Page 94 of Just for Tonight

“So that’s what kindness sounds like,” I muse. “I should take notes.” Mackenzie swats me in the arm and I chuckle.

“It’s the seventh time I’ve broken up with him this week,” she says, her frustration clear. “He will not get the message.”

“I thought persistence was for stalkers.”

“Me, too.” Mackenzie looks out the window, more shaken than I’d like. I could wring this bastard’s neck without a second thought. “Sorry,” she says, her voice shaky.

“Don’t be. It sounds like your response was deserved.” I steal a glance at her, and try to make her smile. “And you’re right, it was awesome, every time.”

She smiles back then, her gaze warming.

But before she can say anything, her phone rings.

“No,” I say as she looks at the displayed name of the caller.

“Yes,” she snarls.

And I laugh. I can’t help it. “If you need any proof that you’re right, there it is.”

“Yes!” Mackenzie agrees but she frowns.

I put out my hand. “Let me. Please.”

“I don’t need anyone to fight my battles.”

“I know, but I’ll really enjoy it. Please? A bonus for the bear?”

She shakes her head but hands me the ringing phone.

“Hi,” I say and I can feel a shock wave all the way from BC. “Mackenzie can’t take your call right now, but I will.”

“Who are you?”

“A friend.” I lower my voice. “The friend.” He makes an indignant sound but I carry on. “I heard what Mackenzie said but apparently you didn’t. She said no. She said no thanks. She said don’t call; we’re done. And that means you’re supposed to disappear forever right now. That’s how it works.”

“You can’t know that…”

“I do know that. I heard the words she said. I understood the words she said and I know she meant them. I know she is a smart woman who makes her own choices. It’s not complicated. Mackenzie said no, asshole.”

“You’re the asshole!”

“I am. And I have no problem telling the truth to people who don’t want to hear it. Say goodbye, Darcy. You’re done. Mackenzie is probably too nice to get a restraining order against you, but I’m not. Call her again and watch it happen.” I end the call and toss her phone back to her. “Block the number now.”

She does.

“And if he calls you again at home, let me know. I like to keep my promises.”

“Thank you, Jake.”

“You don’t have to thank me. I did enjoy it.”

“So that’s what it means to be the asshole,” she muses. “You’re the one unafraid to tell people the truth.”

“A lot of the time, yes.”

“That makes you honest, to my thinking. Perceptive. Honorable.”

“Do not go there, Mackenzie,” I warn. “I’m not a hero.”