Page 37 of Mac Meyers Needs Me

“Big Pheels!” Lexi hops up and rushes over to hug me.

I’d be embarrassed about the nickname, but she’s been calling me that for years, and during my teens it was exceptionally accurate.

She steps back, and her eyes flare slightly as she notices Mac. “Hi, I’m Lexi, Fee’s sister.”

I panic, even though I knew this was coming. “Lexi, this is my friend, Mac!”

His head whips my way for a second, but he extends his hand. “It’s really nice to meet you, Lexi.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too, Mac,” Lexi glances between us like she’s trying to figure out the dynamic.

Roman appears at Lexi’s side, holding Ariel. One arm is latched to his neck, her other fingers in her mouth, her head on his shoulder. She’s wearing a puffy pink princess dress and tiara. He looks far less intimidating when he’s holding my niece. “Hey, kiddo.”

He side-hugs me as best he can while holding Ariel, who immediately decides she wants to be in my arms.

“How’s my favorite niece?”

“Fifi!” Ariel wraps her arms around my neck.

Roman turns to Mac. “Hi, I’m Roman.”

“This is my friend, Mac,” I rush to explain, again.

“I know who you are, sir. It’s an honor.”

Roman takes Mac’s hand in what I can only hope is a gentle, non-bone-crushing handshake. “You follow hockey?” His gaze shifts to me, questions in his eyes.

“Mac is on the team at Tilton,” I explain as I give him what I hope is a meaningful, don’t-torment-Mac look. “He’s friends with Chase and Brody.”

“Ah!” Roman nods as he makes the connection. “I’ve had the pleasure of coaching them. They show lots of promise,” Roman notes.

“They’re two of the best players on the team,” Mac agrees.

“Come join us.” Roman motions for us to go ahead of him, then follows behind Mac, which means he’ll be able to interrogate him.

Dred stands at my approach and hugs me, whispering so only I can hear, “He’s cute.”

“Don’t I know it,” I mutter quietly.

I’m forced into another round of introductions. “Mac goes to Tilton with me and plays on the hockey team with Brody and Chase.”

“It’s great to meet you.” Connor shakes his hand.

Mac is polite and doesn’t stammer over his words.

We take our seats and Ariel claims my lap so she can tell me all about her new princess outfit, which means Roman is free to grill Mac.

“I’ve seen you on the ice before. What position do you play, Mac?”

“I’m defense,” he replies.

“Are you the same year as Brody and Chase?” Roman watches Callie but continues with the questions.

“I am. Brody is my roommate.”

“He’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’ll be playing pro come the fall.”

Callie blocks a shot on net. “Nice work out there, Callie!” He turns back to Mac. “What about you? What are your plans after graduation?”