Page 49 of Strictly Friends
When the silence threatened to continue indefinitely, Ruby piped up. ‘I told you we’re leaving on Friday, didn’t I?’
After a long discussion with Auntie Pearl, Ruby had finally booked their return flights. She had also arranged for Kenny to come over the following evening to discuss future plans for Jake.
Mac’s expression didn’t budge at her announcement, and Ruby tried again. ‘You’re happy with how the portrait’s going, which is great, right?’
‘My work is always great,’ Mac said loftily. ‘Thatis not what concerns me.’ He weighed the heavy holdall in one hand before slinging it over his shoulder.
It was hard not to roll her eyes at Mac’s theatrics, but Ruby did her best to keep her tone neutral. ‘Well, you’re clearly upset about something, so if it’s not the painting, what’s going on?’
Mac frowned as if he’d suddenly been struck by a thought, and he set the holdall down again. Watching him unzip the bag and rummage inside it, Ruby’s mind drifted back to the moonlit beach and—
‘Did you hear a damn word I just said?’ Mac growled, closing the bag, and straightening up. He looked even crosser, and Ruby tore her mind away from her daydreaming and tried to focus.
‘I’m sorry,’ she said penitently. ‘Tell me again.’
For a moment Mac simply stared at her, and then he muttered, ‘IsaidI’ve finished the pencil sketch, but I would have liked more time with you.’
‘But when you first asked me to sit for you, you said you’d only need me for a few days. We’ve spent loads more time than that together,’ Ruby pointed out reasonably.
Reasonable didn’t appear to be doing the trick, as Mac’s frown simply grew deeper.
‘Whatisthe matter?’ Ruby demanded, torn between exasperation and concern. ‘It’s not like you to look so down. You’re the one who always says the cup’s half full, not half empty.’
‘Yeah, well, maybe I need you around to keep reminding me of that.’ Mac looked her straight in the eye and folded his arms defensively across his chest.
‘Seriously, Mac, what is it?’ Puzzled, Ruby gazed at him and he shook his head with a tiny smile.
‘You know, Ruby, for such a bright gal you can be pretty dumb.’
Her brows rose in surprise. She wasn’t fooled by his bluster, but shewasat a loss as to why Mackenzie Castro, who was never knowingly short of words, was suddenly so lost for them.
‘I’m leaving tomorrow.’ Mac spoke slowly and with a pained expression, as if every word was being forcibly dragged out.
‘Ye-es, I know.’
‘So... how about coming with me?’
‘What?’ Ruby stared at him, dumbfounded.
‘You heard me. So, what about it, Ruby? You’d love New York.’
‘Mac, you’ve known me for five minutes,’ she said gently. ‘Besides, I’ve got a life in London, not to mention an eight-year-old son.’
‘New York has a whole bunch of schools, and I could get Jake into one with a fantastic art programme.’
He walked up to where she stood rooted to the spot and grasped her by the shoulders. His blue eyes seemed to pierce through her as he scoured her face intently before moving his hands from her shoulders to cradle her face. Gone was the flirtatious teasing, and in its place was a desperation she had never seen before. Maybe, at another time and place, she might have felt differently, Ruby thought, but even as he bent to kiss her and his lips teased hersapart, she knew it was no use. There was no denying Mac was a skilful kisser and for just a moment Ruby lost herself in the sensation of his mouth on hers, but skill wasn’t what either of them was seeking.
Mac raised his head and scrutinised her face. ‘No?’
Ruby shook her head with a wry smile. ‘Mac, come on...’
He grimaced in agreement. ‘Yeah, I know. Didn’t feel right, did it?’
When Ruby shook her head again, he sighed and dropped his hands to his sides.
‘Mac, what’s going on?’ she whispered in bewilderment. No-one had more self-belief than Mackenzie Castro and she had no idea where this panicked appeal was coming from.
His voice was gruff as he turned away to avoid her eyes. ‘You’ve inspired me to draw like I haven’t for years. This portrait is gonna be the best thing I’ve painted for a long time. I can feel it in my gut – and it’s because of you! What if I can’t do it when you’re not around?’
