Page 11 of Now That We Don't Talk

I ignore him. “Anyway, ever since the holidays, I’ve been in a weird headspace when it comes to dating and women.”

“It happens—and then, bam, you meet the one,” he exclaims, clapping his hands together.

I raise an eyebrow. “So Addi’s the one?”

Am I really having this conversation with my best friend.When did we grow up?

“I think so.”

“Well that seems to be what everyone else thinks too. Your mom told my mom that you two are getting very serious.”

“Mom loves Addi,” he says. “Although it’s not difficult to love her.”

I pat him on the back. “I’m happy for you, man. And looking forward to meeting her.”

“Let’s have dinner tonight,” he suggests. “Unless you have other plans.”

“No plans. Let’s do it.”

“Should Addi bring a friend?” he asks. “You’re a big topic of conversation amongst her friends.”

I grin. “Not tonight. I want to spend some time getting to know the woman who has taken over my best friend.”

“Sounds good,” he says. “How about one more go round? I need to try to walk out of here with my head held high.”

“Sure. Give it a shot—maybe I’ll let you win.”

He frowns before hopping to his feet.

I win our final match, and Kyle demands a rematch next week.

“Oh, guess who I saw at the store—Vivian Lewis,” I tell him.

Kyle raises his eyebrows. “How did that go?”

I shrug. “Fine. We really didn’t have a chance to talk because I was walking out and there was a woman who wanted a photo with me?—”

“I bet she did,” he interrupts.

“A photo with her and her kidsforher husband,” I add.

"Well, it's probably for the best that you were busy," he says. "Vivian isn't exactly a fan of Mac Evans."

I shake my head in disbelief. “I don’t get it. She always acted like she was better than everyone. Isn’t she some kind of genius?”

Kyle nods. “Pretty much. But honestly, Vivian’s a great person and a good friend. She’s like Katie’s version of you.”

Hmm…I’m not sure how I feel about that.

“Yeah, but Vivian and I couldn’t be more different,” I point out.

“Yes and no,” he says. “You’re both loyal, driven, and passionate about your careers.”

I exhale. “Okay, that’s true…and she looks good.” That’s actually an understatement—she looks better than I remember. Seeing her caught me off guard. I mean, Vivian has always been pretty, but there was something different about her.

"Yeah, Katie always says Vivian is one of those women who doesn’t realize just how beautiful she is.”

The sound of his phone interrupts our conversation.

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