by Lynn Stevens
The phone in her office shrilled, shocking her out of thoughts of Zac.
“Macie Regan,” she answered.
“My office. Now.” Nancy slammed the phone down without giving Macie a chance to breath.
This can’t be good. Macie steeled herself before standing. She grabbed her tablet and her cell, knowing she’d need all the insurance she had against whatever tyranny Alex threw at her through her boss. What else could it be? She got along with everyone else, hit impossible deadlines, and did everything asked of her. On the short walk to Nancy’s office, she changed his name back to Alex on her contacts list. She would revert it back to A$$hole later, or just block him all together.
The hallway was empty, and Macie couldn’t stop the rock in her stomach from turning into a boulder. Her feet grew heavy, her steps slowed. The door to Nancy’s office was closed, which was not like Nancy. The frosted window revealed nothing. Macie had no idea what she was walking into, but she knew without a doubt who made this happen. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
“Come in,” Nancy said, her voice less angry than it had been over the phone.
Macie’s heart kicked up a notch. She knew she wasn’t getting fired. There was no way Nancy would let her graphics department be down by two. They were barely getting things done as it was. The department couldn’t run with only three other people. Pulling up her metaphoric big-girl panties, Macie opened the door to the lion’s den.
The man sitting at Nancy’s desk had an eerie familiarity to him. His thinning blond hair bordered more toward a bright white tint. Piercing gray eyes lasered into hers. Even the heart shape to his face was familiar. Macie broke his gaze to find its biological match standing to her right. Shit. Nancy stood off to the side by one of her many filing cabinets. Macie turned toward her boss whose own steely gaze softened to graphite as it met Macie’s.
Nancy wouldn’t have been stupid enough to fire her, but the owner of the station would have no issue leaving the graphics department shorthanded. She had to act fast, be smart, and she had to be prepared to hear him deliver the final blow she knew was coming. Why else would she be there? The boulder in her stomach grew into a mountain. How was she going to survive?
“Ms. Regan?” Mr. Leffler asked. He leaned on Nancy’s desk, his fingers steepled under his chin.
Macie swallowed and nodded. Let him think she was afraid. She wasn’t. Sure, she was afraid of not having a paycheck, but she wasn’t scared of this man. He was just a man. It didn’t matter that he owned the station. It didn’t matter that he was Alex’s father. It did matter that he could fire her, but that was something she’d have to deal with. She made the decision then and there to be honest, and not to take any shit.
“Can you explain this?” he asked, turning the computer monitor toward her.
Macie leaned in to get a better look. It was one of the posters she’d made for an upcoming appearance featuring Alex at a charity 5k. Her eyes darted around the screen. There wasn’t anything different. The colors were the same, the people, the city setting behind Alex, even the stupid grin on his face were all the same. There wasn’t a single... then she noticed it. On the banner behind Alex’s too big head someone had added “Fuck Off, Alex” in black.
“My patience is thin, Ms. Regan. Explain this or lose your job.” Mr. Leffler tapped on the screen at the offensive writing.
“Clearly someone manipulated the image after I sent it,” Macie said. She reached for the mouse and clicked over the words to enhance them. Leffler leaned away. It was like he was offended to share the air with her. Macie shook her head. “If I had to guess, I’d say someone with a touchscreen used their finger to add that to the banner.”
“And you didn’t do it,” Leffler said, more as a statement than as a question. He glared at her to emphasize his point.
Macie stood and crossed her arms. If she was going out, which it looked more and more like it was going to happen, she might as well go out with a bang. “No. If I wanted to tell Alex to fuck off, I would say it to his face.” Leffler sat back, his eyes wide and mouth open. “Besides, if I would do something so childish, don’t you think someone with a degree in graphic design would be more creative and...” Macie snorted. “And would do that so much better? That’s amateur, and childish.”
Leffler nodded.
“She has a point,” Nancy said, stepping beside Macie. A sense of pride soared through Macie. Nancy was taking a stand and it was for her. “Just look at the rest of the piece for proof.”
“I can prove it anyway,” Macie added. She pulled her tablet out from under her arm and opened it. Within a few seconds, she’d accessed her desktop. “Here,” Macie said, turning the tablet around, “this is my desktop in my office. She touched the file folder to open the documents and then tapped the file for the graphic. She opened each one and pointed out that none of them had the obscenity. “See?” Then she opened the email to the sent file and found the copy she emailed Alex. She opened that graphic, which clearly didn’t have anything on the banner either. “I didn’t do that.”
“How do I know that’s your desktop?” Leffler took her tablet and flipped through a few more files. Macie didn’t really care. She wasn’t stupid enough to keep anything personal on her work computer anyway. “And how did you access it?”
Macie smiled. Her remote access program was a secret Lauren gave her, and one she wasn’t going to share. So she lied. “I backdoored my tablet to the PC.”
Leffler nodded. “So you’d just tell Alex to fuck off?”
“Pretty much.” She shrugged, knowing that statement might come back to bite her in the ass, but there was no reason to lie about it, either. She’d had no problem telling him off in the newsroom the other day. It was already documented. Macie didn’t think she’d get fired over it, either, or anything else for that matter. She’d proven her innocence.
Leffler handed her the tablet. “Good. Somebody needs to, but don’t make it a habit.” He smirked, taking at least twenty years off his stern face. Macie could really see the family resemblance now. “If you have any issues with my son, don’t take his shit. I like people who stand up for themselves and aren’t afraid to say what’s on their mind. That’s the type of person that makes it in this industry. The other people who make it in this business are the ones who keep their friends close but their enemies closer. Remember that, too. Thank you for your time, Ms. Regan. You may go.” Leffler turned his gaze to her boss. “Nancy, if you’d allow me use of your office for a bit, I’d like a word with my son.”
“Yes, sir,” Nancy replied. She took Macie’s elbow and pulled her out of the room. Once the door clicked closed behind them, Nancy exhaled loud and long. “I thought you were a goner.”
Macie laughed. “Me, too.”
“Look, I know that putting you in that position was shitty of me. I ...” Nancy sighed and defeat softened her body. She fell back against the wall, sinking down a few inches. “I need this job. I need this station.” She smiled sadly and dropped her gaze to her feet. “I moved back here for it. If it goes south, I go with it. I wasn’t willing to risk everything. If you went under the bus, I wasn’t going to pull you out.” She raised her head and stared at Macie. “I hope you can understand.”
“I can.” Macie bit her tongue for a moment, but Leffler’s words came back to her like a sledgehammer to the temple. She needed to tell Nancy the truth, even if it hurt her boss while she was down. “And I can’t.” She faced Nancy head on. “I get it, Nancy. I get wanting... no, needing to protect yourself. But what about me? You’re my boss. What about protecting me from his harassment? I do everything you ask me to do, even dealing with Alex.”
“You do, and you did,” Nancy replied. “And you’re right. I was more concerned about my job than about the job I was hired to do.”
Macie’s chest swelled with victory.
“But you’re wrong, too.” Nancy stood straighter and pulled herself together. “I expect my employees to be adults and
come to me with problems with coworkers. The situation with Alex is unique, but you still should’ve come to me once he started contacting you instead of me. The deal was you worked with him but only through me. Remember?”
Macie nodded. She did remember, but she didn’t think Nancy wanted to be involved.
“So we both failed each other.” Nancy crossed her arms, her defeat already forgotten. “Anything else you want to tell me now while I’m in a good mood.”
“Yeah, actually,” Macie said, fighting the blush rising to her cheeks. “Can you remind the reporters that we, meaning the entire department and not just me, work our butts off and when they drop off an assignment they can’t demand it gets done in twenty minutes or less? Because that would be awesome.”
“Now you’re pushing it.” Nancy grinned. “I’ll send out a memo tomorrow.” She reached out and clamped her hand on Macie’s shoulder. “Thanks, Macie. Don’t tell anyone I said this, but you’re doing a great job here.”
“That’s nice to hear,” Macie said letting her smile break through. She also knew that this was probably her only chance to be no holds barred with her boss. Everything would be back to normal after this.
“Get out of here.” Nancy glanced at her watch. The band was old and worn in several places. It obviously had sentimental value, because Macie was positive Nancy could buy a new one. “You were supposed to be out of here twenty minutes ago.”
Panic seized her chest. “Shit.” She stared at Nancy. “Shit, shit, shit, shit. I’m going to be late.”
“Then get the hell out of here.”
“Right.” Macie darted right toward Nancy’s office before realizing she was going the wrong way. She was going to be so late. So very late. Late enough Zac might beat her to the apartment. She didn’t want him to think she flaked. And he would totally think she flaked. That’s what she was known for. On her way back to her office, she pulled out her phone and sent him a quick text that she was running late.
I swear I’m not going to blow this thing with Zac, she told herself as she logged off her computer and ran out into the Louisiana heat. I hope like hell I have time to shower.
ZAC STOOD OUTSIDE THE door to Macie’s building. He hated to admit it, but he was impressed she could afford to live in the converted school. A sign out front identified it as Franklin Elementary. The building itself shouted education. The city had shuttered several dying schools when he was a kid. They sold them off and a few were demolished, most were still vacant and deteriorating. A handful of them, including this one, were turned into apartments. With the resurrection of the BoHo district a few blocks away, Franklin School Lofts became prime real estate. He made a mental note of the developer to check out later.
He rang the buzzer to her apartment a second time. Impressed or not, he hated to be kept waiting. He bounced on his heels as a tenant pushed by him and unlocked the door. Zac grabbed it before it could close, timing it so the man wouldn’t think he was a stalker. Fortunately for Zac it was a slow closing door. He slipped inside and stared at the foyer. Lights bounced off the marble floor, illuminating a maroon F with an interlinking E in the center. He could almost imagine kids strolling through with their books and backpacks, gossiping with their friends. It still felt like a school.
The foyer broke off into two hallways with a set of impressive stairs in front of him. Macie’s apartment was 3E and there were only four floors to the building. He took them two at a time, winding himself as he reached the third floor. The exercise was exhilarating. He hadn’t kept up his morning runs over the last couple of months and his body reacted. It was time to start again, maybe run a 5K at the end of the summer. He needed a goal.
Macie’s apartment was across from the elevators. The doors were close together, so much so that Zac wondered how big the apartment could be. He raised his fist and hammered on her door, not really expecting her to answer. It would be just like Macie to blow him off in favor of something more exciting.
His breath caught and he stepped back from the door after she pulled it open. Macie stood before him in nothing but a thin black robe, drying her hair with a matching towel.
“Shit. I’m sorry, Zac,” she said. Her robe opened further, dangerously close to exposing herself to him and anyone else who happened into the hallway. Macie didn’t pull it together, either. She moved to her left and motioned for him to enter. “I got stuck late at work in a ... meeting. I’m running a little behind. Didn’t you get my text?”
“No, I didn’t.” He choked on the words, looking everywhere except her smooth skin. Macie had always been beautiful in a no-nonsense way. She hadn’t cared what other people thought of her and that kind of confidence added to her sex appeal. Zac walked past her into the apartment. It was smaller than he’d anticipated. A tiny kitchenette lined the wall in front of him with a two burner stove and small oven. The fridge wasn’t anything more than he’d find in a hotel and fit under the cabinets. She didn’t have a dishwasher or even a full size sink. But that didn’t stop her from cooking. A slow cooker sat on the counter, emitting the most glorious smell of roast and potatoes. He inhaled and grinned. “You really didn’t have to.”
Macie smiled and turned away from him toward what he assumed was the small bathroom. Over her shoulder she said, “Make yourself at home. I’ll only be a few more minutes.”
Zac watched her sashay away until she clicked the door closed behind her. He turned toward the living room. Or was it the bedroom? He hadn’t seen any other doors so it must be both. Macie could probably live more efficiently if she moved into a complex like his. And probably cheaper than this place. He’d have to ask her how much her rent was. Could he? They were trying this whole friend thing so being concerned about her finances was natural and she’d mentioned discussing investments. Were they at that point? He didn’t think so, but with Macie he never knew.
He sat on the futon and stared at the spread on the flat trunk in front of him. A large planner caught his eye. He knew he shouldn’t but he picked it up anyway. Inside was everything that had to do with Lauren and Ford’s wedding. And he meant everything. Macie even had the measurements for the groomsmen, including his. Each day was a play by play leading up to the wedding. Zac had no idea Macie was this organized. It was impressive.
He put the planner back on the trunk and picked up a bulky portfolio. The first page was a mixed media art piece that took his breath away. Watercolors swirled an ocean wave behind a small wooden boat floating on the surface of the peaceful sea. The boat had been hand crafted with rough edges and no paint. He ran his finger over the waves, realizing there was crystalline element to it he hadn’t noticed before. Whatever she’d used to make it stand out like this added to the 3D element of the boat. It was incredible. He’d known Macie had talent, but this was far beyond what he’d ever seen her do.
His gaze shifted around the small apartment, seeing things he hadn’t noticed before. A small painting of autumn leaves, on an actual leaf, hung above a worn chair. A sculpture of a dancer covered in silver and gold foil sat on the desk under the window. His gaze settled on the easel he’d noticed when he first walked in. Black, white, and gray oil paints swirled on the large canvas, delving into light then darkness. Smaller swirls circled around the edge, as if being sucked into a vortex.
“That’s not finished yet,” Macie said.
Zac ripped his gaze from the art and turned it toward her. Her hair was still damp, falling down her shoulders in a cascade of chocolate. The shoulders of her white shirt were also damp. Macie was dangerously close to winning a one person wet t-shirt contest. Her smooth legs drew his attention, but he knew that was even more dangerous territory. Why’d she have to put on shorts? Zac diverted his eyes back to the art. He wanted to stare at her longer, but that wasn’t the best idea. Long term enemies trying to become civil didn’t warrant sexual tension, but he felt it anyway. It wasn’t the first time, either.
“It’s still amazing,” he said, not entirely sure if he was talking about th
e painting or her long legs. He motioned to the portfolio. “They all are. Why not show them in a gallery?”
“Not good enough.” The mattress dipped beside him, but he kept his gaze on the boat. “And it’s harder than you think to get a show at a gallery.”
“Is that why you went into graphic design instead of art?” He glanced at her legs out of the corner of his eye.
“Graphic design is art, just a different form.” She tucked her legs under her rear and pulled her t-shirt over her knees.
“Sorry, I didn’t...” He closed his eyes and inhaled. It was just Macie. Smartass, annoying Macie. He opened his eyes and turned toward her. “This is weird.”
Macie threw her head back and laughed, something he rarely saw or heard. Her normal expression toward him was a harsh scowl so this was a pleasant surprise. One he wasn’t sure how to feel about, but he liked it nonetheless. “You have no idea.” She pulled her legs out from underneath her and reached for the planner. “Let’s get started. There’s a lot to do and I’ve planned or pre-planned most of it.”
“I noticed.” He leaned forward as Macie opened the planner. “How much has Lauren actually done?”
Macie bristled beside him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I just meant that you’ve put a lot of work into this,” he said, quickly backtracking to figure out how he could have offended her so damn fast. Zac motioned at the planner. “This isn’t just the wedding. It’s the shower, the bachelorette party, flight plans for both sides of the family. You’ve got everything here.”
A buzzer sounded in the kitchen. Macie stared at Zac for a moment before getting up. She moved like a ballerina as she put something in the oven and set the timer. Zac watched, waiting for the Macie explosion. She strolled back into the living room and settled back onto the couch, albeit farther away than she had before. “The biscuits will be ready in ten minutes.”
