CHAPTER 3

The elevator doors open on the first floor and MacKenzie steps out and begins to smartly walk towards to main entrance. She is so lost in thoughts about Mike that as she turns quickly down the hallway leading from the elevators she runs directly into Will. Up until that moment she had been so consumed by thoughts of Mike that it had not occurred to her that her anchor was missing from the morning rundown meeting.

Will quickly reaches out to catch MacKenzie from falling and blurts out:

"I'm sorry, I am running really late this morning, are you ok?

"I'm fine, I was not watching where I was going. Where were you this morning anyway?"

"Dr. Habib's, I'm having trouble sleeping and I needed him to write a prescription."

"Again?"

"Not so much as again, just a continuation. I don't know maybe it is old age, but I have not been able to sleep well in the last two years."

"Maybe if you would sleep in your own bed every night you would sleep better."

"Wow, ok, well I will have you know I sleep in my own bed almost every night."

"Yeah, I didn't ask."

"No, but you were insinuating that I sleep around."

"No insinuation needed, that's simply a fact. Every intern in the building has seen your parade of women."

"Good morning to you to MacKenzie. Why the fuck does everything become an argument with you. I cannot sleep, I feel like shit, I go to my therapist to get some help, and then you just attack me the moment you see me."

"Will, I'm sorry. That was out of line. I hope the medication Dr. Habib prescribed helps you. You are far to hansom to ruin that smile by being exhausted all the time."

"Thanks, and for the record I am sorry about all of the women. I was trying to make myself feel better, not make you feel bad. The truth is seeing all those women only made me realize what I was missing. I want intimacy with one partner, that I can share my life with, that will be my best friend. Don't worry from now on there will only be one woman that will visit me in the Newsroom."

"Well that's a relief, next time you plan to be late, please have the courtesy to let me know."

With that, MacKenzie turns on her heal and heads out the building. Will hangs his head and continues to the elevators, disgusted with himself that he was so honest with her about his issues.

—

Will arrives at his desk, sits down, and puts his head in his hands. Why can he never say the right things to her or say what he really means. It's been a month since he started dating Nina. It's nice having someone to come home to, even though she doesn't stay the night most nights, he likes the company. He knows that what he and Nina share is nothing like the chemistry that him and Mac had, but in five years Nina is the closest thing that resembles a real relationship.

So why is it that if he is happy with Nina, he cannot get Mac out of his head. Just running into her a few minutes ago had excited him. Even though it lasted just a moment, he felt her breasts press into his chest, smelled her sweet perfume, breathed in her scent as her hair brushed across his face. If he was honest it was pure ecstasy, and he wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around her and hold her forever. Instead he got into a stupid argument with her, that ended with him telling her that he was happily with Nina now and was moving on with his future.

The look Mac gave him, had sent chills up his spine, it was as though right then and there she was realizing that there would never be a second chance for them. How could Mac think this, when Will was not sure this is what he wanted. He had to admit he had no idea what he wanted. Well he did, he was just terrified of getting his heart shattered again. So instead, he concealed his heartache with anger, pursued a woman that was not good for him, while the woman he still loved, seemed to have completely given up on him.

In fact, come to think of it she actually seemed happy today. Surely it was not on account of him. He was surprised that she had not called him when he did not show up for the first rundown meeting of the day, and even more that when she just saw him she did not chew him out. What was it today that was making her seem so happy, as she turned to walk away from him it was like she was gliding on clouds, her head held high, a smile on her face, he could not remember that last time he had seen Mac look that way.

—

Mac arrived at the corner deli, to find that Sloan had already secured a table, and ordered them sandwiches.

"Mac, it's about time you showed up."

"Sloan, I'm sorry, thanks for getting here early to get us a table and lunch. I had hoped to get here earlier, but I literally ran into Will on my way here. We got into yet another argument, so yeah just another typical day in my pathetic life."

"Well for what it's worth, you don't look worse for the wear. In fact, you actually look almost happy, is that possible?"

"I got an email from an old friend this morning, he's coming to New York City tomorrow and we are going to spend some time together this weekend."

"Mac! What kind of friend is this? Do I know him?"

"His name is Mike, he was the Operations Officer for one of the unit's that I was embedded with, and no you do not know him."

"Is he hot? What does he look like?"

"He's beyond good looking. He has brown hair, piercing blue eyes, and a gorgeous smile. He's also a Marine Officer, and really into Cross Fit."

"So you are saying his body is slamming, and he looks nothing like Will."

"Will is gorgeous, and he may not have Mike's body but no one has ever turned me on like Will. I cannot compare them, they are very different men. Both great, but very different."

"You like this Mike don't you?"

"When I met Mike, Will and I had just split so I was in no place to date. Mike was focused on the deployment, and we just became really good friends."

"Sounds like a great way to start a relationship to me."

"We will see. He's coming to New York to interview for some consulting jobs. I am meeting him tomorrow for lunch. Want to come?"

"I would love to, shoot if you don't want him I will take him. He sounds delicious. I have always loved a man in uniform."

"Well the interrogation has been great, but its time we get back to work."

"C'mon Kenz, you know I do it because I love you."

"I know, but maybe you could love me just a little bit less."

With that they quickly finish their sandwiches. Sloan departs for an appointment across town while MacKenzie heads back to the Newsroom to finish preparing for tonight's show.

—

On her way through the AWM lounge, Mac stops to grab a coffee. While standing in line she decides on two double shot expressos, and adds a chocolate chip muffin to her order.

She enters the bullpen and goes directly to Will's office, and knocks on his door.

"I got you a a double shot of expresso and a muffin, I figured your morning started out rough enough and that you could use a little pick me up."

"Peace offering?"

"Will, look, I'm sorry for what I said earlier. You did not deserve to be attacked by me of all people. You had a shitty morning, I figured you probably had not had a chance to grab breakfast or lunch. I need my anchor ready for the show tonight and I thought you could use some coffee and a muffin to get your day going."

"Apology accepted, and thank you for the coffee and muffin, this is exactly what I needed right now."

Mac, turned and walked back to her office, feeling better about making amends with Will, at least for today. Will opened the bag to to find a chocolate chip muffin, his favorite. Sometimes he hated how well she knew him, but at moments like this he really appreciated it. Even when he was upset with her, she always seemed to find a way to make him feel better.