Page 1 of Now That We Don't Talk

CHAPTER ONE

VIVIAN

Relief washes over me as I read the texts from my friend Katie. She continues apologizing for canceling our plans tonight. Apparently, her boyfriend got food poisoning from a shady sushi restaurant, so they won’t be able to introduce me to his co-worker. I’m really bummed about it. Not really—but that’s what I’m telling her.

Oh no. Totally understand. I hope he feels better.

She doesn’t need to know that I’m already changing into my pj’s before I even hit send. Let’s be honest—sometimes canceled plans are the best plans.

Cash really wants to meet you. Can we reschedule for next weekend? We both feel so bad about this.

I pull my long, dark blonde hair into a low bun, slide on a headband, and wash my face before reaching for my phone.

Please don’t feel bad. I’ll check my schedule for next week and let you know.

And I will—just not this second because I’m currently in deconstructive mode, getting ready for a dreamy evening at home.

I’ve been hearing about Cash for weeks. Katie swears he’s a perfect match for me. Of course I still have my doubts, even though she knows me so well. She’s been one of my best friends since we were in our awkward early teen years, so I should probably trust her judgment. It’s not her fault my outlook on men and dating has become so negative. I take full responsibility for my bad attitude.

In my defense, I’ve had a run of bad experiences with men over the past year or so. I’m starting to wonder if it’s me and not them like I’d originally thought. It’s not fun to admit the truth—I’m the problem, it’s me.

Well, mostly—I won’t take the blame for the guy who claimed my grandmother visited him in a dream and told him we were soul mates. Granny passed away five years ago, so yep, that one freaked me out a bit.

Anyway, when Katie told me about Dallin’s new partner at his firm, I was both hesitant and a little hopeful. To be clear her exact words were "You two might have been made for each other.” Katie insists he’s the male version of me. When someone says that, it’s kind of hard to ignore. The only information I have about him is he’s from Florida and he’s attractive in a baby face, Tom Holland way. It’s not much to go from, but it’s a start.

Anyway, due to schedule conflicts and now Dallin’s poor choice in dining establishments, Cash and I haven’t had the pleasure of being introduced to each other yet.

Seriously though, maybe this is a sign. It shouldn’t be this difficult to get together for dinner. Perhaps plans keep falling through because it’s a disaster waiting to happen. Sometimes it’s easier to think that instead of getting my hopes up. What can I say—I’m a realist.

The sound of my phone ringing interrupts my thoughts, and I see Katie’s number on my screen. That was quick.

“I haven’t had a chance to look at my schedule yet,” I answer before she can say a word.

“I figured. I was just making sure you weren’t getting any ideas about this being some sort of sign you shouldn’t meet Cash.”

Crap. There are both positives and negatives about having a friend who’s known you most of your life.

“No, of course not,” I exclaim, unconvincingly.

“I’m so mad at Dallin right now,” she trails off. “Wait. Why don’t you and Cash still meet up tonight? You’re both adults. You certainly don’t need us tagging along as chaperones.”

I glance down at my pink and blue striped pajamas. Sorry, friend. Once the pjs are on, the plans are off.

“It’s okay. Let’s just reschedule when you guys can join us,” I tell her.

She lets out a frustrated sigh. “Okay, but it’s happening. I won’t let you out of this.”

“For sure.”

I slip my feet into my warm fuzzy slippers and wander to my kitchen. As happy as I am to be staying home tonight, I’m a little bummed about missing out on delicious Northern Italian cuisine. I open the fridge and stare. My options are limited, so I grab some grapes and cheese, and crackers from the pantry. I desperately need groceries.

“Anyway, want to meet for breakfast tomorrow?” I ask, stretching out on my couch. “Unless you need to nurse Dallin back to health?”

Katie snorts. “Please. Of course I want to get breakfast. Dallin will be fine—hopefully a little smarter next time.”

I giggle. Katie and Dallin are one of those couples who thrive on playful banter, constantly teasing each other. Honestly, they should have their own reality show.

“Aww…shouldn’t a loving girlfriend take care of her man when he’s under the weather?” I tease.

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