Page 21 of Skipping Stones

“You know,” he began, poking her in the shoulder with his finger as his frustration overtook any sense of decorum. “The only reason you got that award was because of me.” His voice rose as he tapped his own chest. “I made you. I gave you your first chance and taught you everything you know.” He turned to the bartender. “Another one.”

Linney flushed with embarrassment. “Mac, not here.”

“Why not here? It’s no secret. Everyone knows it.” He was shouting now, and his new drink spilled with his oversized gestures. “You wouldn’t have had half the opportunities if you weren’t sleeping with me. That award should be mine. You’d be nothing without me.” He threw back the whiskey and raised his glass, once again empty, signalling to the bartender to fill it again.

Silence fell over the bar and Linney’s eyes darted around, noticing that people dropped their gaze as she did so. They had all heard. She took a deep breath and clenched her hands into fists. “Mac, let’s go home.” At least there, she would be the only audience for his biting and condescending words. She was used to that.

But he wouldn’t be quieted. “You think you’re a big shot now, don’t you, now that you have an award?” he sneered. “It doesn’t mean a thing. The whole thing’s rigged.” Linney put a hand on his arm, trying to make a connection, but he shrugged it off. “Don’t fool yourself.” He finished his drink in one swallow and slammed the glass on the bar. “And another thing. It had to go to a woman this year. That’s why you got it. Don’t fool yourself into thinking it had anything to do with talent.” Mac turned his attention to the bartender. “Gimme another.” He stumbled and only just caught himself on the bar.

People were openly staring now. MJ made her way over to Linney for support.

“I’m sorry you feel that way, Mac,” Linney began, squaring her shoulders against the hot tears prickling in her eyes that prevented her from continuing.

MJ picked up Linney’s statue and put her arm around her friend’s shoulders. “Let’s get out of here,” she whispered. They could both hear the murmuring as they left the room.

* * *

“I’m okay, MJ.” Linney took a few deep breaths as they stood in the lobby. All she wanted was to go home. “I love him. I really do. It’s just hard when he’s like this.”

“Let me call Gemma.” As they left, MJ had seen Gemma take Mac’s arm firmly and lead him away from the crowd with a grim look. Gritting her teeth, she spoke to their boss and as she put Linney in a cab, she confirmed. “Gemma says not to worry, okay? She’s got it. You’re sure you don’t want me to come with you?”

Linney shook her head. “Thanks, MJ. You’re the best. But I need to be alone tonight.”

“Okay, but call me if you need anything. Anything at all.”

Somehow, Linney held her emotions in check during the cab ride. When she closed the door to her flat behind her, she unclenched her fists and saw the fingernail marks in her palms. In her bedroom, she placed the award on her bureau and hung up her beautiful dress, and she finally let herself cry. Salty tears rolled down her face, and she sobbed as she pulled hairpins out of her updo, letting her hair tumble down her back. She put on her pajamas and splashed water on her face, but the tears kept coming. Her phone buzzed.

Hey, how’d it go? Am I now the friend of a twice-awarded journalist?

Yes, you are! I’m home now but I keep pinching myself.

Linney’s phone rang, and she climbed into bed and took a deep breath before answering quietly. “Hey.”

“Hey to you—and well done!

“Thanks. It was a magical evening. I can still hardly believe I won.” Linney paused. “Mac didn’t take it well though.”

“What do you mean?” Derek was on alert. Linney didn’t sound as excited as she should be.

“He had too much to drink and said some things he’ll regret tomorrow. I’m home now. It’ll be fine tomorrow.” She swiped her finger on her cheek where new tear had fallen.” She sniffled. There was silence on the other end of the line. “Seriously, it’ll be alright.

More silence. Linney’s training had taught her not to fill silences. People usually said what they really felt if you waited them out and if Derek had something to say, she could be patient. While she waited, Linney picked at her cuticles. The stress was getting to her.

“Why do you do that? Apologize for him. It’s not right.”

“Derek—”

“You’re upset. What did he say?”

“That I didn’t deserve it. That he made me.” Her voice hitched and eventually she continued in a quieter voice, “Maybe he’s right.”

“That bast— Linney, don’t listen to him. You are a great journalist. Is … is everything okay over there? I’m worried about you.”

She pulled her knees up to her chest. “Don’t be.”

“It’s just … Look, I don’t want to pry, but you keep talking about Mac’s drinking and it reminds me a bit of my mum. I’m worried. Are you sure you’re alright? You should be out celebrating, not at home and upset.”

Linney’s temper flared. She was tired, aggravated, and hurt, and now Derek was piling on too. “Thank you for your concern, but it’s nothing like that. And I can take care of myself.” How dare he, she fumed. He was comparing her and Mac to his mother and father. She was educated, she had a career, and she wasn’t beholden to any man. He didn’t know what he was talking about.