Page 58 of The Maverick
“Hi,M?. Is everything okay?” I asked, trying to calm the nerves stirring in me.
I didn’t know why, but I always got this way whenever I received a call from her. She was in prison—an unsafe place where things could turn bad quickly. I wouldn’t be able to stop worrying until she was home with me.
“I’m safe, sweetie. Is everything okay withyou?” she asked. “Have you had thebánh mìlately?”
The code for her escape reminded me how serious things were. Minutes ago, I was flirting with my fake husband, and all the anxiety bombarding me had faded away. But this was reality.
“Yes. We should be all set. I’m going to call thebánh mìshop to double check on my order after our chat.” When I last called Leo for an update, he told me his team would rescue my mom during the street cleanup.
Two months from now, my mother would join other female prisoners to pick up trash in the city. Leo and his men wouldextract my mom and put her on a flight to Mexico with a new identity that I’d paid for.
“Have you carved out time for yourself? Dating anyone?”
It had been a while since we’d discussed my personal relationships. She knew nothing about Emmanuel. What would she think if she knew I was engaged to a billionaire and we were getting married soon? My mom didn’t have any social media accounts that could reveal my engagement. She mostly watched the local news.
“No time for personal relationships.”
“How many times have I told you to slow down and live? I’m okay. It’s not so bad here. I’ve met some wonderful friends who were also wrongly accused. We have each other.”
Whenever I sent money to my mom, I sent extra so she could help her friends, Sheila Brown and Josephine Smith. Their families couldn’t help them like I helped my mom.
“Can you do something for me?”M?asked.
“What is it?”
“Start dating.”
“Why?”
“Because I want my daughter to be happy. I don’t want to see anxiety in you when you visit. A mother can sense things about her daughter, and I know you’re carrying a heavy burden.” She choked up. “I know what you’ve been through to get me thebánh mì. But my only wish is for you to live a happy life.”
I couldn’t respond right away because tears were sliding down my face. She shouldn’t worry about me. She was the best mother I could ever ask for. I’d give her a sliver of happiness so she could sleep better tonight.
“Well, I was going to wait until I visit you to share this. But since you’re so worried about me, I’ll tell you now.”
“Tell me!” Excitement filled her voice. I could imagine her pretty smile.
“There’s this man I like.”
“Who is he?”
“My landlord.” I laughed, wondering what Attikus was doing now. Technically, he was my landlord and my fake husband.
“Does he have a stable job? Is he handsome?”
“He’s well off, and he’s very hot.” These were all truths that would remove any concerns regarding my private life.
“Those are excellent qualities. But be careful. Men like that aren’t always trustworthy.”
“I’m careful, which is why I’m not making any moves. I didn’t want to tell you until I was sure.”
“I have the most intelligent daughter. Whoever he is, he better be on his toes.”
We chatted for a few more minutes until she had to go.
A knock sounded on my door.
“Come in.”
