Page 7 of Mac
“Carrie’s really going all out with this potluck thing, isn’t she?”
“Seems to be. Dallon on was board from the word go. Vinter ponied up his yard and house. And Mandi’s brothers are coming down for it.”
She heard the trepidation his tone and turned to face him. “Stop worrying. They’re gonna love you.”
“I'm an ex-con, Jack.”
“So? We both have pasts. I know them. Trust me. They’re going to be just fine with you and Mandi.”
“We’re talking about her brothers,” he insisted. “The other super important men in her life. They still have influence over her. They still have a say.”
“That girl is strong enough to stand up for what she wants. Which, by the way, is you. It doesn’t matter a hill of beans that you went to jail. Not to her. And I doubt it’s going to make much difference to them once they see how you two feel about each other.”
“You think?”
“I know.”
“Then maybe apply that own logic to yourself and your situation with Mac.”
“Jaspar … Don’t start.”
“I hate that fucking name.”
“I know.”
“Be serious for a second, Jacks … There’s nothing stopping you from being with Mac except you.”
“It’s different. It wouldn’t look good for him.”
“You think he cares what other people think? He keeps the peace around the county. He keeps us all safe. Him being with you isn’t going to make a difference or change that.”
“You make the same arguments that he does.”
“Cause we’re right.”
“Don’t let me stand in the way of your arrogance.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t.”
“I’ll think about it.” That was the only concession she planned to give.
Jaz pulled her close and kissed the top of her whacked out bedhead. “You’ve been thinking about it. It’s time to do or tell him it’s never going to happen.”
She hated when he was right. She’d been thinking about and wanting Mac for way too long. It was time to put up or shut up.
His phone vibrated and he shifted position enough to reach it. She glanced up and saw a smile full of tenderness cross his lips. He was in love. She never thought she’d see it. She never thought he’d trust anyone enough to let them in. Not the way he’d let Mandi in.
Mandi was a few years older, but a freer spirit than some other women her age. She still worked for Katz part-time, when Jackie needed the help. The rest of the time, she did what she’d wanted to do all along. She made jewelry. Some she sold in the tattoo shop. And some she sold in a large craft community online.
They were happy, Jaz and Mandi.
Vinter and Elise.
Dallon and Carrie.
The most unlikely women had come into the lives of the most unlikely bad boys and turned their collective worlds upside down.
Did she deserve happiness like that? After everything she’d done in her life? Did she deserve a man like Mac? Everyone … All her friends, and Mac, said yes, she did.
