Page 11 of The Version You Hide

Jade’s eyebrows furrow, Mackenzie’s rise and Jesse offers a “You okay, bro?”

“Yeah, sure,” I say with a wave of my hand. “No big deal. Mackenzie just walked underneath a freaking ladder is all.”

Mackenzie glides toward me, a tray of empty glasses in hand. “And?”

“And? Are you kidding me?” I exclaim. “Well apart from the fact that that is a serious workplace health and safety issue, it’s also extremely bad luck, Mackenzie!”

I’m met with the blank stares of all three of them, and probably countless others in earshot. I only notice Mackenzie’s though, her grey irises rimmed with navy blue as they bore into mine. There’s a cynicism in them that no one should bear. I’m instantly transported back to the bonfire at Liv and EJ’s wedding when I’d made the mistake of telling her that bad luck followed her around.

“I mean…” I begin.

“You mean I’m a walking, talking jinx,” she says matter-of-factly, her expression void of emotion as she shoves the tray of empty glasses upon the bar.

Shit. How the hell am I going to get myself out of this one?

“Come on,” I say. “That’s not what I… I just don’t want you to get hurt is all.”

“Whatever,” she says, the iciness in her tone defrosting somewhat. “It’s fine. I’m fine. But some of us don’t have the privilege of believing in luck.”

I drop my gaze to the ground, knowing I’ve really put my foot in it this time. I can understand why she might not believe in luck. I know things about her. About her past. I know she hasn’t had what one might call a typically fortunate life.

And those that know me might assume that I’ve been blessed with all the luck that life could possibly offer. But appearances are deceiving. Sometimes we think we know someone when we’ve barely even scratched the surface.

“Just be careful, okay?”

When I bring my gaze back to hers, I expect to find annoyance, but she stares back at me with amusement. “Sure, boss. Time for you to get out of here, isn’t it?” She flicks her pointer finger at the clock behind us.

“Yeah.” Relief washes over me. I’d never take joy in hurting anyone’s feelings but for some reason the idea of offending Mackenzie kills me. Maybe it’s the fact that she’s been through enough. Or maybe she’s starting to get under my skin. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow afternoon.”

“And I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” Jade pipes up.

“Right,” I say. My eyes involuntarily find Mackenzie’s again. I see the slight confusion in them, but she doesn’t ask questions. I turn again then remember today is a big day for my friend. “Hey, aren’t you meeting up with Jaclyn tonight?”

“Yeah. I’m meeting her parents.” Jade winces.

“I thought that was tonight,” I say. “You’ve got nothing to worry about. Her parents will love you.”

“I hope you’re right. I’m nervous as hell.” She lifts her third Jack and Coke up to her lips just as Mackenzie’s grip tightens around the glass pulling it back down to the bar.

“Maybe that’s enough of these then,” she says. “I’m cutting you off. For real this time.”

Jade pouts and crosses her arms over her chest. “I take back what I said before, Dylan. I’m not sure I like this one anymore.”

I huff out a laugh as Mackenzie shrugs her shoulders. “You’ll thank me tomorrow.”

“She’s right,” I agree, glancing back at Mackenzie one last time.

She may have only been here for three short weeks, but in that time, she’s infused herself into this place, filled it with her sarcastic, yet spirited energy.

A small smile tugs at the corners of her mouth as our eyes lock, before I turn and exit through the heavy tavern doors and out onto the street.

I round the corner, moving down the alley that leads to the carpark, clutching the keys to the old white 1998 Toyota RAV4 in my palm. I throw myself into the driver’s seat, slamming my head back against the worn cloth headrest.

A silent prayer forms within my already overwhelmed mind that it will start this time. It should after all the money I had to put into repairing it last month. I flip the key in the ignition and feel the satisfying spread of relief through my chest as the engine rumbles to life.

“Yes!” I give an audible cheer, throwing a fist into the air and slamming it victoriously down on the steering wheel.

This piece-of-shit, hunk of metal may not be the best thing money can buy. But it’s mine, and for that reason alone, I love it.

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