Page 47 of Mac Meyers Needs Me

“It can be, but my parents are happier apart than together,” I say.

“That’s good?” It’s more of a question.

“Yeah. For all of us,” I agree.

Fee is silent for a moment before she says, “I feel bad for Tally.” Her parents separated just before winter break and it’s thrown her for a loop. She’s been mostly focused on dance, school, and Flip Madden.

“Yeah, especially since her dad is in the public eye and everyone has a front-row seat to what’s happening in his life.” It’s not a high-ticket item in the hockey news sphere, but every time Toronto has a bad game, the media questions whether Coach Vander Zee’s personal life is a contributing factor.

“You know what that’s like because of your sister and Roman,” I say.

“Mm. I do. They’ve been really careful about not posting photos of Callie and Ariel on their public profiles.”

“To protect them from the media?” I ask.

“Yeah, they saw how hard my senior year was and just want to insulate them a little, I think. People can be harsh and careless with their words online.”

“Is that why you don’t really post your art on your socials?” Fee’s profile is mostly pictures of her art supplies, study photos, and still-life pictures, but not her actual pieces.

She seems surprised that I know this. “It’s part of the reason, yeah.”

I arrive at Callie’s school, so I can’t dig into that further. I pull into the parking lot and stop in front of the entrance.

“I shouldn’t be long.” She hops out and ducks her head against the blustery cold as she rushes toward the entrance.

I put the car in park and dig my phone out of my pocket. My guy chat is blowing up with messages.

Brody

Shit or get off the pot, dude.

Chase

^^^this

Gage

Maybe kiss her?

Chase

But ask first.

Gage

Obviously. Consent is king.

Brody

Or just tell her you don’t want to fake date her and you’d rather for real date her.

Gage

Gee, man, that’s some solid advice.

Brody

Mac