I

 

Early Monday Caitlin arrived at the office.  She’d been distracted all weekend thinking about what Mackenzie’s serenade really meant.  She’d also been struggling with her own reaction to Mackenzie.  She knew she liked Mackenzie as a friend, however the idea of going further never crossed her mind.  Maybe she’d overlooked something; something subtle.  Upon reflection, she realized that her own behavior that evening wasn’t exactly a turn off.  She also realized that she felt more than she was willing to let on, as a result of that night.  Caitlin knew she was not entirely innocent yet, she didn’t know if she was ready to accept what she felt.   

As Caitlin got out of her car, she noticed Mackenzie’s Mustang, parked in the far corner.  Her heart started pounding furiously.  She hadn’t expected that but she felt that she could handle it.  She sure hoped she could handle it.  Caitlin exited her vehicle and made her way inside of the building.  Once inside, her first stop was to the main break room.  She needed coffee, which was ironic, as she’s had insomnia for the past two days.  Just before she made her way into the break room, she heard a familiar sound; Mackenzie, talking and laughing with one of the housekeeping crew.  The joke sounded like a good one and Caitlin didn’t want to interrupt so she decided to hurry by the door and go to her office.  Unfortunately, she was spotted.   

“What’s wrong Sylvia?”  Mackenzie asked concerned.  She turned around to see what made Sylvia jump so fast.  At first, she was surprised to see Caitlin in the doorway because she’d never seen her at work this early before. Mackenzie quickly recovered and smiled at Caitlin softly. 

“Good morning.”  Caitlin greeted softly. 

“Good morning Caitlin.  Would you like some coffee? Sylvia just made it.” 

“Excuse me Miss. Grayson but I think I should get going.” 

“Are you sure Sylvia?  I’ll make sure she doesn’t rat on you.” Caitlin noticed the woman blush at Mackenzie’s protectiveness.   

“Thank you Miss Grayson, but I think I’ll go now.” 

“Ok Sylvia.  I’ll see you same time tomorrow.”  Caitlin watched the older woman leave.  She barely looked at Caitlin as she said goodbye.  However, Caitlin knew she wasn’t being rude, just shy. 

“Don’t mind Sylvia.  She’s just shy around people she doesn’t know.”  Mackenzie stated in defense of her friend. 

“Oh,  don’t worry Mackenzie.  I could tell.  How are you this morning?”  Caitlin jumped in.  Her nervousness was easing slightly.  

“I’m good.  Thanks for asking.  How are you doing?  I wasn’t expecting to see you here; at least not this early.”  Mackenzie asked innocently enough. 

“Yes, well I had some work I wanted to get a jump on.  Hopefully I can get it finished today.”  Caitlin stammered out.  Realizing that she was alone with Mackenzie made her feel a little claustrophobic. 

“Well hopefully Caitlin, our work will never be done.  Otherwise we would be out of a job.”  Mackenzie smiled after she made her remark.  Caitlin noticed, not for the first time, just how beautiful that smile was.  But seeing it in the morning light,  like she was now, was more than she was ready for.  I could wake up to that everyday.  Where did that come from? Caitlin suddenly realized Mackenzie making a face. 

“Are you alright? You seem a little…..distant.”  Mackenzie asked with concern as she stood to closer exam Caitlin.. 

Caitlin realized the face she must have been making. “No! No…. sorry, I was just ummmm…. Thinking.” Caitlin noticed Mackenzie’s sudden halt and then felt terrible. 

“Well I hope everything’s ok Caitlin.  If it’s something I can help you with, please let me know.”  Caitlin stared intently into Mackenzie’s gray eyes and knew that she was telling the truth. 

“Thank you Mackenzie.  I will.”  Caitlin said quickly averting her eyes.  She finally decided that her best recourse would be to change the subject.  

“Did Melanie get home alright?”  Caitlin asked earnestly.  She noticed Mackenzie’s eyebrows furrow,  as if in thought, while she reached for her jacket.  

“Yes. She did.  Her husband wasn’t thrilled but at least she was ok.  I don’t think she’ll be going out again anytime soon.”  Both ladies laughed at the last part of that statement. 

Afterwards they were both lost in their own thoughts until Mackenzie broke the silence.  “I guess I’d better get to my office.” Mackenzie said as she stood to leave. 

“Yeah, I guess we’d better both get going.  Have a good day Mackenzie.” 

“You do the same Caitlin. And don’t forget your coffee.  It won’t be this good again until tomorrow morning.  I don’t know who makes the sludge you guys drink the rest of the day.”  Mackenzie stated with a grin. 

“Thanks for the advice Mackenzie.  Bye.”  Caitlin then watched Mackenzie walk out of the door. 

 

II

 

Caitlin was immersed in her project when she heard Melanie walk into her office.   

“Hi. What are you doing in here?  I’ve been knocking on the door for at least five minutes?  Melanie stated excitedly. 

“Hi Mel.  Sorry I didn’t hear you.  You look a lot better.”  

“Yeah Mac did a great job taking care of me.  Making sure I didn’t puke in my sleep.”  Melanie laughed at the memory and Caitlin smiled. 

“Mackenzie sure had her work cut out for her.  We thought that you’d split your skull open.  Thank God she has quick hands.”  Caitlin said absently. 

“Well Mac’s got a lot of attributes, which I’m sure you noticed.”  Melanie quickly realized that she might have went too far, but it was too late. 

“What are you talking about  Mel?”  Caitlin looked up sharply at Melanie. 

“Nothing Cait.  Just ignore me.  I’m being silly.” Melanie said trying to cover, but Caitlin was having no part. 

“Melanie, please tell me what you are referring to.”  Melanie could see the desperation in Caitlin’s eyes and made the decision. 

“Ok Caitlin, but not here.  Look it’s almost lunch time.  Come on, my treat.”  Melanie waited for Caitlin to get her things.  They drove to a hamburger stand near their office and found a table.  The waitress came and took their order and Caitlin rested against her chair, waiting for Melanie to explain herself. 

“Why are you looking at me like that?”  Melanie asked innocently. 

“You know why.  Now start talking.”  Caitlin replied, trying to hide her agitation. 

“Look Caitlin, I’ve known Mac for a long time.  And though are some things that are a little fuzzy from Friday night, I don’t think I could forget the way she looked at you when she sang that song.  I haven’t seen that look in her eyes for a long time.  Now, you can try and deny it but it’s useless really.  I mean Mackenzie really likes you.  Can you honestly tell me you didn’t notice?”  

Caitlin looked into Melanie’s eyes, ready to deny what she knew she felt. She couldn‘t.  Caitlin turned her eyes away and sighed deeply. 

“No Mel. I can’t.  But I don‘t know what to do.  I’ve never been in this position.  I mean having a woman attracted to me.  How am I supposed to respond?  It‘s not like I invited it.” 

“Well Cait, what do you feel?  You already know how Mac feels.” Caitlin was about to respond when their lunch arrived.  Although, she was grateful for the interruption she couldn’t deny that something inside of her was moved by and attracted to Mackenzie and her actions.  Seeing Mackenzie this morning didn‘t help things either.   

“I’ve never been with a woman before Melanie.  I don’t know how to feel about it.”    

“Then let me simplify it for you.  What do you think of Mac?”  Melanie thought for a moment.  She remembered hearing Mackenzie’s voice this morning.  She was surprised, but not upset.  She also thought of Mackenzie’s smile and the thought she had of waking up to it every morning and she felt a warmth spread through her.  She suddenly shook her head. 

“I think that Mackenzie is a wonderful woman.  She’s smart, funny, thoughtful…”  Caitlin paused for a moment.  She suddenly realized that she wanted to know more about Mackenzie.  She noticed Melanie staring at her and then took a bite of her burger.  After swallowing, she turned back to Melanie. 

“I think I need to talk to Mackenzie.”  Melanie smiled softly as Caitlin blushed.  “I also think that the next time you treat, I should pick a better restaurant.”  Melanie’s face twisted but Caitlin laughed softly. 

“Come on let’s eat so we can rush back to the grind.”  The two did just that and made it back to work in time to see Mackenzie coming into the garage. 

“Hey Mac!”  Melanie called out.   

“Hey Mel.  You guys just coming back from lunch?”  Mackenzie asked easily. 

“Yeah, the Burger Hut.” Replied Melanie.

“Mmmm nothing like hot grease with salt to satisfy your cravings.”  Mackenzie teased.  “Caitlin if you need some antacid just come by my office. I still have some left from the last time I ate there.” 

“I had no choice, it was Melanie’s treat.”  Caitlin replied with mock hostility.  Mackenzie laughed. 

“Well next time you want a real lunch, find me.  I’ll treat you both.  It’ll be heartburn free.  I promise.”  Mackenzie said as she looked directly into Caitlin’s chestnut brown eyes. 

“I will. You can count on it.” Caitlin replied as she returned Mackenzie’s stare. 

“Me too.” Melanie chimed in.  “Mackenzie knows all the best restaurants”  She said lightly. 

“Melanie I can’t afford to take you and someone else to the best restaurants.  I’d be washing dishes with the way you eat.”  Mackenzie winked at Caitlin as she said that.   

“Ha ha Mac.  Hey I have to run to the ladies room.  Mac I’ll think of a way to get you back later.”  Melanie then took off up the stairs. 

“I hope she’ll be alright.  I’m not risking my car again so soon.”  Mackenzie stated lightheartedly.   

“I’m sure she’ll be fine.  But Mackenzie, if it’s really not too much trouble, I’d like to know if you would have lunch with me tomorrow.”  Mackenzie looked stunned.  Caitlin was not sure what that meant, but she figured the sooner she got her feelings out of the way the better. 

“Ummm do you mind if I get back to you on that Caitlin.  I think I might have plans already.”  Caitlin seemed crestfallen.  

“Ok.  Just call me and let me know.”  She said with as much poise as she could measure.   

“Ok then.  I’d better run.  I’ll let you know later.  I promise.”  Mackenzie said the last part with such sincerity, that Caitlin felt a little better about the upcoming rejection. 

It was about 4:30 pm and Caitlin was again working intently at her desk when Melanie came in. “Feeling better?”  she asked earnestly. 

“Not really.  I think I had one to many onions on my hamburger.”  Caitlin shook her head. 

“Melanie, you asked for double onions.  What did you expect?”   

“I didn’t expect my ass to be on fire!”  Melanie whined hotly.  Caitlin laughed out loud.  Melanie shot daggers at Caitlin then started laughing with her.   

“Please stop, I think it just got under control.” Begged Melanie. 

“I’m sorry.  Really.”  Caitlin tried not to laugh but she couldn’t help it.  However, the sound of the phone quickly got her attention. 

“This is Caitlin Phillips, how may I help you?”  Caitlin asked in her most professional tone.   

“You can help me by letting me know if your lunch invitation still stands.”  At first Caitlin was caught off guard, then she recognized the voice. 

“O Mackenzie!” Caitlin cried in surprise.  She noticed Melanie lean forward in her chair and shot her an evil look. 

“Are you still there?” Mackenzie asked with trepidation. 

“Yes.  I’m still here.”  Caitlin responded softly. “And my offer still stands.  Is one o’clock tomorrow ok with you?” 

“That’s perfect.”  Mackenzie replied gently.  The tone in her voice made Caitlin blush profusely and she had to clear her throat before she spoke again. 

“Great.  I’ll call you then to see if you’re ready.”    

“I will be.”  Mackenzie replied absolutely causing Caitlin to smile in spite of herself. 

“Ok then.  I’ll see you then.”  

“See you then.”  Mackenzie hung up the phone first. Caitlin held the receiver in her hands, wondering what she’d just gotten herself into.  Melanie cleared her throat. 

“Looks like you’re closer to making a decision than I thought.” Melanie teased gently.  Caitlin sat speechless for a moment.  

“I just don’t want to be sure of what’s going on.  Why put if off?”  She tried to sound self assured, but Melanie wasn’t fooled. 

“Well Cait, I think Montezuma is calling me again.  I’d better run.”  Melanie laughed at her own joke.  “Good luck tomorrow.  I think I might be staying home.” 

“You won’t be here?” Caitlin asked anxiously.

“Caitlin you‘ll do fine.  Plus you have all night to think about what you’re doing.” 

“Thanks Melanie.  I hadn’t thought about that.”  Caitlin said impertinently.  Melanie smiled kindly. 

“Caitlin, just relax and go with your gut feeling.  It’s just lunch.”  With that Melanie was out the door.  Caitlin sat for a moment and calmed herself. 

“It’s just lunch.  What could happen?”  She then began shutting down her computer and getting her thing ready to leave for the day. 

She made it to the garage without being knocked down by those rushing to put a quick end to another Monday and proceeded to her car.  As she turned to get in,  she saw Mackenzie walk to her car, get in and drive off.  Just lunch.  She thought to herself.  Just lunch.    

“Oh boy.”  Caitlin said as she climbed in her car and made it home. She had 20 hours to change her mind.

 

The End….for now