all got off, and for the first time in hours, I was able to pull my earpiece out.
I checked on Brooks, but he was still sleeping, and I had a little time before I had to wake him again. I needed to shower, though I couldn’t bring myself to do it yet. I had this irrational fear that if I did, I wouldn’t be able to hear Brooks if he needed me. I’d have to wait till Skye got back and we could take turns.
With nothing else to do and no chance I’d be able to sleep, I went back to the living room and slumped in one of the chairs. I turned the TV on, flipping to the news. It was in French, obviously, but mine was decent enough to get by, and I could see the images well enough. Nothing about Tanner showed up, not that I’d expected it to.
I checked my phone. Fuck, only twenty minutes had passed. I was going to lose it. I did not do well sitting idly.
My phone was burning in my hand and I was more restless than I thought I’d ever been. I was the one who tamed my men’s restlessness, not the other way around. I didn’t fucking like this. Checking the time, I realized it was still pretty early in the States. My parents would still be up.
“Fuck it.” After checking on Brooks one more time, I pulled up my contacts and called my mom and dad. If anyone could get me to chill the fuck out, it would be them.
“Hello?” my mom answered, sounding a little distracted. In the background, I could hear kids screaming. My nieces and nephews must be over.
My heart panged. I really needed to make more of an effort to see my family more regularly. I missed them.
“Hey, Ma. Is this a bad time?”
“Maverick? Of course not, honey. Your sister is over with the kids, but you know I’m always happy to hear from you. I thought you said you were going to be away for a few days. Is everything okay?”
Concern immediately overtook any happiness in her tone.
“I am. Both okay and away on a business trip. Today got a little . . . rough. We’re all okay,” I quickly added so she didn’t worry. “But I’m feeling a little off and wanted to hear your voice.”
I cleared my throat, glad no one was around to see how red my cheeks got. I didn’t typically blush, and I fucking knew the guys would give me shit.
There was a pause, and then the commotion in the background disappeared. She must’ve gone into another room.
“Maverick, are you sure everything is okay?” Her tone was serious, concerned.
I closed my eyes. “Yeah. Brooks . . . he got hurt during a job today. He’ll be fine, but I guess it rattled me more than expected.” My family didn’t know the details, but they had a vague idea about what I did. My mom knew she couldn’t ask questions, but it would be alright to tell her that at least.
“Of course it did. You love him. If you weren’t rattled, I’d be more concerned.” She hesitated. “I know you can’t tell me anything, but he’ll be alright? Honestly?”
I smiled softly. “Yeah, he will. I promise. He’s sleeping now, but once we’re home, I’ll have him call you. That way you can see for yourself.”
“Good. You know I worry about all of you. I don’t care how trained you are.”
“I know, Mom. We’ll be fine. I think I felt a little bit helpless, out of control.”
Mom laughed. “And we all know how much you hate being out of control.”
