I

 

Mackenzie drove into the parking garage at her usual time; early.  She walked up the steps and entered the break room where Sylvia was making their usual morning cup of coffee.  Everything was the same as it always was, except the sun seemed a little brighter and the air a little crisper.   She’d slept like a log the night before and her mind seemed a bit sharper.  It wasn’t until she took her first sip of the special blend of coffee that she reserved for her and Sylvia, that she had a full grasp of what today was; her and Caitlin’s first ‘date’.  Date? Maybe that was too strong a word.  After all it was just lunch.  As long she kept that in her mind she was fine.  However, when she considered that it would just be the two of them, it made her a little nervous.  It’s just lunch.  I mean I have to eat.  Right?  Of course she did.  And yet, the fact that her stomach was slowly twisting into a giant knot, didn’t help her situation.  She sighed deeply. 

“Hey Sylvia, I think I’m going to head to my office.”   

“Ok Mac, have a good day.”  Sylvia said cheerily.  Then she was off to finish up the last of her duties before going home. 

Mackenzie walked slowly to her office.  She let herself in and closed the door.  Once she got settled, she relaxed back in her chair and considered leaving Caitlin and canceling.  Ahhh but that would mean me missing the chance to see those gorgeous brown eyes up close.  She smiled at that and then decided she’d better get a grip.  Again, it was just lunch.

 

II

 

Caitlin arrived to work with only five minutes to spare.  She’d overslept and was still feeling the effects.  It seemed that she’d only had about two hours of sleep, even though she went to bed early.  She’d tossed and turned all night in bed thinking about what she’d gotten herself into; and why she was suddenly so excited.   

It was unlike Caitlin to make the first move.  But could she really say that? Was it really a ‘move’ Yes.  It was.  She had the option of letting the whole thing drop.  Passing it off as a drunken recklessness.  But two things put an end that that: one, she wasn’t that drunk; two, neither was Mackenzie.  And when she woke up for the fourth time last night with Mackenzie’s smile in the forefront of her mind, she knew she had to do something.  I mean how could just a smile affect me like that? 

Caitlin made it to her office at exactly 8 a.m. which was great since she had an 8:30 conference call scheduled.  She brought her computer up, took out the files she needed and ran to the ladies room.  She had ten minutes to make herself a cup of coffee and be back in time.   

“Hey Cait.  You alright or is someone after you?”  Melanie called from behind her.   

“What do you mean?”  Caitlin asked as she fixed her coffee.   

“Well you look a little haggard.  And I saw  you race pass my office like you were late for your first day of school.  Everything Ok?”   

“I’m fine Melanie, thanks for asking.  I just overslept.  It’s throwing me off.”  She took a sip of her coffee.  “Ughhh.  This is horrible.  Melanie can I get with you later. I’m going to try to find something better.” 

“What‘s wrong with it?  It’s the same coffee we always have.  Adrian just made it.”  Melanie said surprised.  Then she took another sip of her own.  “Tastes good to me.” 

“I don’t know Melanie.  I guess I just want something different.”  Caitlin took the steps to the break room on Mackenzie’s floor and fixed her coffee.  Perfect.  I have to find out where Mackenzie got this.  I guess I’ll find out this afternoon.  Suddenly another  unconscious  smile broke out on Caitlin’s face. This time she didn’t bother to hide it as she walked back to her office. 

 

III

 

Mackenzie was on the phone when Melanie knocked on her door and proceeded to let herself in.  She took a seat across from her as Mackenzie held up a finger to let her know she was almost done.

“No that sounds good.  Just let me run things over with David and we’ll call you back by the end of the week.”  She listened and then turned to Melanie with her left hand in the air, her thumb and fingers meeting together making that yack, yack yack, sign.  “Yes.  I hear you Spence and it all sounds good but I still have to run it by David.  You know how things work. So I’ll call you later?”  There was more chatter and Mackenzie nodding her head and rolling her eyes towards Melanie.  “Alrighty then.  Bye.”  Mackenzie hung up the phone and leaned back in her chair with a sigh.  Melanie just laughed. 

“Tough day for you too Mac?”  She asked with a lightheartedly. 

“No.  Just Spencer and another  ’great’ idea.  He might actually be on to something this time but we’ll see.”  Mackenzie stated as she ran her fingers through her long black hair.  “What did you mean by what you said Mel?  Things not going well for you today?” 

“Oh no Mac.  I’m great.  It’s Caitlin who looks a bit rough.”  Mackenzie straightened up in her chair, her face instantly becoming the picture of concern. 

“Is she ok Melanie?  She’s not ill is she?”  The look on Mackenzie’s face surprised Melanie.  She’d never seen Mackenzie so shaken up so quickly.  She had to admit that she liked seeing this side of Mac, it’d been a while since she’d seen it. 

“No Mac.  Cait’s not ill.  At least not that I know of.  However she did get to work late and that’s not her style.  Who knows?  Maybe she just had a rough night’s sleep.”  Melanie said reflectively.  Mackenzie sat back in her seat and relaxed a bit.  She was amazed at how fast her body tensed up.  

“Maybe so Mel.”  Mackenzie replied pensively.  Then she abruptly changed the subject.  “What brings you down here anyway?” 

“Daniel and I are having a dinner party this weekend.  Wanted to know if you would be available.  Basically it’ll be a party for him to suck up to his bosses.  I just didn’t want to wind up playing hostess to a bunch of bosses wives who I didn’t know.”  Mackenzie laughed. 

“Now how is Dan going to get that promotion if you won’t play nice with the ladies?” 

“That‘s what you’re there for Mac.  You’ve still got it don’t you?”  Melanie asked mischievously. 

“Ha ha Mel.  I do still have it but not for you to pimp me out to some spoiled housewives.  However, because you’re my friend and I use the term loosely, I’ll swing by.  It could be fun.  Plus that’ll be two you owe me and I could always use the favors.”  Melanie replied with a wink. 

“Good.  The ‘party’ will start at eight.  Just bring yourself. Dan and I will take care of the rest.”  Melanie left Mackenzie’s office and closed the door behind her. Mackenzie then picked up the phone and dialed Caitlin.

 

IV

 

Caitlin jumped when she heard the phone ring.  She checked the ID and saw that it was Mackenzie’s extension. Suddenly her heart started pounding and she froze.  Finally she gave herself a mental kick in the butt and answered the phone on the fourth ring. 

“Hello Mackenzie.  How are you?”  Caitlin answered smoothly enough.  

“I was calling to ask you that.  Mel was just down here.  She said you seemed ill. Are you ok?  Do we need to reschedule our plans?”  Mackenzie noticed that the tone of her voice was near panic.  She took a few breaths to calm herself down.   

Caitlin heard the tinge of panic and smiled softly to herself and replied with more assurance than she’d felt this morning.  

“Mackenzie I’m fine.  I just woke up late and was in a rush to get some things done before an 8:30 meeting I had scheduled.  We’re still on for lunch at one unless you have a sudden change of plan in the next hour.” 

“No Caitlin. That won’t happen.  I’ll be ready when you come down.”  Mackenzie said as a smile spread across her face. 

“Good.  Then it’s all settled.  I’ll pick you up in 59minutes.”   

Mackenzie laughed before she replied.  Caitlin decided she liked the sound of it.  “Ok Ms. Phillips.  I’ll be ready for you in exactly 57 minutes.  Is there a penalty if I’m tardy?”

“Not this time.  But don’t be late.”  Caitlin was amazed at how easy it was to …flirt?  No.  Talk to Mackenzie.  This might turn out better than she thought. 

“Oh I won’t be.  See ya in a bit.” 

“Bye.”  Caitlin hung up the phone, leaned back in her chair and smiled uncontrollably.  Then she called Melanie.   

“Hi Melanie.  I have a question for you?” Caitlin asked innocently. 

“Sure what’s up Cait?” 

“Can you tell me why Mackenzie thinks I’m sick.  I haven’t seen her today.”  Caitlin listened as Melanie squirmed in her seat. 

“Ummm I don’t know.  I might have mentioned it when I went to talked to her earlier.  By the way I’m having a dinner party Friday night and you’re invited.” 

“Well thanks for the invitation Melanie.  But changing the subject won’t help.  Mackenzie almost cancelled on me.” 

“And that’s not what you wanted?”  Melanie asked coyly.  Caitlin, however, knew her friend too well to fall for it. 

“Cute Melanie.  The lunch is still on…”  Caitlin thought about what Melanie asked.  “…and yes, it’s what I wanted.” Caitlin admitted bashfully. 

“Good.  I knew it would be after you heard how concerned Mackenzie was about your health.”  Melanie stated plainly. 

“I guess you knew I was thinking about canceling.  I should be angry at you for interfering but…” 

“No don’t thank me.  Your acceptance to my party Friday night is enough.”  Melanie replied magnanimously.  Caitlin shook her head and laughed. 

“Fine.  What’s this party for anyway?  You don’t sound too happy about it.” 

“Oh it’s for Dan.  A suck up party for his bosses and their wives.  I can’t be trapped there alone with them.  So therein lies your invite.” 

“Gee thanks.  How kind of you to think of me.”  Caitlin laughed in spite of herself.  “I guess I’ll get back to work.  I still have a few things to do before I leave.” 

“Ok then Cait.  Have a good time.”  Melanie replied slyly then hung up the phone.

 

V

 

True to her word, Caitlin knocked on Mackenzie’s door promptly at one o’clock.  There was really no need as Mackenzie was already up and putting on her jacket. 

“I’m ready Caitlin.  Just let me grab my keys.”   

“Why?  I invited you remember? I’ll drive.” Caitlin said before turning to walk out the door.  Mackenzie shrugged her shoulders in resignation.  Who am I to argue?, she thought before turning to follow. 

It took only ten minutes for the two of them to arrive at Mai‘s, the Vietnamese restaurant that Caitlin chose.  The got a great table in the back and placed their drink orders.  They sat across from each other in silence until Mackenzie decided to change that.

“I’m glad to see you look a lot better than what Mel described.  Are you sure you’re up for this?”  Caitlin sat stunned for a moment until she realized what Mackenzie was referring to. 

“Oh no Mackenzie.  I’m great.  I just had trouble getting to sleep last night.  Which is why I was late for work today.”  Mackenzie relaxed a little at that then, upon further thought, knitted her brows together. 

“Anything you care to talk about?”  Caitlin gave Mackenzie a quizzical look as she thought about that statement and then realized what Mackenzie was referring to.  Just then the waitress arrived to take their orders.   

“Ummm not really.  Well…that‘s not exactly true.”  Mackenzie looked curiously at Caitlin; waiting for her to continue.  “I wanted to thank you  for ummm taking such good care of Mel and I last Friday.  I had a really great time and I uhhh just wanted you to know that.” 

Mackenzie gave Caitlin a blank look for a minute while she processed that information.  Her demeanor must have seemed odd to Caitlin because she noticed the pensive look on Caitlin’s face.  Finally a soft smile graced her face. 

“Well Caitlin.  Your welcome. But you don’t have to thank me for that.  I had a great time with you guys, even though you two baited me, it was nice.”  Mackenzie said while giving Caitlin a wink.  The waitress returned with their drinks and Caitlin waited for her to leave before answering. 

“How did we bait you?  With the whole karaoke thing?”  Caitlin asked shyly. 

“Yeah.  Melanie can be pushy.  I told her I couldn’t sing.”  Mackenzie said as she took a sip of her tea. 

“Really?  You sounded pretty good to me.  I love that song by the way.”  Caitlin made a bold decision admitting that fact to Mackenzie. Now she could just sit and watch Mackenzie’s reaction.  She didn’t have to wait long. 

Mackenzie shifted a little in her chair and tried valiantly to fight the blush that was rising in her cheeks.  Luckily for her, the waitress arrived with the food.  Both ladies thanked the waitress and Mackenzie started to take a bite.  Caitlin sat back waiting for Mackenzie to respond.     

“I’m glad you liked it Caitlin. And I’m glad you had a good time.”  Mackenzie replied quietly.  “Maybe next time I can have Melanie get you on stage.”  Caitlin laughed out loud. 

“Believe me Mackenzie, if I did that it would not sound as good as it did coming from you.”  Caitlin said as she took a bite. 

“Oh I’m sure with the right inspiration, you would sound amazing.”  Mackenzie said innocently.  However, Caitlin caught the gleam in Mackenzie’s eye and had her own troubles keeping from blushing.   

“So what are your plans for this weekend?”  Caitlin asked hurriedly trying to change the subject. 

“Nothing major.  Melanie invited me to a dinner party for Dan on Friday.  Other than that my weekend is clear.”  Caitlin smiled to herself.  Melanie’s amazing.  She thought and then couldn’t help but laugh. 

“What’s funny?”  Mackenzie asked sincerely. 

“Melanie is.  I’ll be seeing you at that dinner party Mackenzie.”  Mackenzie was silent for a few moments.  So quiet in fact that Caitlin started to worry.  “Mackenzie are you ok?”  Mackenzie’s face softened before speaking. When she did speak she started slowly. 

“Caitlin, what has Melanie told you about me?”  Caitlin was shocked.  She didn’t expect the question but she guessed by Mackenzie’s behavior that she would do well to let her know the truth. 

“Melanie didn’t have to tell me much about you Mackenzie.  The only thing I didn’t know, until Friday night that is, was how you felt about me.  My question to you is if you didn’t want me to do anything about it, then why did you let on?”  Caitlin had taken another giant step.  I just hope I’m ready for the answer.   

It was Mackenzie’s turn to look surprised.  She’d turned the events of that night over and over again in her mind.  She still didn’t have a clue as to why she let her feelings come out the way they did.  She really didn’t have an answer and she could see that Caitlin was waiting for one.  She could also see that neither of them would be going anywhere until she could give a good one.

 

“Caitlin.  I think that you’re a beautiful woman.  Smart, funny, compassionate….I’ve been attracted to you from the first moment I saw you…”  Caitlin was taken aback at Mackenzie’s admission.  So much so she almost missed the rest of what Mackenzie was saying. “…It was easy to admire you from afar because I never thought we’d even be friends.  It worked for me because I don’t make it a habit to date people I work with.    I guess this time, the opportunity, was too much for me to pass up.  Plus, I was hoping you were at least as drunk as Melanie, that way you would miss the whole thing.”  Mackenzie winked at Caitlin as she said the last but Caitlin didn’t smile. 

 

Now it was Mackenzie’s turn to worry.  The waitress returned to see if they needed anything.  Mackenzie replied for both of them saying that they didn’t and asked for the check. 

“Caitlin, I’m sorry I ruined your lunch.  I’m sure this isn’t what you were expecting to hear.  I just didn’t want to lie to you.”  The waitress laid the bill on the table and left the two.  Mackenzie reached for the check and Caitlin covered Mackenzie’s hands with her own. 

“Mackenzie, listen.  I’m not upset  about what you told me.  I’m…flattered.  More than that actually.  I’m stunned.  I never thought that you would have any kind of feelings for me, only because it seems that you were  always leaving when I’m coming in.  Now I know why.”  Caitlin laughed softly and shook her head.  “Mackenzie I really don’t know what to do or say to you right now.  But I do know that I would like nothing more than to see where this goes.  I have to admit that since you serenaded me, it’s all I can think about.  To be honest it’s the reason I was late this morning.  I was so nervous about today’s outcome, I couldn’t even sleep.”  

Mackenzie smiled as Caitlin and picked up the check.  She then looked it over and handed it to Caitlin. “Because you decided to help me pull my head out of my ass, this one’s on you.  Our first real date will be on me.” Mackenzie said easily. 

“Oh thank you.  And when will I get my first free meal?”  Caitlin asked amiably.  

“How about this Friday?”   

“Friday?  We’re supposed to be going to a dinner party.  Looks like you get the better end of that deal.”  Caitlin replied with a laugh. 

“You would think so.  But you’ve never had Mel’s cooking.  To save you from that, in addition to asking you to be my date, I’d like to invite you to a late dinner afterwards.” 

“So I have two dates in one night?”  Caitlin queried with a raised eyebrow. 

“If you don’t mind having both with me?”  Mackenzie asked gently.  Caitlin smiled graciously. 

“I’d love to Mackenzie.  Thank you .” Both ladies stared at each other for a few moments before Mackenzie broke the silence. 

“I think we’d better get back to work.” 

“I agree.” 

“Caitlin? Can you do me a favor?” 

“Anything?”  Mackenzie smiled lasciviously at that.   

“You might want to know what the favor is first Caitlin before agreeing to ‘anything’.”  Mackenzie said with a smirk. 

“Mackenzie, I trust you enough to believe that my ‘anything’ reply won’t be taken advantage of. In fact I might even like it ‘anything‘ you suggest.  Am I wrong?” Caitlin’s soft brown eyes challenged Mackenzie’s stormy grays. 

“No.  You’re not wrong in that….” Mackenzie cleared her throat and answered gently.  “My favor is that you not tell Melanie that we’re going to her dinner party together.  I’d like to see the surprise on her face.” 

“ Are you kidding?  She won’t even know I mentioned it.”  Both ladies smiled broadly.  This could be more fun than either of them thought. 

“Come on Mackenzie.  I don‘t want to get you in trouble with Dave.” 

The two rode back to the office in relative silence with Caitlin pulling into the parking garage and parking the car.  Once out, they walked leisurely towards the door.  

“I guess I’ll see you in the morning Mackenzie.  I’m bringing donuts to go with that great coffee you offered me yesterday.” 

“Oh so you set all of this up just to get at my coffee.”  Mackenzie said with a mock expression of pain on her face.  Caitlin stopped walking and faced Mackenzie directly. 

“Oh no Mackenzie.  That’s not all I’m after.”  Caitlin emphasized the point by slowly running her eyes down and over Mackenzie’s tall athletic frame.  Then she smiled sweetly.  “See you tomorrow Mackenzie.”  Caitlin then dashed up the steps and into the building, leaving Mackenzie speechless. 

Could things get any better than this? Mackenzie thought as she slowly returned to her desk.  Mmmmm I can only hope.

 

The End