The Rulebreaker
“Well, no.” He frowns slightly. “I don’t think anyone who gives red roses on the first date is necessarily in love.”
“Well, then, they shouldn’t give red roses.” I look back up at the sky. “Maybe something fun and bright. She’s all bubbly and shit. She’d love something bright.”
“You say it like it’s a bad thing.” He laughs.
“It’s not. I just can’t relate to always being that happy.”
“She’s nice, right? You like her.”
“I’m not the one taking her on a date.” I look over at him again. “I don’t have to like her.”
“You’re my best friend. You know I’m not going to settle down with someone you don’t like.”
I tear my gaze away again, trying to rein in the emotions clawing at my chest.
“What’s next on the list of things to do?”
“Open the door for her.” I close my eyes as I speak. “Hold her hand if it feels right.”
“Did Brian hold your hand last night?”
I let out a laugh. “He did not. I think he tried and I kind of ruined it by reaching for my phone like an idiot.”
“You weren’t feeling it.”
“I didn’t say that.” I open my eyes and look at him again. He’s lying on his side, head propped on his hand as he watches me.
“You didn’t have to. You didn’t let him hold your hand, you left early. He said you didn’t feel well.”
“I didn’t.”
“Maybe you just weren’t feeling it and wanted to go home.” He searches my face. “Are you going out with him again?”
“I don’t know.” I lie on my side and prop my head on my hand as I face him. “I think he’ll ask me out again. Things went well.”
“So, a second date.”
“Why do you say it like that?” I laugh. “You make it sound like it’s the worst thing in the world.”
“He’s a good guy.” Mav sits up suddenly, bringing his knees in and setting his arms over them. He’s so damn tall he looks hilarious in that position.
“He is. Very nice. A true southern boy.” I smile, sitting up to mimic his stance again.
“You do like southern boys.”
“They’re usually really well mannered.” I purse my lips. “I mean, Ray was. Everyone else I’ve dated was from New York.”
“True.”
“Daylilies,” I say after a moment. “Those are pretty flowers. They come in red.”
“Would you like daylilies?” Mav meets my eyes again and for a moment I feel like he’s asking me because he’s going to give them to me and not her, but it’s a fleeting moment because I know the truth.
I nod anyway even though I can’t bring myself to speak. The truth is, I’d like anything he’d give me.
Chapter Thirteen
“I’m just going to see if I can stay with Leyla for a few days.”
“Why?”
“Because I want some girl time.”
My mother laughs in my ear. I shut my eyes to relish it. “Honey, you’re with those girls twenty-four-seven. I thought they were driving you crazy.”
“Yeah, well.” I bite my lip.
“Did something happen with the boys?”
“No, of course not.”
“You sure? Should I call Maverick myself and ask him?”
“Oh my God. No, Mom!”
She’s quiet for a beat, then another. “Have you two finally realized you like each other?”
“What?” I don’t mean to shout, but it’s exactly what comes out of my mouth. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, Rocky.” She laughs loudly, the sound ringing through the phone line. Normally, it would warm my heart, but this feels like an attack. “You know, we and the Cruzes have a bet going to see how long it takes you two to realize it and who realizes it first.”
“What?” I slap a hand over my face. I’m so glad I’m sitting in a parked car because surely this is not a safe conversation to have while driving. “What are you talking about, Mom?”
“You heard me. So, who realized it first?”
“Jesus,” I mutter. “This is mortifying. Ms. Mildred is in on this little bet too?”
“Ms. Mildred started the bet, honey.”
“Oh my God.” I sink deeper into my seat. “This is so embarrassing.”
“What’s embarrassing?” She laughs.
“Mom, this isn’t even funny. You’re literally betting on your own daughter’s emotions. This is a traumatic experience.”
“Lord. Traumatic. Get over yourself, Rocky, and when you’re done getting over yourself, spill the details.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. “I like him but he doesn’t know and before you say anything, no, he absolutely doesn’t like me back.”
“Yeah, right.” She huffs. “Of course, he likes you back. He’s not blind or stupid.”
“Newsflash, he doesn’t need to be blind or stupid to not like me back. Maybe I’m not his type.”
“Maverick’s? Are we talking about the same guy? Because all he does when he’s around you is stare at you when you’re not looking.”
“That’s such a lie.”
“Who was the girl he was dating? The dark one with the big ass?”
“Tanya?”
“Yeah, well, Milly says the reason Tanya broke up with him is because she knew he liked you and she couldn’t deal with it.”