Page 24 (2/2)

Ro’s quiet, and I can tell she’s thinking so it

“What is it?” I ask

“I don’t know I guess sometimes…I wonder if you have souarded withI just hope you have someone you can share your secrets with”

Her words hit uard down around Ro a lot over the ht—I don’t tell her everything I don’t tell anyone everything

Never give anyone the power to hurt you, Gigi

My father loved me fiercely, and he wanted me to learn from his mistakes His lessons on poker often applied to life, too

Trust your head, not your heart

Play it safe

Better to walk away too soon than too late

“I’h I’m really not

“You can always talk toas a serious expression crosses her face

“Thanks, I appreciate it”

She s happens, and you decide to talk toto me sooner I’m here when you need me”

There’s a catch in my throat as I say, “Thank you”

My dad was o-to person He had ry and bitter that I closedAnd now, executing

I knew the path I was choosing was a lonely one But I never counted on the pang of regret I feel right noish I could tell Ro everything What really happened to as The plan I hope to set in motion soon

Instead, I wipe the sweat from my brow, take a deep breath and follow her up a path lined with big red rocks, staying silent

Chapter Eleven

Maverick

“You rinning as Gia douses her blueberry pancakes with a third cup of syrup

“I don’t want to have to stop and adda dry bite of pancake and realizing you need more syrup”

“The horror”

She sets the little metal cup down and cocks a brow at y for four in theto the casino?”

I shake my head “Nah, I was too excited about our first date”