Page 29 of You Saw the Best In Me

We talk about school, and I hear the dirty details of what eighth graders are into these days.

She asks me about work and thinks doing hair is fascinating.

“How about I trim your hair tomorrow after lunch? If it’s okay with Maverick, of course,” I offer, immediately regretting it.

He’ll probably think I’m using Harper to get to him. That I’m attempting to stay involved in her life, even though we were never in a relationship.

“I’ll ask him later. Thanks, Karina!” she hugs me, a total change from how she left my apartment last night.

“No problem, kiddo. Let him know I brought you lunch, alright? I have to get back,” I say, cleaning up the mess we made.

“You’re not going to text him and dish all about me?” she asks, and I shake my head.

“No, what you and I talk about can stay between us,” I take my half-eaten sandwich and soda, waving goodbye as I close the door behind me.

I sigh, letting the armor fall that I put up to keep Harper from reading my emotions like an open book.

Only a few more hours left at work, and then I’m free to heal how I please. I vow to turn off my phone, drink wine, and dye my hair tonight. Self care is essential, and I plan to treat myself to everything that brings happiness, and gets me over this strange hump of sadness.

MAVERICK

Ifeel like the biggest asshole in the universe.

Not only did I break the news to Karina that her ex-boyfriend had been at our apartment complex, but the look in her eyes was devastating.

She may downplay it, but I can see that she’s terrified of him. Something more must have happened because the fear that took over her body was almost paralyzing.

Then, I told her we should distance ourselves and keep our relationship friendly.

She was pissed, and rightfully so. I can’t switch my moods regarding her every other day, making her believe something more could happen.

It’s in both our best interests, but it doesn’t make it suck any less.

She kicked me out, and I’m positive she was on the verge of tears.

I’m laying in bed, unable to sleep because of how awful I feel. She let me in, told me what scared her, and all I did was string her along and destroy her perception of what was real or not.

I fight the urge to bang on her door until she forgives me, but I know she’ll never trust me again.

I deserve it and more.

When the sun rises, I wake up Harper, making her stick to her school routine.

“I can’t sleep in, seriously?” she whines, and I give her a firm no.

“Eat breakfast, and then start on your work. I’ll text you later to check on you,” I say, grabbing my things and heading toward the door.

“Is Karina still bringing me lunch, like a fucking babysitter?” she asks, rifling around the fridge for something.

Fuck.

I completely forgot about her offer. Considering how we left things last night, I won’t be surprised if she backed out.

“I believe so. Let me know if she does, alright?” I leave the conversation there, heading out the door.

Karina’s car is still parked, and I take off quickly to avoid her.

Work drags on today. All the guys are curious about why I left in such a rush yesterday.