The Rulebreaker

“Maverick saw it? Mavy, you hate the theatre,” Mom says.

“Mom, he can’t hear you.” I shake my head even though she can’t see me.

My mother thinks that because she walks around talking on speakerphone, everyone must do the same. It’s an annoying habit I’m trying to get her to kick. After exchanging pleasantries with her and Dad, when we get in my car, I set the phone on speaker.

“Mavy, I thought you hated the movies?” Mom asks again, now that he’s listening.

“I used to but it’s definitely one of my favorite places now.” Mav glances over, a smoldering look on his face. I shoot him a look and thank the Lord we’re not on FaceTime with my parents.

“Did you like the movie?” Dad asks. “The show is really good.”

“Dad’s really into Anime now,” I explain. “Demon Slayer is his favorite.”

“There are others, but this is a good one to start with,” Dad says.

“I don’t think Maverick wants to get into it, Dad.”

“You don’t know that. Maybe I’ll start watching.” Mav shrugs a shoulder.

“Are you trying to kiss my ass since you’re dating my daughter?”

Mav’s eyes go wide. “No, sir.”

“So, you’re just trying to kiss my ass because you want to?”

“Um, I wasn’t really trying to kiss your ass.” Mav scratches the back of his neck. I laugh.

“Dad, leave him alone.”

“What? Just because I’ve known him since before he hit puberty he’s supposed to get special treatment?” Dad asks. “No, ma’am. He’ll be treated like every other boyfriend. There is a trial period.”

“What kind of trial period?” Mav asks.

“If I tell you then you’ll prepare for it. Don’t worry, you’re doing all right so far,” Dad says. “I don’t agree with you luring her to move in with you so that you could seduce her though, let’s be clear about that.”

“Mike,” Mom reprimands, laughing. “Stop it.”

“What? It’s true,” Dad says. “In Jamaica we would never.”

“Oh, here we go.” I roll my eyes. “We’re not in Jamaica, Dad. You’re not even in Jamaica Queens, so don’t even.”

“And, Mike, if you remember correctly, that was exactly what you wanted to do with me, back in Jamaica,” Mom says, her accent coming in strong.

“Uh-oh,” Mav says, “I’m staying outta that one. When Momma Bev brings out the accent you know it’s on.”

“I think we can all agree that the movie was great,” I say, jumping in before things get crazy.

“It was,” Mav says.

“I thought it had too much violence,” Mom says.

“Beverly,” Dad starts.

“Nope. Don’t tell me anything about that, Michael. I asked you about the violence and you said it was a cartoon. Well, cartoons can be violent, as we all saw.”

I shoot Mav a look and sigh. He smiles and holds my hand.

“Are we done?” I ask.

“Yes,” Mom says. “Love you, baby. Talk tomorrow.”

“Love you, baby. Love you too, Maverick. Don’t forget your manners around my daughter,” Dad says.

“You know I won’t, sir.”

I hang up and slap a hand over my forehead. “They are the most.”

“They love you.” Mav smiles. “We all love you and want what’s best for you, so you can’t blame them for being the most.”

“I love you, even though you did ask me to move in and then took advantage of me.”

“Me?” Mav laughs. “As I recall, you were begging me to be your first.”

“Ah, well, the details are murky.”

“Unbelievable.” He shakes his head, laughing. “So, where do you wanna go next?”

“I’m hungry.”

“Me too.”

“But I don’t want Tony’s. I think if I eat pasta again this month I’ll never eat it again.”

“No Tony’s then.” He laughs and starts driving.

I like having things figured out, but at the end of the day, I don’t really care what I do so long as it’s with him.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Maverick

Two Months Later

“Maverick, you’re going to break my hand.”

“Sorry.” I loosen my grip on Rocky’s hand. “I’m nervous.”

“I don’t know why.” She smiles at me. “This is the team you want to play for.”

“I know, I know, but this is the rest of my life.”

“For now.” She squeezes my hand. “It’s a good contract and a good city. And you get to stay close to Jagger for a while.”

“And it’s the city you’ll be playing for.” I grin. “That’s why it’s a no-brainer.”

“And because you like it.” Rocky raises an eyebrow.

“Yeah, I do like it.”

“Good. Now sign that contract and get paid, baby!”

So, I do, and it feels good to see my name on that paper. Carolina Hurricanes have no idea what they have coming, especially since Colson is also signing with them. Rocky signed with the North Carolina Courage and has been waiting for training to start with them soon. At first, I was surprised she picked them over New York or Florida, but we’ve made North Carolina our home these last few years here, so I’m glad she picked them and that we get to stay here longer. I would have picked Mars if that was where she said she was going, though. Anywhere with her.