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God, did I want to hate him, but when he’s around me, I get to see the old Maverick who tugged on my pigtails as a child, and who gave me ring pops just because he thought of me and knew it would put a smile on my face.
I would’ve accepted his invitation, but my father called. Anger and irritation bubble inside me, ready to explode, when his name flashed across the screen.
I feel my heart beating against my chest at a fast pace.
My eye begins to twitch.
My head starts to throb.
I felt an episode was ready to explode like a bomb. That's why I had to get the hell away from Maverick. I hate it when he sees me fall apart. Even though this wasn't the first time I lost it in front of him. Every time I did in the past, he was there for me.
My phone alerts me to several texts my father sent after I ignored his call.
Derick
Scar, can we meet for dinner?
Please give me a chance, doodlebug.
Tears prick my eyes at the nickname. He's called me that since I first picked up a paintbrush.
Derick
I will not give up. I love you.
As soon as I pull into the driveway, I turn off the ignition, drop my forehead against the steering wheel, and cry.
Maverick.
Dad.
It's all too much in one day.
I jump out of the car like the seat is on fire and run up the steps to the front door. My shaky hands fumble with the key, trying to get it into the lock. I throw the door open and quickly shut it behind me. Closing my eyes, I let out a breath and lay my head back against the door.
Count to ten backward,I tell myself.
I hesitated when Dr. Kingston first told me to try this technique, but once I did, I realized it helped subside my anxiety.
When I'm done counting and bringing my heart rate back to normal, I lazily walk into the living room and plop on the couch.
THIRTY-SIX
MAVERICK
As I settled into the driver's seat of my car, I pressed the start button. Just as I was about to shift into gear, my phone started ringing, and I saw Sam's name flashing on the screen.
Sighing, I answered the call. "Hey, Sam," I said, already anticipating the conversation we were about to have. "Look, I'm sorry-"
"I forgive you," came the voice on the other end of the line.
Skylar?
Confused, I glanced back at my phone's screen to see if my eyes were playing tricks on me, but Sam's name was still displayed there.
I brought the phone back up to my ear. "Skylar, where's Sam?" I asked, my frustration starting to seep into my voice.
"How should I know?" Her tone was curt and dismissive.
