Page 26 of You Saw the Best In Me

The way they are with each other is adorable. I can see that they have a strong bond, and Harper idolizes her big brother.

I don’t know enough about their family life to fully understand, but it’s evident that they’re tight-knit for a reason.

“Karina, I hear you two are in a prank war?” Harper asks in between bites of her brownie.

Before I can answer, April darts off her cat tree and runs into the bedroom like she’s seen a ghost. This cat has been driving me crazy all day. I’m ready to lock her in the bedroom.

“I’m sorry, my cat is clinically insane today,” I warn, and they exchange a knowing glance, attempting to hide their smiles.

They know something I don’t.

Maverick walks over to April’s tree and pulls out a small white device. I stare at him, a million things running through my mind when Harper starts laughing.

“I can’t believe you used that!” She smiles at me, and I have no clue what’s happening.

“Okay, can someone tell me what’s going on, please!” I beg.

The strange little device is starting to freak me out.

“I put this here last night. Tt’s supposed to send out signals that drive cats wild. I showed it to Harper the day I bought it,” Maverick finally speaks up, and I take it from him, throwing it in the trash.

“You got me good. I’ll admit that. But you’re dead meat now,” I tease him, sticking my tongue out.

“You should fill his room with spiders; Mav is terrified of them!” Harper smiles at me, and I like this girl already.

I make a mental note, filing it away for later when I run low on prank ideas.

“So, you’re staying here for a few days, Harper?” I ask, turning the conversation to her.

“Yeah, I got tangled up in a fight at school, and they suspended me. Now, I’m a prisoner in Mav’s apartment for three days,” she groans, rolling her eyes like a typical teenager.

“Harper has plenty of schoolwork to keep her occupied while I’m at work. She won’t even notice I’m gone,” he replies, tossing his napkin at her.

“Well, I have an hour for lunch. I can bring something for you tomorrow if you’d like. Check in and make sure you’re alright?” I offer, hoping I’m not crossing a line.

“I’d appreciate that, Karina, thank you,” Maverick smiles at me, and I can’t help but smile right back at him.

“Do I get a say in this?” Harper sounds annoyed, and I remember the days of being an unruly teenager.

The attitude is off the charts, and I laugh, knowing Maverick will have his hands full the next few days.

I might even let up on the pranks, knowing he’ll suffer enough.

“What’s there to say, Harp? She’s offering to bring you lunch, a nice gesture that she doesn’t have to do,” he warns, a sternness in his voice.

“Fine. Can I watch TV now?” she asks, and Maverick tosses her his keys.

She stomps off without a word, slamming the door behind her.

“Teenagers, right?” I laugh, and he sits on the couch.

I join him, sitting on the opposite side.

He sighs, looking at me with sympathy in his eyes, and I feel like he has something to tell me.

“What’s on your mind, Mav?” I tease, using the cute nickname his sister calls him.

“I have something to tell you. Well, two somethings,” he says, shifting his position on the couch to face me.