Page 14 of Now That We Don't Talk

This kitchen hasn’t changed at all over the years—it’s organized chaos, and everything has its place. The coffee maker is in the same corner by the door to the dining room. Just above it is a shelf containing mugs from different citiesaround the country. Laura has an impressive collection of coffee mugs, and I always enjoyed looking at them when I was younger.

“Give me the full report. What’s new in your life?” she asks.

I shrug my shoulders. “Not much. Work and more work.”

She shakes her head. “You’re too young to be working so much. I hope you still allow yourself to have some fun.”

I smile. “You sound like your daughter.”

“Oh, please don’t tell her. I’ll never hear the end of it.”

“It’ll be our secret,” I say with a wink.

“How are your parents enjoying city life?” she asks. “I love seeing all their pictures online.”

“Oh, they are having a lot of fun soaking up every second of retirement.”

She nods. “We’ve thought about downsizing, but I don’t know if I could ever leave this house. I always dreamed of my grandchildren coming to visit us here.”

I smile. I could see that. For some reason it would be shocking if Katie’s parents were ever to leave this place. It wasn’t as difficult when my parents sold their home because I’d always spent more time with my friends here. Our house was always more formal.

“Hellooo,” a high-pitched voice calls. “We’re here.”

A few seconds later Kyle’s girlfriend Addi comes into the kitchen carrying a bowl and a few bags of chips.

“Oh hey, Vivi,” she says as soon as she sees me.

I like Addi a lot. She’s cheerful, positive, and a ball of energy. Katie really likes her too, which is good because she and her twin brother are very close.

“Do you need some help bringing stuff in?”

“Nah. The boys will bring the rest.”

Boys?

She walks over to give Laura a hug.

“I made homemade potato salad,” she says. “It’s my Aunt Marie’s recipe, and it’s delicious.”

“Oh, I love potato salad,” I say.

“Coming through with the drinks,” Kyle calls.

I follow Addi to help Kyle. And just as I approach the doorway, I come face to face with Mac. He’s balancing a large cooler with two boxes on top of it.

“Oh, sorry,” I say.

“No worries,” he says, his gaze briefly meeting mine. Neither of us speaks another word.

I quickly step aside, giving him space to pass.

Every time I see him, I can’t help but replay that conversation he and his friends had about me. The memory still stings even though I know I should let it go.

“Oh my goodness, there’s our famous son,” Laura squeals as soon as she sees Mac. “We’re so happy to have you home.”

I roll my eyes. I’m guessing this whole day is going to be about him—and I’m sure he’ll love it. Oh well, there’s nothing I can do. I choose to be here because these are my people. I can endure it for a few hours.

“It’s so great that you’re back. When was the last time we saw you?” Laura asks.

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