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He snorts. “The likelihood of another injury happening is relatively small, but if it happens, I’ll make sure Theo knows he’s not allowed to leave you there even if you lie and say you found a ride like last time. Deal?”
“Yup. Deal.”
41
KATE
Hazel’s car is in the parking lot as Macklin pulls in.
I didn’t know whether or not she was scheduled to work today. Part of me had hoped she wasn’t. The other part feels guilty for even wishing for such a thing. Besides, I like Hazel. I really do. The question is, does she still like me after possibly seeing me with her dad last night?
I glance at Mack, curious if he also saw her car, but he’s oblivious. Then again, he might not know what car she drives in the first place. The realization makes me frown. Why did she run away last night, avoiding him like the Plague, when she’s been doing it since the divorce? Maybe she wasn’t disappointed in seeing Mack with someone. Maybe she didn’t want to see him, period? The thought doesn’t make me feel any better. Because their tumultuous relationship is killing Mack. I’ve noticed it since the first time I saw him in the grocery store. And after last night? My assumption only solidified.
Come on, Hazel. Give the guy a chance.
I peek at Mack again, my heart swelling. She’s so freaking lucky, and she has no idea. No idea how awesome her dad is. No idea he’d do anything for her and for Miley.
“What?” he questions, feeling my stare.
“Nothing, it’s…” I tilt my head toward the brand new, pearly white Jetta parked near Butter and Grace’s entrance. “Hazel’s here.”
His eyes widen, and he forces out a slow breath, examining the car with a new level of interest. “Oh.”
“Do you want to come in? Talk to her or something?” I ask.
“I shouldn’t.” He shakes his head. “I don’t want her to feel cornered.”
“Me either.” I unbuckle my seatbelt and stare at the building like it’s a dungeon instead of a busy food establishment. I don’t want to go inside. I don’t want to face Hazel.
Not that it matters. I can’t ditch work for no reason. I mean, I could. But I won’t. Not when Anna is counting on me for my shift. Besides, I’m still not sure whether Hazel saw me with Mack or if she only saw a faceless woman with her father last night.
“Do you want me to come in?” Mack reaches out and touches my thigh. The warmth from his hand seeps through my jeans, grounding me instantly.
“No, you’re okay.”
“Are you sure? Because I will. I might not want Hazel to feel cornered by me, but I don’t want you to feel cornered by Hazel, either.”
“I’m a big girl, Mack,” I remind him. “And you’re right. Letting Hazel see us together for the first time at my workplace probably isn’t the brightest thing we could do right now, especially when we don’t know if she recognized me in the first place.”
“Yeah, but sending you in alone…”
“We don’t want to make her feel like she’s being ganged up on or anything. Best case scenario, she doesn’t know I was the girl with you last night, and we’ll figure out a way to tell her on our terms when we aren’t working. Worst case scenario, she knows I’m dating you and will spill nachos on me or something to get back at me. It’s not the end of the world.”
His expression falls. “Dammit, Kate.”
“It’s fine,” I rush out, smoothing out my jacket while avoiding Mack’s gaze. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not going to lie to her or anything if it comes up, but I think, for now, we should wait until she reaches out to you. Until she’s ready to talk.”
His eyes fall to his lap. “What if she isn’t? What if she’s never ready?”
“Then, it’s on her,” I remind him. “You’re literally doing everything you can, Mack. As long as you keep trying to communicate, the ball’s in her court.”
He sighs, squeezing my thigh again. “You’re right. Come here.”
I lean over the center console to kiss him softly, push the passenger door open, and brace myself for the inevitable.
“I’ll see you at the game,” he calls out.
“See you at the game.” I close the passenger door, hoist my purse over my shoulder, and walk inside.
