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“Mac.” Linney looked down at her lap, tears threatening.
“Fine. Be a crap reporter then. What do I care?” He drained the whiskey, slammed the glass down on the table and pointed at her. “Oh, and you should probably try and drop a few pounds. The camera will love you more.” He waved down the waiter and gestured to his empty glass.
Linney had heard enough and embarrassment made way for anger. “I’m sorry you feel that way.” The legs of her chair scraped on the floor as she stood abruptly and threw the linen napkin on her plate. “I think I’d better go. Do not follow me back to my flat.” She turned on her heel and left the restaurant, bumping shoulders with the waiter who was rushing to refresh Mac’s drink.
Her heels clicked on the sidewalk as she walked the few blocks home, blinking her eyes rapidly to avoid the tears. It took a long bath to calm her and Linney was getting ready for bed when her phone vibrated. She almost ignored it. She could not deal with Mac again tonight. But her hand hovered over the phone and when it buzzed again, she picked it up.
Wow!
Seriously, wow!
Linney climbed into her bed and under the covers before dialling Derek’s number. She didn’t waste any time with greetings.
“You saw it? What’d you think? I’m not sure it was that good.” She chewed on her lip nervously.
“It was amazing! I’m so proud of you. You’re as good as Mansbridge or LaFlamme! When will they send you somewhere dangerous?”
Linney chuckled. “Soon, I hope. As long as I didn’t screw this up too badly. I still have things to learn.”
“Good luck. You deserve it. Really, you were great on the news tonight.”
She blushed at the praise. “You’re the best cheering section.” There was silence for a moment and she changed the subject. “How’s wedding planning coming?
Derek groaned. “I can’t wait for it to be over. The wedding that is. But I can’t wait for marriage to begin.”
“Not much longer. The next few months will go by in a flash.” She stifled a yawn, but Derek heard it.
“It’s late for you. Get some sleep. I’ll talk to you soon. Congratulations again.”
They put down their phones, Linney unwilling to spoil their chat by sharing Mac’s outrageous behaviour and Derek equally averse to bringing up Olivia’s wedding obsession.
Over coffee and pastries with MJ on a Kensington Park bench that weekend, Linney brought up her recent piece. “Honestly, MJ, how was it? I think—could it have been better, maybe?”
MJ put down her croissant and looked at Linney like she was crazy. “What are you talking about? It was great. Everyone said so, even Gemma. And you saw the viewer response.”
“Well, not everyone thought it was great.” Linney twisted the sleeve around her coffee cup, remembering Mac’s criticism.
“Do you really think Gemma is in the habit of handing out compliments where they are not deserved? Je pense que non.”
“Well, no, I guess you’re right. I thought it was good, but now I’m not so sure.” Linney sounded deflated.
“Why are you doubting yourself?” The penny dropped and MJ’s temper flared. “Did Mac say something?”
Linney’s head shot up. “How did you know?”
MJ gathered up the paper bag and napkins, balling them up. She strode over to the rubbish bin and dropped them in. “You cannot let him get to you like this,” she said as she walked back. “Gemma would not have given you that story if you were not ready for it, and you delivered. It will get nominated during award season, you know that, oui? Do not let Mac take away your confidence. You are going places. I think you will leave me behind here in London soon. But it will only happen if you believe in yourself.” Lecture delivered, she held out her hand to Linney and pulled her in the direction of the park’s pond.
“Thanks, MJ,” Linney said, a little embarrassed. “You’re a good friend.”
Linney continued to mull it over in her head for several days, while she ignored Mac. To her surprise, he ignored her too and didn’t apologize. Eventually, she decided that Mac had meant well and had been trying to share his experience. She was the one who had overreacted and had left him sitting alone at the restaurant.
“A peace offering,” she said one morning, bringing two cups of strong coffee into his office. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have walked out like that the other night. I know you were just trying to help.”
Mac took one of the cups and nodded. “Glad you understand that now.”
“Dinner at my place tonight?”
“Thought you’d never ask.” Mac put down the coffee and walked around his desk. Kicking his office door closed with his foot, he backed Linney against it. With one arm around her shoulder, he pulled her so close that she could feel his heartbeat. His hand slid down further and his next kiss made her toes curl.
