"That's not really up to him," Clara said."That's your decision."
"He comforted me the last time she came over."It was nice.It made me fall for him even more.But now, I could only conclude that he didn't want to deal with the fallout.That he'd rather I not see her.
"So what changed?"Reina asked, her elbows on the table, considering me.
"Maybe her attitude when she saw that we were together?She clearly didn't like me being with him.Although she saved her comments for when we were alone."
"Who you date is none of your mom's business.If she doesn't like him, then you'll have to set a boundary.She doesn't get to just say whatever she wants and keep spending time with you," Reina said.
"I don't know—" I'd always found it easier to listen to her and not express an opinion.Who was it really hurting?She got her say, and I'd eventually get over it.
Reina tipped her glass."It's either put your foot down or keep feeling bad about your decisions."
"I don't want to feel like this.And I don't want to lose Maverick.What do I do?"
Clara sighed."You could talk to a therapist about your mom.But you can't go on like this.If Maverick still isn't talking to you, request a meeting and hash it out.If he's not willing to talk, then you have your answer."
I liked the idea of doing something, not just waiting around for him to make a move.No matter what happened, I'd be okay.I had the business to focus on.I lifted my glass."To new friends."
Everyone smiled and lifted theirs."To new friends."
We drank, and when I lowered my glass, I saw a couple of women talking to the Sterlings.I didn't want to see how that went, so I looked away.They were at a bar; they were bound to be hit on.But I didn't have to watch.
"We're here for you," Clara said.
"You guys are the best."
Talk turned to business and Eve's plans to bring in customers in the offseason.We floated ideas for the spring and summer.It was good to focus on something besides my problems.
It was still early when we headed out, but I was drained.Apparently, stand-offs with boyfriends were exhausting.Especially when you were in the same space and not talking.I couldn't pretend it hadn't hurt that he didn't come over to talk to me.It solidified what I already knew.Our relationship was in jeopardy.
I couldn't help but feel that he was being immature.If there was a problem, then he should talk to me.I couldn't figure it out with the silent treatment.I was done waiting for him.I would move forward with my life as if he wasn't in it.Because right now?He wasn't.
It would get easier when the addition was completed.He'd move onto another project, outside of town.
On the sidewalk, we went our separate ways.I climbed into bed alone but determined to find my happiness, no matter what guy was in my life.I didn't need Maverick and his judgy ways.He'd only proven what I suspected all along; he wasn't ready for a relationship.
He had issues he didn't want to handle, and I wasn't a part of that.I'd deal with my mother, and my future.Hopefully, he'd come to his senses.But I wasn't sure I'd still be here when he did.
