Page 31 of You Saw the Best In Me

“Yes, I did. What’s your job?” I let her decide what she wants to cook between the two parts of the meal.

“I’ll make soup. Your grilled cheeses are the best in the world,” she smiles, finding a pot and getting the ingredients together.

She’s right; I do make the best-grilled cheeses. It’s my secret ingredient that brings them their magic.

We cook silently; she has her headphones in, and my thoughts are all over the place.

“Soup’s on!” she yells, which is her classic catchphrase when anything is done cooking.

Harper may be a moody teenager, but deep down, she’s still my dorky little sister, and I love this side of her.

She sets the table, fills our soda glasses, and places the plates down.

“I’m so excited about this, Mav,” she squeals, dunking her sandwich in the tomato soup.

“So, lunch with Karina went well?” I ask, saying her name out loud for the first time today, and it turns my stomach into knots.

“Yeah, she’s cool. Can she take me to her salon tomorrow?” she begs, throwing in puppy dog eyes.

“If you finish all the day's work, yes. I’ll leave cash on the counter so you can pay and tip her, okay?” I attempt to turn this into a small lesson about financial responsibility.

“Thanks, Mav! I can’t wait,” she says, smiling at me between bites of her sandwich.

“Ice cream sundaes and a movie?” I ask, and she gets even more excited.

“Absolutely. But I’m picking the movie,” I already knew that was coming.

Harper is a certified television control freak.

We finish dinner, and she offers to do the dishes so I can shower.

I’m shocked, but I take her up on that.

“Thanks, Harp. I’ll be right out,” I yell, shutting the bathroom door behind me.

Movies and ice cream make the perfect combo for tonight but fuck; I can’t help but wish Karina was here too.

It’s hopeless.

In such a short time, she’s completely consumed me to the point where I can’t get through one evening without thinking of her, or wanting her beside me.

Another morning passes, and I don’t see my neighbor. She must be avoiding me, too, because before our falling out, she left around the same time as me.

I shrug it off and get in my truck, placing my tools on the passenger seat.

I plan to install the dashcam today during lunch. That way, I can have peace of mind knowing her ex isn’t creeping around.

I’m looking forward to working today, knowing we got a jumpstart on the project by cutting the wood yesterday.

I’m focusing on ways to simplify the job and continue showing my leadership skills and desire to advance in this company.

By noon, we’re ahead of where we should be, and I couldn’t be happier with how this shook out.

“Hey, Maverick, got a sec?” Hunter calls out, and I follow him into his office.

“What’s up, boss?” I ask, hoping to make this quick so I can install the camera.

“I wanted to let you know that your quick thinking yesterday led to great results today, and I’m happy you took my advice,” he says, shaking my hand.