Page 21 of The Sweet Part
Nathan shoots Mackenzie a wry look and shrugs. She turns to me. “I swear he’s a good guy. We’re partners in a tech security business with Owen.”
“They say love and hate aren’t that far apart.”
“My parents are proof,” she says with a laugh. “Frenemies ’til the inevitable end.”
“How’s that?” I ask.
Mason joins us. “Hey, they’re cutting the cake now.”
“Story for another day,” Mackenzie says with a smile.
I glance over at her parents standing close, Josh’s arm around Hailey’s shoulders, looking perfectly content. Hard to picture them as frenemies.
Sophie comes bouncing along. “Finally, cake!”
We gather around to watch them cut the cake. I catch Mason looking at me, and he quickly turns away, glancing at his dad and looking guilty.
What’s that about?
* * *
Mason
I’m quiet on the short drive back to May’s place. Sophie’s asleep in the back seat after wearing herself out dancing. I had a great time with May. She’s fun and sweet. I’m not used to sweet, and I really like it. Until Dad pulled me aside for a talk. I can count on one hand the number of times he’s had a serious talk with me. He’s always been more of alife is the best teacherkind of guy.
His warning runs through my head. “Tread carefully with a single mom. Don’t lead her on. A young girl like Sophie is very impressionable. If things don’t work out, you’ll be hurting both of them.”
I assured him we were just friends and it was no problem. He clearly didn’t buy it. I guess he could tell I was having more fun dancing and talking to May than I have in a long while. It just feels good to be around her.
I look in the rearview mirror at a sleeping Sophie. The last thing I’d ever want is to hurt an innocent child, even if only by association through her mom. Sophie longs for a dad. If I’m not ready to commit to that kind of life, which I’m not, then Dad’s right, I shouldn’t lead May on.
“Is everything okay?” May asks. “You’re quiet.”
“Just tired. Great wedding, though.”
“Thanks for inviting us.”
“Sure. Guess Sophie’s not going to make it to midnight to toast with sparkling water.”
May laughs, the sound warming me. “We celebrate New Year’s Eve at nine p.m. at our house. Anyway, I think the whole night was a celebration for her.”
“I’m glad she had fun.” I clamp my mouth shut to keep the words back that I really want to say—I had an awesome time, and it was all because of you.
Keeping my distance is for the best.
When we arrive at her house a short time later, I turn to her. “Do you need help carrying Sophie in?”
“I got it.”
She gets out of the truck and goes to get Sophie, who wakes up. I should at least walk them to the door. I get out and join them on the front walk. May walks with her arm around Sophie, who’s stumbling along sleepily.
May unlocks the door and pushes it open. “Brush your teeth and go straight to bed.”
Sophie walks inside like a zombie. “Too tired to brush my teeth.” She heads upstairs.
May turns to me. “Good night and happy New Year.” She lifts her arms like she wants to hug me and then switches to offering her hand.
I clasp her hand. An awkward goodbye. Our eyes meet, and I feel that same electric current that sizzled between us when we danced. Chemistry.
