5. Maverick Carter
Chapter five
Maverick Carter
“This is excessive,” I say as Drew places a box of gourmet bonbons on top of the basket he’s filled to the brim.
“Bribery usually is.”
I shake my head, which he doesn’t see because he’s rearranging the basket trying to fit more stuff. So far, we have fuzzy socks, candles, baby clothes, diapers, a leather camera strap, two blankets, and a ton of her favorite snacks.
There’s still plenty more not in the overpriced wicker basket I bought. At some point during our shopping yesterday, I started footing the bill. Not because Drew asked, but because it was getting out of hand. The man was buying everything in sight. While he and Kayla aren’t poor by any means, I know they can’t afford expensive gifts on top of this trip. I could have gotten him to stop, but I want Evie to come back home too, so I decided to go all in on his hairbrained plan.
“Okay, so what’s the strategy here?”
“I’ve already told you,” he says with an exasperated sigh that I don’t appreciate. “You take the basket to Evie and talk to her.”
“Yes, but what do I say ? Am I trying to convince her to come to Georgia or just to open up in general?”
“I’d say start out with the first one, but if she’s completely against it, at least get her to contact us more often.”
I nod. “Okay, I can try to do that. She’s going to have questions though. About where she’s going to work and live .” I give him a pointed look, because I know he hasn’t thought this through.
He rakes a hand through his hair. “She’s a photographer, I’m sure it won’t be hard for her to find a job. And I’ll help take care of her until she can get back on her feet.”
“That’s not very convincing. She has a prestigious job right now. Not to mention an apartment in a great neighborhood. You and Kayla don’t have any room in your townhouse for her and Beckham.”
He looks at me. The expression he’s wearing is similar to the one from yesterday when he convinced me into this plan.
“Doesn’t your new farmhouse have an apartment above it?” he asks with an uneasy smile.
“You want Evie to live with me?” I ask him, eyebrows raised.
“Just until she finds her own place. I’ll pay rent on her behalf, and anything she needs will be my responsibility.”
I sigh, running a hand over my short beard. Coming on this trip has turned out to be a whole lot more than I expected. It’s not like I mind Evie and Beckham coming to stay, but it feels weird even thinking about sharing a roof with Evie after everything that’s happened. She hasn’t had a full conversation with me in over a year now. It’s a big leap to go from not talking to roommates.
Then again, it’s not like we’ll be sharing a wall. The second floor of my house is a full one bedroom apartment, with its own kitchen and laundry. Everything is outdated, but still functional. The most I’ll see her–unless she wants to be around me more–is her coming and going through my front door. I look at Drew. Hope is springing up out of him like a fountain. I couldn't turn him down even if I wanted to, though I am worried his dreams will be dashed by his sister.
“I’d never make you pay anything. She can stay as long as she needs to. I’m happy to help, but you’ve got to know that there’s no way she’s leaving her glamorous life to stay in an apartment above my house. Even if she has this so-called soft spot for me, that doesn’t override how much better she has it here.”
“Her family isn’t here,” Drew says, his expression drawn. “She needs a support system. You used to be that before, I think having you talk to her will make her want that again.”
“I agree with you that she needs a support system, but she might already have one here.”
If she doesn’t, I don’t know how she’s made it this far.
“I have a feeling the only person she had was Ezra.” Drew’s eyes flash in anger at the name of Evie’s ex. “I’m glad they’re not together anymore.”
“Me too,” I say, then glance down at the overflowing basket. “Are you ready for me to take this? We can save the rest for when she comes with us. You can make a welcome home basket.”
He gives a halfhearted smile. “Yeah, that sounds good. What do you think the chances are that she gets on a plane with us? ”
I shrug. “I think there are too many emotions involved. No estimate can factor in how she’s feeling.”
“Well, whatever the odds are, I hope they’re in our favor.”
I walk into the lobby of Evie’s apartment building, carefully balancing the gift basket as I do. The scent of the candles swirls around me. Marshmallow campfire, pumpkin spice, and apple pie scents combine in an oddly perfect combination. I might have to buy some of these for my house. My little sister MJ likely won’t approve since she’s convinced candles are toxic, but these might be worth the lecture.
“Hello again,” I say to the security guard, putting on a friendly smile. He nods in recognition. “Could you call Evie Wilder in apartment 533? And would you mind telling her that Maverick is here with a gift for her?”
“I sure can.” He smiles back at me as he picks up the phone. “That’s a mighty fine gift basket you’ve got there.”
“Think it’ll get me back in her good graces?” I ask him and he chuckles.
“I’d take you back.”
I laugh when he winks. “We’re just friends, but good to know.”
He dials Evie’s number and I wait patiently while he explains that I’m here for her. My smile widens when he talks up the gift basket. I watch as he listens for a moment, then his jovial expression begins to wilt. He hangs up the phone with a pitying look .
“I’m sorry sir, she said to tell you she’s not in the mood for visitors right now.”
I sigh. “Okay, well can I leave this down here for her?”
He nods. “Of course. I’ll make sure she gets it.”
I set it down on his desk, then pull out my phone. Drew gave me Evie’s new number. I didn’t plan on using it, but I have to try once more before I leave. I decide to text her, so that she doesn’t ignore an unknown number.
Maverick: Hey, it’s Maverick. I know you’re mad at us for surprising you yesterday. For the record, I had no idea you didn’t know we were coming. Don’t worry, I told Drew he was an idiot for that. I’m sorry if we hurt you in any way. I’d love to talk while I’m in the city, but if you don’t want to I understand. I’m leaving your gift basket at the reception desk. And in case I don’t get to talk to you, I want you to know I’ve always got your back. All it takes is one text and I’ll be on my way. I love you Wilder.
I press send. I don’t think I’ve ever sent a text that long before in my life. It’s worth feeling awkward for Evie though. I wait a few minutes, staring at my phone until it feels like she’s not going to respond. With a sigh, I turn to walk out. I’m not looking forward to telling Drew that she refused to see me.
“Sir!” The security guard’s voice rings out behind me. I look over my shoulder to see him smiling. “She just called and said to let you up.”
A grin spreads across my face. It worked. She’s going to hear me out.
“Thank you for your help,” I tell him as I take the basket back off the desk .
“Of course. I hope it works out the way you want it to. Miss Evie is a sweet girl. She deserves the best.”
I couldn’t agree more. Well, the sweet part is questionable depending on the day, but she does deserve the world.
I head to the elevator with the guest pass he gives me, maneuvering to scan it while holding the gift. I manage to get inside, and the ride up feels both agonizingly slow and much too quick.
My nerves spike as I walk down the hallway. When I make it to unit 533, I steel myself, shift the basket into one arm, and knock.