Page 79 of No Fear

Ella didn't answer and Mackie stood, not wanting to make the child any more uncomfortable than she already was.

“I didn’t even know this unit was empty. Been away with work a little recently.”

The tentative smile was back but she didn't say anything. Mackie’s gaze was drawn to her lips. Her mouth was small, delicate, like the rest of her. He stepped back before he did or said something stupid.

“Well, it was nice to meet you both. I’m sure I’ll see you around. If you need anything, don't hesitate to knock.”

“Thank you for the help with the bags.”

“Anytime.”

Lisa closed the door on him and Mackie turned to unlock his own and stepped into his apartment. Lisa was definitely a pretty addition to the building. He hadn't seen a ring on her finger. Was Ella’s dad in the picture? Guess he’d find out soon enough.

Mackie quickly showered and put on fresh clothes. He planned to grab breakfast for him and Donnie from the cafe across the street before heading back.

Thirty minutes later, he let himself into Donnie's unit.

“Hey, buddy, I’m back,” he called out as he closed the door. Turning, he immediately saw the milk on the floor. Shit. He stepped further in, gaze sweeping the room, taking in the smashed bowl. Cereal splattered everywhere. His eyes landed on Donnie sitting on the floor, head leaned back against the fridge, eyes red. Fuck.

Mackie placed the paper bag with their breakfast on the island. Crouching, he placed a hand on Donnie’s arm.

“Guess you got hungry?” He kept his voice light. His friend wouldn’t take kindly to sympathy.

“Still am,” he mumbled.

“Good job I brought breakfast burritos then. Come on. Let’s eat.” He took Donnie’s hand and pulled him to his feet.

“I can’t fucking do this, Mackie.”

“Bullshit. You can and you will. You spilled some milk. Big deal. At least you tried. Now sit your ass down and have the burrito before it gets cold.” Mackie placed the breakfast in front of him.

“Sorry about the mess.”

“Shut up and eat. I’ll clean it up in a minute. First, let me tell you about my sexy new neighbor.”

Mackie told him about Lisa and Ella more to get Donnie’s mind off what happened than anything else.

“Don't mess with a single mom, bro. Not fair on the kid,” Donnie said.

“I know. I’m not a complete moron. I don’t know if she's a single mom. Dad might just be at work.”

“If she didn’t mention him. He's not around,” Donnie said, screwing up the breakfast wrapper. “It’s kinda early to be grocery shopping.”

“Yeah. Maybe they’re earlier risers, or she works shifts. She wasn’t very chatty, Anyway, what about Charlie? Tell me about her. What does she look like?”

“Why?”

“Jeez. Because she’s important to you and I’m curious.” And he wanted to keep Donnie’s mind on things that he cared about.

“Get my phone.”

Mackie picked it up off the counter. He had disabled the lock. “Got it.”

“Go to photos. Should be the last one.”

Mackie pulled up the photo and smiled. Donnie and Charlie were crouched on some kind of glass floor, laughing at the camera. Their heads were touching, and Charlie was grasping Donnie’s right hand with both of hers as he took the selfie. Her blue eyes were striking, and soft blond curls framed her face.

“She’s cute, man. Where are you?”