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“Franny called me,” I cut in, running a hand through my hair. I didn’t want her to know I spoke with Franny yet, but she’s not giving me any other option. Willow sucks her bottom lip in between her teeth and chews it, like she’s contemplating her argument.
“It doesn’t matter, Maverik.” The light dims from her olive eyes, causing my heart to sink further into my stomach. “You’ve won. I’ve already contacted Judge Tompkins and arranged for you to be transferred. I’m sure wherever you land will be more accommodating to your… situation.”
“I don’t want that,” I argue, feeling desperation rise along with the bile in my empty stomach.
“That’s not the message I got this morning when I was nearly trampled to death trying to get to the front door of the center.”
“I’m sorry, Willow,” I swallow and reach out for her, wanting so badly to erase everything that happened this day. She takes two steps back, silently telling me to back off. “I wasn’t thinking.”
“No.” She shakes her head. “You were thinking. You were thinking about yourself.”
“I want to make it right. Please, let me fix this mistake,” I beg, nearly dropping to my knees because the pain inside my chest grows stronger with each passing second.
“Some mistakes can’t be fixed.” Her words are the final blow against the dam of pain and suffering I’ve spent every day of my life shoving back into the dark recesses of my mind. The same pain and suffering that causes me to drink my life away, because most days a little slips out from underneath the cracks, reminding me how very unperfect I am.
“Don’t say that. I know you don’t believe it. You can’t.” I hear my voice crack, but she’s not looking at me. Her focus is on the ground at her feet.
“I do,” she whispers. “I wanted to believe I knew who you were. I was wrong.”
“You know one selfish, stupid version of me,” I insist. Willow takes another step back, and then another. I decide to change the words I’m using because she’s right. Some mistakes can’t be fixed. “Willow, please, let me make it right.”
“How are you going to do that, Maverick?” She finally looks up at me and I feel a tiny spark of hope bloom deep inside of me.
“Come with me, and I’ll show you,” I say, holding out my hand to her.
“Go with you?” She frowns, looking at me like I’ve suddenly grown an extra head.
“I want to show you something.” I take a tentative step back, hoping this request doesn’t ruin whatever chance she’s thinking of giving me. I’m desperate to feel her hand in mine, desperate for her trust, even though I don’t deserve any of it. I know I’m not worthy of her. “I’ll bring you back right after.”
She tilts her head, her green eyes piercing straight to the core of me. “Why?”
I swallow hard, knowing all I can give her is the truth, because without it I’m going to lose her… again.
“Because I see who I’ve become, and I don’t like it. Because you inspire me to do better, to be better. Because I need you to see me, Willow. The real me. Not the man I pretend to be.”
* * *
WILLOW
My heart achesdeep inside my chest. For the people hurt by his selfishness today. For Franny. And… for him.
His desperation chips away at the walls I’ve spent building. All I can think about is how easy it would be for me to wrap my arms around him and soothe the hurt and pain raging in his eyes.
Because I can see it clear as day.
His regret.
Almost as much as I can hear the truth in his words.
His truth.
But he’s asking the wrong person to grant him the forgiveness he seeks.
It’s not mine to give.
“Franny helped me organize a dinner… for tonight,” he tells me, the words striking my walls at the weakest point, making it crumble to pieces at his feet. “At the community center, and she’s made all the phone calls to spread the word—to Kingman Heights only. I called in a few favors and got the entire thing catered.”
“Are you serious?” I ask, feeling suddenly breathless. Of all the things I expected from him, this was not it. For the first time since meeting him, I see the man he’s hidden from the world.
