“Home sweet home,” the driver, Randy, says as he shuts down the engine and gets out of the front seat. His personal vehicle is in front of the other garage, and he starts to load his bags into the trunk.
Mack jumps awake, realizing we’re not moving. “We’re home?” he asks, his voice sleepy and hoarse.
“We are,” Fish confirms. “Ollie here was a perfect angel for me. Maybe it’s you he doesn’t like,” he teases, but I can tell when Mack goes rigid, his face tight, that he might have hit a nerve.
Mack covers his reaction with a wolfish smile toward his best friend. “He just doesn’t know you yet, man. Soon, he’ll think you’re an immature dick, just like the rest of us.”
Fish laughs off the insult and stands up. “Open up the house, fucker, so I can go change his diaper. I’m pretty sure he just crapped his pants again. Unless that’s you who smells like fermented cheese and rotten milk.”
Mack pulls out his keys and tosses them to Fish’s outstretched hand. “Where’s your key?”
Fish heads to the door. “Still in my luggage back in the other camper. I wasn’t expecting to have to jump vehicles when you called me crying this morning.” Before the big man slips out of the motorhome, he turns to me and winks.
The moment the door is closed and we’re alone, Mack sighs. “What a dick.” He yawns and runs his hand through his hair. “And for the record, I didn’t call him for shit. He popped his head in the camper this morning before we left and heard Oliver crying. He insisted on helping.”
I smile across the vehicle. “You don’t have to convince me.”
“Yes, I do. Fish made me sound like a pussy who couldn’t take care of his kid.”
I’m already shaking my head and walking his way. “Doesn’t really matter what he says, right?” I place one hand on his chest, reveling in the warmth of his skin beneath the thin material of his shirt. “I already know the truth.”
He swallows hard. “And what’s that?”
I place a second hand on his chest and step closer. “That you’re an amazing father.”
Mack wraps his arms around my shoulders and draws me into his embrace. I’m engulfed in his arms and silence as we stand together in the motorhome. Finally, he sets his chin on my forehead and says, “About last night…”
It’s my turn to swallow hard. I knew this was coming, but I had kinda hoped I’d at least have fresh breath first.
“I hope you don’t regret it.” I can hear the worry in his voice as he tries to play it cool, but I know Mack. I know the real man. The one who wants to make everyone happy, who has one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever known, despite how horrible his homelife was.
“I don’t regret it,” I insist. “I just don’t know where we go from here. I mean, I’m leaving in three weeks, right?” I state, honestly.
He nods his head slowly, as if he agrees, but something in his eyes tells me he doesn’t agree at all. “Mmhmm.”
“I’m just not sure we should let it happen again.” My words are soft, but the thunder in my chest is deafening.
He nods again but doesn’t say anything. Part of me is thankful he’s not fighting me on this. There’s no good way for this to end, because the truth is, it will end. I’ll be gone in a few weeks, heading back to Brenton, and Mack will still be here, in Los Angeles. Yet, a part of me is hopeful for a different reaction. One where he puts up a little more fight and tells me he doesn’t want me to go. It’s not a rational thought, but one I can’t seem to let go of, nonetheless.
“You’re probably right,” he finally says, offering me a small smile. “The past is the past, right?” The grin I give him feels sad. “Though, I wouldn’t be opposed to accidentally stumbling on you naked in my shower.”
I bark out a laugh, my cheeks heating up to a lovely shade of pink. “Well, if anyone stumbles upon me in the shower, I do hope it’s you,” I reply, bumping his shoulder with my own.
“That could be arranged,” he mumbles so quietly, I almost don’t hear it.
And just like that, the conversation is over.
Mack heads to the door and holds it open for me. “What do you say we go say goodbye to Randy and see how Fish is getting along with that diaper change? I’m kinda hoping Oliver peed on him.”
Chapter Twelve
Mack
Lena’s gone for a walk. After dinner, she took off with her camera to explore the neighborhood, but I think she just needed to get out of the house for a while. We’ve been cooped up together today, a steady beat of rain keeping us from going out and enjoying this Tuesday. Being cooped up with Lena has its pros and cons. It feels great having her around, even underfoot at times, but at the same time, having her around so much is messing with my head.
It makes me think of things I can’t have.
A text comes through from Coop, reminding me of my obligation Saturday. The Hicks gala is this weekend at The Garland.
And I should have a date.
I’ve gone over it in my head all day and keep coming back to one option. Lena. However, it’s not like I have a lot of babysitting options in LA. Sure, I could call a service, but the thought makes my stomach clench with anxiety. I can’t picture letting some stranger into my home to watch my infant. Not happening.
That’s why I grab my phone
