And when morning rolled around, I woke up missing Mac like I’d miss a lung, feeling all oxygen deprived and shit, so I called her.
I didn’t weigh out the pros and cons… I didn’t spend too much time thinking of any psychological repercussions—I just did it.
I invited her to go to Coney Island with Gabe and me.
She had asked, “Are you sure, Matt? You want me to meet Gabe?”
I never thought twice about it. “Absolutely. ”
“Well, if you’re sure,” she said, still a bit hesitantly. “I’d really love to meet him. And I really miss you, so bonus!”
I laughed, hung up, and then I went to find Gabe to explain Mac to him.
The doorbell rings, jarring me out of my reflection. My pulse starts hammering because that would be Mac and I’m nervous about her meeting Gabe, but I’m f**king excited as hell to see her. I hope to God I don’t pop wood the minute I lay my eyes on her, which has been known to randomly happen when she’s in the immediate vicinity.
“Hey buddy… how about going to let Mac in so I can finish just one more thing? I’ll be out in a minute. ”
“Okay,” he says, turning to run out of my office.
“Gabe?” I call out, and he turns to look at me. “Be nice. ”
He flashes me another grin and then bolts down the hallway. I really don’t have anything to finish up, but I wanted to give Mac some alone time with Gabe. I imagine she’s got to be pretty nervous and doesn’t need me overlooking their introduction. Besides, Gabe is so outgoing, he’ll have no problem entertaining her all on his own.
I log off my computer and sit back in my chair, listening to their conversation.
It’s f**king awesome. Gabe immediately takes her into the living room and talks her into playing Wii bowling with him.
“I’m really
good,” I hear him brag to Mac. “I beat Dad all the time, and I’ll probably beat you. ”
I listen as Gabe chatters away at Mac, trying to explain the game to her. She talks to him like a natural, bringing it down to a seven-year-old level, but also understanding that he’s bright and mature for his age, so she doesn’t treat him like a baby.
I hear Gabe yell out, “In your face, Mac,” and I can’t help the laugh that pops out of my mouth. I can hear Mac laugh too, and it’s such a beautiful sound that my smile doesn’t melt away.
After about twenty minutes, I get up and walk into the living room, where I’m treated to a phenomenal view of Mac as she bends over slightly, aiming up her bowling shot. Luckily, I do not pop wood but f**k, she has an amazing ass that I cannot wait to tap one day.
“Poor form, Mac,” I tease her, trying to keep the huskiness out of my voice so Gabe doesn’t pick up on any vibes. “I think you need to bend over a little more. ”
She shoots me a smirk over her shoulder, and then turns back to the TV. “Behave yourself. ”
I hop over the back of the couch and sit down, one arm resting over the back, and cross my legs. I then watch as Gabe totally smokes Mac and then mocks her with a little victory dance. And yes, he actually learned that move from me when I beat him at Candy Land once… I got up and danced around the table, yelling, “In your face,” to him. But damn… the kid always beats me and I was not about to let that victory go to waste.
Mac hands the Wii controller to my son with a laugh. “You are just too good, Gabe. I’ll never be able to beat you. ”
Gabe looks pleased as punch from the compliment, and then turns to me. “Want to play?”
Reaching out, I ruffle his hair. “Maybe later, buddy. Let’s get ready to head out to Coney Island. Go get your shoes on. ”
Gabe leaps up and yells, “Hooray,” before he takes off running to his room.
I watch Gabe’s retreating form before turning to Mac, crooking my finger at her. “Get over here and give me a proper hello. ”
She gives me a sexy smile and then she’s in my lap, letting me kiss her. While I have a brief moment of privacy, I make the kiss scorching hot before I pull away.
“So, what do you think of Gabe?”
“He’s wonderful,” she says with genuine affection. Then she about kills me when she says, “He’s you. ”
Mac sees a lot of things, and I respect her because of her perception. But that she sees my son in the same vein she sees me… that she thinks my son is like me… well, in this moment, I think I may truly love Mac. Our eyes hold one another and something passes between us… an understanding maybe.
Gabe comes flying back into the room, and because kids have no concept of personal space, the moment is broken as he launches himself right at Mac and me
“I need you to tie my shoes, Dad,” he says after smacking hard into my ribs and landing an elbow against Mac’s shoulder.
“Nope. You know how to do it,” I tell him firmly.
“I forget how,” he pouts.
“Well… I heard that in order to get into Coney Island, you have to prove you can tie your shoes. If you can’t do it, we can’t go. ”
Gabe doesn’t pause long to see if maybe I’m bluffing before he pushes away from us and puts on his shoes, tying perfect bows.
Mac chuckles, and I shrug my shoulders. “All the negotiation skills I learned as a lawyer have been invaluable raising a child. ”
Gabe jumps up from the couch and grabs my hand. “Come on, Dad. Let’s go. ”
I stand up, easily bringing Mac’s body up with me, letting her slither down my front as I set her on the floor. Fuck, that felt good and I start to pop a little wood, so I set her away from me. This weekend is going to be torture not being able to f**k her.