MAVERICK
After my coffee time with Beatreigh, it was oddly eye-opening. Lake could have possibly lost everything he had worked hard for years because of his decision and what he gave up. So, I followed his mother’s advice.
I parked before his company building to surprise him at his office. Never had I thought of being the one getting the surprise.
Anger slammed right into my chest the moment I recognized the woman who was holding his hand and kissing him on the cheek.
That bitch.
The unfamiliar ache in my chest settled and made me want to lash out and wring her neck until she turned blue.
I fisted my hands as I turned back to my car and almost bumped into someone towering over me.
“You’re not getting in there?”
I met Owen’s gaze. “I changed my mind. My husband got a date, but he’ll probably be free next week.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. That woman just came to him, and they barely talked for one minute outside the building. Do you trust me?”
“Is there a reason not to trust you?”
“No. Trust me, your husband has not seen any woman than his mother. I’m with him for days while you left him alone.”
“I left him?” I pointed at myself, widening my eyes at him.
“Did you not?”
I rolled my eyes. “I have to go to work.” I still worked at the Bazz, but only for four days a week.
Two days ago, I also went to FFA Kitchen. I wanted to exhaust myself, keep busy, be productive, and maybe forget my marital issues for a while.
“You two are the most cowardly couple I’ve ever met.”
“Says the guy who is not married.”
“At least I’ve been in a healthy relationship for over five years.”
“What happened?”
“She died.”
“Oh, my God. I’m sorry.” I found myself hugging his strong arms. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”
“I still wish to spend more time with her every day, but that’s life. I’ve been in a relationship for five months now, and I know she would be happy for me. Sometimes, it’s unfair. If I were you and it seemed that you two feel the same way to each other, stop wasting time before it’s too late.”
“Thanks.” I paused for a moment to think through. “I’ll call him later.”
“See you, Mrs. Winston.”
“By Owen. Say hi to Homer for me.” I climbed into the car and drove off.
When I returned to the penthouse, the clothes and makeup had arrived. I showered and changed into my pajamas.
The campaign we shot was successful and got 90% positive feedback, and I was baffled by those photos that the model was actually me. I looked entirely different in every picture.
But I was still finding it hard to wrap my head around the fact that Lake resigned and focused on his company.
I dialed Cooper’s number.
“What’s up?”
I stayed with him for two nights, but I couldn’t stay longer because he offered me his bed, and he crashed on his own couch.
“You want a freelance job?”
“What kind?”
“Photography.”
“Are you serious?” He seemed surprised.
“Yeah.”
“What kind of photographs?”
“Street Style and Studio.”
“Are you kidding me? Who’s the client? Of course, I’m in,” he replied excitedly.
“Me. Wait, you haven’t checked my ig? I’m offended as your only friend, Coop. I can hate you right now. I’m hurt.”
“Touche. I’ll call you back.”
Two minutes later, he called back. “Holy fucking shit! I’m floored. Is that really you? Of course, it’s my friend.” He laughed out loud. “Mama is mothering. Why didn’t you tell me about the shoots.”
“I didn’t know they would post it that fast.”
“The editing skill is fantastic.”
“Yeah. We did it this morning, but they haven’t uploaded all.”
“Girl, you’re a fashion model in the making. I can’t wait to see you at the fashion show. You deserve it. And I’m definitely in.”
“Thanks. I have to hire a makeup artist. And don’t worry, you’ll get paid.”
“Of course, my service is not free while you’re making thousands of dollars and your followers are boosting, Mave. I’m proud of you.”
“I’ll give you an update. You might as well update your profile because it’s not even catchy. Bye.”
“Bye.”
I took a deep breath and went downstairs to the kitchen. I poured a glass of red wine and brought it to the living room.
Not over a week ago, Lake and I had so much fun. Our relationship started to grow, and the sex was good, so good that I missed him every day. How did we end up here in this situation? I didn’t know. A miscommunication? Our egos? Words could not express how much it hurt me that he only saw me that way.
I opened a book and wrote some keywords on my iPad when his image popped into my head. He looked so hurt when I told him I was only his pretty woman.
I grabbed my phone from the coffee table when his name popped up on the screen. I answered it.
Before I could say a word, he already called my name. “Maverick?”
God, I missed his voice when he called me beautiful, and he just commented on the post.
I really missed him so much.
“Yeah.”
“It wasn’t true. Whatever you read online, I swear to God, I know it’s cliche, but it’s not what it looks like.” What was he talking about? “She came to me and said she sent you a DM, and you two exchanged messages until I saw the picture and the video. She set me up.”
Oh, that bitch. I really started to hate this woman. He kept babbling and apologizing.
“I know. I believe you.”
“Wait, what?”
“I said I believe you.”
There was a pause- a silence stretched between us.
“You believe me?”
“Yes. I was there.”
“You were there?”
“Why are you talking in a sentence?” I couldn’t help but laugh. For the first time since we had parted at Braddson’s estate, we finally had a long conversation, and it was over the phone.
“Yeah. You look good. I mean, you were stunning at the campaign. I’m so proud of you, Maverick. Congratulations.”
“Thanks. I liked your comment, by the way. I replied, too.”
“Oh, yeah. What did you say?” I could feel he was smiling.
“Why don’t you just check it?”
“Will do it later.” He chuckled. “So you dropped by. How didn’t I know about it?”
“I didn’t make it inside. I changed my mind when you seemed pretty occupied with another woman with her hands all over you.”
“It wasn’t like that. Trust me, I’ve never been with anyone other than you. Mom can attest to that.”
“I know. I thought Owen would tell you.”
“That asshole. Hey, OB!” Owen must be nearby. “You met my wife, and you missed to mention it? What the fuck, man?”
“I wasn’t informed that I should tell you her whereabouts, boss,” Owen replied.
“Unbelievable. Sorry about that.”
“It’s fine. Natalie and I didn’t exchange messages.”
“Figured after I saw my picture on the link Mom sent me.”
“I met her this afternoon. Why didn’t you tell me you resigned, Lake?”
“I don’t want you to talk to me because you pity me. Did you answer my call because of that?”
“Seriously?”
“Yes. Did you come to my office because of it?”
“You know what?” I pressed my lips together in annoyance. I felt like I was wasting my time.
“Maverick, don’t hang up the call.” His voice was urgent, almost begging. “Please tell me why came by?”
“Your mom made me realize something, and that’s why I came by to pay you a visit.”
“You won’t really talk to me if you did not meet my mother?”
“I would eventually. You know for a fact that I’m still your wife, and our agreement is still in progress.”
“Can we meet?”
“I’m actually at the penthouse. I might as well use this space for my upcoming photoshoots, but that’s only with your approval.”
“Of course.”
“And your car.” Please say yes.
“Should I get a commission on that?”
“Really, Winston?”
“A date then?”
“Fine. You can come home if you want to.”
“I’m actually on the way. See you in a bit, Maverick.”