Page 22 of The Maverick (WaterFyre Rising #7)

CHAPTER NINETEEN

VANESSA

I walked into Saigon Bistro to pick up a platter of fresh shrimp spring rolls and a variety of Vietnamese subs for the gathering at Elena’s house. Each of us would bring a dish, even though she told us not to go crazy. I was too tired to cook, so I ordered from my favorite restaurant.

“It’s crazy today.” Lulu smiled. “Your order will be a few minutes late. Sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it.” I sat in the takeout and pickup area, watching customers come and go. I remembered coming in here when I was little. The shop had expanded, but it was still quaint.

Over the years, I’d seen businesses come and go. That was life; things ended so other things could begin. But Saigon Bistro was like a bamboo stalk that bent with difficulties. Even under new ownership, the food and the service remained the same.

After I got the food and secured it in the passenger seat, I pulled my car into the street.

As I glanced in the rearview mirror, Attikus’s mother and sister stepped out of Saigon Bistro with brown bags.

It seemed like his family enjoyed authentic Vietnamese food.

As their future daughter-in-law and sister-in- law, I should attempt to get to know them.

I’d invite them to the next gallery showing.

An idea occurred to me. Perhaps I could host an event at the gallery once a month—Art, Wine, and Conversation.

Most art galleries kept things exclusive to art, but I wanted my gallery to be different.

My heart swelled when I considered reserving a section of my gallery to sell my terrariums. My first love had always been plants.

Science and art were the perfect marriage.

A thrill rushed through me as terrarium ideas flooded my mind.

I’d ask the girls for their opinion tonight.

When I arrived, I parked my Honda Civic next to the luxury cars.

My money was saved for my mom’s freedom and our new beginning.

But a girl could dream, right? I’d love to design my car.

Something simple, dependable, and functional.

Maybe a cross between a Land Rover and a Rivian.

A sports car wasn’t my thing. I didn’t want to be flashy and attract unnecessary attention from thieves.

I needed something that could transport my large canvases and floral trees.

An image of Attikus lugging a cherry blossom to some unknown backyard flashed through my vision. Then I saw him hanging up several giant paintings on the wall of an elegant home. I smiled at the ridiculous thought. He wouldn’t be with me long enough to do those things as my fake husband.

I carried the box of food andwalked by an area with wide windows that showed the men sitting at a table. Attikus turned and met my eyes. Surprise splashed across his handsome face. I smiled at him, walked to the front door, and pressed the doorbell.

The door swung open, and Attikus greeted me. “Hi.”

“Hi,” I said.

Nerves sprung to life, scattering everywhere. My insides shifted like watercolors dripping slowly over the canvas of my stomach. The kiss at my apartment flashed into my mind, and provocative dreams heated my body.

What the hell? I had to stop this.

“Let me take that.” He grabbed the box from my hands. “I didn’t know you’d be here today.”

“I didn’t know you’d be here either,” I lied.

My brain wasn’t functioning properly. If I told him Elena had mentioned the boy’s gathering, he’d ask me why I’d said nothing to him.

How could I tell him the girls wanted to know about our relationship, and I was here to give them details?

It was easier to lie, and I silently asked God and all the heavenly beings to forgive me.

“Elena invited me to a girls’ gathering.” That was the truth.

He carried the food into an elegant kitchen and sniffed. “Smells good.”

I took out the appetizers. “They’re from Saigon Bistro.”

“There you are!” Elena approached and offered me a one-arm hug. She wore a soft knit jumper that looked comfy and stylish.

“Where should I put the food?” I gestured to the containers in Attikus’s hands.

“I have a table set up in my lounge area.”

Attikus looked disappointed.

“Do you have a plate I can borrow? I bought extra food for the guys.”

Elena glanced at Attikus and smirked. “Of course. I already gave them portions of what we have.” She offered me a plate and tongs.

Attikus surveyed the trays of fresh spring rolls and subs and filled his plate. “Thanks. Enjoy your gathering.”

“Enjoy the video game demo.” Elena grabbed the tray of subs.

“Video game? Is that what they’re doing?” I took the other tray

“Yeah. They’re each creating a game for the WaterFyre Rising series.”

She led me down a hallway with unique sconces and artwork on the wall. We entered a spacious room with an eggshell-colored interior. Tall windows graced one side of the room with fancy curtains pulled to the side.

“Hey!” Audri beamed and got up from the couch in the lounge area.

My abstract painting was the focal point of that area. Joy sprouted in my chest to see my work in my friend’s home.

The other girls strode over, offered me a hug, and glanced at the food.

“I’m not late, am I?”

“Nope,” Kiera said. “The boys wanted to meet earlier. So we all came. Can I grab a spring roll and a sub? I’m so hungry.”

“You just ate the fried rice I brought.” Vivian laughed. Then her eyes sparkled. “Wait a minute.”

“Are you pregnant?” Michelle and Natalie surrounded Kiera, examining her.

Her face brightened. “Yes! I’ve been dying to get everyone together so I could announce it!”

“Congratulations!” I cheered.

We took turns hugging Kiera. Tears filled her eyes. “Thanks! I’m excited but scared.”

“Dig in, everyone.” Elena gestured to the food. “Get a plate and sit down. We’ve got stuff to talk about.” She winked at me. “And a new mission for our friend here.”

I didn’t know what they were talking about, but I was ready to eat. I filled my plate with food and sat on a gray patterned couch. Elena dropped beside me.

Not wanting to discuss my relationship with Attikus yet, I turned to Kiera, who looked beautiful in a long, light-yellow dress. I wore jeans and a peach blouse.

“How far along are you?” I asked, glancing at her tiny stomach.

“Twelve weeks. I’m not due until mid-October.” She bit into the sub and sighed. “This is sooo good, Nessa. I could probably wolf down two whole subs right now.”

We all laughed.

“Elena.” Kiera wiggled her eyebrows. “Wanna share your news with us?”

All heads turned to her.

“I’m pregnant too.” She beamed and placed a hand over her belly.

“What is going on?” Vivian got up from her seat to give Elena a hug. “Everyone’s pregnant!”

“Not everyone.” Audri, Michelle, and Natalie lifted their hands in unison.

“I’m so happy for you.” I embraced her and gave her an extra spring roll from my plate. “You need it.”

“Thanks!” She grinned. “And you’ll get to meet not only one but two babies!”

My mouth dropped open. I couldn’t even imagine two babies growing inside one stomach.

The entire room exploded with cheers and laughter.

“Seems like you’ve been busy porking.” Kiera laughed and almost choked.

“Same to you,” Elena retorted.

“He loves this!” Kiera exclaimed and moved her hips, bumping into Natalie, who sat beside her.

I hadn’t laughed like this in so long.

Excitement bombarded the space. There wasn’t room for anything but laughter, friendship, and food.

“Is everything okay here?” Orion and Attikus stepped into view at the open double doors. “We heard a commotion from the other side.”

“We’re fine, babe.” Elena smiled.

“Congratulations on your growing family!” We all rose and took turns embracing him.

“We’ll find Forrest later for hugs,” Audri said. “I can’t wait to be an auntie to so many kids!”

Attikus met my eyes, and I knew what had just happened in the other room. He’d told his boys about us. I didn’t know how that understanding entered my mind. It was as though he was communicating with me telepathically.

The way he looked at me also said we needed to talk later. This was strange. I’d never been able to communicate with another man in this way. He could probably tell me stories about his life, fears, and wishes all just by looking at me.

Could he tell from my expressionthat I planned on sharing our fake marriage news with the girls?

The answer burst in me when I was laughing with them.

These girls were the closest friends I’d ever had.

Friendships didn’t exist for me because my life was too complicated to explain it to them.

But right now, I felt at home—safe enough to share my vulnerabilities.

I offered Attikus a warm smile, and he gave me the same. The men left, and we returned to the lounge.

A thrill coursed through me as I was about to share myself with these girls. I was part of their inner circle, and that meant a lot to me.

I’d shouldered enough burdens without having anyone to talk to. When the isolation and loneliness became too much, I poured the pain into the paintings. But I didn’t feel isolated or lonely.

After a few minutes of eating, I learned Elena was having fraternal twins, a boy and a girl. She’d have her hands full. Kiera was having a boy.

The conversations about future baby showers drifted. Then the room went quiet. I glanced up from my plate of food, and all eyes were on me.

“So, tell us.” Michelle piled her brown curly hair into a messy bun and looked at Natalie. “You got it?”

“Absolutely.” Natalie rushed over to a table and grabbed an ivory shopping bag for me. She’d lightened her blonde hair, making her look like a chic movie star. “This is for you. The other girls already got their gifts.”

“Thank you.” I took the bag and pressed it to my chest, feeling grateful.

“Look at it, silly.” Michelle smiled.