Page 25 of Now That We Don't Talk

She responds within a few seconds.

Perfect. Are you ready?

I roll my eyes. While I’m interested to finally meet the man she’s been raving about, I’m pretty sure she’s more excited than I am.

Very. See you soon.

When I arrive at The Ember Table, I see Katie and Dallin talking to a tall, attractive man with short brown hair. He has a strong jawline and a deep laugh—so far so good.

“Vivi,” Katie squeals as soon as she sees me.

I smile and give a wave as I head toward where they are standing.

“Cash, this is my best friend, Vivian,” Katie announces theatrically. You’d think I was a celebrity based on her introduction.

“Hi. I’m Cash Brennan. It’s good to finally meet you.”

I smile. “Yes. It’s nice it’s finally happened. I feel like we’ve all been trying to get together for months.”

“I take full responsibility for the last time we had to cancel,” Dallin announces. “Katie was so mad at me, I was in the doghouse for a solid week.”

“It’s true,” Katie says. “I’ve been warning him not to eat at those random places. It finally caught up to him in the worst way.”

“The random, one-off restaurants usually have the best food,” he says.

Katie makes a face. “Anyway, the good news is we’re all here now.”

Cash smiles broadly, his warm brown eyes twinkling as his smile lights up his face.

The host lets us know our table is ready, and we follow him to a table nestled in a quiet corner. The Ember Table is one of those newer trendy restaurants I’ve never tried. I’m usually a creature of habit and like to return to my favorites. The restaurant’s atmosphere has an energetic and inviting vibe. There are fairy lights twinkling from exposed wooden beams, casting a soft, golden hue over the space. There’s lush greenery draping from hanging planters and prelit candles in the center of every table.

“Have any of you been here?” I ask as soon as we’re seated.

“No, but we have a co-worker who’s been raving about it,” Cash says.

“I’ve heard the food is fantastic,” Katie adds. “The reviews online are excellent.”

Our server comes to the table, offering wine suggestions as well as appetizers.

Katie and I each order a glass of merlot.

“So, Katie and Dallin tell me you work in finance. My focus is financial law.”

“Ah, so you might be a fellow math nerd,” I tease.

“Absolutely.”

I laugh. “Most people are surprised when I tell them I landed my dream job. I get some interesting looks when I tell them I work in finance. I guess it doesn’t sound very glamorous.”

“Eh, they’re just jealous.”

“I agree,” I say.

Katie beams as we talk. I appreciate how invested she is in this evening, but I don’t want her to get her hopes up just yet. It’s still very early.

After our server returns with our drinks, Dallin offers a toast to a thrilling evening. We order appetizers to share, and so far, the evening is off to a good start. The conversation doesn’t lag, and I can tell Cash has a great sense of humor. He’s witty and laid back.

“Dallin told me you’re all good friends with someone who plays in the NHL,” Cash says. “My brother and I are huge hockey fans.”

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