"I'm working with what I've got here." Mac smiled. "But really, Cole and Ellie are disgustingly happy together. It's simultaneously inspiring and nauseating. Cole's been insufferably wise about relationships ever since."
"Sophie told me they’re getting married. Ellie seems sweet, I’ve seen a few times around town."
"Yeah, Ellie's amazing. She literally saved Cole's career, shoulder injury that should have ended it, and she fixed it through physical therapy. They fell in love somewhere between the exercises and ice packs."
"That's very romantic."
"If you like that sort of thing." Mac paused. "Which I do. Apparently. I'm discovering this about myself."
Rachel smiled, and this time it reached her eyes. "Well, that's good to know on a first date."
"Does that mean there might be a second date?"
Rachel hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Maybe. Let's see if you can make it through this one first without knocking over any more furniture."
"That was one time. In the library. And in my defense, those chairs are very poorly placed."
"They're arranged alphabetically by section."
"Exactly. Very confusing layout."
Rachel laughed again.
The café door opened with a chime, and Jamie Lawson walked in. His dark hair was perfectly styled despite the March wind, and he wore that mischievous grin that meant trouble.
He spotted Mac immediately.
"No," Mac said under his breath, a sense of impending doom washing over him. "No, no, no—"
"MacKenzie! And Rachel the librarian!" Jamie strode over with the confidence of someone who knew exactly how unwelcome he was and didn't care. He slid into the booth next to Mac,forcing him to scoot over. "What a coincidence running into you two here!"
"Jamie," Mac said through gritted teeth. "Don't you have somewhere else to be? Literally anywhere else?"
"I did. But then I saw you two through the window and thought, 'Jamie, you should definitely say hi and make sure Mac isn't being too awkward.'"
"That's the worst thought you've ever had. And you've had a lot of bad thoughts."
"Doubtful." Jamie turned to Rachel, flashing his most charming smile. "Rachel, be honest; how's the date going? Is Mac being weird? Because he practiced what to say in the mirror this morning."
"I did not—" Mac started.
"He absolutely did. I heard him when I stopped by his apartment. 'Hi Rachel, you look beautiful today.' Different inflections. Multiple attempts. It was adorable."
Mac wanted to sink through the floor and disappear forever. Maybe move to Alaska. Change his name and become a fisherman.
But Rachel was laughing, her hand covering her mouth. "You did not, Mac?"
Mac looked to the floor.
“Oh, you did,” Rachel cheeks flushed, “it’s very cute.”
"See?" Jamie clapped Mac on the shoulder hard enough to hurt. "She thinks it's cute. You're welcome for this wingman service. My work here is done. Enjoy your date!" He stood, winked at Rachel, and sauntered off to the counter where Sophie was waiting with what looked like his usual order.
Silence settled over the table.
Mac stared at his coffee cup, wishing it would swallow him whole.
"So," Rachel said, and there was amusement in her voice. "Mirror practice?"
