Page 16 of Now That We Don't Talk

He folds his arms, a smug look spreading across his face. “Nope. Plus the day just started, so I’m not worried.”

I shake my head. “Some things never change.”

“Apparently not,” Mac agrees.

A strange flutter stirs in my stomach as we lock eyes in a silent standoff. His ego is undoubtedly unmatched.

“Um, I’m sure Mom needs some help,” Katie exclaims. “Come on, Vivi.”

She grabs me by the elbow and pulls me away.

“I didn’t start that,” I remind her.

“I know. It’s probably better if you avoid him for the rest of the day.”

“Gladly.”

We busy ourselves helping her mother prepare food and set everything on the large buffet table. Before I know it, the house is full of guests, and of course many of them want to talk to the hockey star. Mac’s parents are also here, both showing off their jerseys sporting his number. And I can’t blame them. I’m sure they are very proud of their son and his accomplishments.

“Okay, Vivi,” Katie says.

“You’re finally ready to meet Cash,” Dallin says, setting his plate down on the table next to mine.

“Excuse me. She’s been ready,” Katie says, sitting down on the other side of me. “You’re the one who decided to risk your life by getting sushi from an unmarked building.”

Why am I sitting in between these too? They bicker better than any married couple I’ve ever met.

Dallin’s face twists and turns a shade of gray.

“Don’t worry, I’ll never do that again. I can’t remember the last time I was so sick,” he wails. “Anyway Cash is looking forward to meeting you. I think you two will get along great.”

“That’s what I’ve heard.”

I find it fascinating when people assume two individuals will automatically get along—because you never really know.

Addi and Kyle sit down across from us, and then Mac sits on the other side of Kyle.

“So, Mac, what is it really like playing a professional sport?” Dallin asks.

Mac grins. “Overall I enjoy it. It has its drawbacks like any other career, but I’m very lucky and it’s opened a world of opportunities for me.”

Kyle joins in their conversation, and the hockey talk continues.

“Vivian, I’ve been wanting to chat with you,” Addi says. “I want to plan a big birthday celebration for Kyle, and of course that includes Katie.”

“Yes, poor Katie always has to share her birthday,” I reply.

Katie frowns. “My whole life.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Addi says. “Please don’t feel obligated if you want to have your own celebration. I should’ve asked first.”

Katie waves her hand. “It’s totally fine. I’m used to sharing my birthday with that guy. Plus, I’d never turn down someone throwing me a party.”

Addi claps her hands together. “Perfect. Vivian would you be willing to help?”

“Of course. Anything for my best friend,” I tell her.

“Fantastic. One of my best friends is an event planner and she has some fun ideas,” she squeals. “Oh, and Mac will help too.”

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