4. Mackenna

4

MACKENNA

" We need to talk." I'm simmering inside as I approach Justin, but I manage to keep my voice even and in control. I'm not usually the type of person to stew on something, but I haven't been able to stop thinking about how rude Justin was yesterday.

"About what?" Justin asks, looking up from the raw chicken he's cutting up for the raptors.

"The way you spoke to Reid yesterday."

Justin's shoulders drop and remorse fills his eyes. "Yeah. I'm sorry about that, Mackenna. I know it wasn't cool. I was just looking out for you, that's all. You had been with him for a long time, and I was worried he was overstaying his welcome."

"Bullshit. You came over because you were jealous." I fold my arms across my chest. "Justin, nothing is ever going to happen between you and me. I see you as a friend—as my employee — and nothing more. If you can't accept that, this isn't going to work out."

"Okay, okay." He frowns at me. "I'm really sorry. It won't happen again."

"And if Reid comes over again, for any reason?—"

"I'll be nice. Don't worry."

"Thank you." I exhale, relieved to have gotten the conversation over with. The last thing I want to deal with is having to fire Justin and find a replacement. I had a hard enough time finding the right person for the job. I don't want to go through that whole process again.

I walk over to check the clipboard hanging on the wall that has all the tasks that need to get done today. I'm making a mental note of what I need to prioritize when a crack of thunder sounds outside.

"Jesus," I mutter, peering out the nearest window. The sky is darkening, ominous storm clouds gathering in the distance. "That doesn't look good."

Justin joins me at the window. "Holy crap."

"I'm going to get all the animals protected. Can you check on our emergency supplies?"

"Yep. Will do."

"Thanks. I'll have my walkie-talkie on me."

I rush out the door, my mind racing with all that I need to do before the storm hits. I can already feel a change in the air, a coolness that sends a chill down my spine. Whatever is coming isn't going to be pretty.

But even with all that I need to do right now, I can't help but look out toward the hill next door and worry about how Reid's old house is going to fare the storm.

Me (10:32am): Hey. Crazy storm, huh?

Reid (10:41am): Sure is.

Me (10:41am): You aren't on the new property, are you?

Reid (10:44am): Nope. I'm in my apartment.

Me (10:45am): Ok. Good.

Reid (10:50am): Everything ok at the sanctuary?

Me (10:51am): As okay as things could be. I sent Justin home and I'm hunkered down in the office since all of our emergency supplies are in here. All I want to do is go check on the animals. Poor things. I wish I was cuddling with them through this damn storm.

Reid (10:51am): For God's sake, stay inside.

Me (10:52am): I'm not actually going to do it. I'm just worried about them.

Reid (10:52am): I'm sure they'll all be fine.

Reid (11:21am): You doing okay?

Me (11:22am): Sort of. I keep hearing branches fall outside. I'm a ball of stress right now. I keep worrying about the animals. Thanks for asking, though.

Reid (11:23am): I'm sure they'll all be fine.

Me (11:23am): Are you a robot, Reid? You said the exact same thing earlier :)

Reid (11:24am): Not a robot.

Me (11:24am): Ah. But how do I know you aren't just a robot saying you aren't a robot?

Reid (11:25am): Guess you'll just have to take my word for it.

Me (11:25am): I guess I will.

Me (12:02pm): Power just went out here.

Reid (12:03pm): Same.

Me (12:03pm): And of course I walked into the other room and tried to turn on the light switch.

Reid (12:03pm): We've all been there.

Me (12:04pm): It's so dark out. It feels like it's night.

Reid (12:04pm): Yeah.

Me (12:05pm): You have an emergency light or something, right? Or candles?

Reid (12:06pm): I've got a flashlight, if I need it.

Me (12:06pm): So you're telling me you're sitting in the dark. You know what? I'm not surprised.

Reid (12:07pm): What's that supposed to mean?

Me (12:07pm): Nothing. It's just very…you.

Reid (12:08pm): Right.

Me (12:10pm): It's a lot more pleasant to have a little light, you know. Here, let me show you. Hopefully this photo goes through…

Reid (12:11pm): Jesus. How many candles do you have? You're going to burn that place down.

Me (12:12pm): I'm being careful. I'm not an idiot, Reid.

Reid (12:12pm): Said the woman who tried to turn on a light switch during a power outage.

Reid (12:12pm): Fuck. I'm sorry. That was mean.

Reid (12:15pm): Mackenna? I'm sorry. It was a dumb joke.

Me (12:21pm): Oh! No, it's okay. I wasn't offended. I just heard a loud bang and stepped outside to make sure everything was okay.

Reid (12:21pm): Is it?

Me (12:22pm): Yeah. A branch hit the office. Scraped up the siding. But it's fine.

Reid (12:23pm): Okay. Glad to hear that.

Reid (12:23pm): And I don't think you're an idiot.

Me (12:24pm): Hah. Thanks.

Reid (12:24pm): Seriously. You're anything but that.

Me (12:25pm): You sure know how to flatter a woman…

Me (12:25pm): Ugh. That made it sound like I'm fishing for compliments. Can we change the subject?

Reid (12:26pm): Fine by me.

Reid (12:26pm): But, for the record, I think you're pretty impressive. I don't know how many people could do what you do.

Me (12:27pm): Aw. Thank you, Reid.

Reid (12:28pm): Jesus. That was some intense lightning. You see that?

Me (12:28pm): I did. It was scary, but…beautiful, too.

Reid (12:28pm): Yeah. You're right. It was.