Misery Company

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

“That was pretty intense last night.”  Kate said over her cup of coffee that morning.

“Yeah.” Mackenzie joined her at the table.

“Great win.”

Mac eyed her aunt. “You’re chatty today, what’s going on? Am I dying? You never act this interested this long.” Her voice raised as her worry showed, she wasn’t a fan of change.

“We’re family of course I’m interested.” Kate scoffed it away and took a sip of coffee.

“Right.” Mac was skeptical, she sighed deeply. “Fine if you don’t want to talk about it I won’t push. Yeah the game was intense and luckily we didn’t lose because that just makes me look bad.”

“I thought you didn’t care.”

“Would I have liked to see Dean fail? Sure but since we won I might as well take credit. They sucked really bad before I came along.”

“I’ve never seen you play.”

“You work a lot.” Mac twisted her shoulders uncomfortably; she didn’t like when they got serious and reflected on the past. The past wasn’t good for either of them but they made it work, Kate did the best she could after becoming a mother over night. “The Coach caught me playing one day outside and I was busted, it wasn’t something I wanted to broadcast. You’re not missing anything. Working today?” it was best t change the subject while she could.

“No I got the day off I guess that means you can’t sneak away with the boy next door.”

Mac was glad she wasn’t eating anything; she would’ve spit it up. “Huh?”

“I saw you last night and the other day. I know he’s Greg’s nephew, what else?” Rather then seeming upset Mac broke the rules, Kate was interested in the fact she was seeing a boy.

Clearly busted there was no way out of it. “His name is Jake.”

“And?”

“And what? Just ask the questions because I don’t know how this is supposed to go.”

“How did you meet? How old is he?”

“We made a bet to go on a date and it worked out. He’s twenty two.”

“Mac---”

“Please don’t tell me he’s too old or too experienced, I’ve actually heard this from everyone else.”

Kate sighed. “Ok but you have to make sure you’re careful. Are you sleeping with him?”

Awkward, Mac thought. “We met almost two weeks ago, no I am not sleeping with him. Please don’t make a big deal about this and please don’t say stupid things if you see him. He’s a good guy and really smart.” She knew her aunt would like knowing those facts.

“Fine, if you like him I like him. I’m just surprised you’d go out with anyone related to the Chandlers.”

“He’s nothing like Dean, thank god. Jake actually cares for other people’s feelings and goes out of his way to be nice. Since this is the first time I’m going out with a guy you should really lift that grounded punishment and let me go out.” Mac was willing to milk it for all it was worth. She wasn’t the most social person in the plant but she liked the option to go if she had the urge.

Kate considered that, while talking about Jake, Mac seemed happy and that wasn’t easy. “I want you home no later then ten.”

“I can work with that, thanks. What’s the condition?”

By now they knew each other too well to lie. “I want you home tomorrow for dinner, someone is coming over.”

“I can work with that.” Mac rushed out of the house to tell Jake the good news before he left to work. Her anger flared when Dean opened the door but she vowed not to let him ruin her day. “I need to talk to Jake.”

Dean crossed his arms, blocking the entryway. “You just missed him.”

Mac sighed. “His car is out front, stop being such an ass.”

“Hey.” Jake was coming down the stairs.

IIII

Dean stood back in his own home forced to witness the scene he couldn’t escape even in his nightmares; Mackenzie and Jake. Over the last week Dean became sure of a few things, he hated Jake for coming to town and sweeping Mac off her feet and hated the damn fact he was so jealous. Dean knew he would’ve never noticed Mac unless he hadn’t seen the female, pleasant and sexy side Jake brought out of her.

It was amazing how torn a person could feel, he wanted to push Jake aside and kiss Mac again and then bang his head against the floor until he snapped out of it.

She was excited, as much as she’d let it show. Her aunt was letting up her punishment and of course the person she wanted to spend time with as Jake. Kill me now, Dean thought. Soon he’d be away from all of this were he could make a good life for him and Megan, away from the drama and urges for the girl next door.

“I’m late, I’ll see you tonight.” Jake kissed her goodbye and rushed for the door.

“Aren’t you two sweet?” Dean mocked; they left him in a bitter mood. “It’ll be fun to see when it all goes to hell.”

“What the hell are you talking about now?” Mac turned to face him.

“Once Jake gets away he wants from you that’ll be it. He won’t give you a second thought.” He was trying to hurt her and judging by the flash of emotion in her blue eyes it was working.

“And what does he want?” she mocked. “I’m not an idiot Dean to jump in bed with the first guy that looks my way but I’m also sure you’re wrong about Jake because you’ve been trying to keep us apart since day one. This is low, even for you.”

“Sue a guy for being honest.” He shrugged his shoulders.

“That’s bullshit, you wouldn’t know honesty if it bite you right in the ass. I don’t know what your deal is.” Mac said, sounding frustrated.

Dean’s eyes hardened, their kiss flashing before his minds eye. “I think you do.”

Mac looked at him for a moment before saying. “I don’t care anyway. I’m out of here.”