Page 13 of Now That We Don't Talk

“I’m surprised you haven’t heard the not-so-great stuff about me,” I admit. “I’m not as charming as everyone believes.”

She grins. “No one is perfect, but Kyle wouldn’t be best friends with you if you weren’t truly a good guy.”

I like this girl. I think I’ll give them my blessing.

“Thanks for saying that,” I say.

Her face lights up. “And Kyle has been so excited for you to come back. I told him we should go watch some of your games.”

“Yes. You should. He hasn’t been to see a game since last season.” I shoot Kyle a disappointed look.

“I know, I know,” he says. “I promise I’ll go in the fall.”

“I know a few girls who really like hockey,” Addi says with a broad smile. “They are excited to meet you.”

And there it is. I knew it wouldn’t be long before she brought up her friends.

“I’m always excited to meet hockey fans,” I tell her. “And it’s even better if they are Tennessee Wolves fans.”

“I’m sure they will be after they meet you,” Kyle suggests. “Mac Evans has a good-sized fan club.”

“I don’t actually have a fan club,” I admit.

“Hey, you’ve just given me a great idea,” he exclaims. “I could start a Mac fan club and be the president. I could send out autographs and raffle off dates with you. It’ll be a huge success.”

“Okay, settle down,” I tell him. “You have a job and a girlfriend?—”

“We could do it together,” Addi exclaims. “It’ll be fun. I’m sure my friends would join, plus Katie and Vivian.”

Ha. That’s funny. I highly doubt Vivian will be signing up for my fan club.

“I appreciate the thought,” I say, “but I think I need a few months away from hockey.”

“Mac is taking this time to reflect,” Kyle chimes in.

“Good for you,” Addi says. “Self-care is important. Too many people don’t make it a priority.”

“You’re right,” I say. “Self-care is exactly what I need.”

She nods. “You should read some books and enjoy your time off. Kyle says you’re always on the go for months at a time.”

“The season is very intense, and I love what I do, but it’s been a strange few months.”

We spend the rest of the evening chatting, and I can see why Kyle is so happy. Addi is cool and it’s obvious she cares about my best friend. I’m not a relationship expert, but I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends up being a long-term thing. No one deserves it more than Kyle. He’s stood by me through it all.

CHAPTER FIVE

VIVIAN

Katie’s parents’ house looks like something straight out of a TV show—not in a museum-like way, but in the warm, lived-in kind of way. It’s inviting and comfortable, with a fridge that’s always fully stocked with the best snacks. I’m one of the first to arrive for the barbeque, even before Katie. This isn’t a surprise because I’m always on time and she’s always late. It’s just another way we balance each other.

“Hi, Laura,” I say, walking into the kitchen like I live here.

“Vivi, it’s great to see you,” she says, reaching for my hand. She’s stirring something in a large sauce pot on the stove.

“How are you?” she asks.

“I’m great.” I say, taking a cube of cheese from the large platter.

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