Chapter 12 Easton #2
It’s late by the time I finish the extra practice time I put in at the rink to hone my skills.
On my way home I check in on Maya to see if she’s okay.
Once I get in, feed the cat, refilling the bowl we leave for her on the porch.
Then I stop in the kitchen, grabbing milk from the fridge.
My attention stays glued to my phone while I chug a few sips from the container before pouring a glass.
“Is this some new hand-eye coordination training? Because you suck.” Cameron pops up on the island in the middle of the kitchen. “Try getting it in the glass.”
“Shut up.”
He steals the jug from me while I’m distracted by three dots appearing in the message thread with Maya.
Easton: How did the rest of your day go? Any updates about your grandfather?
Maya: He’s better now. They sent him home.
Easton: That’s great [heart emoji]
Maya: I’m so relieved. It stresses me out when he’s there.
Easton: Wyd now?
“Earth to East.” Cameron nudges me.
“What?”
He smirks. “I asked if you’re done with the milk. Twice.”
“Yeah.” I bump my fist to his.
My phone vibrates on the counter between us. He grins, snatching it up before I read her response.
“Reeves.” I stalk him around the island. “Give it back.”
“You’ve been glued to your phone.”
Madden comes in with a fork sticking out of an empty container from last night’s leftovers. He eyes both of us.
“Help me out, Graves,” I say.
He sighs, moving to block Cameron, leveling him with a flat look. “This is stupid.”
“Here.” Cameron tosses my phone to Noah as he comes in from the entryway.
“What are we playing?” Noah looks at the screen. “Ohh, Maya.”
Elijah wanders into the kitchen. “What’s going on?”
“Catch.” Noah lets my phone fly through the air and Elijah scrambles not to let it fall from his hands.
“Assholes.” I narrow my eyes. “If someone doesn’t give my phone back, I’ll convince coach we need an entire week of suicide drills.”
Elijah hands my phone back, clearing his throat. “Sorry.”
I wave him off, making sure they didn’t accidentally send Maya any weird messages with their game. There isn’t, but her answer makes me freeze.
Maya: I’m about to go for a walk. I need it to clear my head.
What? It’s almost ten.
Easton: At the gym?
Maya: No, treadmill walking just makes me antsy. I have to walk outside when it’s for my anxiety.
Easton: Are you walking alone? In the dark?
Maya: Yeah, I always do. I take protection.
She sends a photo of the metal cat ear-shaped self-defense. I pinch the bridge of my nose for a moment, then scrub at my face.
Yeah, no. I think the fuck not.
Easton: Tell me where you are. I’m coming with you.
It takes her a long moment to respond. I’m about to comb the entire town to find her when she says she’ll meet me in front of Clocktower Brew House. I heave a sigh. The protectiveness I feel over her slams into me as hard as a player checking me at full speed.
“I’m going out,” I announce.
“Tell Maya we say hi.” Noah winks.
Grabbing my keys and wallet, I head back out and jog the short distance to Main Street square. I beat her there, spending a few minutes shifting my weight foot to foot until I finally spot her coming from the direction of the school. She has a worn baseball cap on with her ponytail swinging.
Maya eyes me up and down. “You okay? You’re all tense.”
“Yeah, because someone told me they like to walk around by themselves at night.” I step into her, taking her by the shoulders. “Do me a favor?”
“Sure.”
“No matter what time it is, tell me when you feel like going for a walk from now on. I’ll go with you so you never have to walk alone.”
Her pretty mouth parts in surprise. I want to trace her lower lip with my fingertips and taste it until I have the shape of it committed to memory.
“Nothing’s ever happened. Heston Lake is safe.” She waves to the owner of the bookshop.
I shake my head. “I don’t like the idea of you out late at night by yourself.”
“What if I need to go for a walk in the middle of the night?” Her chin lifts.
“I’m there.”
She slides her lips together. “The night before a game? You need to be well rested to play.”
I squeeze her shoulders. “I’m there, Maya. Anytime you need me, I’ll be there.”
She’s stunned into silence for a beat. Something shifts in her eyes, but she nods.
“Good.” Tension bleeds from my shoulders. “So, where are we walking tonight?”
“I don’t know.”
She sets off in a direction and I fall into step beside her. On our way through the square, a guy looks her way. When he spots my glare, he takes his eyes off her so fast his neck almost snaps. I nod slowly in satisfaction.
“What do you mean?” I reach for her hand, twining our fingers together.
She darts a look at me from the corner of her eye. “I don’t really walk with a destination in mind. Sometimes it’s a short walk. Sometimes I swear I circle town three times over. Whatever it takes.”
“To clear your head?”
“Yeah.” She peeks at me again, playing with her ponytail. “I’m usually fine in the moment, but at night my anxiety makes it hard to sleep. This is the only way that works to quiet my brain. Thanks for coming with me.”
I give her hand a supportive squeeze. “Yeah.”
We walk hand in hand without a destination in mind, talking about everything from stories about her work at the farm to me regaling her with stories about the times I’ve gotten into trouble with the guys to make her laugh. Time slips by without either of us noticing until I check my phone.
“Oh, shit. It’s after midnight.” I chuckle. “Are you cold?”
She peers up through her lashes. “I’m okay. Do you have to get back?”
“We’re not going back until you’re ready. I’ll walk around with you all night if it’s what you need.”
She smiles. “I’m okay now. I’ve been good for a while, actually.”
Pride stirs in my chest. I let her steer us back towards the center of town. She tries to part ways in the square, but I insist on walking her all the way back to her apartment.
When she leaves me behind at the entrance to her building, there’s a tug in my chest that makes me want to follow her.