“Hey.”
He looks up, then off to the side, shaking his head. “I don’t wanna talk to you,” he calls back.
“I understand. Can I tell your uncles you’re safe?”
He doesn’t answer.
I take a chance and go around to the side, cutting the distance between us.
“They freaked out when they couldn’t track you. It really scared Anders.”
“I didn’t mean to scare anyone.”
“I know. And for what it’s worth, I think they really feel bad about…whatever the family stuff is.” I hold up my phone. “It’s just so they can sleep tonight.”
Maverick considers me for a moment, then says, “Don’t message them until you get home. I don’t want them coming here.”
I chance a few more steps as I gesture to Anders’ car. “I think they already know I’m here.”
He runs his hands through his hair. “Fine. Tell them to back off though.”
“I will.”
Me: I passed by campus again and found him. Safe and unhurt.
Me: He asked to be left alone.
Anders: Fucking hell, Boone. Thank you for the triple-check.
Anders: I did not want to bring in his dads.
Anders: We’ll make it better, I promise.
Me: You’re welcome. I’ll hang out as long as he’s willing to talk to me.
Anders: Good man.
Anders: And keep the fucking car.
I snort.
“What’s so funny?”
When I look up from the phone, Maverick’s closed the rest of the distance. He’s standing in front of me, but he’s avoiding eye contact.
“What’s so funny?” he repeats.
I roll my eyes. “Anders said to keep the car.”
“He probably means it.”
“I’m not keeping your uncle’s car.”
Maverick shakes his head. “Good luck with that.”
I’m grateful for the levity, but…fuck. There’s more to be said, and I hope he’ll let me say it.
“I need you to believe me when I tell you that I was not using you to get close to Hopper.” I stare at the fountain, but it offers no absolution. “And while that makes this complicated,youare not the complication. I’m so sorry I said that.”
