Page 16 of You Saw the Best In Me

Sleeping with her was so irresponsible, considering I left my thirteen-year-old sister alone and got drunk in the process.

This is why I steer clear of relationships and I learned my lesson. The guilt has been eating at me. If I want to prove I can be a proper guardian to a child, I can’t do shit like that again.

I got her out of my system, and I have to leave it at that, no matter how badly I want her again.

It was perfect. Being with her, taking her perky tits in my mouth while she took charge and willingly sucked me off, was better than I could’ve imagined.

That woman can blow the socks off anyone, and I need to stop replaying every second of that night in my head for my own sanity, but I’m coming to the harsh realization that one taste of Karina was absolutely not enough.

Sign number two that I’m completely fucked when it comes to her.

“New kid! Big boss wants to see you in his office,” one of the guys shouts at me from across the yard, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Hunter Avery is co-owner of the company and a great boss so far. He’s the only one who’s taken the time to learn my real name, but he signs my checks, so it’s his job.

I knock lightly on the door, poking my head in.

“You wanted to see me, Mr. Avery?” I ask, and he waves me in.

“Cut that, Mr. Avery shit, it’s Hunter, alright,” he says, not turning around to face me.

“You got it, boss man,” I sit on his office couch, which reeks of whisky and cigarettes.

“Your probationary period is over tomorrow, and Adam thinks we should bring you on full-time. What does that look like for you?” he finally spins around in his chair to face me, and I hadn’t thought of them considering my suggestions.

“Well, what do you normally offer to your full-timers?” I ask, hoping to draw inspiration from his answer.

“It differs for everyone. Some guys want the benefits or the overtime. It’s more about your situation,” he tells me, and I think it over.

Grams has shitty insurance, and getting better benefits for Harper would be nice.

“Can I have dependents on my insurance? My grandmother and little sister have shitty coverage, and I’d like them to be taken care of,” I say, shifting in my seat a bit.

I haven’t disclosed any personal information about my situation to anyone here, and I’d like it to stay between us. I trust Hunter, and he seems like the kind of guy who doesn't fuck around.

“A family man? I can support that. Yes, your family will qualify to be added as your dependents. What kind of hours are you looking to work?” he asks, and I never noticed how flexible things could be around here.

“Whatever you have, I’ll take. The only day I can’t work is Sunday. My little sister and I cook dinner together,” I counter, and his eyes perk up at me.

“Absolutely, Sundays are yours, no matter what,” he shakes my hand, and somehow, I know his word is his bond.

“Thanks, boss man, I appreciate all of this. You have no idea,” I say, standing up to leave his office.

“Keep it up, Maverick. You’re standing out in the crowd right now, and I want to see more from you moving forward,” he smiles and turns back to the computer.

It’s always good to hear praise from a boss, and I’m lucky to have one of the easiest guys to work with. I was in need of good news, and thankfully, it came in the form of providing better insurance for my family.

These moments are why I work as hard as I do for them.

I’m at the grocery store, picking out ingredients for the cheeseburgers Harper wants for dinner, when I see the perfect opportunity for a prank war purchase.

It’s a cat caller toy, supposed to drive your cat crazy and encourage them to play.

I immediately throw it in the cart, hoping to use Karina’s cat as a way to drive her insane.

I’m satisfied with everything I have, and check out, heading off to Grams’ house.

Ever since our short conversation at the hospital, it’s been tense between us.