Page 89 of Mac Meyers Needs Me

Fee

Can’t wait! See you soon.

My stomach flip-flops in a pleasantly familiar way as I head for our favorite table. We planned an early dinner, before we’re claimed by responsibility. Afterward, I’ll head to the studio to work on a new project. I finished the one I was working on before, but then I came up with another idea that I love more and immediately dove right in. The original work is now my backup in case I don’t get this done in time. While I’m at the studio, Mac and the guys are putting in some time on the ice.

I drop my bag at the table and wait for Mac.

Fee

They have your fave tonight!

Mac

Bacon mac and cheese????

Fee

Yup! And the southwest bowl we both love.

Mac

I love this for us.

Fee

Me too. Should I go in and grab food or wait?

Mac

Behind you.

I spin around in time for Mac’s arms to come around my waist. He lifts me off my feet and nuzzles into my hair. “Hi.” His lips trail up my neck to my cheek.

“Hi.” I relish the easy affection and the swarm of happy butterflies bumping around in my stomach.

He brushes his lips over mine. “You’re pretty and you smell good.”

“You’re handsome and your cologne does things to me.”

For a moment I get lost in the warmth in his eyes. My heart gallops and squeezes. My sister’s nickname for me fits perfectly when it comes to Mac. All these feelings are new and big, and sometimes they overwhelm me, especially when I consider how quickly this semester is passing and how soon he’ll be graduating.

“Let’s get food. I’m starving.” Mac laces our fingers and we enter the food hall. We stop at Best Bowls first and I order the southwest without onions, then move onto the pasta bar where Mac orders the meal that matches his name.

Once we’re at our table with our meals, I share my news. “I made a decision."

He stops with his fork halfway to his mouth. “About?”

“The art show.”

His dimple jumps to attention. “Are you entering that really cool piece?”

“It’s kind of my backup now. I had a fresh idea, so I’ve been working on that,” I confide. “If I can get it done in time, I’ll use it.” And if I can summon the courage to own my alter ego, because this new piece is a merging of my styles, and it will be impossible to hide behind a social media identity if I enter it in the spring gallery.

“I’m super proud of you, Fee.” He squeezes my hand. “I know you’re nervous about putting your work out there, but you’re so talented, and other people should get to experience your art.”

“Thanks. I know it’s something I need to get over if I want this to be my career.” There’s vulnerability in putting it out there with my face and name attached to it. Mac is vulnerable every time he gets on the ice with the Terror guys, or in front of all the students on campus; so is Tally when she has a dance showcase, and Cammie with her fics, and I want to be brave enough, too.

We trade meals halfway through, and when Mac is finished with the bowl, I pass him back the rest of the mac and cheese and excuse myself to the bathroom to make sure I don’t have food between my teeth. I frown at a poster stuck to one of the announcement boards that looks like a knockoff of mine. Irritation prickles my scalp when I spot a sticker on the side of the toilet paper dispenser with the same design. I pull the poster down and fold it up, tucking it in my pocket.