The Christmas Plan (Sapphics in the City #4)

9. Mackenzie

9

MACKENZIE

Mackenzie didn't exactly recognize the address that Taylor had sent her earlier in the day but she did know that it was somewhere along Fifth Avenue, New York City's largest shopping district.

Lined with designer, flagship stores, Fifth Avenue was a glow for the holidays. LED snowflakes decorated the streetlamps. Each store had an elaborate display in their windows, scenes of winter wonderlands dappling the street.

Taylor had told Mac to bring a credit card and some comfortable shoes.

But as Mackenzie stood on the corner, waiting for Taylor, she still couldn't quite figure out where Taylor intended to take her. Looking around at the surrounding stores, Mac wondered what they would be doing at Crate Mac had bought her mother a brand new car, something reliable but sleek; and had treated her friends to dozens of fancy dinners and nights out on the town.

But the holidays were an even better excuse to take care of everyone around her.

With her assignment understood, Claire clapped her hands together and guided Mackenzie and Taylor inside the store. “This is so exciting!” Claire navigated the crowded store with ease, brushing past the other customers toward the home section where she suspected most of Mac’s desired presents might be.

As they walked, Mackenzie tried not to get too distracted by the shimmering lights and gorgeous decorations. Every few feet a towering Christmas tree glowed. Somehow, the magic of Christmas hadn't missed a single inch of the store.

By the time they reached the sitting area where Claire gestured for the couple to settle in, Mac felt full of holiday cheer and ready to shop to her heart's content.

Claire snapped her fingers together and a shiny, silver cart full of incredible gifts was wheeled inside the closed-off area. Taylor leaned back on the couch, letting her arm rest on the back cushion. A satisfied smile took over her face.

Mac wasn't sure if she'd ever be able to get her jaw off the floor. “How do they know exactly what everyone in my life would want?” she asked as she looked at a cart labeled for her mom. It contained a gorgeous set of kitchen knives, handy cooking gadgets, deluxe mugs that kept themselves warm, and dozens of things Mac couldn't even name.

Taylor bit her lip. “I sent them a dossier for each of your friends and family, and then they did their own research.”

Somehow these strangers had put more effort into Mac's Christmas than she'd ever put in herself. But she couldn't lie, it felt like a complete weight off her shoulders to know that she could select any item on the carts and never worry about hitting that credit card limit ever again.

Taylor watched on with glee as Mac hand-selected every item that would be immaculately wrapped and delivered for her most treasured loved ones.

During a brief intermission, two steaming lattes were delivered to the couple in their sitting area.

Mac took a sip of the piping hot coffee, the foam lingering on her upper lip as she tasted the rich flavor.

Taylor clicked her tongue. “So I have one more surprise for you.”

Shaking her head, Mac was thrown back into disbelief. There was no way that this incredible woman would have thought of anything else.

“Taylor Young, you're going to give me a heart attack.”

With a nonchalant shrug, Taylor smiled. “Claire, bring it in.”

And just like that, the wheels of a garment rack clattered into the room. On the long, sterling silver bar, hangers full of elegant dress wear, mostly pantsuits with a few masculine dresses interspersed between, swayed.

Mac stood from her seat on the couch immediately, setting the delicious latte down on the side table. Before she could manage to get any other words out, Mac started to thumb through each hanger and evaluate the options presented to her.

It was almost startling how well Taylor knew her, able to pick out the exact items Mac would have chosen for herself. She’d assumed after over a decade of not speaking that some of her knowledge would have faded. But that didn't seem to ring true.

Mackenzie’s eye caught on one piece in particular: an emerald green suit with a black button-down. Sleek and timeless, the piece was perfect for the occasion. It wasn’t too flashy but felt on-theme and well-considered.

She grabbed the piece off of the hanger and started to put it on. From the couch, Taylor watched her every movement.

But once she was half naked, standing in her boxers and a sports bra, Mac sighed. “You know, we really should be shopping for you. The party is far more important for you than for me.”

Rolling her eyes, Taylor shook her head. “Oh please, I have dozens of once-worn dresses perfect for this occasion. What I really need to figure out is what kind of agent I even need.”

“Maybe one that’s like… not a homophobe and ideally isn’t related to you by blood or marriage.” Mac winked as she slipped on the green trousers.

“Good point.” Taylor shrugged as she leaned forward, watching Mac’s every move.

Once the suit was one, each button done up except the top, Claire came back into the room with a tailor. “Shall we take some measurements?”

Before Mac could answer, Taylor nodded. “We need a perfect fit. And we’ll need it done by tomorrow. Is that possible?”

“For the two best tennis players in the country? Of course we can.” Claire beamed.

As the tailor approached, Mac straightened the collar of the emerald jacket. “Technically speaking, I’m the best in the country.” She winked over to Taylor with a smug grin.

It felt good to be in this room, to look in the mirror and see such a nice suit. After all these years, the work had paid off and Mac couldn’t have been more grateful.

And to repay Taylor for all of her help since August, Mac needed to find her the perfect agent. Tomorrow might just be the night.