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“Hi, monster. Are you having fun?”
“Yeah! When are you upcoming home?”
I glance at Maverick making his way toward me. “Soon, baby. Soon. Be good for Nana, Pop, and Gem until I come home. I love you.”
“I love you too, Mom.”
I hear a brief silence on the other end of the line before my son speaks in a hushed tone. "Mom, these men in black suits are standing in our living room. Nana and Auntie Gem said they'll take care of us until you get back." His voice quivers slightly as if he is trying to muffle it so the strangers in the room won’t overhear him.
"Hey, do you remember when we sawPeter Pan? You know the good guys from the movie?"
"Uh-huh," he says as if he's deeply absorbed in what I'm saying.
"Well, when his friends are in trouble, he turns into a superhero and saves the day," I explain.
"Are these guys here to protect us?"
"Yes, baby. It's only for a little while. We'll be home soon. You don't have to be afraid."
"I'm not scared, Mom. Do you think they'll let me join their team so I can protect you, Nana, and Auntie Gem?" he asks with hope evident in his voice.
I can't help but smile back. "I have an idea," I say. "Why don't you become a secret protector? You know, the ones who keep secrets and protect special things. They are the most special ones, just like you."
"You don't have to worry, Mom. I'll be your Captain America and use my shield to keep the bad guy away from you," he declares with unwavering determination.
I can't help but feel a great sense of pride and joy.
"I love you, monster."
"This is your superhero speaking, Mom. I love you to the moon and back. I'm going to put on my Superman cape now, and I'll be ready to save the day!" The call suddenly disconnects.
I stare at my phone dumbfounded.
Did he just hang up on me?
I sent a quick text message to Mom and Gem letting them know not to worry and to call me if anything happens.
I toss my phone on the counter and cover my face.
“Hey, it’s going to be okay. Sam’s got it all under control,” Maverick reassures me.
“What else did she say?” I lift my head and run my hands through my hair, moving it out of my face.
He takes a seat across from me. “Word hasn’t spread yet through the news or social media, but shit will hit the fan soon. I need you to be prepared for it.”
How can anyone be prepared to have their whole life under the spotlight?
“Come to the premiere with me.”
Is he out of his mind?
“They’re going to know about you. At least this way, it’s on my terms.” He tries to rationalize his words.
“And what would Skylar say about that? You already said it was in your contract to show up with her,” I remind him as dread makes its way up my throat in anticipation of his answer.
He rests his elbows on the counter and drops his head in his hands and heavily sighs. “I know, but that never stopped Skylar from thinking we were still together. It was like she believed the façade.” Maverick lifts his head and meets my gaze. “I don’t love her, Scar. We are not together, and we haven't been for a long time. And I couldn’t care less what she might say about us. She doesn’t control my life, let alone my relationships.”
“Wouldn’t that cause issues if I showed up with you?”
