There’s a moment of silence between us before she says, “Okay…why do I hate the tone of your voice?”
“I need a favor. A big one.”
“Oh. Right. You’re one of those men. What’s it going to be this time?”
“Mackenzie.”
“It’s fine,” she sighs. “Just say it.”
I keep my voice low and controlled. “Portland Pantry is in desperate need of stock. They had to turn people away today. Do you have anything you can get over there? Food, supplies, whatever you can spare. I’ll pay any price.”
Her tone shifts immediately. “How fast do you need it?”
“Tonight, if possible.”
“Done.” There’s no hesitation. “I can send a delivery through the team kitchen and one of the supplier trucks. We’ll get them produce and protein. Dry goods too if I can. I’ll call in a couple favors.”
“I knew you would come through for me. Thank you, Mack.”
“Don’t thank me,” she says briskly. “It’s what we do for our community.”
“Yeah.”
“Hey Shep?”
“Yeah.”
Her voice softens, just a fraction. “This about Sutton?”
“How do you know about her?”
“Bishop told me.”
Fucking brothers…
“He stopped by a little bit ago to help me tear down from the tasting. Said he went to the bar to meet up with you, but your girl got injured and you carried her out. She okay?”
I glance down the hall where Sutton is grabbing a drink from the water fountain.
“Yes,” I say honestly. “This will help.”
Mackenzie exhales. “Okay. I’ll handle the pantry. No worries.”
“And she doesn’t need to know this was me, alright? As long as the pantry is stocked that’s all I care about.”
“Sure thing.”
“Thank you.”
“And Shepherd?”
“Yeah.”
“If you ever tell Kyler I have a heart, I’ll deny it.”
A faint smile tugs at my mouth. Mackenzie Adams is every bit as stubborn as Sutton is and I know that’s because she grew up with two diva-like athletic brothers. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Everything okay?” Sutton asks carefully as she approaches from down the hall.
