Maverick had put the largest floral arrangement in the air-conditioned cab with us. It was a big piece with half a dozen flowers in various colors and a large foil balloon with a ‘95’ on it.
He opened the door and picked it up. “I’ll go get us some help with unloading.”
He hopped out, carrying the arrangement with him, and soon two hotel employees emerged to unload the truck. Maverick stood by the door, directing them much as he had me. In minutes, the truck was emptied and everyone had disappeared inside.
I moved to a parking spot then returned to the door,unsure how long Maverick would need to stay. When I made my way in, I found quite a few people milling around.
The guest of honor wasn’t here yet, but Maverick really had been running late, because there were several volunteers helping him set up centerpieces on tables. He’d magicked a little water bottle from somewhere and was spritzing a few of the flowers to refresh them after their hot ride.
I recognized a lot of faces in the room. Lula Miller was here with her guy, Tom Moore. She was holding court with Iola and Paula, all of them giggling like schoolgirls. They were a dangerous combination when they got together.
Duke and Marilyn Lattimer sat at a table with Elmer and Agatha Hayes, a couple that had been married, divorced, then married again. Despite many bets being taken on whether Elmer and Agatha would break up again, they’d stuck it out this second time around.
Linc Tate passed by, giving me a nod. “Hey, man. Are you related to Edna?”
His notebook was in his hand, ready to take notes for an article in Inside Granville, the local news blog.
“Nah, I came with Maverick. He did the flowers.”
Linc glanced across the room, where Maverick was now talking to Edna’s family, gesturing wildly before suddenly looking directly at me and waving me over.
“Oh, nice,” he said, grinning. “I’ve always liked him.”
“Aren’t you practically married to Darren Rafferty?” I blurted. “Where do you get off noticing howniceMav is?”
“Uh, I’m not married yet.” He chuckled. “And I meantnice for you. Mav’s a good guy.” He patted my arm. “Don’t worry. I’m not looking to steal him.”
Wait. What?
I opened my mouth to protest, but he was already gone. Damn it. Whatwaswith this ridiculous reaction I had everytime Maverick got close to another guy? Did I—I mean, could I be…
Into him?
Maverick waved again, more insistently, for me to join him. Fuck. Now was not the time to freak out. I could hyperventilate later.
I pasted on a smile and went to join him.
CHAPTER 15
Maverick
Damon weavedthrough tables and mingling guests to join me with Edna’s grandkids, Crystal and Marcus Wallis. They’d done most of the planning, though their parents were paying the bill.
“So, you’re the hero of the day,” Crystal said when Damon reached us.
“Uh…”
“I told her about my transportation emergency,” I said. “Crystal and Marcus wanted to thank you.”
“I was happy to help Maverick out. I hope you all enjoy your party.”
We retreated to the edge of the room just as there was a commotion near the door.
“Edna’s coming!” someone called.
The room quieted, everyone watching as Edna shuffled in, moving a walker in front of her.
“Happy Birthday!” the crowd called out.
