Chapter 11
Play Nice
About six months later
Cali
Marty was feeling almost normal. Working at Mountain Breath was incredible, especially with that silly man by my side. The Hysterics rebooked the tour dates they had canceled for right after Mags and Walker’s wedding. As soon as we got home from their nuptials, all of us were hitting the road.
Life was going amazingly well. I was happy. Maverick was amazing. I couldn’t believe I had been so lucky.
Sitting on the plane with Maverick and the rest of the guys and their women heading to Orlando for Mags’ and Walker’s wedding, I couldn’t stop my nerves. I hadn’t been back since I left all those months ago, running away from a life that was never meant for me. I wasn’t ready to see Mitch, but I knew it was inevitable, and Mags was worth it—there was no doubting that. I was just glad I had everyone with me.
“It’s going to be fine,” Maverick reassured me, reading my expression perfectly.
Gripping his hand, I smiled. “Yeah, I know.”
We only got stopped by fans a few times walking through the airport, and finally I was wrapping my arms around Mags and Walker, who had come to greet us when we arrived.
“Holy fuck, I missed you guys.” I couldn’t contain myself. I started balling on the spot.
“I can’t believe you’re finally here,” Mags exclaimed, pulling me away from her fiancé so she could hug me tighter.
“Good to finally meet you, Maverick.” Walker shook Mav’s hand before Maverick introduced him to the rest of the group.
Mags whispered in my ear, “Don’t worry, Mitch is going to be fine. We already had a talk with him.”
“I probably should too.” I bit my lip as nerves crashed into me again.
“That might be a good idea.” Mags grabbed my carry-on from me. “Now let’s head to the beach and get this wedding started!”
We climbed into the stretch limo Maverick had arranged to take all of us to the hotel. I pretended to be jubilant, sipping champagne with Mags and carrying on with everyone, but I was failing.
Maverick pulled me into the back row with him. Whispering, he asked, “What’s wrong?”
He knew me too well.
“I have to talk with Mitch when we get to the hotel.”
I thought he was going to get mad. I was so scared of it, but he didn’t. He just kissed my cheek and said, “I think that is a very mature way to avoid conflict.”
* * *
I tooka deep breath when I saw Mitch checking in as we climbed out of the limo. My heart thudded in my ears and I marched in.
It’s now or never.
“Mitch,” I called out as he took his room key from the woman behind the desk.
He whipped around, wide eyed. “Cali.” His shoulders deflated as he started to walk up to me.
“We should talk,” I said, my voice cracking.
“Fine. Talk.” He rolled his eyes, setting his bags down beside us.
“I’m sorry for everything.”
“I don’t need this right now.” He turned to walk away, but I grabbed his wrist.