Babe. I’ll never get tired of hearing him call me that.
My phone rings in my purse, and my eyes widen. “It’s my mom.”
“Answer it.”
“But she’ll have questions. You know, about us.”
He shrugs. “So tell her.”
Mav makes it sound so easy. “Are you ready for the inquisition?”
The phone stops ringing, and I let out a breath. I don’t know why I’m weird about sharing this kind of stuff with my mother, but I’m not a fan of dishing about my love life with her. Maybe it’s because she’s good at giving relationship advice but not so good at taking it.
It rings again, this time as a video chat. I roll my eyes and reluctantly swipe. “Hey, Mom. Sorry I missed your call.”
“How’s my boy?”
I’m about to tell her the baby is fine when Maverick slides onto the bench next to me. As he holds Leo, he smiles at the screen. “I’m great, Sylvia. How are you?”
She gasps in surprise. “Maverick! How are you,mijo?”
“I’m great. I love having Baylee and Leo as my roommates.”
I scowl at him, and he smiles like this is no big deal. My mother frowns. “I didn’t know… Wait. Are y’all staying at the ranch?”
I’m seconds away from elbowing Maverick when I rememberhe’s injured, and I probably shouldn’t. “Actually, Mom, I’m staying at Maverick’s condo. He bought a place here recently, and he was planning to rent it out once it’s fully furnished.”
“That’s nice,” she says slowly.“I really appreciate you letting Baylee and Leo stay with you, Maverick.” I can see the wheels turning as she stares at us. “So…” She motions between the two of us. “Is this a thing now?”
Damn. She’s good. Maverick and I answer at the same time.
“Yes.”
“It’s complicated.” I turn to look at him, and he shrugs.
I take Leo out of his arms and hand him the phone. “Mom, we’re playing it by ear.”
She coos at Leo a minute before she turns to Maverick again. “Mijo, how are you feeling? I’ve been praying for you.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that. I’m doing better. Not where I want to be, but on the mend.”
“Gracias a Dios.We were all so worried about you. Did you know that my daughter saw you get hurt in that game and went into early labor? Leo wasn’t due until Christmas.”
“Mother.” I widen my eyes.
Mav jerks his head to look at me and winces. He rubs his neck as he whispers, “Is she serious?”
I narrow my eyes at the screen. “Thanks, Mom. This has been fun, but maybe we should chat another time.”
Ignoring me, she motions to Maverick. “When do you go back to New York?”
“In a few weeks.”
After a battery of questions about his rehab, she finally glances at me.Don’t do it, Mom. Don’t put me on the spot again.She twists the ring on her finger, and I brace myself.
“You two know long distance is difficult to do, yes?”
“Mom, we’re taking it slow and seeing where things go.”
