The Rulebreaker

by Claire Contreras

  “Maverick’s? Are we talking about the same guy? Because all he does when he’s around you is stare at you when you’re not looking.”

  “That’s such a lie.”

  “Who was the girl he was dating? The dark one with the big ass?”

  “Tanya?”

  “Yeah, well, Milly says the reason Tanya broke up with him is because she knew he liked you and she couldn’t deal with it.”

  “Tanya broke up with him because she wanted him to take her to prom and he didn’t want to.” I roll my eyes.

  “Right, and who did he take to prom?”

  I bite my tongue.

  “Who’d he take, Rocky?”

  “Me, but that was because I didn’t have a date and he felt bad for me.”

  “Really? That’s the hill you wanna die on?”

  My eyes pop open and I sit up straight. “I don’t want to die on any hill. I’m just telling you the facts.”

  “The facts.” Mom laughs again. “Yeah, okay, you let me know how you like it on that hill.”

  “Mom,” I groan. “Please don’t tell anyone about this, especially not Dad.”

  “I definitely will not be telling your father. He’ll make you move out of that house in a heartbeat.”

  My eyes widen. I hadn’t even considered that. My parents aren’t extremely strict, but my father is definitely the stricter out of the two. He’s a guest pastor at our church on weekends and definitely had more than a few serious talks with me about saving myself for marriage, something my mother is completely tickled by since they had me out of wedlock. Still, my dad’s my dad, and as it is, my living with two guys is something he doesn’t comprehend. Adding love to the equation would be the ultimate no-no, even if it is with Maverick, whom he adores.

  “Well, darling, I personally think you should go home and tell him how you feel. Otherwise, you’ll be subjected to watching him date other women for the rest of your lives.”

  “Yeah, because he doesn’t like me.”

  “I’m never wrong about these things. Besides, Milly is his mother and you know how protective of him she is, so if even she knows he likes you, you know it’s real.”

  With a groan, I say goodbye to my mother and hang up the phone. I already packed my bag for Leyla’s before I even asked her or Ashley if I could stay over. They won’t care. It’s not like they haven’t crashed at my place a million times, but as I get out of my car and walk up the stairs to their second-floor apartment, I’m replaying my mother’s words in my head. Maverick doesn’t like me. She’s definitely wrong about that. I know him. If he did, I’d know. Sure, he looks at me and watches me, but he does that to everyone. Mav is the guy at the bar where if he doesn’t have his tongue down anyone’s throat, he’s lost in deep thinking. He’s an old soul. I used to make fun of him about that until I realized how similar we were. I knock on the door and wait. When Leyla opens it, she looks at me, looks at my duffel bag, then looks back up at me.

  “Do we have an away game I don’t know about?”

  “Nope. I was wondering if I could stay here tonight. And maybe tomorrow.”

  “What?” She frowns, holding the door open for me to walk in. She shuts it behind me and faces me. “What’s going on? Did something happen with Mav and Col?”

  “No, they’re fine. I just need a break.”

  “From Maverick?” Leyla’s frown deepens.

  “Oh my God. Yes, from Maverick.” I let out a breath. “Why’s that so hard to believe?”

  “Well, you guys are like attached at the hip, Barnes.”

  “Do you think I can stay here?”

  “Of course. You know we always have room for you.”

  “Thanks.” I set down the duffel bag beside the couch. “Where’s Ash?”

  “I think she stayed at Trey’s house.”

  “The basketball player?”

  “Yep.”

  “Oh. Wow.” I feel my eyebrows rise. “What happened to Matt?”

  “Who knows.”

  “So, I guess the Trey thing is on again?”

  “It’s Ashley. She was a full-on vegan last week and went to Outback and ordered a steak two days ago. Who knows what goes on in that girl’s head?”

  I laugh because that is definitely Ashley, and spend the rest of the day with my bestie.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Where are you?

  I stare at the text from Maverick for a second before I respond, Staying at Leyla’s tonight.

  I’m not at Leyla’s right now. She dragged me out to a frat party and I’m currently waiting for none other than Brian, who happens to be part of this fraternity, to bring me a drink.

  Maverick sends a slew of question marks, ??????

  Me: Girls’ night

  Mav: I thought you didn’t like girls’ night

  Me: Sometimes they’re necessary

  Mav: So you’re not coming home?

  Me: Nope

  Mav: Okay. I’ll tell Colson

  I roll my eyes because we both know Colson doesn’t give a fuck where I am, but whatever. Then I type, Have fun on your date with Rebecca.

  Mav: Thanks. I kind of wanted your input on what I’m wearing

  My heart drops and I hate that it does because of course he’d ask me for advice on what he’s wearing. Even though his style is on point, he likes to stand in front of the mirror for the longest time. Finally, I type, What are you wearing?

  Without warning, my phone starts buzzing with a FaceTime call. I look around to make sure I can answer, not because I’m expecting him to be half-naked or anything, but because I absolutely hate FaceTiming in public. Thankfully, I’m in a quiet area of the yard, where I can see the back door but not deal with the ruckus. I answer the phone. Maverick is smiling, but it disappears quickly.

  “What is that on your head?” He frowns. “I thought you were at Leyla’s.”

  “I’m staying at Leyla’s. I’m currently at a party and this is a flower crown, thanks for noticing.”

  He gives me a once-over. “You look like you’re naked.”

  “I’m wearing a tube top.” I laugh.

  “What the hell is a tube top?”

  With a sigh, I stand up and point the phone down so that he can fully see me. I’m wearing a short beige tube top that shows off my midriff and bell bottom jeans. It’s a hippie party. I also have circular sunglasses in my hand but I opt not to show those to him. I adjust the back of my jeans as I sit back down and hold the phone in front of my face again. Maverick is oddly quiet, so I search his face for some kind of sign of what he’s thinking. Normally, it’s easy for me to read him. Lately, not so much, and I don’t know if it’s because we’re drifting apart or because I have feelings for him and am looking for other signs on his face. Either way, I don’t like it. The thought of us drifting apart feels like a hole in my chest. We’re supposed to walk each other’s weddings, not be strangers when one of us gets to the altar. Which is yet another reason I need to push all of this away.

  “So, what are you wearing?” I ask, taking in the black polo.

  “This with jeans.” He turns the camera so that it’s pointing at the full-length mirror in my bedroom.

  “Nice to see you’re making good use of my things.” I laugh.

  “It’s the only full-length mirror in the house.”

  “True.” I look at him in the mirror. He always looks gorgeous, with his incredible physique and tanned skin. His curls are damp from a shower and his brown eyes are on the mirror as he looks at what he’s wearing—a black polo, black jeans, and checkered Converse. “What are your other options?”

  “These jeans and shoes with the Jimi Hendrix shirt you got me for Christmas.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “Probably a brewery.”

  “So, you can go with either one.” I shrug a shoulder.

  “I know that but I want you to pick for me.” He turns the camera back to his face. “If we were going on a date to a brewery, which would you wa
nt me to be wearing?”

  My heart flips. “We’re not going on a date.”

  “I said if,” he says, “like if we hadn’t been friends our entire lives and I’d just met you and asked you out.”

  “Oh.” The word comes out a whisper. What would that reality be like? I decide to ask, because why not continue to ruin this friendship? “If we’d just met for the first time, do you think you’d ask me out?”

  “Absolutely.” He lets out a laugh. He didn’t hesitate though.

  “Cool.”

  “Cool?” He laughs again. “So, which one?”

  “I think the black polo. It’s more serious but still casual because of your sneakers.”

  “Okay. Thanks.” He grins.

  “I have to go.” I look up and see Brian walking toward me.

  “Why? Leyla’s coming to look for you so that you’ll actually join the fun?”

  I let out a laugh. “Not exactly.”

  “We only had beer. I got you a lager.” Brian hands me the bottle. “I hope that’s okay.”

  “I’m sure it’s fine.” I smile wide, then look at the phone again. “Okay, have fun.”

  “Oh, sorry, I didn’t know you were on a call,” Brian says.

  “Is that . . . ” Maverick is frowning, but I hang up on him before he can finish the sentence.

  “Cheers.” Brian taps his glass bottle against mine as he takes a seat beside me.

  “Cheers.” I smile as I take a sip. “So, this is where you hang out? It’s pretty nice.”

  “It’s really nice.” He nods as he looks around the large yard where there are people playing beer pong, drinking from beer funnels, and playing cornhole. “The guys definitely make the most of it, as you can see.”

  “Are you close to all of them?”

  “Most of them. I guess I’m closer to the ones I live with. I mean, they’re my brothers. I’m an only child, so this is a dream for me.”

  “Living with a ton of guys is a dream?” I smile as I look over at him, but I know what he means. I’m not in a sorority, but to me, my teammates are my sisters, so I get it. As an only child, having teammates around me my entire life has definitely helped.

  “It sounds weird, but yes.” He chuckles.

  “I get it. I can relate.”

  “Do you want to join the fun?” He nods over to the people on the lawn. “Or would you rather just stay over here?”

  “We can join. Who knows where Leyla is anyway?” I stand up and he follows suit.

  As we walk, he holds my hand, and it feels good around mine.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Maverick

  “You seem distracted.”

  “Nah, I’m here.” I glance over at Rebecca and flash her a smile. “I hope you like sushi and beer, that’s what I have planned for the night.”

  “I love both and I love this place.” She walks inside the restaurant as I hold the door open for her.

  “Maverick Cruz,” the hostess says, blushing and smiling. “Hi. Welcome.”

  “Thank you.” I smile back at her.

  “Norma. I’m in your algebra class. I sit behind you sometimes.”

  “Oh. Cool.” I keep smiling. I’ve never seen this girl in my life, but I’ll take her word for it.

  “Wow, she was totally checking you out,” Rebecca says once we’re seated.

  “Who?” I pick up my menu from the table and start scrolling through it.

  “The hostess. Norma.”

  “Oh. I didn’t notice.” I go back to the menu, trying to look for the roll Rocky normally gets, but I can’t remember the name, and I definitely can’t text her while I’m out with Rebecca and she’s with Brian. I inwardly groan. Fucking Brian, of all people. Of course, she’d choose a pretty boy to go out with, even after I told her he’s not her type. What do I know though, right? Maybe he is her type after all. She hasn’t had a boyfriend in a while.

  “You seem distracted.”

  “Just trying to figure out what I feel like eating.” I glance up at Rebecca. “What do you like?”

  “I like the Spider Roll.”

  “Oh, that’s the one Rocky likes!” I smile and nod as I look back at the menu.

  “Rocky’s that girl you’re always with?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I thought you two were dating. I mean, before you finally asked me out, I figured you were dating.”

  “Rocky and me?” I chuckle. “No way. I’ve known her since we were kids.”

  “Maybe that’s why you even walk the same.”

  “What?” I laugh as I lower the menu. “What are you talking about?”

  “You walk the same. I swear.” Rebecca laughs. Damn, she has a great laugh.

  “That’s so strange. No one’s ever said that before.”

  “So, you guys are like really tight then.”

  “Yup.”

  “How does that fare in your relationships?”

  “Wow. You get deep quick.” I blink. “I don’t think it makes a difference in our relationships.”

  “No? Your past girlfriends haven’t been jealous of your friendship?”

  “I mean, I haven’t had a girlfriend in a while.” I shrug a shoulder.

  “How long?”

  “Since high school.”

  “Oh. And why’d you break up?”

  “College.” I let out a laugh. “I don’t think anyone has grilled me this hard on a first date.”

  “Well, they should.” She smiles.

  We pause the conversation to order our food and then she goes right back to grilling me. I don’t know how I feel about it. I don’t hate it. I’ve been waiting to go out with this girl far too long to care what she wants to talk about and I’m thinking if she’s this into my personal life, it’s definitely a good sign. My mind keeps drifting to Rocky though. Maybe because Rebecca has brought her up so much. Maybe because she just informed me that we walk the same, which is wild. My parents walk the same. They even share the same mannerisms, but they’ve been together since they were teenagers and married for thirty years, so it makes sense.

  “What about you? I bet you’ve had a lot of boyfriends,” I say.

  “Not a lot. I am a serial dater though. At least that’s what my friends say.” She laughs.

  “A serial dater.” I raise an eyebrow. “So, you’ve dated a lot of guys while you’ve been here?”

  “Not a lot. I mean, I go on a lot of dates, but none have turned into anything serious.”

  Interesting. I don’t really have anything to say to that, so I sip on my lemon water instead. I don’t know why I figured Rebecca was this put-together girl who had everything figured out. Like Rocky. Fuck. Why the hell am I thinking about Rocky again?

  “You seem distracted again.”

  “I’m not. I’m good. I’m just . . . ” I exhale heavily. “Yeah, I’m distracted. I’m sorry.”

  “What are you thinking about?”

  “Nothing of importance.” It’s a lie, but what am I supposed to say? There’s no right answer to that question.

  “Hm.” She glances away and I know I’ve upset her and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why.

  I’ve spent an entire year pining after this girl and finally have her sitting in front of me only to not even be interested in having a conversation with her. I’m annoyed with myself. The food comes quickly and we start eating. Soon, we’re making small talk, a far cry from all the relationship questions she was trying to get me to answer earlier. Maybe I’m acting this way because I haven’t been on a date in such a long time. Maybe I’m acting this way because I know Rocky is with Brian and for some crazy reason I don’t like that thought. Either way, I need to snap out of it.

  I tossed and turned all night and finally gave up on sleep an hour ago. I went for a run, worked out, and now, I’m freshly showered and dressed. I look at the time and pick up my phone to call my mom before she heads into church.

  She answers on the first ring. “Mav? Is ever
ything okay?”

  “Yeah.” I frown. “Why?”

  “It’s before noon on a Sunday. You normally don’t call this early.”

  “I know.” I take a gulp of water and sigh heavily as I set it down. “Rocky’s staying with her friend this weekend.”

  “Okay?” My mother’s voice is understandably confused.

  “This entire weekend. She just packed up and left.”

  “Is that unusual?”

  “Yeah. I mean, she’s never done it before.” I pick up the water again.

  “You miss her so much that you decided to wake up early on a Sunday and call me to tell me about it when you know I’m on my way to church?”

  I set the cup down. “No. I mean, I guess.”

  “Are you telling me you have feelings for her?”

  “No.” My voice is louder now. “I’m just telling you what’s going on in the house.”

  “And you don’t have feelings for her?”

  “I . . . ” I feel myself frown. “I was on a date last night.”

  “And how did that go?” My mother sounds like she’s one second away from telling me to fuck off, but I know she won’t, so I continue on.

  “It was fine. It was with Rebecca. The girl from—”

  “Yes, yes, I know who it is. You’ve been talking about her all year.”

  “Well, yeah. So, it was good.”

  “Good enough that you obviously didn’t take her home with you and woke up thinking about your best friend instead?”

  “Mom.”

  “Maverick, I’m your mother, not an idiot.” She sighs. “Look, I’m about to be late for church, so I’ll make this quick. You have feelings for Rocky. If you don’t see that, you need to take a good look at yourself and re-evaluate what you think you feel. If you like her, tell her.”

  “If I like her and I tell her I’ll drive her away.”

  “You’d be surprised.”

  That gives me pause. “Mike would kill me.”

  “That’s what you’re worried about? Her father?” Mom laughs. “You’re too much.”

  “I just . . . he’s not even completely sold on the idea of her living with me.”