Worry twists my insides. “Is this about my wardrobe accident? Did Carole say I’m out?”
He shakes his head. “No, no. Nothing like that. Your solo was one of the best today, if you ask me.”
I feel a little reassured. “Thanks, Macklin.”
“My friends call me Mack.” He smiles, offering me his hand to shake.
I can’t help but return his smile. “And I’m Taryn. My closest friends call me Tar-Tar.”
His eyes light up and crease at the corners when his smile widens. Mack is a stunning man, but with my hand in his much larger one, I don’t feel any of the charged tingles I felt a second ago when Nash brushed his fingers against mine.
“So now that we got the introductions taken care of, what did you want to ask me?”
Mack lets go of my hand, running his through his hair. “You’re gonna think I’m paranoid, but I’m gonna come out and just ask. Did you say that Gen told you to be careful with that button?”
“She did.” I nod. “She was here after her solo, and she was trying to clear the air and apologize for not being very welcoming when we signed up for the initial tryouts. She was super nice andeven helped me fasten that stupid button and gave me a safety pin to make sure the top fit me better.”
His eyes narrow at my words. “Did Gen touch your top?”
“She fastened it for me. She did the button and then put the safety pin in like I told you. Why?”
A muscle ticks in Mack’s jaw. “I can’t be one hundred percent sure, but I think my ex-girlfriend might have had something to do with what happened to you on the dance floor.”
“What?” I can’t believe his words. “But she was being so helpful.”
“Yeah?” Mack’s tone is laced with barely repressed anger. “If that were the case, she wouldn’t have left the auditorium to run to Carole. She was talking her ear off about the incident, making you unsuitable for the team. She said you did it on purpose to get noticed by the viewers.”
I feel like a complete idiot. “How could I be so stupid? She came in saying that I didn’t stand a chance because I’m too short and Carole wants taller dancers like her and my bestie Jodie. Then she apologized and offered me her help, and I fell for it like an idiot.”
Mack sighs. “Don’t beat yourself up, Taryn. You had no way of knowing that you were dealing with the most psychotic bitch in town. And believe me, usually I would never use that kind of language about a woman. Especially one I’ve dated for almost five years and have known my whole life. But lately she’s changed. That’s why I ended things with her.”
I don’t know what to say. “She was so sweet. I can’t believe she would try to sabotage me.”
“I can,” Mack bites out. “She’s hellbent on making this team. If she sabotaged you, it’s because she feels threatened by you.”
“Why would she feel threatened by me? There are thirty-two spots on the team, not just one.”
Mack’s gaze darkens. “She wants to be the best, and she wants to be famous. She’s hellbent on being team captain. And she’s going to use every means at her disposal to get what she wants.”
Worry twists my insides. “She’s been telling everyone that Carole and her mom are best friends. Do you think Carole will listen to her if she’s saying I’m not cheer team material?”
Mack squeezes my shoulder. “I’ve got you, Taryn. My mom went to school with Carole and Sylvie. I grew up going to her kids’ birthday parties and they would visit my grandparents’ house in Cape Cod. Carole knows Gen almost as well as I do. But I’ll speak to her just in case. I’m on your side.”
I don’t think about what I’m about to do and throw myself into Mack’s arms. “Thank you so much. I owe you, Mack.”
He smiles again. “You don’t owe me anything. I just hate injustice, and devious people like my ex piss me off. Besides, you’re a much better dancer than Gen. But maybe there is something you can do to thank me for my intervention.”
“What is it?” I ask.
The answer causes my smile to widen. “You can be my friend and run interference any time you see Gen trying to corner me.”
What’s the worst that can happen? Gen already hates me, obviously. “You got it.”
“There’s one more thing.” Mack’s smile is a little cheeky. “I want to be allowed to call you Tar-Tar.”
We leave the changing room and as I go in his opposite direction to enter the auditorium, I have a feeling I just made a new friend.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
