Page 9 of The Maverick

“Anybody,” corrected Rachel.

Nick smiled. “You start school in a week, right?”

“Yeah.” Jake sounded disgruntled. “It’s gonna be horrible. I don’t know,” he turned toward his mother. “Anybody.”

Rachel watched the interaction between her best friend and her son with amusement and pleasure.

Nick clasped his hands and rested his forearms on the table. “Lots of kids won’t know anyone. You need to go up to those kids and make friends. Introduce yourself and ask them to play at recess.”

“How will I know they don’t have friends?”

“Because they will stand around alone, just like you.” Nick didn’t miss a beat. “When your mom and I first met, we didn’t have friends, either. Some kids in class already knew each other because they lived close, but we didn’t live close to anyone with kids our age. Sure, I had four brothers and an obnoxious younger sister, but only my twin is my age. Adam is six years older than me, Ray is four years older and didn’t want to play the kind of games I wanted to. Megan was only three and not able to play the games I wanted to. Peter was only five and always wanted to be in charge of the game we played. My twin, Cole, and I fought most of the time over what to play.” Nick shrugged. “So, I was sort of alone, just like you and your mom.

“Anyway,” Nick continued. “Your mom and I bonded over that. I took her home to get some cookies, and my mother fell in love with her. Her mother fell in love with me, and then they became friends because of us. Everything worked out because we were best friends from there on out. Even our time away from each other couldn’t end that friendship.” Nick directed his gaze at Rachel and winked.

She felt her face burn because she knew their lack of communication was her fault and hers alone. She was the one who quit calling and accepting his calls. She was the one who quit writing or answering his letters and emails. Yet, he didn’t forget her or what they’d meant to each other.

Even though she’d been embarrassed when she saw him at her door, she was grateful Nick made the overtures and sought her out. He was always the one who came to her. From the first day of kindergarten, he was her protector. She wouldn’t ever forget that. When other kids teased her, Nick was the one who made them shut up.

She remembered in middle school; she was all gangly legs and arms. She had a terrible case of acne, and Nick was still her best friend.

Nick was handsome even then, but he always stuck by her. The other girls tried to get his attention...he ignored them.

In high school, he did date sometimes. He took someone else to prom. Rachel hated it and wished she could tell him how she felt, but she was afraid of losing his friendship.

Their dinner arrived, taking Rachel out of her musings. The steak melted in her mouth, the mashed potatoes were smooth without being gooey, and the cream gravy was perfectly seasoned. The food was definitely as good as Nick said it would be.

After dinner, Nick took them to a local place called Sammy’s where Jake played all kinds of games to his heart’s content. Nick paid for everything.

She noticed she received some angry stares. The attitude was just like middle and high school with the other girls, jealous of her being with Nick.

This time around, though, she wasn’t a gangly teenager. She had lots of curves, despite her love of running, which gave her great legs.

She tapped Nick on the shoulder. “I think we should go now. Jake needs to get in bed. We’ve already passed his normal bedtime, and I want to keep him on a schedule. Plus we’re still getting used to the time difference between New York and Denver.”

“Okay. You get him, and I’ll pay our tab.”

She nodded. “We’ll be right back.”

Rachel walked over to where her son played video games and placed her hand on his shoulder. “We have to go now Jake. Finish your game quickly.”

He turned with his brows furrowed and his bottom lip pushed out. “Ah, Mommy, can’t we stay a little while longer?”

“No, we can’t. It’s already an hour passed your bedtime. If you make a big deal out of this, then I won’t let you come next time we go to dinner with Nick. Do you understand?”

He nodded. “I’m done. I was just going to play another game, but I’ll do it next time. Okay?”

She smiled and ruffled his hair. “Okay. Let’s go find Nick.” She put a hand on Jake’s shoulder as they navigated over to Nick, where he stood by the bar.

“We’re ready.”

“Let’s get you two home then.” Nick led the way out of the establishment.

Once outside, they headed to his car on the far side of the parking lot.

Rachel looked around as they walked. The practice was her new habit since she’d left Greg, and she wouldn’t stop it now. He was here. She knew it; she just didn’t know where.

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