Page 26 of Now That We Don't Talk

Oh no. Is it too much to ask to have a few hours without someone mentioning hockey or Mac?

“Yes. We’ve known Mac for years,” Katie says. “He’s been my brother’s best friend since we were kids.”

“What team does he play for again? My team is the Glacier Bay Titans—we’re diehard fans.”

“Mac is the goalie for the Tennessee Wolves,” Dallin tells him. “The guy is a beast on the ice. You should see some of his highlights.”

“Have you gone to any of his games?” Cash asks.

It takes me a few seconds to realize he’s talking to me.

“Oh, me? No, I’m not a hockey fan.”

A look of surprise appears on his face. “You really need to go to a game. It’s a whole different experience being there in person.”

"That's what I've heard," I say, my teeth clenched.

“Vivi and Mac barely tolerate each other,” Katie interjects. “I suppose you could call them frenemies.”

Are we really talking about this? Somehow Mac Evans has hijacked my date. I might need more than one glass of wine if this continues.

Thankfully the server returns to the table, interrupting all talk of hockey games and players. The subject shifts to food, and I couldn’t be more relieved.

Cash is very outgoing and knowledgeable about a lot of topics. I appreciate this because I don’t want to feel like I need to carry the conversation. He also seems genuinely interested in getting to know me. He asks about my family and my interests.

“Have you been to Europe?”

I shake my head. “Not yet. You?”

“I’ve only been to London and Paris so far,” he says. “My sister recently opened a travel agency, so she’s eager to plan vacations for everyone.”

“That’s a nice perk. I haven’t been on a vacation in a while.”

“We should take a trip,” Katie exclaims. I’m not sure ifshe’s referring to her and Dallin or all four of us. You never know with her. “Where should we go? Let’s each throw out a destination.”

I shoot her a look. While Cash seems great, I’m certainly not ready to go on vacation with him.

Katie is already on her phone searching locations. “Do we want beach, adventure, city, cruise?”

“I’ll think about it and let you know,” I say.

“Good idea,” Cash agrees. “I can ask my sister and maybe she can check for promotions.”

“Perfect,” I say unconvincingly.

Katie looks disappointed. In typical fashion, she was probably ready to book some flights tonight.

After we finish eating, we stay and talk for a while. Katie was right about one thing—I enjoy talking to Cash. It’s still too early to make any long-term plans, but I’d go out with him again if he asks.

“This was so fun,” Katie says as we’re leaving the restaurant. “I can’t wait to plan our trip.”

Clearly, she’s not letting the trip thing go.

“Yes. Let’s do this again,” Cash says flashing a warm smile at me.

“Absolutely,” I agree.

Katie beams like a proud mother whose child has won student of the month.

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