I open my Favorites.
Me: Hey, I hate to ask this, but if those security cameras outside your building can record sound, can you have our conversation deleted from the records?
Maverick: New phone, who dis?
I laugh at the old joke.
Maverick: Just kidding. And I stopped by security before going upstairs.
I’m surprised at his thoughtfulness, then embarrassed that his being thoughtful would surprise me at all.
I turn back to his building, looking up at the multilevel roofline, all the way to the penthouse at the very top.
Maverick: Stop looking up here, stalker.
Me: How do you know I’m looking up there?
Something flashes in the uppermost window.
Maverick: That’s me, dork.
Maverick: Also, you’re literally the worst-dressed person on the street.
Maverick: One of these days, I’m going to take you shopping and fix your hideous wardrobe.
I look down at myself, and he’s not lying. I don’t even know what he sees in me at this point, so I text him a middle finger.
He responds with a kissy face animation.
Me: And one of these days, I’m actually going to press charges.
He sends me the handcuff emoji and my face heats instantly.
God, this is so complicated.
Making my way into the garage, another series of texts comes in. Smiling, I check the screen, and my stomach clenches.
Hopper: Hey, Boone! I’ll be in town again next month.
Hopper: I know we haven’t been able to get together yet, but let’s try to make it happen this time!
Hopper: And not just because I want to pet your cat.
I can’t help but laugh.
Complicated doesn’t even begin to describe what this is.
Slipping my phone into my pocket, I resolve—again—to stay the fuck away from Rune Bash.
But as I get in my car and start it, I already know I’m going to fail.
15
BOONE
I’m standingoutside Hopper’s warehouse in East Austin, and Angela Lansbury meows, unhappy with her crate situation.
“Sorry, Ang. I think Daddy made a mistake.”
