Page 12 of Now That We Don't Talk

“Ah, it’s Addi,” he tells me. “Hey, babe, I was just about to text you. Does tonight work for dinner with Mac?”

A smile spreads across his face. “Just the three of us tonight. He wants to get to know you.”

I’m not opposed to meeting any of Addi’s friends, but I want the opportunity to talk to my best friend’s girlfriend without having to get to know someone else at the same time, especially if Addi is really the one my friend wants to spend his life with.

“We’re on for tonight,” he says after ending his call. “Anyway, what were we talking about?”

“It doesn’t matter,” I say. “I’m looking forward to finally sitting down with Addi.”

“Be prepared for a lot of questions about Kyle throughout the years,” he exclaims. “Don’t forget I’m counting on you to not break the code.”

I smirk. “The code? Oh, you mean by revealing all the dark secrets of your past?”

“Yes. And I’ll remind you I have more scandalous dirt on you.”

“Ah. Good point,” I say. "Alright, my go-to answer for her questions will be, 'I don’t recall.' But if she asks whetheryou ever passed out under a tree wearing a Barbie T-shirt, well…I can’t tell a lie."

He scowls. “Fine. But don’t forget I’m a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the star of the Tennessee Wolves. I could make a fortune telling the true story. Juicy gossip sells, and I could use some extra cash.”

“Fine. I’ll never say a word.”

We continue to chat on our way out and plan to meet for dinner at seven. It feels good to be back—almost like I never left.

“I can’t believe we’re finally meeting,” Addi squeals, giving me a tight hug. “I feel like I already know you.”

“The feeling is mutual,” I say with a smile.

I look back and forth between Addi and my best friend. They make a great couple. She’s pretty with short brown hair and a wide smile stretching across her face.

I can already tell she’s a bundle of energy. Kyle is pretty laid back, so she’ll balance him out well.

As soon as we’re seated at our table, the questions begin. One after another I answer them, and then it’s my turn to ask the questions.

“So what’s your favorite thing about this guy?”

Her face lights up like a Christmas tree. “I don’t even know where to begin. He’s thoughtful and patient, and he’s always there to help a friend.”

I nod. “I can confirm that.”

She shoots a dreamy look at Kyle, and he beams. Wow. My best friend is done. I’ve known him a long time, and I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at this woman.

“Katie and Vivian told me a story about the time you guys saved the baby squirrel and how Kyle wouldn’t go to sleep because he wanted to make sure he was alright.”

I give a thoughtful look. “Oh wow, I forgot about that.”

“That’s because you weren’t as concerned as me. You thought we should just drop it off at a twenty-four-hour clinic,” Kyle adds.

“Because we knew nothing about taking care of a baby squirrel or baby anything,” I remind him.

“It sounds like you all had some great times together,” Addi says. “Katie and Vivian are the best.”

I press my lips together and nod. She must not know that Vivian and I didn’t get along back in the day, and I’d rather keep it that way. I want her to like me.

“I love that Kyle is a twin,” she continues. “My mom is a twin also, and I’ve always been in awe of the connection they share—even though I know it’s different with boys and girls.”

“Yes, Katie is like a sister to me,” I say with a grin. “Though I’m pretty sure she sees me as just another annoying brother.”

“I can confirm this,” Kyle agrees.

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