Getting to US Chapter 8
Mackenzie woke to the aroma of coffee brewing and fresh bacon sizzling on the grill. How he loved his bacon, she mused.
Sunday morning breakfast had always been a big event with Will. She would go for short jog and pick up the Sunday Times while he made breakfast. With Will that meant the works. Fresh squeezed orange juice, pancakes with bacon and butter and maple syrup, and of course the crisp bacon with a few sausages throw in for good measure. All of it bad for him. All that fat and salt and sugar…
Truth be told, she loved those breakfasts but now with his health scare, that would have to change. Still there was something wonderful about having a man who cooked and kept food in his fridge.
Will's apartement was much more like a real home then her own could ever be.
He was domestic, and great in the kitchen. She was not. So long as she had a soft mattress and a pile of books, she was happy. She was nomadic while Will was a nester. She didn't care about material things except for art and her wardrobe. She loved beautiful clothes. He liked gadgets, electronics, and design in general. He collected modern furniture classics and contemporary art. She didn't settle in long enough to collect anything.
So much of it was about their background. As a child he had to fend for himself, never having the safe haven of a loving home. She was raised by nannies and cooks and had two parents who adored her. She could afford to go off and explore the world. She had the anchor of her parents love, always with her.
He needed to stay close to home. It was his safe place that he had made for himself and now for her too.
And yet this felt surreal, she thought. Going back in time to their old routine was in a way comforting and familiar. But it was also unsettling. Too much like a fairy tale perhaps? She wasn't sure… Was it hope that going back to the way they were would erase all the years in between, and all the scars would magically disappear?
She hoped they wouldn't try to go back. She didn't want to live disconnected. She had done that once before, clinging to their routine , pretending that she didn't have a secret life away from Will. It was a terrible time. But this was not the time to let her fears surface. Today she was waking up in Will's bed after a magical night. He was in love with her and their lovemaking had been… exquisite beyond anything she had dreamt of.
Today she would be happy and revel in their reunion.
Mackenzie went to the kitchen and perched on a stool. The familiar sight of Will at the stove, juggling his pans, humming away, was so dear to her.
"Good morning gorgeous. How did you sleep?"
" Perfectly. And you were amazing Mr. M. Do you know that?
" You were pretty amazing yourself. Come and give an old guy a hug"
"Old guy? Is that what I'm in love with? Don't think so!"
She cuddled into his arms, and tickled his ribs. "Old guy you say? Is that how you feel this morning?"
He held her close and looked into her eyes. " Not for a minute. I feel so happy this morning Kenz. So good, not even the mess I'm in can spoil this."
"So good that you're immune to all this food that is so bad for you?"
"Ok I know, but just this once I want to forget all that and have one of our old Sunday morning feasts."
"I love it. You know I do. But it's bad for you and after what you told me you can't take chances with your health. I'm serious now."
" Ok, last time. I promise. You're right. Can we just enjoy it- like" the last supper" only it's before lunch. Deal?"
"Deal"
"Aren't you going to go and get us the Times? I called Lonny and he's been home and slept. He's on his way over. He wants to trail you. Is that ok?
"Of course"
As she changed into her sweats she felt herself slip back into the old routine. I was a small thing really, just getting the newspaper, but it bothered her that she felt so uneasy. She needed to think about this some more, and talk to Will. No more hiding.
"Your paper Monsieur"
"Charlie called. The meeting's at one in his office. He thinks you should be there, but I'm not sure it's a good idea"
" You don't? I'm your EP and this is crisis management to protect the show I produce and you don't think I should be there?"
"Calm down Mac. At least let me explain"
He could see that he had touched a nerve and she was not reacting well.
" Ok, I'm listening."
" You may be my EP but you're also my girlfriend now and this is about an ex…lover and it would feel unsavory to have you in this meeting discussing the sordid details, that's all. I'm trying to protect you."
" Unsavory? That's not the kind of protection I need from you Will. We're talking about my job and the reputation of the anchor of our show – maybe of the whole show. Of course I need to be there. I hope you can accept that."
"Ok Mac, have it your way. And by the way, Charlie also thinks that we should take Mike aside and tell him privately that we're together. The network has strict rules about disclosing any co-habitation between staff members to our legal department."
" But we just spent one night together. Doesn't that sound rather premature- I mean what did you tell Charlie"?
" I didn't tell him anything. I didn't have to. Mac what is this about? Are you regretting any of this? If you are this would be a good time to tell me."
Mac grew red in the face, suddenly realizing how she harsh she sounded.
She ran to him and hugged him but his arms didn't move. He stood stiffly, arms at his side, until finally she pulled back.
"Look at me Mac. What is going on?"
"Nothing, I promise. I love you Will. I just want to do this right and not screw it up that's all. I screwed it up the last time, so badly. "
" What's worrying you? We had a great time last night at dinner, and we made love and it was amazing. We love each other Mac. What is so scary about that?"
' I don't know. I'm sorry. I want to be with you Will. You have to know that. Maybe I need an Abe to talks things through with. None of this is about you. It's my baggage that's all."
"Ok, let's go and talk to Abe. We can go together or you can go alone. Whatever you want Mackenzie. I'm in this all the way. I want to make it good for both of us. I want us to have a future. Can you try?"
" Of course."
Will's hands had been stroking Mackenzie's face as he spoke to her. Now he pulled her tightly to him.
"Come on, let's have breakfast, It's in the warming drawer"
Breakfast was as delicious and they both ate with relish. . The Times sections were passed between them and lots of lively debate about the day's news kept them at the table for over an hour. Will loved that about them together. They might be on opposite sides on some issues, but her opinions were well informed and she always made him think.
" We got through that one Will. We didn't scream or yell, and no one stomped off. That was good, right?"
"It was good Kenz. Maybe we're finally growing up"
"Yum. That" last supper "was so good!"
" I think we should burn it off…. in the shower. What do you think?"
" I thinks that sounds like a plan."
"Here's where we are. Will has received a number of threats left on his voice mail by a women host of a show on competitive network. Unfounded, cockamamie crap about him that she's threatening to expose to the gossip rags.
We don't know if she's serious, but she could be. All her accusations can be disproved but the scandal that would result from these accusations, even though unfounded could damage Will and News Nights, irreparably. We don't think this is tied to the death threats. Just a woman spurned, who has lost perspective, might be going through some kind of mental breakdown. "
Everyone in the room took a deep breath. Charlie had put it bluntly for the team that had gathered in his office on this Sunday afternoon.
Mike Owens, ANC's chief legal council spoke first.
"Thank-you Charlie. Will, we're sorry to hear about this, obviously. You haven't been specific about the allegations. We'll need that information at some point."
" I brought the phones. You can listen to the messages yourself."
"Ok, fine.. Assuming a scandal would be as damaging to the other party and her network's interest in the show she hosts, as it would be to you and our interest in Night News, the logical first step would be to approach her network with tapes in hand, and negotiate with their legal department and their insurers. They will be as interested as we are, in killing this story and slapping a gag order on her. Provided that is, that her rights to take legal action against you down the road are not prejudiced,
" I understand. I am not afraid of her accusations being founded in any way Mike. I know what transpired between us, and it would not be difficult to prove the facts in this case."
Will spoke calmly, and with such confidence and honesty, there was tangible relief felt by everyone in the room.
"That sounds reasonable Mike. "
Charlie looked at Will, then Mac, and they all nodded in agreement.
" Well if we all agree on this as our best course of action. We will take it from here." I'll take Will's phones into the conference room, if I may?"
"Mike, Mac and I would like to talk to you privately please. Charlie, you are welcome to stay. "
The team from the insurers offered to wait in the nearby conference room while Will and Mac stayed behind.
Charlie had a twinkle in his eye. He knew what was coming.
" Mac and I are together and full disclosure, we want you to be aware of our personal relationship. Of course we have worked together in the past as a couple and we feel entirely comfortable with this. We hope you are as well."
" I second that! Charlie bellowed.
"Thanks Charlie. ' Will shot a warm smile to his friend and ally.
" Ok Will, Mac, best of luck to you both. I had better go and do what needs to be done to try and give you both some peace of mind.
Mike left and Charlie quickly embraced Mac and put his arm around Will's shoulder.
"So last night did not bring only bad news after all. Silver lining. I like silver linings. Don't you?"
"Especially when you orchestrate them. How in the hell did an old romantic like you ever toughen up enough to be a newsman? "
" Takes one to know one William Duncan McAvoy !"
It was true, Mac thought. These two me whom she loved so dearly were both incurable romantics mascaraing as tough newsmen. A great combination that suited her perfectly.
"Shall we go home Mac? I'll call Lonny if you're ready."
Mac nodded, wondering how she would calmly explain to Will, that she had something she needed to do that evening, without going into further detail.
She would need to figure this out or risk hurting him with secrets that could be misunderstood. Anyway, she didn't want there to be secrets between them.
After tonight she would hopefully be able to figure this out. But for now she needed to gracefully ask to go home and get some things done, without upsetting Will.
" What are we doing for dinner Mac? We could watch a movie and order in or I can cook for you. Your choice"
" Either way, but can we make it an early dinner please? I need to go to my place and get some things done for tomorrow. Would that be ok Will?
" Of course. You have things to do. We can skip dinner and Lonny can take you home now if you like."
Will went quiet. It was the way she said it. Nervously as though she was hiding something.
Mackenzie instantly knew that Will was confused and that was not fair. He was withdrawing from her and she hated that feeling.
"Come on, let's go home. I can do my chores another night."
The broad smile on his face was worth the tinge of guilt she felt, knowing she would have to renege on her commitment. But it was a good decision. Putting Will first, especially now, when this was so new and fragile was necessary. And anyway, she wanted more of that urgent, delicious sex and preferably as often as possible.