Picking up the phone, she called Blake.
* * *
“WELL, BABE, IT’S no wonder you feel overwhelmed,” Blake said as he listened to Macy vent. Between her job and everything else she had going on, she needed him.
He’d hop on the first plane, but he had half a dozen important business meetings set up over the next few weeks.
“Thank you,” she said. “I’m sorry it all kind of poured out. I’m embarrassed about feeling so insecure last night.”
“Don’t be. By the way that was Tanya from the feed store giving me a hard time at the party. She knew you were on the phone. There’s only one woman for me, and that’s you. In fact, every time I walk down the street, people ask how you’re doing. You definitely left an impression.”
She laughed. “I needed to hear that. And tell Tanya I’m going to get even with her when I see her.”
“Noted,” he said and laughed with her. He was glad to lighten up her mood.
“I am not this woman,” she proclaimed and then sighed. “You know the one who gets jealous and is whiny. It’s so selfish of me to want you here when you have a lot on your plate, and besides, I’m so busy that I fall into bed every night and get up before the sun. I think I might be addicted to you. I need those arms around me when I go to sleep.”
“Hey, I feel the same. And if you were here, Harley would be less likely to crawl on your side of the bed in the middle of the night. I woke up this morning and couldn’t breathe. Her head was on my stomach. Oh, and this is where I found her yesterday afternoon.”
She put him on speaker and opened the text when it arrived. The bed was made, but Harley’s head was on her pillow.
“I think she might miss you a little.” Blake chuckled. “Every once in a while, I find her in your closet. She’s just lying in there on a pile of your clothes. I kept washing stuff, but finally gave up. I found some of your old pj’s and sweatshirts and made a small pile in the middle of the closet for her.”
“That’s sweet. I miss you both so much it makes my heart hurt.”
“I’m right there with you. Give yourself some grace. Any job is tough that first month, but it’s obvious given what he’s offering you after one week, that they really believe in you. I know I do. Is this a crazy route to starting a relationship? Yes. But we aren’t like everyone else. And honestly, if I stayed in the marines, we would have had to have been separated even longer.”
“True. I feel better just talking to you.”
“Next time you feel like you did last night, don’t be afraid to tell me that you need me. You’re there for me and I’m here for you. Don’t forget that. Also, any hope of you getting away for Thanksgiving?”
“I hadn’t even thought about the holidays much. They’re coming up fast—maybe I’ll be home for Christmas. But there’s still a lot to do here the next couple of weeks. And I’ve never been a huge fan of Thanksgiving. My parents didn’t really do holidays.”
Another hiccup. He’d promised his mother he’d be home for this Thanksgiving. It would be the first one in eight years he’d make. He wouldn’t disappoint his mom. But even though she put up a good front, Macy needed him more.
“No problem. Christmas will be great,” he said without enthusiasm.
It wasn’t his favorite option, but that was the way things were.
“It isn’t lost on me how lucky I am to have you in my life,” she said softly.
“I know and I feel the same, Macy.” But he was worried that the longer they were apart, the more she’d withdraw. She was so used to being on her own that she didn’t feel comfortable coming to him when she was stressed or having a bad day. Clearly, she thought she should only show him the good side.
No way would he let her do that. It would mean sacrifice on his part, but Macy was worth it. He thought they could wait it out longer. But she needed him now, if for no other reason than to have someone be there for her at the end of the day. And he was the only someone who would be doing that.
After they hung up, he called his brother.
“We need to talk.”
18
“DO YOU NEED me to stay?” Joe Pollack, Macy’s assistant, glanced at the heavy snow falling outside her office window. She knew he had plans to catch a train and travel upstate to see his family for the holiday.
“No, you go ahead. I’ll do a final check on the new sites to make sure there are no bugs, and then I’ll be leaving, too.”
“Thanks. You do know that Stu and Margaret have been through those sites multiple times today? They’re clean, and they even added several upgraded firewalls to make it tougher for the hackers.”
Shuffling papers on her desk, she looked up at him. “You know how I am. Once I feel like everyone really understands how important speed and accuracy and all of this is, I promise, I’ll cut back on the micromanaging.”
Joe didn’t seem convinced. “Right. That’s never going to happen.”
She smiled. She couldn’t help it. “I’ve been a bit on the loony side, have I?”
“I wouldn’t say loony, more like determined. Uh, very determined.”
“Always a diplomat. That’s why you are such a super assistant.”
“Yes, that and my ability to know when you are in need of coffee. Oh, and let’s not forget my special talent to keep you from chewing out those who displease you,” he joked, taking the bite out of his words. She’d had run-ins with a few reporters who hadn’t double-checked their facts. The stories had been minutes away from going up on the site, when one of the fact checkers had called her to relay the news that there was something wrong.
Macy understood and appreciated the fact checker speaking up, but she made it clear, anyway, that those kinds of mistakes wouldn’t be tolerated. Joe had remained at her side just to make sure she didn’t actually throttle the reporters.
Admittedly it had been a good idea. One incorrect story could ruin everything they were all working so hard to achieve.
“Don’t stay too late. Are you sure you don’t want to come with me? My mom’s always insisting there’s room for one more at the table. She’d love to meet you.”
“That’s so nice of you, Joe. And I’d love to meet your mom. Be sure to arrange it if she’s ever here visiting you. Thanks, anyway, but I’m looking forward to sleeping for a good twenty-four hours. I can’t remember the last time I slept in.”
He nodded. “You’re always the last to leave and first to arrive. There’s been gossip that you actually live here.”
“Sometimes it feels like it.”
“Did you know, that if you were so inclined, your office has a perfect view of the Thanksgiving Parade?”
No, she didn’t know that. Maybe she would come into the office, after all. Other than sleeping, she really didn’t have anything else to do. “Cool. Now go on. The crowds at the station are going to be horrible. I don’t want you to miss your train.”
After he left, she sat back in her chair and blew out a breath. Everyone had worked so hard earlier in the week so they could be with their families. Even Henderson had taken off for Barbados to get away from the subzero temperature.
Even Cherie had abandoned her. She was on a book tour in Europe. Macy had seen her friend only once since arriving in New York. Cherie’s book about relationships had hit the bestseller lists and she was more popular than ever.
Macy’s cell rang. She glanced at the picture that came up on the mini screen and smiled.
“Hello, Mr. Marine.”
“Hello, yourself. Are you still at work?”
“I am, though I did promise myself I’d leave before it gets too late. The weather is taking a turn for the worse.”
He coughed. “I heard. I was worried about you getting home.”
“Ah, you’re too kind. Tony will be here
to pick me up. You don’t need to worry. How is everything going with you? Is your mom fixing a huge feast?”
He snorted. “You said, ‘fixing.’ Our Texas words have seeped into your vocabulary, as for Mom, enough food for five or six families. We were over there the other day and discovered that Harley has a thing for apple pies.”
“Oh, no. She didn’t.”
“She did. But we caught her before she ate the second one off the counter. She didn’t feel so good for a day or two, but the vet says she’s fine. I was going to tell you about it, but you had so much going on that I didn’t want to possibly add to your concerns.”
“You have a ton of patience. I don’t know how you put up with her like you do.”
“I don’t consider her a chore. She’s fun to have around.”
She could hear Harley barking in the background as if confirming the fact.
Macy froze. She wanted to be there with them. Her mouth watered at the idea of homemade apple pie. It was stupid of her to stay in New York. Most of what she had to do was online. She could have gone home.
But it was too late now.
It was the day before Thanksgiving, no way would she be able to find a flight. And the company jet was in Barbados with Henderson. Even if a flight was available, with the snow the way it was, she had little chance of getting out of the city.
“Hey, did I lose you?”
“No. Sorry. I was just thinking how silly I am for not coming home to see you at Thanksgiving. Work is busy, but—”
“Don’t beat yourself up,” he said. “If I hadn’t promised my mom that I’d spend the holiday with her, I’d be dragging you out of that office right now.”
Harley barked again.
“What’s going on?”
“She needs to go out. Can I call you back? Or call me when you’re on your way home so I know you’re safe.” He sounded distracted. Well, he probably was. Harley was likely dragging him to the door.
“No problem. I’ll call from the apartment once I get there. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Chewing on her lip, she decided to pack it in. Poor Tony probably had a family he’d like to get home to, as well. She could work from her place. If she wanted to. After texting Tony, to let him know that she was ready to leave, she headed out.
In the lobby, she ran into Garrison, who held two bags of food. “Macy, I was just bringing these things up to you. I found this Thai restaurant still open nearby. Your assistant told me you’d be working tonight.”
Her ex had been a little too nice the past few weeks, which made her suspicious. But he’d kept it professional, and Henderson had mentioned that his reports about her had been complimentary.
“Can I ask you something?”
He looked surprised. “Sure.”
“What’s up? Why are you being so considerate, when you’ve always been so competitive? I half expected you to tell Aaron that I was doing an awful job.”
He shrugged. “I may be a cheating jerk, but even I can’t deny you’re as talented as they come. Besides, he doesn’t need any reports from me. The evidence is out there. It’s admirable what you’ve done. And honestly, I’ve been nice, because I have this horrible fear that you might be my boss some day. He’s that impressed with you.”
She laughed. “Oh, geez. You’re serious aren’t you?”
He nodded.
“Well, you don’t need to worry. I forgive your past transgressions. I’m in a really good place. I’m happy in my relationship right now. It isn’t easy, us being apart so much, but we’re making it work.”
He smiled. “I’m truly happy for you. Really. You deserve happiness. He’s a fortunate guy.”
“Thanks. Sorry about dinner, but I’m on my way home.” She stared at the bags. “I have plans.”
This was Garrison’s life. Take-out Thai food the night before Thanksgiving while he worked. All of a sudden she knew that wasn’t the life she wanted for herself. It was so clear to her now.
Henderson had asked if she’d be the kind of person who would learn to wear many hats. She was. Because she didn’t want to end up lonely like the man in front of her, or like Henderson, for that matter.
“With who?”
“Huh?”
“Who are your plans with?”
The thought struck her as funny because it was so glaringly obvious, and she laughed. “Don’t look so surprised. My boyfriend.”
“I thought he was in Texas.” He seemed confused.
“Have a good Thanksgiving, Garrison. See you Monday.”
With that she was out the door. Maybe she couldn’t be in Texas, but they could share a virtual Thanksgiving. It was better than nothing. She couldn’t wait to get back to the apartment and tell Blake her idea.
The snow was pretty, though it fell fast and didn’t look to be letting up anytime soon. It took an extra half hour to reach her building.
“Tony, stay in the car. You don’t need to open the door. And thank you. Have a wonderful holiday.”
He turned to face her. “Won’t you be needing me?”
She shook her head. “Not this weekend. You take some well-deserved time off. Enjoy.”
He tipped his hat to her, and the doorman opened the car door. “Mind your step, miss. It’s very slick on the sidewalk.” He carefully led her to the front door. The soles of her boots were smooth, and made the slippery walk treacherous even with his help.
“Thanks,” she said as she entered into the lobby. The marble floors proved to be as slick as the sidewalk. Just inside the door she slipped, and would have fallen if strong arms hadn’t held her up.
“Whoa,” a deep voice said.
It couldn’t be.
Her marine smiled down at her. Had she fallen and woken in a dream? This could not be real.
“You— It’s not—”
He kissed her then, and she lost herself in his embrace.
Harley barked and barked beside them.
“Ah, sweet girl.” Macy bent down to put her arms around the dog’s massive neck. “I’ve missed you.”
She stood and stared at Blake, her heart soaring. Blake touched her cheek. “How is it you haven’t been sleeping, yet you’re still so damn beautiful?”
“Also sweet. But how did you get here? Not that I’m complaining.” Macy wished the doorman a happy Thanksgiving and she, Blake and Harley headed for the elevator.
“Well, you couldn’t come to Thanksgiving, so I brought Thanksgiving to you.” He gave her that sexy smile of his and inside she melted a little. She loved this man.
“I can’t believe you’re here. I feel like time has stood still or something and suddenly I’m going to find out that none of this is really happening. And I do so want it to be happening.”
He chuckled. “Let’s get upstairs and I’ll show you just how real it is,” he whispered.
She sighed happily. “How was she on the plane?” With the loud noises, Macy was surprised the dog still wasn’t sleepy.
“We drove,” he said. “I didn’t have the heart to put her in the cargo hold. And I had some business in North Carolina. We’ve been on the road the last few days.”
“Why didn’t you tell me!” she said as she pushed the button for her floor. “I was searching for flights while we were on the phone, but it was ridiculous considering this is the busiest day of the year.”
“That and the airports are shut down.” He gathered her in his arms. “We wanted to surprise you.”
“You did.” Her heart felt light. She was excited and at peace all at once. “Surreal. This is what it feels like. There’s no better word for it. Wait, Harley’s on the elevator, but pets aren’t allowed in the building.”
“She is. Evidently, she’s the exception.”
&
nbsp; “I bet Henderson had something to do with that. He’s a big fan of dogs.”
“She did get me into your apartment. I hope that’s okay. I had some things to drop off there before I could find a place to park and walk the dog.”
“Make yourself at home. Whatever I have is yours.”
She opened the door and was assailed by the smell of delicious food.
She turned to glance at him, and he shrugged. In her kitchen, she found his mother and brother, up to their elbows in dressing.
Throwing her arms about their necks, she kissed each of them on the cheek. “I’m so happy you’re here. I can’t believe you guys did this. Thank you, thank you.”
“It’s nothing, dear,” his mother said, smiling. “Let me get my hands out of this corn bread, and I’ll give you a proper hug.”
She looked up at Blake who smiled at her.
“You did all of this. How?”
“Harley and I drove, but Mom and J.T. flew in this morning. We knew about the weather. They’ve been cooking all day. You’re a part of the family now, and it wouldn’t be right to celebrate without you. Besides, we heard you have an excellent spot to watch the Thanksgiving Parade. Mom’s a fan, so she had no problem packing everything in dry ice and shipping it here.”
Macy put her hands to her cheeks. “No one’s ever done anything like this for me. You guys are incredible.”
“It’s what families do,” J.T. said as he nudged her with his shoulder.
“Why don’t you and Blake relax? Dinner should arrive in just a bit,” his mother said.
Macy was baffled.
“All of this,” J.T. said, waving at the cluttered counter, “is for tomorrow’s lunch. We ordered pizza for tonight. It’s a family tradition, or at least it was when Blake and I were kids. Mom was always too busy getting ready for the big day to take time to cook dinner the night before, so our dad would order pizza. And there’s no better place to carry on that tradition than here.”
Thankfully, the kitchen was well stocked with dishes and pots and pans, none of which had been used since she’d moved in. Most of her meals were eaten at work, and then she’d order in most nights.
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