Page 19 of Now That We Don't Talk

Katie presses her lips together. “Well, you started it earlier when you accused her of putting ideas in my head. That was all you, mister.”

“Well, it could be true,” I say defiantly. “Vivian isn’t innocent.”

She rolls her eyes. “You both need to stop with this animosity. Maybe it’s time you sit down and hash it out.”

“Oh, that’s an idea. I’d like a front row seat for that,” Kyle agrees. “I’ll get the popcorn.”

“I don’t think it’s necessary. We don’t have to interact.”

I have no doubt Vivian will agree with me on this.

“As long as you refrain from making any more comments that will get under her skin. I know she can be stubborn, but she’s my best friend and one of the best humans I know.”

“And you’re my best friend,” Kyle adds. “Honestly, there’s really no reason you two can’t get along. We’re all adults.”

I hold up my hands. “Fine, there will be no more remarks from me. But I hope you’re giving her the same lecture.”

“I’ll talk to her,” Katie exclaims. “And we will continue the proposal conversation later. I have some great ideas about how you can pop the question.”

She hurries away, leaving me and Kyle alone again.

“Are you worried your sister will take over your marriage proposal?” I ask.

He laughs. “Yep.”

“At least you’re prepared.”

“You know how Katie is—she’s just like my mom,” he reminds me. She likes to fix everything and wants to make sure everyone around her is happy. Her other new project is setting Vivian up with Dallin’s co-worker. She’s been plotting that for weeks.”

Hearing this causes a stir in my stomach.

“Really? Hopefully they prepared the poor guy.”

“There you are,” Addi coos, wrapping her arms aroundKyle’s waist, which is my cue to give them a few minutes alone.

“I’ll catch up with you two later,” I say quickly and make my way outside to visit with other guests.

“There’s my handsome son,” my mother calls as soon as I step through the doorway. “Come sit down and chat with us for a little while.”

She’s sitting with Laura and a few other women I sort of recognize.

"Your mother just mentioned you're not seeing anyone at the moment. Is that true?" one of the women asks, as if it's the most scandalous news she's ever heard.

“Yes, ma’am. My schedule has been very chaotic, so it hasn’t allowed a lot of time for anything else. My career can be very demanding.”

“I’m sure the women come running when they hear you’re single,” Laura interjects.

I shrug nonchalantly.

“Oh, they do, but my son is very particular when it comes to dating,” my mom says.

“Not always,” I admit.

“I think it’s a good thing,” she continues. “I often worry about people not being sincere or in your life for the right reasons.”

“I’d be concerned about that too,” Laura agrees.

“Thanks for looking out for me, Mom. That’s always a possibility, unfortunately.”

---