Total pages in book: 149
Estimated words: 142866 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142866 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
He smooths over his disappointment quickly, but not before I catch it in the way he hoods his eyes and tightens his mouth. “Of course. I just thought if we—”
“It’s a good thought,” I rush to say. “But I want to make sure it’s the right thing to do right now. For me. Is that okay?”
His expression softens with what I hope is understanding. “Yeah. I don’t mean to rush you. We found each other at a weird time. I was barely out of my relationship with Zere when we met.”
“Yeah.”
“I know in some ways it feels like bad timing, but it’s the best.” He lifts my chin with one finger so our eyes meet. “I can’t imagine meeting you when I was still with her. Now that would have been messy because I’ve felt drawn to you from the moment we met. I would not have cheated on Zee, but I don’t think I could have ignored what’s between us.”
I’ve never been one to cheat, to steal another woman’s partner, but the temptation would have been so strong. I’m glad we weren’t tested that way. The test that still lies ahead of us is bad enough.
“You think about it.” He stands. “And I’ll go get breakfast started.”
He heads downstairs, and for a few seconds after he leaves, I just sit there. Thinking of going to his house for a week, I’m so conflicted.
“What should I do?” I ask the unhelpful, empty room.
I’m supposed to be showering, but I grab my phone from the nightstand and fire off a text.
Me: Hey, bitches. I need some advice.
Soledad: This is my specialty.
Yasmen: Sol, you don’t even know what she needs yet! LOL! What’s up, Hen? And how was the party?
Me: Can we video chat?
Soledad: Oh, this is gonna be good!
Yasmen: I have 15 minutes before I need to go. We have this Black business brunch thing.
Me: We’ll be quick.
As soon as the three of us are on, I dive in.
“Hey,” I say. “Like I said, I need your advice.”
“Aren’t you still in New York?” Soledad asks.
“No, I’m home.” I make my eyes as wide as they’ve ever been in my life. “And Maverick is here. At my place.”
“Um… Maverick Bell?” Yasmen’s brows furrow. “Did I miss something?”
“Ohhhh, you actually did,” Soledad says. “I was at Hen’s helping her choose a dress for the party and we decided maybe she should give Maverick a chance since he came over to her house and they dry-humped on the couch.”
“What?” Yasmen’s eyes saucer on-screen. “And I’m just now hearing about this?”
“Okay, sorry,” I say. “There’s been a lot going on. Maverick was in town and expressed a desire to… pursue something.”
“And then came the humping,” Soledad inserts helpfully.
“Sol!” Yasmen and I laughingly say in unison.
“Sorry.” She has the decency to look contrite, though she’s fighting a smile.
“Where does Zere fit in this equation?” Yasmen asks.
“Did you see the post with her new boyfriend?” Sol demands. “Zere’s moved on. So can Maverick.”
“Okay, I saw that,” Yasmen concedes. “I know Maverick is the total package, but it’s still complicated. We are acknowledging that, right?”
“How is his package, by the way?” Sol asks with a mischievous grin. “Did you find out last night?”
“Sol! Oh, my God,” Yasmen squeaks, but then pauses. “I mean… Did you?”
“Let’s just say,” I offer, tongue in my cheek, “I have no complaints.”
“You have no complaints?” Soledad practically screams. “Hen, you always have complaints. The guy’s got ashy ankles, or he used the word ‘conversating.’”
“Remember the one she wouldn’t give a second date because he carried his own toothpicks?” Yasmen adds.
“Toothpicks!” I try to hold on to my straight face, but my lips twitch. “Now y’all know that’s some serial killer behavior.”
“I’m just saying it’s always something with you,” Yasmen continues. “So no complaints… Wow.”
I chuckle and shrug. “I’m not saying Maverick is perfect, but he feels…”
Perfect for me.
I don’t say it, but maybe something on my face does because both of their smiles dissolve. Never in the time they’ve known me have I asked for this kind of advice. I’ve never needed it. Wasn’t even tempted to go this far with anyone. They both sought counsel on love, and I never held back the best advice I could offer. Now I need them to do the same for me.
“He wants us to spend the next week together at his house in Malibu,” I say. “Before I have to go to my mom’s when Aunt Geneva has her surgery.”
Both of their jaws unhinge and fall open.
“I know.” I chew my thumbnail. “It’s a lot and it’s fast.”
“Does it feel too fast?” Yasmen asks. “You have always had the best gut instincts of us all, Hen. You know yourself. What does your gut say?”
I’m almost afraid to voice what I feel at a molecular level is the right thing for me to do. Not for Zere. Not for Chapel. Not for my business. For me. Maverick feels right for me and it is absolutely terrifying.