32. Chapter Thirty-Two
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
MAYLEE
T hey were currently at Justin’s house having a barbecue. Most of the guys were back from jobs and they had decided to have a little get together and relax. It was something everybody needed. They’d just finished a busy season, and it looked like it was slowing down.
Daddy had to go on two smaller jobs, but while on each one he was able to message her whenever he wanted and he hadn’t been gone for long. It was still a learning curve to be without him, but it was getting easier. Or she thought it was.
Every time he left for a job, Justin always came by in the morning and afternoon to ensure everything was going okay. He would also message her several times a day just in case. He didn’t want to go no communication with her again, it wasn’t going to happen again, and Maylee didn’t blame him. Did Justin feel bad for taking him away and her going on a downward spiral? Likely he did, since she knew that was the job, but it always made her curious.
Liv and Genie were at the barbecue as well. Genie had stayed closer to her stepbrother, Valentine, at the very beginning but as the day went on, she slowly inched her way toward them.
Maylee had wanted to go over and introduce herself and ask if she wanted to hang out, but she figured it wouldn’t be the best idea. It looked like she was shy, and Maylee didn’t want to put her in an uncomfortable position. Those were the worst, and she didn’t wish that on anybody. Especially when you didn’t know anybody but one person.
Daddy had also mentioned that she didn’t know anybody and to go easy on her. Maylee had gone through something similar, and the person hadn’t been as nice. They’d bombarded her with questions and more questions that had overwhelmed her.
“How’s your life with Ezra going?” Liv asked.
She looked over at Liv and Genie. Most of them were looking at her expectantly.
“I’m super happy. I’m glad I took the chance with him again. Have to say, I was worried my heart was going to be broken once I realized I was a Little and he would drop me. But that obviously didn’t happen. It’s been really great though,” Maylee replied. “We’ve obviously had our ups and downs, but we’re getting in a groove, a good groove, and I’m enjoying life.”
Liv smiled at her, and they all looked over toward the guys standing by the grill. Everyone had already eaten, but they were making extra so people could have leftovers later.
“So, Genie. Have you been living here your whole life, or did you just recently move here?” Maylee asked. “And if you don’t feel comfortable answering any questions I’ve asked, you don’t have to answer. I just figured we might be seeing each other more often, so why not get to know each other a little. We can show you a coffee shop that Liv and I are obsessed with.”
Maylee wanted to include Genie because it must be hard not knowing anybody. But maybe she was the type of person who thrived in a situation like this.
“It’s okay. I just moved here. I needed a place to stay, and Valentine said I could stay with him. Pretty nice considering he’s lived as a bachelor for a long time. It’s been a learning curve, but it’s been good,” Genie said, softly. “I would love for you guys to show me the coffee shop. I feel out of place here since everybody knows everybody. Anytime I walk anywhere, people know I’m not from here, and while they’re nice, they also don’t really talk.”
“That’s Deadwood for you. We don’t have many people visiting, and they normally leave after a couple days.” Liv chuckled. “But we can definitely show you around and introduce you to some people. We’re going to have so much fun.”
“We’ll have to figure out a time that works for everybody. I’ve got work but maybe one weekend would be okay. I just need to let my Daddy know,” Maylee said, not thinking at all. Her eyes went wide as she realized she just called Ezra Daddy. “Ummm, I mean Ezra. Sorry about that. It’s just a game.”
She was so nervous that her calling Ezra Daddy in front of Genie would scare her off. She didn’t want that.
Genie laughed. “It’s okay. I’m a Little as well. You don’t need to hide calling him Daddy.”
Maylee let out a deep breath and nodded. That was good to know. She needed to be careful, though, because she could be talking to anyone in town and call Ezra Daddy. That would out them both.
“I was starting to panic thinking I was going to scare you off, but I’m glad to know we have another Little in this group. Both of us are Littles,” Maylee pointed to Liv and her.
“You should have seen your face. It was priceless. The sheer panic.” Liv laughed.
“I’m so glad my panic brought you amusement.”
All three of them laughed before settling down. Maylee watched Liv look over at the guys, specifically Justin.
“You should go for it,” she said, gently.
Liv shook her head. “He’s off limits and remember, I hate him. He’s cruel, and I don’t want anything to do with him. I’m also pretty sure he hates me.”
“I don’t know about that, but if you want to believe it, you can.”
Before Liv could respond, Daddy waved his hand at her. She got up from her chair and slowly went over, smiling.
“Yes, Daddy?” she asked.
“I’ve got a question that I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while, but every time I think about it, I’ve always gotten taken away or something interrupted us,” Daddy said. “Would you move in with me? I know you rent the house and your lease is almost over. Move in with me.”
Her smile grew wider, and she nodded. “Yes!” she yelled and jumped into his arms.
Everyone yelled in celebration. Her life was coming together.