Page 148 of The Maverick
What was going on?
She knocked on the office door three times.
The door opened, and an older woman with gray hair stepped out. I’d seen her work at the front desk a few times.
“Hope, look who we have.” Mom Gigi placed a hand on Heidi’s shoulders.
Emotions overwhelmed Heidi as she embraced Hope. The women cried happy tears.
“I’m so happy you’re safe,” Hope said. “I heard on the news about the chaos near the highway.”
“I’m safe, thanks to Attikus.”
Hope smiled at me. “Mom Gigi has told me a lot about you.”
“We’re heading to see Vanessa,” Heidi explained. “We should set up a time to catch up. I have an apartment now.”
“I can’t wait.” Hope patted Heidi’s cheek. “It’s been a long time, but you look as beautiful as always.”
“I’d like to order like sixbánh mì,if that’s okay?”
“Of course. It’s on the house. Do you want anything else? Fried rice, noodles, a mango shake, some fresh spring rolls?”
“Sure. I haven’t had them in a while.”
An hour later, we all returned to the car and headed home.
I turned to Mom Gigi, sitting in the front seat. “How do you know Hope?”
“We’re friends from a long time ago. I’ll tell you when we get to your house. Vanessa would want to know too.”
I couldn’t wait to see Vanessa’s surprise.
CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE
VANESSA
After another sprinkle of salt,I scooped up a small spoonful of porridge to taste. Satisfied with the flavor, I prepared a bowl for Attikus and one for me, leaving them out to cool.
“All you need is a sprinkle of scallions and black pepper,” I told each bowl.
Recently, I’d been talking to myself or humming when I painted, cooked, or did the chores Attikus didn’t want me to do. He had a cleaning service that came once a week. Still, there was something satisfying about removing your own mess.
The self-talk and hummingwere probably my version of Attikus’s whistling. It was joy coming through us.
I didn’t know why, but I felt a lightness around me. Just pure happiness. Perhaps that was love. I’d never considered myself a wonderful cook, and I’d never enjoyed being in the kitchen. But seeing Attikus’s face when he gobbled up my food warmed my heart.
I heard the garage door open and placed the lid on the pot. Removing my apron, I hung it up. Footsteps sounded behind the door that led to the garage.Lots of footsteps.
When I opened the door, my heart erupted with shock and sheer happiness.
I screamed with delight. “M?!” Fearing this was a dream, I veered back and looked at her. “Is it really you?” Tears flooded my eyes and spilled over.
She cupped my face and cried, “It’s me, baby.”
“Hi, Vanessa.” Gigi poked her head out from behind my mom.
“Oh, my gosh. Let me get out of the way.”M?scooted to the side to let Gigi, Ellen, and Attikus through.
