~~Procrastination 101~~
Mac arrived home in an incredibly sour mood. This day had gone from bad to worse in a matter of 31 minutes. She tossed her purse on the chair in the living room and headed straight to the medicine cabinet for aspirin. Her head was throbbing. As she struggled to get the "child-proof" cap off the container, Mac thought, "The Admiral must have been off his rocker to even suggest we do this. Good thing I have time off; otherwise going into work this pissed off would be detrimental to everyone, not just Rabb."
Finally able to open the container Mac sighed, "About time!" She took two aspirin with a gulp of water and quickly put the bottle back into the cabinet. She strode into the bedroom and threw herself onto the bed. The homework Maddie had given them briefly crossed her mind, just before her body finally gave in to a much-needed nap.
One hour and 17 minutes later, Mac woke to the ringing of the phone next to her bed.
"Mackenzie," she groggily answered.
"Mac?" the male voice on the other end said, a little confused.
"Uh, huh."
"You OK? You sound terrible."
"Oh, yeah, I'm OK." She sat up as it finally registered that the man on the other end was Sturgis. "What's up, Sturgis?"
"I was calling to see if I could pick up the files on the Douglas case. Do you have them ready or do you need more time?"
"No. I mean yes, they're ready, no, I don't need more time."
"You sure you're OK?" Sturgis asked, concerned.
"Yeah, just had a bad day, that's all." Mac paused before adding, "When do you want to get them?"
"I'd like to do that today, if you don't mind. It'll give me all of tomorrow to review them before the case resumes on Monday. That's not a problem, is it?"
"No. It's fine by me."
"Good. I could be there in 20 minutes, if that's OK."
"Sturgis, stop treating me with kid gloves, alright! I'm fine, nothing is wrong, OK?"
Sturgis wondered briefly what brought on Mac's bad mood before it dawned on him that it probably had something to do with Rabb. He had heard scuttlebutt that the Admiral sent them for counseling and wondered if that was the underlying reason for her irritability. Actually, Harm had a way of pushing her buttons, with or without counseling, so the root of her petulance could have been just him in general.
"I'll be there shortly, Mac," Sturgis said deciding not to offer anything more to the conversation.
"See you then," she responded before hanging up.
Why is it that men, in general, are so thick-headed, she thought. There is nothing wrong with me. I had a bad day. It happens sometimes. I'm sure Sturgis has had his share, especially with Harm.
Mac returned to the bathroom to wash up a bit and get rid of the bed-head her brief nap had given her. She then went out to the kitchen and made coffee for the impending arrival of her guest. Although she hoped he wouldn't stay long, she also thought it would be nice to talk with an "adult" for a change.
Sturgis arrived exactly 20 minutes after his phone call. What Harm lacked in punctuality, Sturgis more than made up for it. He was dressed in sweats and looked like he was on his way to the gym or running, Mac wasn't sure which.
"Hi Sturgis," Mac greeted him as he walked through the door.
"Thanks for letting me stop by to get the files, Mac. I won't take up to much of your time."
"You have time for coffee?" Mac asked
"Yeah, I guess one cup couldn't hurt. I'm on my way to get Bud."
"Are you still coaching him in endurance?" Mac said, as she poured two mugs with coffee and brought them to the living room.
"When I can. He's come a long way, but still could use some confidence. He wants to be ready for the PEB."
"He's lucky to have you as a friend, Sturgis."
"Well, you haven't done so badly in that department either, Mac."
Mac wasn't sure how to take that comment. He was obviously referring to Harm, but she had no desire to "go there" right now, with anyone, including Sturgis.
Rather than let it get to her, she changed the subject. "So, court resumes on Monday in the Douglas case?"
"Yes. I know this is hard for you Mac, being severed from the case. I wish it didn't have to. . ."
Mac cut him off, "It's OK, Sturgis. It's for the best and I'm sure that you'll defend him as I would have."
"It's not bothering you?"
"Of course it is, but I try not to think about it. It never should have happened, but it did and it's over. I'll be back soon enough and it will never happen again." Mac wasn't sure if she was trying to convince Sturgis or herself that it didn't matter.
"Good, I'm glad to hear it. Now is there anything I should know in particular about this case?" Sturgis continued, knowing that Mac wanted the subject dropped. She noted this and was grateful for his tact. Mac retrieved the file and opened it in front of them on the coffee table. She was eager to get it over with so she could get on with things.
****
Harm had been driving around for nearly 2 hours. There was no place in particular he was going, just meandering around the Capital trying to clear his head. The headache he had earlier was now gone, with the help of the aspirin he kept in the glove box for just those purposes. He had stopped at a Starbucks for something to wash it down before heading off on his journey to nowhere. He wondered what Mac was doing at this moment. We got off to a rocky start with this counseling. Maybe I wasn't a model patient, he thought. I've had to go to counseling before, this is nothing new. I just have never done this with . . . he paused, not sure how to categorize Mac. Yes, she was his best friend. They'd been to hell and back together too many times to count, yet this time it was different. Doesn't she realize I need her in my life? Why is this so difficult for her?
Tired of driving around in circles, he checked the time and decided to call Sturgis to see if he wanted to play basketball or something. Harm pulled off to the side of the road and got out the cell phone. He pushed 2 on the speed dial. It rang twice before Sturgis picked up.
"Turner."
"Hey Sturgis, its Harm."
"Hi," Sturgis answered back stiffly. He was still at Mac's and wasn't sure how the other would react to the call. Mac might think that Harm sent him over to find out how she is or Harm might think that he was taking Mac's side. Damned if I do, damned if I don't, he thought.
Mac didn't like to eavesdrop and felt uncomfortable sitting next to Sturgis while he was on the phone. She got up and took their empty coffee mugs into the kitchen for more coffee.
"I was wondering if you wanted to get in a game of one-on-one."
"Well, I'm kind of in the middle of something right now and then I'm heading to Roberts'. Maybe tomorrow?"
"What are you in the middle of?" Harm asked.
"Just going over some files," Sturgis replied uncomfortably, knowing that Harm would put two and two together.
Mac picked up on this from the kitchen. She figured it was Harm calling. Sturgis was trying not to get caught in the middle of this mess, but he inadvertently was.
"Files?" Harm asked. Then there was silence as he figured out what he was doing and where he was. "Oh" was all he could say.
"Look, I'll call you later, OK?"
"Sure." Harm replied before shutting the phone off.
Bet Mac is giving Sturgis an earful, he thought. Just what I need, someone else to analyze me. He sat there holding the phone, not knowing what to do next. He was thoroughly bored. He briefly entertained the idea of going to a movie, but a single guy in a movie theatre alone? That had "loser" written all over it. He decided to go home. Home . . . homework. He had forgotten that he needed to complete Maddie's assignment before the next session on Monday. Hell, it'll take me that long just to pick three strengths and figure out what my weaknesses are. He turned the SUV in the direction of his apartment, stopping for Chinese food on the way home.
****
Mac watched Sturgis click off his phone. She was grateful he kept it brief and didn't mention her at all to Harm. Although she was sure that he could figure it out based on the little information Sturgis gave. Knowing Harm's intense investigative nature, he could probably "Name that Tune" in two notes if the need arose.
She reentered the living room with refills on their coffee and placed them on the table. Sturgis mumbled a "thanks" and continued to read her notes.
He had gone back to perusing the files after his brief conversation with Harm. Mac knew that it was burning Sturgis up inside not being able to ask what was going on. But she knew his father raised him right, and that included teaching him that meddling was bad.
"Any questions, Sturgis?" Mac asked. It could have been perceived as a loaded question, but Sturgis stuck to the obvious.
"No. It looks like everything is in perfect order, as usual, Mac. I appreciate you getting these together for me." He checked his watch and said, "I really need to get going. Oh, and thanks for the coffee, too."
"Not a problem." Mac replied as she showed Sturgis to the door. As the door shut behind him, he paused in the hallway before leaving. He almost knocked on the door again to make sure that Mac was truly OK. She seemed distracted. He knew Harm could be a pain in the ass occasionally, but he always admitted it, and eventually apologized. And Mac, she admitted to him earlier in the year that she loved Harm. Did something change that? Not wanting to pry, Sturgis left, quietly hoping that his two friends would resolve matters quickly.
After Mac shut the door, she leaned up against it with a sigh. Her headache was mostly gone and having had the brief nap, she was no longer tired. There were things she could do, but only one that weighed on her mind-the homework Maddie wanted them to complete.
Mac went into the living room to retrieve the empty coffee mugs. She straightened up the kitchen and then decided that she'd run before it got too dark. Mac changed into her sweats and headed out the door. Homework can wait until later. Besides, it'll help me clear my head, she thought. I wonder if Harm completed his assignment, Mac mused. I'm sure he is writing his as "10 things I love about me."
Mac arrived home in an incredibly sour mood. This day had gone from bad to worse in a matter of 31 minutes. She tossed her purse on the chair in the living room and headed straight to the medicine cabinet for aspirin. Her head was throbbing. As she struggled to get the "child-proof" cap off the container, Mac thought, "The Admiral must have been off his rocker to even suggest we do this. Good thing I have time off; otherwise going into work this pissed off would be detrimental to everyone, not just Rabb."
Finally able to open the container Mac sighed, "About time!" She took two aspirin with a gulp of water and quickly put the bottle back into the cabinet. She strode into the bedroom and threw herself onto the bed. The homework Maddie had given them briefly crossed her mind, just before her body finally gave in to a much-needed nap.
One hour and 17 minutes later, Mac woke to the ringing of the phone next to her bed.
"Mackenzie," she groggily answered.
"Mac?" the male voice on the other end said, a little confused.
"Uh, huh."
"You OK? You sound terrible."
"Oh, yeah, I'm OK." She sat up as it finally registered that the man on the other end was Sturgis. "What's up, Sturgis?"
"I was calling to see if I could pick up the files on the Douglas case. Do you have them ready or do you need more time?"
"No. I mean yes, they're ready, no, I don't need more time."
"You sure you're OK?" Sturgis asked, concerned.
"Yeah, just had a bad day, that's all." Mac paused before adding, "When do you want to get them?"
"I'd like to do that today, if you don't mind. It'll give me all of tomorrow to review them before the case resumes on Monday. That's not a problem, is it?"
"No. It's fine by me."
"Good. I could be there in 20 minutes, if that's OK."
"Sturgis, stop treating me with kid gloves, alright! I'm fine, nothing is wrong, OK?"
Sturgis wondered briefly what brought on Mac's bad mood before it dawned on him that it probably had something to do with Rabb. He had heard scuttlebutt that the Admiral sent them for counseling and wondered if that was the underlying reason for her irritability. Actually, Harm had a way of pushing her buttons, with or without counseling, so the root of her petulance could have been just him in general.
"I'll be there shortly, Mac," Sturgis said deciding not to offer anything more to the conversation.
"See you then," she responded before hanging up.
Why is it that men, in general, are so thick-headed, she thought. There is nothing wrong with me. I had a bad day. It happens sometimes. I'm sure Sturgis has had his share, especially with Harm.
Mac returned to the bathroom to wash up a bit and get rid of the bed-head her brief nap had given her. She then went out to the kitchen and made coffee for the impending arrival of her guest. Although she hoped he wouldn't stay long, she also thought it would be nice to talk with an "adult" for a change.
Sturgis arrived exactly 20 minutes after his phone call. What Harm lacked in punctuality, Sturgis more than made up for it. He was dressed in sweats and looked like he was on his way to the gym or running, Mac wasn't sure which.
"Hi Sturgis," Mac greeted him as he walked through the door.
"Thanks for letting me stop by to get the files, Mac. I won't take up to much of your time."
"You have time for coffee?" Mac asked
"Yeah, I guess one cup couldn't hurt. I'm on my way to get Bud."
"Are you still coaching him in endurance?" Mac said, as she poured two mugs with coffee and brought them to the living room.
"When I can. He's come a long way, but still could use some confidence. He wants to be ready for the PEB."
"He's lucky to have you as a friend, Sturgis."
"Well, you haven't done so badly in that department either, Mac."
Mac wasn't sure how to take that comment. He was obviously referring to Harm, but she had no desire to "go there" right now, with anyone, including Sturgis.
Rather than let it get to her, she changed the subject. "So, court resumes on Monday in the Douglas case?"
"Yes. I know this is hard for you Mac, being severed from the case. I wish it didn't have to. . ."
Mac cut him off, "It's OK, Sturgis. It's for the best and I'm sure that you'll defend him as I would have."
"It's not bothering you?"
"Of course it is, but I try not to think about it. It never should have happened, but it did and it's over. I'll be back soon enough and it will never happen again." Mac wasn't sure if she was trying to convince Sturgis or herself that it didn't matter.
"Good, I'm glad to hear it. Now is there anything I should know in particular about this case?" Sturgis continued, knowing that Mac wanted the subject dropped. She noted this and was grateful for his tact. Mac retrieved the file and opened it in front of them on the coffee table. She was eager to get it over with so she could get on with things.
****
Harm had been driving around for nearly 2 hours. There was no place in particular he was going, just meandering around the Capital trying to clear his head. The headache he had earlier was now gone, with the help of the aspirin he kept in the glove box for just those purposes. He had stopped at a Starbucks for something to wash it down before heading off on his journey to nowhere. He wondered what Mac was doing at this moment. We got off to a rocky start with this counseling. Maybe I wasn't a model patient, he thought. I've had to go to counseling before, this is nothing new. I just have never done this with . . . he paused, not sure how to categorize Mac. Yes, she was his best friend. They'd been to hell and back together too many times to count, yet this time it was different. Doesn't she realize I need her in my life? Why is this so difficult for her?
Tired of driving around in circles, he checked the time and decided to call Sturgis to see if he wanted to play basketball or something. Harm pulled off to the side of the road and got out the cell phone. He pushed 2 on the speed dial. It rang twice before Sturgis picked up.
"Turner."
"Hey Sturgis, its Harm."
"Hi," Sturgis answered back stiffly. He was still at Mac's and wasn't sure how the other would react to the call. Mac might think that Harm sent him over to find out how she is or Harm might think that he was taking Mac's side. Damned if I do, damned if I don't, he thought.
Mac didn't like to eavesdrop and felt uncomfortable sitting next to Sturgis while he was on the phone. She got up and took their empty coffee mugs into the kitchen for more coffee.
"I was wondering if you wanted to get in a game of one-on-one."
"Well, I'm kind of in the middle of something right now and then I'm heading to Roberts'. Maybe tomorrow?"
"What are you in the middle of?" Harm asked.
"Just going over some files," Sturgis replied uncomfortably, knowing that Harm would put two and two together.
Mac picked up on this from the kitchen. She figured it was Harm calling. Sturgis was trying not to get caught in the middle of this mess, but he inadvertently was.
"Files?" Harm asked. Then there was silence as he figured out what he was doing and where he was. "Oh" was all he could say.
"Look, I'll call you later, OK?"
"Sure." Harm replied before shutting the phone off.
Bet Mac is giving Sturgis an earful, he thought. Just what I need, someone else to analyze me. He sat there holding the phone, not knowing what to do next. He was thoroughly bored. He briefly entertained the idea of going to a movie, but a single guy in a movie theatre alone? That had "loser" written all over it. He decided to go home. Home . . . homework. He had forgotten that he needed to complete Maddie's assignment before the next session on Monday. Hell, it'll take me that long just to pick three strengths and figure out what my weaknesses are. He turned the SUV in the direction of his apartment, stopping for Chinese food on the way home.
****
Mac watched Sturgis click off his phone. She was grateful he kept it brief and didn't mention her at all to Harm. Although she was sure that he could figure it out based on the little information Sturgis gave. Knowing Harm's intense investigative nature, he could probably "Name that Tune" in two notes if the need arose.
She reentered the living room with refills on their coffee and placed them on the table. Sturgis mumbled a "thanks" and continued to read her notes.
He had gone back to perusing the files after his brief conversation with Harm. Mac knew that it was burning Sturgis up inside not being able to ask what was going on. But she knew his father raised him right, and that included teaching him that meddling was bad.
"Any questions, Sturgis?" Mac asked. It could have been perceived as a loaded question, but Sturgis stuck to the obvious.
"No. It looks like everything is in perfect order, as usual, Mac. I appreciate you getting these together for me." He checked his watch and said, "I really need to get going. Oh, and thanks for the coffee, too."
"Not a problem." Mac replied as she showed Sturgis to the door. As the door shut behind him, he paused in the hallway before leaving. He almost knocked on the door again to make sure that Mac was truly OK. She seemed distracted. He knew Harm could be a pain in the ass occasionally, but he always admitted it, and eventually apologized. And Mac, she admitted to him earlier in the year that she loved Harm. Did something change that? Not wanting to pry, Sturgis left, quietly hoping that his two friends would resolve matters quickly.
After Mac shut the door, she leaned up against it with a sigh. Her headache was mostly gone and having had the brief nap, she was no longer tired. There were things she could do, but only one that weighed on her mind-the homework Maddie wanted them to complete.
Mac went into the living room to retrieve the empty coffee mugs. She straightened up the kitchen and then decided that she'd run before it got too dark. Mac changed into her sweats and headed out the door. Homework can wait until later. Besides, it'll help me clear my head, she thought. I wonder if Harm completed his assignment, Mac mused. I'm sure he is writing his as "10 things I love about me."