Misery Company

Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Mac was tired of the curve balls being thrown at her. She knew she should’ve called Belinda yesterday to talk about the firm’s latest work and clients. She thought it over; Belinda was now going to represent Chandler Enterprises, even if she had known before it wouldn’t matter. She wasn’t going to quit her job because Greg didn’t like her and it was still awkward to be near Jake.

Greg certainly wasn’t going to throw away the contract they drew up either, he signed all the necessary paperwork with Jake by his side. Mac took the agreement and put it away in her briefcase until later where she could file it with a judge and make it official.

Belinda shook Greg’s hand and then Jake’s. “I hope this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership. We’ll let you get back to business.”

After saying a quick polite goodbye Mac eagerly followed her boss outside. The meeting had only lasted ten minutes but it had been awkward and tense, those ten minutes felt like ten hours.

“Well that was…different. Do you want to tell me what’s going on?” Belinda asked as she drove away from the CE building.

“My soon to be in-laws don’t like me.” Mac didn’t want to get into the details about her past with Jake and now the fact she was marrying his cousin. When she thought about the facts one after another it seemed like a messy soap opera storyline. She mentally sighed and questioned when her life became so complicated. “The wedding is in a few days and I would really appreciate it if you came. Aunt Kate is coming.”

“Make sure my schedule is cleared and I’ll be there with bells on.”

That made Mac feel better, it was always nice to have someone on your side that didn’t want anything in return or had high expectations. When they got back to the office it was time for business and there was no time to stop for anything else. As soon as Mac was done filing one case file there was five more being added to the pile. She used Belinda’s car and made frequent trips to the courthouse and the coffee house for Belinda’s much needed latte.

By the time lunch time rolled around all Mac wanted to do was take a nap. She made a quick run to the deli to grab Belinda’s salad then crashed at her desk.

“Slacking off already?” he asked amused.

Her head shot up and she met Dean’s green eyes. “What are you doing here?” instead of coming up with a sharp comeback she found that she was glad he was there. A smile threatened to break out across her face at the sight of him.

“Can you get away?”

“Yeah I have a half hour break.”

“Then come with me.”

She stared at him trying to figure out what was on his mind, what not-so-great plan he came up with now. Instead of the normal flares of annoyance she got with Dean she was rather curious about what brought him to the office. “Ok but first I have to tell Belinda and she’ll want to meet you.” She left her desk and knocked twice on Belinda’s door before being invited in.

“What is it sweetie?”

“Dean came and surprised me; I’m gonna go with him for lunch.”

“Alright but first things first.”

Mac chuckled. “You want to examine the goods?”

Belinda smiled brightly. “Damn right.” Dean was charming and polite as always. He shook Belinda’s hand and answered any question she dished out. The last one being, “Are you treating my girl with respect?”

“Yes ma’am. I’d never do anything to hurt her.” his voice took on a soft edge, there was no denying the truth behind his words.

“Good because if you do I will have to ruin your life. Now go and enjoy your lunch.” Belinda waved them away.

“I can see why you get along.” Dean said as they walked out to the parking lot. “How’s your first day been?”

“Fast paced, it’s nothing I’m not used to but our first meeting was a surprise. Belinda just signed on to represent your dad’s company branch here in town.”

Dean frowned, stopping short of the car. “I didn’t know he was here.”

“I think it was a quick visit, he was already on his way to the airport when I saw him. I think I should also tell you Jake was there and he’s working permanently from that office.” Mac said with a small wince. She knew Dean wasn’t going to be fond of the idea of her working with Jake when a situation called for Belinda’s input which would be frequently.

“Oh goody.”

“Ok now I regret telling you now instead of later.”

He grabbed her hand before she could walk away to the passenger side.  He pressed her against the car and left his hands at her waist. “Do I have to worry about you calling this whole thing off and going back to him?” he kept his head down; it wasn’t a situation he wanted to have to discuss. 

“No! I would never do that to Megan or you. Nothing that happened last night would’ve happened if I still wanted to be with Jake. I admit I hated how things ended and the fact I wasn’t fair to him but it’s over. I agreed to give us a chance and that mean’s I’m all in.” she wanted to wring his neck for even thinking she’d be that heartless. “I hate you for making me say this stuff. You know by now I’m not great at the opening up emotional thing.”

He leaned in until their bodies fully touched. “I’m sorry.” He whispered before lowering his lips to her mouth. “You don’t know what it meant to hear you say that.”

Mac stared into his eyes and knew they were crossing a dangerous line. It wasn’t something they could walk a way from anymore; it wasn’t witty banter and inappropriate flirting. It was becoming something real. Something that scared her and she didn’t want to lose because it would break her heart.

Dean embedded himself inside her heart against all odds four years ago and now he was latched on and not letting go. Maybe Jake was right, she had missed Dean when he left to school and she sought him out for that reason when she came to town. She never in a million years thought it’d develop into everything it had. Was that forgiveness? To realize you needed that person in your life one way or another, good or bad?

 “About lunch…?”

He chuckled and finally tore his eyes from her face. “Right, let’s go.”

Mac decided not to over analyze what was and wasn’t happening anymore and enjoy lunch for what it was; a chance to spend time together without watchful eyes that believed a lie. Dean took her to a nice little corner diner where they sat outside on the patio.

The waiter was quick in taking their order. “Is this a date?” Mac asked once they were alone sitting across from each other.

“It’s a lunch date.”

“What’s the difference?”

“The difference is we’re on a time schedule and I can’t do everything I want to do with you.”

Mac suppressed a grin. “You made that sound dirty.”

“It was meant to.”

“I hope this isn’t your big plan, to flirt with me, cheesy lines by the way, until I burst with desire and let you have your way with me.” Mac said with no hint of humor in sight. She couldn’t give up all her old habits; it was still fun to give him a hard time.

Dean smiled bringing a mischievous glint to his eyes. “Just wait and see.”