MAVERICK
It had been months since I last saw Terzo. I was worried that his assignment might go wrong, but I also trusted his capability. I believed he knew what he was doing and could survive through any difficulties.
Life has been pretty fair for the last couple of months. If there was one thing I’d achieved in my life, it was finally finishing college.
I just received my diploma about half an hour ago, and the guest speaker talked about success and dreams, saying that having a diploma was just a step towards so many dreams and goals.
When the commencement ceremony ended, I walked through the crowd to find Cooper and my family. I made it to the parents’ sitting area behind the open ground when I almost bumped into someone in a fine dark gray suit.
“I’m sorry.” I chuckled.
“Congratulations.” His voice was deep for his age and had an accent.
I lifted my gaze to look at the man standing before me. “Thank you. It took me a while, but I made it.”
My enthusiastic voice made the man smile.
My smile faded as I stared at him. He was in his late sixties, maybe. The color of his eyes was like an espresso, with gray hair at the corners of his head, but what caught my attention was his eyes and the shape of his lips, which reminded me of someone.
“It doesn’t matter how many steps you made. What is important is you made it to the finish line. That’s the real win.”
“That’s so nice. Thank you.” I extended my hand. “I’m Maverick, by the way.”
“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Maverick.” Finally. He gripped my hand firmly, placing his other hand on top. His smile was filled with anticipation and gratitude, but there was also a deep sadness that set in there, almost like he lost someone dear to him.
I couldn’t help but smile, feeling like I had known him my entire life but had never met him before.
As we ended our handshake, I asked, “You’re here for your family?”
“Yes. And I’m so proud of her. You have no idea. I traveled from another place to watch her take her diploma.”
“That’s so sweet of you.”
“Mave!” Cooper called my name, diverting my attention from the man before me.
“Cooper, wait.” I waved my hand and then shifted my gaze to the stranger. “I didn’t catch your-” The man was gone. “Name.”
I looked for him, but it seemed that he just vanished.
“Hey. Let’s go. They’re waiting for us.” Cooper grabbed me by my elbow, but I still searched for the mysterious man in a gray suit. “Are you okay? Who are you looking for?”
I felt a profound sadness in my chest as I walked with Cooper.
“Congratulations!”
I was lifted up and spun around before I felt Lake’s kiss on my lips. I gasped as I felt lightheaded.
“Whoa.” He caught me before I fell. “Sorry. Was it too much?”
I stared at him and shook my head, still speechless.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” I put out a good smile because my family and friends were here. “Maybe this is a post-commencement bliss.”
“There’s no such thing like that.” He kissed me again. “I’m a proud husband here, but we have family and friends who want to congratulate you before we go to the small party I prepared.”
“Thanks, babe.” I hugged him tight. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.”
“That’s a lie, beautiful.” He looked right into my eyes. “You are a resilient woman. You would still make it here without me, but I’m grateful to be a part of this journey until the next chapter of your life and many more.
“Okay, love birds. Enough, both of you.”
“Nana.” I suddenly felt emotional as I hugged her tight. “This is our dream come true. You were there for me every step of the way.”
“No drama, Ricky. This is a good day.”
I chuckled as I drew my emotions back, including my tears. “I love you always, Nana.”
We arrived at the house where Lake arranged a small party for me. When he said small, I didn’t believe it a bit. He had friends and family, and I was sure they would be there. And I was right. The only people who were missing were Wallace and my brother. I wouldn’t expect Wallace to be around. He still despised me for not leaving Lake. I guess we should think of our own happiness from time to time. We deserved it.
I stood before at least twenty heads, popping confetti into my face. The party coordinator, whoever he hired, did a great job making the backyard look like an Alice in Wonderland theme. Tables and chairs were set up, along with balloons, flowers, lights, and a backdrop with my name on it.
I was squeezed and kissed, and my hair was full of confetti. “Thank you, guys.”
“I’m proud of you, darling.” Bea kissed me on the cheek. “I can’t wait to watch you succeed in your endeavors. That’s all I want for you. You and my son being happy till you grow old together.”
The last one to come was Mr. Braddson. “Congratulations, honey.”
I blinked away my tears when I saw Nana was looking at me. “Thank you.”
“I have something for you.”
“Oh, no. You don’t have to do that, Mr. Braddson. It’s not a house and lot, is it? Because if it is, I take it back. I want it.”
I wasn’t aware everyone was listening, including my handsome husband, who smiled from ear to ear with his mother standing next to him. They laughed and looked happy for me.
One thing I noticed was Striker’s smile. He gave me a slight nod.
I took the small box Mr. Braddson gave me. “Why in the hell is my hand shaking?”
“Just chill, baby. I’m sure it’s not a ring.”
“Silly.” I shook it, smiling. “It’s not a bomb either. It doesn’t tick.”
“Just rip it open, Mave. You’re killing me with anticipation,” Genesis said with a glass of champagne in her hand and Rocco next to her.
Everyone seemed to have played along with me being overly gleeful tonight.
I unwrapped the box messily and opened it. They were also excited, including Cooper and Rocco.
I blinked as I looked at what was inside the box. “A key.” I carefully picked it up and raised it. “What does it unlock? Not a castle, I hope.”
“Your Nana’s house. I fully paid the mortgage.”
My mouth hung open, and my tears just rolled down my cheeks. I barely cried, but at that moment, I didn’t care.
“Thank you.” I threw myself at him, lost all my shame that I was hugging one of the richest men in the world.
“You’re welcome, honey.”
“Sorry.” I stepped back, and I felt a hand behind me. “Nana!” I showed her the key, and she was just as emotional as I am.
Two hours later, the guys began dancing. Bea and Moses had left already. The next couple to leave was Mykel and Adley, then Cenric and Sadie. Rome sent a video message earlier to greet me and invite us to visit his wife’s country.
I took my phone and typed on the Google engine. Gaetano Siciliano.
There were millions of results. I hit the image section, and his picture popped up.
“Oh, my God.” My hand flew to my mouth.
“Why are you Googling your father?”
I looked up at Lake standing next to me. “He was there. It was him. This whole time, I felt like I knew him. We shook hands, Lake.”
“You’re kidding.” I caught his worried expression.
“No. I swear to God. Before Cooper called my name, we were talking, and he said he came all the way to attend his-”
“Daughter.” Lake’s voice dropped as his face filled with horror. “Shit.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Fuck.”