Sorry for the delay, wish I could tell you I was on holiday, but alas I was working. Anyway, here is the next chapter! Let me know what you think!
CHAPTER 8
-Ellie? If you found a bag with five million dollars' worth of jewelry on the street, what would you do?-, Mac quizzed his daughter out of the blue. They were currently doing pilates on the floor of their apartment, two thin mats between their backs and the cold tiles. Ellie replied quickly. –I'd run, of course. Bad luck follows those who make such findings. –
Mac nodded approvingly, still thinking about his last case. –And don't you forget. -, he agreed readily. –Uh, listen, how would you like to make some honest bucks?-, he added as an afterthought. That definitely got his daughter's attention. –I'm interested. What's the deal?-, she wondered.
-Well, Lindsay was complaining today because her baby sitter is out of town this weekend. She really wanted some alone time with her husband, this last case has been especially hard on him. I thought maybe you could offer to watch their daughter… she's six, and an absolute dear, or so Jo says. -, he explained. Ellie thought about it for a bit before replying. –Yeah, we could give it a shot. Maybe we could invite them for dinner Friday night and if it goes well, I could offer to watch the kid either Saturday or Sunday. -, she bargained. The plan sounded so sensible that Mac readily agreed.
That was how the Messers found themselves in front of the Taylors' at promptly 7 p.m. the following Friday. Lindsay was nervous about meeting Ellie; Danny had a good feeling about it. For her part, Lucy was excited to meet new friends.
Mac opened the door for them, and Ellie politely let them in, Lindsay throwing curious glances at her to check for similarities with her father. Danny was itching for a beer, but since Lucy was with them, Lindsay had forbidden him from bringing a six-pack with him. –What are we having for dinner?-, Lucy wondered enthusiastically. Ellie grinned at her. –Small burgers!-, she exclaimed. –Come take a look. Dad is gonna cook them, and then you can build your own burger!-
Danny and Lindsay grinned to each other as Lucy grasped Ellie's hand and let the older girl lead her to the kitchen. They all moved there, where they could admire Mac grilling burgers less than half the regular size and keep an eye on their daughter. While Lucy was "helping" Ellie toast the buns, Mac discretely handed Danny a bottle of beer.
Lucy took a lot of pride in her creation, a mini-burger with tomato, pickles and lots of mayo. Ellie completed the work by drawing a smile on the girl's plastic plate with ketchup. Lucy squealed in delight. –Okay, it's done. -, Danny nodded at his wife, and then at his Supervisor. Mac smiled back.
After dinner, Ellie showed Lucy her bedroom, and the girls retired there for some Netflix'n'chill. Danny rolled his eyes, but Lindsay shushed his protests and motioned for the girls to go ahead. –Thank you, Mac. You're a saint! Or rather, Ellie is. -, Lindsay gushed, patting Mac affectionately on the back. –Not a problem. It was time I met Lucy, and Ellie could use some spare cash. -, he replied affably.
Lindsay let herself by convinced to have a beer as well, and the three adults sat down on the sofa, TV on but muted, to chat. Lindsay admired their new Supervisor, she really did; he was a wonderful father, it was evident he had a strong bond with his daughter, and he was proving to be a good friend as well. Adam had confided to her how he'd helped him after a though case, and Lindsay admired Mac for it; it wasn't always easy to treat with the young man.
Very gradually, as not to be too obvious, the woman tried to shift the conversation towards Jo. She had noticed their boss seemed to be attracted to the new member of their team; hell, who wouldn't? Now, the question was, was Mac attracted to Jo as well? It would be awesome, Lindsay mused. Jo deserved someone good in her life for once, after all the crap Russ put her through. Mac seemed perfect for the role. He was generous, and chivalrous… and totally gorgeous!
***MJ***
-Hey, Montana, what was that?-, Danny whispered to his wife, Lucy held securely in his arms. Lindsay furrowed her brows. –What was what?-, she replied, confused. –Are you trying to set up Mac with Jo?-, her husband accused. Ops, so much for not too obvious.
-Well, wouldn't it be great? Don't tell me you haven't noticed how down she's been these last few months… hell, years! She didn't want the job, but she took it anyway, because that was what was expected from her. -, she retorted, opening the car door for her husband to place Lucy inside.
-I guess you're right. She's not her sparkly self… hasn't been for a long time. You remember when she used to flirt with Adam for fun? Man, the guy's risked a coronary at least a dozen times! It was glorious…-, Danny chuckled humorously.
-She hasn't gone out in ages. Maybe the fact she's not flirting with Mac means she's actually interested in him?-, Lindsay mused as Danny started the car. He shrugged. –Go figure. We'd better stay out of it, though. I don't want a repeat of what happened with Russ. They were barely able to be civil towards each other. I don't fancy being caught in between. -, he reasoned. –Don't worry, I have a good feeling about Mac Taylor. -, his wife sentenced.