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Chapter Forty-Eight

MACKENZIE

“Mackenzie, Hi. What are you doing here?”

“Hello, Mrs. Bennett. I’m sorry to just drop in like this. Is there a chance we can talk?”

I got on the first plane I could to Portland, and I now stood nervously on the front porch of Fallon’s parents’ house. She blinked a few times before finally letting me in.

She walked me to the living room, and I took the chair across from hers. “Does my daughter know you’re here? Surely not. I just got off the phone with her, and she would’ve mentioned if you were going to be showing up to my house unannounced.” She didn’t sound very pleased to see me, and I couldn’t blame her.

Her response told me all I needed to know about what Fallon had told her mom. She knew I messed up.

“No, she doesn’t know. We haven’t spoken in a while, as I’m sure you already know.”

“Hmm. Yes, I’m well aware of what’s been going on. She told me I didn’t have to hate you, but I want to.”

I nodded, forcing away my small smile. That sounded like my Fallon. “I know, ma’am, and you have every right to. I fu— I messed up by letting my ex into my house. I know I shouldn’t have.”

“And kissing her. Don’t forget that part.”

I sighed, bracing myself to repeat the same explanation I’d already given countless times. “I didn’t kiss her. That’s what I was trying to explain to Fallon, but she wouldn’t listen, and I didn’t want to push her too hard. My ex... she’s incredibly narcissistic and manipulative. I’m not making excuses for either one of our behaviors. All I’m saying is that I didn’t intentionally cheat on your daughter. I love her, and I care for her more than anything in this world. That’s why I’m here—to woman up and talk to you face to face.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but shouldn’t you be saying this to Fallon? She’s the one you need to explain yourself to, not me.” She crossed her legs and folded her arms, her mama bear stance on full display.

I took a deep breath. If I wanted to win Fallon back, I needed to build the right bridges along the way.

“I know, and I want to. That’s also why I’m here.” I reached into my bag and pulled out three pieces of paper.

“I wasn’t lying when I said I love your daughter, Mrs. Bennett. I would do anything for her, and this is only the beginning. I know how much this would mean to her.” I pointed to the papers she held in her hands.

She sat there silently, staring at the papers, flipping them over, front to back before she spoke, a single tear sliding down her cheek. “You make it very hard to hate you when you show your heart. You need to do that with my daughter if you plan on sticking around. She’s been through enough, and she deserves happiness. So you’d better deliver it.”

I smiled. “That’s the plan.”

She folded the papers and smiled cautiously. “Tell me the rest of the plan.”

I stayed for another hour, lying out how I planned to win back the love of my life.

A few hours later, I was on my way home when I got a text. I almost dropped my phone in the middle of the airport when I saw who it was from:

Drea: Those flowers were lovely, and the card was sweet. Fallon wasn’t ready to reach out, but she thanks you. Your stupid card made her cry, so I hate you more for that.

I understood and respected Fallon’s decision not to reach out, but I smiled anyway. Drea was as close as I would get to Fallon, and for now, that was good enough.

Me: Thank you. And she is welcome.

Me: While I have you, can I stop by the store tomorrow, preferably when Fallon isn’t there?

Drea: Haha! Funny. Also, you don’t have anything!

Me: I’m serious, I want to talk.

Drea: At least you’re asking this time. I promised her I wouldn’t kill you, so fine. Anytime tomorrow. She works all day so she won’t be around.

Me: Thanks, Drea.

The next morning, I walked into the bookstore so slowly, anyone walking by probably would’ve thought I was a sloth.

When I saw Drea look up at me, my heart stopped. I was prepared for anything at this point. She may have promised Fallon no death, but near death was probably acceptable.

“Mackenzie,” Drea said, so dryly. At least she wasn’t yelling.

I cautiously walked up to the counter. “Good morning, Drea. You’re looking lovely today.”

She hummed and looked at me, calm and collected. I wasn’t sure how to feel about it. Honestly, it was creeping me out.

“Look, I’ll spare you the bullshit excuses that you’re probably expecting me to give, and how you should strangle me for breaking my promise, okay? I fucked up. I’m well aware of that. I broke her heart, which was the last thing I ever wanted to do. It kills me every day, but it’s what I deserve.”

She nodded quietly while I spoke, but I kept going, thankful she was even letting me talk. “I’m begging for a chance to explain to Fallon and try to earn her forgiveness. I’m sure she won’t, and she has every right not to, but I think she deserves to at least hear me out. I came here to beg on my knees if I have to. You’re her best friend, and I am desperate.”

I stood there, waiting in silence while she stayed quiet. I didn’t rush her or say anything else. If I had to crawl on the floor and beg her to help me, I would’ve.

After what felt like the longest minute of my life, she finally looked at me. “What a speech. Really, Mackenzie. I’m impressed. Did your lady balls grow over the past few months?”

I rolled my eyes. “Drea, be serious, please.”

“What? I am being serious. You think you can walk in here, give me some sob story, and expect me to what, exactly? Welcome you with open arms? That’s not happening. I told Fallon, and I’ll tell you the same thing—I will not forgive you until she does, and she hasn’t even given it a second thought.” Ouch.

I guess I had that coming. I shouldn’t have come here expecting Fallon to be miserable like I was—up all night, thinking about what we had.

I sighed. “I know, Drea. That’s why I’m here—to beg for your help.”

“Why would I want to help you? Give me one good reason why I should even consider helping you with anything. I swear, Mackenzie, you really have a lot of nerve?—”

“Because you read the card. You know how I feel about her. The love I have for her doesn’t just go away. It will never go away. You know I’d risk my life for her. I’d do anything for that woman, and that includes talking to her best friend, alone, with no witnesses—begging her to help me have a chance to talk to Fallon. That’s all I’m asking for here, Drea. A chance.”

“I swear to God, Mackenzie, this better not come back to bite me in the ass. Start talking.”

And so I told her everything, including my visit with Fallon’s mom. She reluctantly agreed to help me, and I thanked her profusely.

“I have to ask—how is she?” I really needed to know.

She sighed. “She is Fallon. She’s strong, she’s smart… she’s managing. You better not fuck this up, Wildcat.”