Page 67 of Pinch of Love
I chuckled, pulling out my phone to text my parents. I’d promised them I’d stop by after dinner, but those plans needed to change. My mom was all too happy to hear she was being stood up for ‘Chipmunk Lady’ instead.
“You don’t have to stay. I’m perfectly fine. He’d probably get lost in the dark and drive into the lake, anyway.”
I nodded, thinking back to the phone call.
I answered, and a sharp breath greeted me on the other end. His only words were,Is she there with you?
He hung up before hearing my answer.
Unease still rested between my shoulders. Something wasn’t right with that guy, but I didn’t know how far he’d take it.
Maya unstrapped her leg from the boot and stretched it on the couch.
“I don’t think that’s how it’s supposed to work,” I told her, smiling.
“This is the last straw,” she said, pointing at her foot. “I just need my tootsies to be free.”
“One with the toes and all that.” I smiled, wishing I could take away Maya’s problems.
I walked over and sat at the opposite end of the couch, where her small toes stretched toward the ceiling.
There was something I’d wanted to ask, but I knew it wouldn’t be an easy answer because it wasn’t an easy question.
I turned and watched Maya, who looked like she was finally starting to calm down.
“I need to ask you a question, Maya.”
Her eyes fastened to mine, and she nodded with a little hum.
“Was your ex ever physically—”
She shook her head frantically. “Never. He chose words as his weapon of choice.”
I wished that answer made me feel better, but it didn’t.
Maya continued, “Honestly, a few years ago, I never would have thought I’d be in this situation. There were red flags, for sure. He liked to be in control and things like that, but it started with the little things. The changes over time were insidious and nearly silent as they crept up on me.”
“You deserve so much better, Maya. I hope you truly know that in your heart.”
Her smile softened as she nodded. “Thank you. I have to remind myself that I was the idiot who picked the guy.”
“And think. All you had to do was come to Buttercup Lake, and you would have found me,” I teased.
“You’re a pretty amazing catch.” Her gentle gaze swept over me. “Someone will be very lucky to have you as a partner.”
But not her.
Distraction.
“I feel the same about you.” I nodded, and she turned her gaze to the window where only darkness rested beyond.
“I told my sister how I begged you to be my distraction.”
My eyes caught hers, and I smiled. “You didn’t have to do much begging.”
She rested her head against the cushion and smiled. “She seemed surprised.”
“About us?” I laughed, thinking back to the meddling book club. “She’s part of the group of orchestrators.”