𝓒𝓵𝓪𝓻𝓪

I put in my notice when I came in for my shift the next day at noon.

It was oddly slow, not many customers had come in.

When I went back out, pining on my name tag, there was Maverick, ordering a coffee. He looked at me and nodded, "Clara," he said.

Cautiously, I walked over, keeping distance between myself and the counter. The older woman at the register left to make his coffee.

He smiled quickly, "I could somewhat hear you from the back room." He didn't ask why I had put in a notice but looked at me curiously, hoping I'd provide an answer.

I nodded.

He leaned his head down, "can I ask why?" There was a subtle smile on his lips as he spoke. "Obviously, if it's personal you don't need to."

I didn't look at him, hoping if I did, if I didn't speak, he would leave.

He sighed softly, "I'm going to try really hard these next two weeks, because I don't know when I'd see you again... I want you to trust me. I see that's not really easy for you, but I'm hoping you'll give me a chance."

I glanced at him, looking at his chest, seeing the badge there on his uniform.

The older woman handed him his coffee.

Give him a chance, Violet had said.

I can't... I can't. I can't do it. Oh God.

Maverick watched me struggle with my thoughts; his brows furrowed. "If you ever need someone to talk to, or someone to listen... I'm here. No pressure, but you should know that."

After a moment, I looked at him, surprising myself when I met his amber eyes.

"It takes time and patience to build trust, but I'm willing to be patient if you're willing to try."

I hesitated, unsure, afraid.

I could see the genuine concern in his gaze. There was no judgment, no impatience. His eyes never left mine. There was a warmth there. I couldn't ever think of a time when someone had looked at me like that, with such genuine care and affection.

I breathed in deeply, hesitating, "I don't know." I looked away.

How can I? After all those years, how could I trust? How could I trust him? I didn't know him. He was a man. He could do anything to me. How? How?... Help me.

"You don't have to trust me right away," he said softly. "Trust takes time, and I'm willing to wait as long as it takes. Whenever you're ready. No pressure, no judgment."

I had built walls around myself, and the thought of letting someone in terrified me, but I wanted to try. Some part of me wanted to trust again. I wanted what Violet had. She trusted, she was okay, she had confidence that Dominic would never hurt her or try anything.

I could try... Couldn't I?

I looked down, noticing the way my hands shook. I held them tightly together, wanting the shaking to stop.

I could...

I could.

"... I'll try," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. This sudden wave of fear washed in. I swallowed hard.

A smile spread across Maverick's face. "That's all I can ask for."