Page 16 of The Sexy Part
“I can’t believe how friendly he is with you,” Mackenzie says. “It seemed like he picked me to be his person and couldn’t be bothered with anyone else.”
“He brought me his pink monkey last night.”
“Oh, Felix! Sorry about that. Usually he brings it to my room every night. You went to bed earlier, so I guess he thought he’d try it on you.” She reaches over and pets Felix, who leans into her hand.
The coffeemaker beeps. Mackenzie pours us both coffee and heads for the table. I join her.
“So what’s your plan for today?” Mackenzie asks.
“I need to get back to my apartment in the city to get some of my stuff, my laptop most importantly. I guess that’s as good a time as any to talk to Dave.”
“You think he’ll be home?”
“His Sunday routine is like clockwork. Sleep in, work out, shower, and go across the street to the Irish pub until dinner.”
“Is he an alcoholic?”
“I don’t think so. He likes the audience for his stories.”
She takes a sip of coffee. “Harper and I can go with you and help bring your stuff back.”
I consider the offer. “Thanks, but I think it’s something I need to do myself.”
“Sure, no problem. You’re welcome to spend another night with us.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate it.”
Harper walks in, rubbing her eye and giving a big yawn. “Morning. What’s up?”
“I’m spending another night,” I say.
“Awesome. Coffee.” She makes a beeline for the coffeemaker.
“Who wants pancakes?” Mackenzie asks brightly.
“Me,” Harper says.
“Sounds great,” I say.
Mackenzie goes for the ingredients while Harper joins me at the table. She jerks her thumb toward Mackenzie. “She’s such a morning person. You’re an alien species, Mac.”
“Mac is a burger. I’m Mackenzie.” She turns back to the counter, measuring ingredients. “I’ll make eggs too.”
A short while later, she slides a plate in front of me. Wow. There’s a stack of three golden fluffy pancakes and perfectly cooked scrambled eggs with some kind of herb. “Thank you. What’s this?” I point to the herb.
“Dill.”
Harper plunks maple syrup in front of me and goes to the counter for her breakfast.
I pour the syrup on and take a bite. “Perfect.”
Mackenzie smiles warmly and goes back to the stove.
I haven’t felt taken care of in so long. It’s always been me doing the caretaking. First for Grandmom and then for a long line of boyfriends who always ended up leaving me. Why am I drawn to people who need me to do all the work of caring for them? Never again. Dave is the final straw on top of everyone else who’s abandoned me in my life.
Is there something unlovable about me that makes everyone leave?
I didn’t realize I said that last bit out loud until I’m suddenly flanked by Mackenzie and Harper, squished into a group hug. I’m sitting, so I’m sorta pressed against their sides.
