“Not so bad. They’ve been down there holding court with a bunch of guys for a while, but Mackenzie always comes back down here to get me more beer.”
I knew Mac was working at this charity event tonight. I heard August and Jase talking about it during the trip. I’m reluctant to go in because she’s been icy with me ever since we got back from Chicago. I’m not sure why. I was perfectly nice to her. I only teased her a little bit, and I even checked on her after the game, when it looked like her bottom lip might have been quivering and her blue eyes watering.
August pointed out that we seem to have this very notable will-they vibe. I don’t think we do, or if we do, I don’t think it’s as noticeable as he’s claiming it is. I think he just said it to get a rise out of me. Or to see what information he could get. I like August,I do. He’s a good guy. But I’m not stupid. I’m careful with what I say.
Looks like Mackenzie has been making her way to see him a time or two and she’s making quite the impression on him. “Mackenzie you say?” I smile and turn my attention back to the ladies. “Excuse me, Mackenzie. Can I get a double Scotch single malt neat, please.”
Mackenzie looks down at where I’m sitting and visibly tenses. Her nostrils flair, letting me know she’s not happy that I’m sitting beside him.
“I’m Danny,” I say, extending my hand to him.
“John,” he replies.
“Good to meet you.”
“You too,” he replies. “So, are you in here because they are, or did you just need a drink after a long day like me?”
“I’m here for the team. I’m a big fan.” I lie a little bit, but I want him to know that I have some kind of relationship with Mac. I don’t know why, but I don’t like him sniffing around Mac like this.
“Ah, well, I know absolutely nothing, so maybe you can help me get her number.” He points directly at Mac and smiles.
She happens to look in our direction at that moment and sees that we’re both watching her. Her smile is wide and her blue eyes sparkle. She waves in our direction. I think it’s mostly for John, but I pretend it’s for me too. I put my charming smile on and wave back at her. I add in a wink for effect.
Her throat bobs as she swallows. Her step falters a bit as she makes her way to her next customer. I glance over at John; he’s just grinning like an idiot. That little misstep and reaction was for me, not him. I take pleasure in that.
“I don’t know too much about her.” It’s not really a lie. I only know the little bits of information that she’s given me. I leave out that I’m interviewing her for my paper. I don’t want him to know too much and want to fly under the radar with this man. Find outwhat he wants to happen with the two of them, if anything. “I know she plays for the team. She’s their striker and she works hard. Mac is good,” I tell him. “She’s had a great career, which she’s continuing here in Tampa.”
“I didn’t know any of that. But then again, I just met her.” He sips his dark beer and shrugs. “Have you been following her since she was younger or something?”
I shake my head. “No, I’m smart enough to use Google.”
John laughs. “I see. I hadn’t thought to do that, I guess.”
“I guess you didn’t.” I smirk at him and wave a hand, hoping to get Mac’s attention.
She nods and makes her way down the bar.
“Service is rather slow in here tonight,” I tease her when she approaches.
Mac shakes her head at me. “What will it be?”
“What does the lady recommend?”
“I recommend you tell me what you want. We’re swamped, so if you want me to serve you, you’ve gotta order now,” she says all matter-of-factly.
I smirk at her, and she looks away for a second before turning her eyes back to mine.
“What happened to service with a smile?” I antagonize her further.
“I was smiling.” And of course, she throws in a tight smile. “There, see, a smile.”
I chuckle. “Sure, yeah. That was a smile.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see that John is watching our interaction. His brow is furrowed. He’s not an idiot; he’s picked up on the fact that there’s some going on here.
“Alright, Mac. I’ll take that double scotch single malt, please.” I hand her a twenty. “That should cover it and your tip.”
“Thanks.” She pulls it from my hand slowly and heads to get me the beer. Returning, she places the liquid down in front of me. “I got you a Johnny Walker. Seems to be a popular one tonight, and you never said which.”
