Page 81 of Man Cuffed
“There’s no need,” Mac says, shooting me down. But then he puts his hand at the small of my back again, so it’s almost okay. “I don’t think drunkenness would really improve this party for me. And this boat doesn’t dock for at least another hour, so I can have a beer.”
We go to the bar, where the overworked bartender is busy dishing out drinks to the thirsty crowd.
“Macklin!” Eleanor booms while we’re waiting for our drinks. “How’s that promotion coming along?”
Mac makes a face. “No news. I expected to have a decision by now, but I think the chief is enjoying the process too much. Tommy is kissing his ass so hard his lips are going to be stuck there permanently.”
“And you—what’s your strategy?” his mother asks.
He shrugs. “I’m the best guy for the job. My strategy is good work and trying to stay out of the elevator with the chief. Because I’m no good at small talk.”
“You want me to help you strategize?” Eleanor asks. “Hey—I could make him a gift!”
“No need,” Mac says quickly. “Although I do appreciate it.”
She looks mildly offended as she walks away.
“Oh, lord,” Mac says with a sigh. “If she knits him a sweater vest I can kiss my career goodbye.”
“Can I just say something?” I ask. Although who am I kidding? I am going to say it anyway. “You’re better at small talk than you think.”
“I bet you’re wrong.”
“Not hardly. Just try this one thing, okay? Do you watch TV?”
“Sometimes.”
“Great. So tell me this—what’s a character from a show that you find charming and a little bit slick? Pick someone who’s charming, but you still respect.”
Mac thinks this over. “I guess I’d go with Danny fromDowntown Blues.”
“Mac!” My heart flutters even more than it usually does when he’s nearby. “You too, huh? I adore Danny. We should be watching this show together.”
“Wasn’t there a point you were trying to make?” He plucks our drinks off the bar and hands me mine.
“Right! Yes.” His smile implies that I’m scatterbrained. Which I am. But I’m also onto something here. “All right, so next time you end up in the elevator with the chief, and he asks about your weekend, I want you to prompt yourself with—what would Danny fromDowntown Bluesay? And then say that.”
Mac looks skeptical. “I’d sound like a poser.”
“No way! You’ll be the only one who’s in on the joke. So whatwouldDanny say?”
Mac clears his throat. “Had a couple of drinks at the bar, and then I entertained a lady friend.”
“Mac!” I squeak. “That was perfect.”
He gives me a grin.
“Come on, how hard was that?”
“Not hard, I guess.”
“You sounded just like you, only slightly more charming. Come to think of it. I don’t know if the world can handle a more charming Mac.”
He starts to smile again, but then it dies. “Do you hear shouting?”
We both pause, listening.
“Julie! Get down! Get down right now! This isn’t funny.”
