She stripped down and got to work. With each swipe of the brush, the tension left her body. Macie painted until her arms hurt, her back screamed, and she had no other choice but to fall asleep covered in white, black, and gray. As her mind drifted into oblivion, she remembered Zac’s question and smiled. Why not sell her art?
ZAC DIDN’T HEAR BACK from his mystery girl for a few days. But Macie sent him updates about the plans. She’d pressed forward with several of their ideas. The only problem she kept encountering was money. It became clear pretty fast that Macie was living paycheck to paycheck. It was also clear that her early plans had been budget friendly. Zac hadn’t given two thoughts about how much money they’d need to put these parties together. He should’ve, but he didn’t.
“Hey,” Dave, one of his co-workers, said from Zac’s open office door. “What’s going on with your dad? Is he coming back?”
News had broken that Sparks Investments was going public. Zac’s father had been famously missing from the press announcement. And he’d been missing from the office since then. His health hadn’t been great since the gall bladder surgery and the heart attack scare. Instead of smiling and nodding like the yes man he’d need to become, he made himself disappear. Not even Zac had seen him.
“I really don’t know,” Zac said with a shrug. “He’s been keeping to himself lately.”
“Yeah, sure.” Dave slapped the door frame twice and left.
But it was the truth. Zac had no idea if his father was done or not. He hadn’t seen him in over a week and his father told Zac that time was needed. Zac knew what that meant—leave me alone until I’m ready to talk.
His phone buzzed on his desk. Zac glanced at the name first. Macie. He’d changed it after the dinner they had together. Now that he knew why she hated Chomper, he’d do his best not to use it at all. He almost smiled. Then he read her message and couldn’t stop the grin.
Do you know anything about setting up an online store?
Zac typed back. No, but I can figure it out pretty quick. What’re you thinking?
IDK. Thinking about the options. I hate to ask, but could you come over? Or I can come to your place? I think I want to sell my artwork. Or at least try to. And you know all this financial stuff. We never got around to talking about investing and I think I need to invest in myself first. Will you help me?
Zac sat back. Macie asking for his help? Did the universe flip on its head? Or was he in an alternate dimension? She’d mentioned discussing investments before, but he didn’t bring it up when he went to her place. He’d figured she wasn’t really interested.
You really want my help? He replied.
Yes.
One word, but it knocked Zac back in his chair. He would help her. But he knew he needed to be cautious. This was Macie Regan. There had to be another shoe that would drop on his head. Probably a worn out red Chuck.
When? He hit send.
Tonight? Or do you have a hot date? She added a winky emoji.
He actually had plans to meet with Ford for drinks. He wanted to help her, though. Ford would understand.
I’m free. Zac hoped Ford would understand. It wasn’t like Ford hadn’t cancelled drinks with Zac to rescue Lauren before. Zac smiled. Macie was far from a damsel in distress.
Great. When and where?
He thought about having her over, making dinner like she had done for him. Something stopped him cold. His apartment. It wasn’t as warm as Macie’s. Despite the small size, Macie’s place felt like a home. His apartment felt temporary. Seven? Your place?
Sounds great. And, thanks.
Zac smiled at the kissing emoji. He knew it wasn’t anything more than Macie being grateful, but it lifted him up for the rest of the day.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Nancy didn’t argue when Macie said she had to leave by six-thirty at the absolute latest. She didn’t even bat an eye. Something was up. Macie sat in one of Nancy’s uncomfortable chairs instead of leaving like a smart person would have done. She propped her feet on the edge of Nancy’s desk, earning an evil eye. Macie shrugged and dropped her feet. Probably not her smartest move.
“What?” Nancy asked without looking up from the file on her desk.
“I should ask you the same question,” Macie said.
“Everything’s just peachy. Now get out of here before I change my mind.” Nancy’s red felt pen moved across the page.
“I call bullshit.”
Nancy’s head snapped up. They stared at one another for longer than necessary before Nancy’s shoulders relaxed and she nodded toward the office door. Macie stood and closed it, settling back into the plastic chair.
“Your little stunt in front of the boss has given you a free pass for the time being.” Nancy leaned back in her chair and steepled her fingers. “He said to make you happy. So that’s what I’m doing.”
Macie tried not to grin, and this really wasn’t a grinning moment. Sure, she wanted to be happy, but she wanted to be treated fairly, too. A wiser person would run with it. “Good for me. What’s in it for you?”
“Keeping my job.” Nancy reached for a photo frame on her desk and turned it around. Two identical twins smiled at the camera. They weren’t much younger than Macie and both were the spitting image of Nancy. “They graduate this year. And college isn’t cheap.”
“Ain’t that the truth.” Macie grimaced as the image of her payment came up.
“Yeah, so as much as I hate cowering to him, I need to keep my job.” Nancy turned the frame back around, her face softening as she stared at her daughters. “For the time being, you’re getting a free pass.”
Macie nodded and stood. The conversation was over. “Thanks, boss.” She
