A nice long chapter for a Sunday afternoon. Thanks so much for the great feedback.
I moved this to an M for safety.
Getting to Us Chapter 5
Will woke up on Friday morning feeling happy. He tried to recall the last time he felt this excited about a date. Actually that was easy. It was the first time she said yes.
They had gone to Elio's and ordered their famous Zucchini Frito to start, and then the homemade Fettuccini with fresh peas and prosciutto. Will remembered everything detail of that meal, down to the first time he took Mackenzie's hand in his.
He thought about taking her back to Elios for their second first date but then decided against it. First because it was "the" dinner place for the media crowd who worked at ABC on West 67th Street, and second because he thought it was time they made new memories.
He was daydreaming now, thinking about how he hoped the evening would go, when suddenly he remembered.
He would have to start this day by telling Mac about Erin and the meeting at Sam's last night and to admit that he was with Erin in St Lucia, 16 months ago, and that he could not rely on her to be discreet about the details of that affair, especially now that her marriage to Jack Peters was over, and the tabloids were hungry for any news about Will's sex life.
Fuck. Why did this have to happen? Will knew that Mac would not stomp off or make a scene. In fact she would probably do exactly what she did the last time he was seen dining with a beautiful woman, back when he and Mac were first dating.
It was that time he took out that admittedly gorgeous model. It was a date he made before he and Mac started dating, and it was nothing; just a friendly dinner in a bistro. In fact he had planned to mention it to Mac, eventually.
He remembered how fast it got around the newsroom, and how cool Mac was, and how pissed. Most of all he remembered that terrible weekend he spent trying to reach her, shut out, worried that he had been dumped.
In the end she got over it and they went on, but from that day forward they were exclusive until….
No, this was a fresh start and he would tell Mac this morning, before she heard it from the office grapevine.
He decided to call and ask her to join him for a quick breakfast at the café off the lobby of the ACN building. They sometimes had their early work meetings there, so this would not raise any eyebrows. Was this paranoia going to be his life from now on? He sure hoped not. He was going to start by trying to keep their personal business out of the newsroom. The place was a gossip factory and sometimes it really got on his nerves.
"Hi, it's me"
"Hi you "
" How are you?" he asked nervously.
"Great, but you don't sound so good. What's up?"
" Nothing urgent , just wondering if we could meet for a fast breakfast at the Lobby Café say around 9 ? No big deal really, just something I need to discuss before we go into the office. "
"Ok, order for me please? "
"Done, see you soon."
Mackenzie put the phone down and sighed to herself. Would they ever have a day without drama? Probably not. So long as they lived and worked in the fast lane under the glare of the media, it would always be like this. It was the price they paid for doing the job they both loved.
When Mackenzie arrived at the Lobby Café, Will was already seated and her hot tea was waiting for her.
"Perfect, thanks"
"And I ordered you an omelet with chevre and fresh herbs, and brown toast. Not as good as I make though. "
"It's been a long time since I've had one of your perfect omelets'. I have never forgotten them though. They were…. perfect. "
"Hopefully you'll still think so the next time you taste one, and I hope that will be soon."
Mac looked down, blushing, and Will covered her hand with his.
"Listen, I have to tell you something that isn't very nice."
"What is it Will?"
" You remember the day you started back at ACN and I had just returned from that beach holiday and you said you heard that I was down there with Erin Andrews?"
"Yes?"
"Well it's true, I was."
"That was a long time ago. That's not something you need to apologize for now."
" I know, but she's on her own now, her marriage is over and yesterday I found her sitting in my office when we got back from our walk. She insisted that she had to share some earth shattering news and I had to agree to meet her after work, just to get her to leave quietly. "
" Ok…"
" I had Maggie put her in the elevator and I know Sloan saw her leave"
" We met at Sam's after the show and Lonny stayed close by and he doesn't think that anyone saw us, but just in case they did and it hits the tabloids I wanted you to hear it from me first. It was just 15 mins, and I swear I am not going to see her again and I told her so, and …" Mackenzie squeezed his hand and interrupted him.
" I knew about Erin being in your office yesterday. I saw her leave. She didn't look happy. And that would explain why Sloan was glaring at you during the commercial breaks. I wondered about that! Anyway, thanks for telling me. I do appreciate that Will.
"You knew and you weren't upset?"
" Hey we haven't even had our first date yet. We don't have any claim on each other. We're just beginning, aren't we? There is no "Us" yet, so why would I be upset?
Will was not sure he liked this cool, sane Mackenzie. He almost wished she would get mad. If the tables were turned….
"The last time you gave me that same speech you disappeared for three days. Look at me Mac. Tell me this is not going to be a repeat performance."
Mac giggled. " Oh so you remember that?"
"Clear as a bell. Now answer the question."
" No Will. This is not at all the same. Promise. We're fine"
" So.. is there anything you want to ask me?"
" No, I think I can figure the rest out."
" You can?"
"Sure. She's on her own and she wants you in her bed. That's not hard to figure out. Why wouldn't she!"
" So…you really aren't mad…?"
"Of course I am. But not at you. I would be upset with any woman who propositioned you. But hey- who could blame them! But if you wanted her that would be another story. "
"Of course I don't. I saw her briefly, before you came back into my life, and have not talked to her since."
" Good. That's all I need to hear. The point is, you told me and now I'm prepared. If it hits the gossip rags we'll deal with it then. Let's forget about it now"
Will was relieved. She wasn't mad at him, but she did mind. That was fair. When he looked over and saw Lonny smiling, he felt one hell of a lot better.
All was once again right with his world.
"Mackenzie, did you happen to free up tonight by any chance?"
"William Macvoy, you are going to drive me insane!"
" Ok, Ok. Listen, you might want to dress up a little. We're going some place special tomorrow night. I'll pick you up at 7:30. Is that ok?"
" Of course it is. " Mackenzie loved hearing the excitement in Will's voice.
This promised to be a perfect.. second first date.
How could it not be? She was going out to dinner with the man she was madly in love with, who she had dreamed about for five terribly long years.
Will fixed his blue eyes on Mackenzie with a gaze so deep and soulful, she had to finally look down and compose herself. They were on the clock now, at their office meeting place, surrounded by ACN staff.
Somehow she needed to keep calm and pace them both. She had been through so much pain she couldn't afford to assume this would work out and just jump in headfirst. She had to protect herself enough to be able to cope if it didn't.
They had to take it slow.
"Come on, let's go. The pitch meeting will be starting soon… and Romney will be announcing his Vice Presidential running mate later today. We have a lot of work to do to get ready. It will be breaking news and you will want to be the one to break it first."
Mackenzie the EP stood up and picked up her bag. "Let's go in separately."
"Agreed. I'll be right behind you."
Friday passed quietly with election news dominating the broadcast. Will tried not to think about Mackenzie and her plans for that evening. Logically she was right. It was too soon to start feeling possessive and they weren't a couple yet. But that would have to change soon. More and more he let himself think about her body and her touch and the way he used to feel when he was inside her. When he did that he usually ended up with a huge erection.
Sometimes it happened when she whispered into his earpiece. He could be in the middle of serious broadcast and Mackenzie's voice would growl in his ear and a shudder would come over him and he would feel the straining in his groin.
But that was his secret…
God, it was going to take all his control not to devour her on Saturday night.
He had to stop daydreaming or this show would never wrap.
By the time he left the studio, Mac was gone. The kids were probably headed to Hang Chew's and he was meeting Charlie for dinner at their favorite steakhouse.
"Will, come on over here and fill an old guy in on the news of the world.!"
" Charlie, I have no idea what you're talking about."
" Erin Andrews does!"
" How did you know about that?"
" How many times do I have to tell you? I know everything!"
" Ok then Charlie, if that's true you must also know that I have not seen her or spoken to her in over a year, and she is not in my life, in any way. And since you know everything, would you please tell me where Mackenzie is tonight and who she's seeing?
" Charlie's expression was suddenly serious. "Are you two finally getting down to what matters Will?"
" Yes, I think we are."
"Well that is the best news I've heard in a long time. Did you tell Mac about Erin?"
"Yes, before we even got to work this morning"
"Good. So what is worrying you my friend?"
" We have our first date tomorrow night and I know that she's dating other guys. I wanted to see her tonight but she's busy and I'm feeling scared Charlie. That old knot that I used to feel in my stomach, just thinking about Mackenzie with someone else is starting to creep into my veins. I don't know how much of it I can take, this time around."
" Welcome to love Will. You've been on ice these past few years. You've forgotten what it feels like to be crazy in love and lust with beautiful women. It's never easy. You want her all the time and you know that she's gorgeous and other menare swarming around, and it makes you crazy! "
" You've got it!"
"Relax my friend. Because nothing you do is going to make one bit of difference.
You've been twice bitten it seems. There is no cure for that, except to go with your feelings and win her back, for keeps. Now let's order ourselves a couple of nice juicy steaks. You'll be needing all the iron you can get! "
"So you don't know what she's up to tonight, after all? What an old bluffer you are Charlie!"
It was not until later that night that Charlie had a chance to speak to Mackenzie.
" Did I wake you up my beauty?
" Just starting to nod off. "
" He's worrying a lot. Be sure Mac. Be sure it's him or you'll break his heart for good this time. "
"Charlie, it's always been him. I just need to keep him on his toes, working at this and not taking me for granted, thinking that I will always be waiting for him, and I need us to go slowly, that's all."
Someday she would tell Charlie where she had gone that night, and where she went so many nights. Telling Will would be a lot harder. Someday perhaps…
"Good luck with the second part Mac!" Sleep well.
Mackenzie rose early, excited about the day ahead. Sloan was meeting her at the John Barrett Salon on the fifth floor of their favorite department store, where they were having blow dries and manicures.
"Come on Kenz, we're going down to the lingerie department first. I moved our appointments to an hour later. "
" This is crazy. No one will be seeing my underwear tonight – I promise you."
" Don't be so naïve Kenz. You don't know what will happen. You two are so hot for each other I doubt you'll even make it to the restaurant."
" This is not a conversation we are going to have. Look Sloan, Will is your boss. I am too for that matter. But it's different with Will. He's our anchor and you have to be on air with him. I won't be sharing any details of our…personal time together. Honestly, I need you to understand that and not push me on it. Ok?
" Ok, I get it. But we still have to focus on what you need to buy. Come on- this lacy thing looks perfect!"
Mackenzie laughed. She was not going to win this. Anyway, it would be nice to have a sexy new bra and panties. She remembered that Will always liked her in black lace. His said it looked beautiful against her creamy skin. She could not quite believe she was in this store buying erotic underwear for Will Macvoy's eyes!
She got wet thinking about him rubbing her pussy through the silky crotch of the black panties in her hand…
"Ok these will do fine. Let's go Sloan!"
After a quick lunch, Sloan stopped to buy some wine, and looked quickly at her watch.
" Come on we have to go. There's a surprise waiting for you at your place."
" What now Sloan!?"
"You'll see. It's a good one. I promise."
They arrived at the lobby of Mac's building to find Lottie, Mac's favorite ACN make-up artist waiting for them.
" Lottie! I don't believe this! " Mac said hugging her tightly.
" Is this for me?"
" Of course it is. Do you know how long I have wanted to get my hands on those gorgeous eyes? "
" Will….I mean, he…doesn't like too much make-up…oh I didn't mean to say…."
" It's ok Mac. Lottie knows the rules. What happens in make-up stays in make-up."
" Don't worry. I know what to do with those eyes. Smoldering and sexy. And we're going to accentuate your cleavage with some bronzing powder and highlight those cheek bones."
Sloan opened the bottle of wine she had picked up and she and Lottie had a ball getting Mac ready for her first date with Will.
"Ok Kenz. This is serious. He is going to die when he sees you in that dress with that hair and those eyes."
Mackenzie was wearing a sleeveless black sheath with a deep v that revealed the tops of her breasts. It had a snug pencil skirt that feel just above her knees.
Her legs looked amazing in black stiletto sling backs, and her arms where toned and tanned. Her hair fell in soft waves just above her shoulders. Her eyes were huge, softly rimmed in pale charcoal shadow. The effect was hypnotic.
Sloan was right. She looked gorgeous.
The pre- party wrapped and Sloan and Lottie said their good-byes.
She was finally alone. She was actually nervous! This was Will who she worked along side . This was the man with whom she argued and debated serious subjects every day, who had seen her with no make-up, with her hair in a ponytail, often frazzled and exhausted. None of that made one bit of difference. She was scared.
She was thinking about the Will who she watched going on dates, being courtly and charming, leading gorgeous women out of newsroom, his hand their backs, as they smiled up at him.
That was the Will she wanted now. She didn't want to ever see him touch a woman like that again, ever. She wanted to be the only one he reached for. She wondered if he could ever feel that way about her again. She wasn't at all certain of that.
She knew that he trusted her, relied on her, respected her and admired her intellect.
She knew how much their friendship meant to him. She knew that she challenged his mind and could keep up with him on any subject…except math.
That was all good and important but she was hoping for something more.
Much more.
What if Will had decided that he was getting older and it was time to settle down with someone, and who better than Mackenzie who was so dear to him and familiar?
What if he had rationalized this and decided to settle for the person closest to him?
He would know that sex between them would be satisfying enough and they would be compatible if they lived together. There would always be plenty of conversation and affection.
This was what she feared the most. That things would be "good enough" and he would settle in and be content to make a life with his best friend.
That would break her heart. She needed to be the one he dreamt of, who drove him crazy with desire. She needed to know that she was the source of his raw lust and that he was deeply in love with her ….again.
Was it even possible for two people to fall in love all over again?
She heard the buzzer and her doorman's voice come over the intercom to announce him.
Mr Macvoy is here Ms Mchale. Shall I send him up?
Yes please Tim. Thank-you.
She grabbed her wrap and her clutch.
Take a deep breath Mackenzie. In one minute he'll be on the other side of that door…