Page 28 of Now That We Don't Talk

I thank her for the coffee and head to the apartment to shower.

After I get ready for the day, I scroll through my messages. Our coach set up a group chat, and a few of my teammates have been checking in. We’re used to spending a lot of time together, so the limited communication feels strange during the off season. I miss those guys, though I’d never admit it out loud.

Jake has shared pictures of him and Sophie on a cruise ship and in Costa Rica. He looks happier than I’ve ever seen him. I really lucked out being on the Tennessee Wolves. We’re like a family, and I think of these guys as my brothers. Our team has such a cohesive energy and compared to stories I’ve heard about other teams in the league, this is a good thing. There are a lot of toxic individuals out there, and it’s easy to get sucked into drama.

My phone buzzes again, and my eyes grow wide as I read the message from my teammate Cooper.

In Hawaii—relaxing and planning the wedding. Blair is still on board with this marriage.

This is typical Cooper to share this kind of information in the most nonchalant way. Who else would put relaxing and planning a wedding in the same sentence? My phone begins blowing up with comments from the guys. I type my own message.

Does she know what she’s getting herself into?

I smile to myself as I hit send. A few seconds later my phone buzzes again.

I asked her the same thing. She says she’s sure she wants to marry me. I tried to get her to hop on a plane to Vegas before she changes her mind—she refused. I guess this means I’m really having a wedding—and I need to show up. You know how much I dislike parties.

I sigh. Cooper Montgomery is getting married. Have we entered an alternate universe? In all seriousness, he mayhave a tough exterior, but deep down he would do anything for the people in his life. Blair has brought out a different side of him.

Another text from Jake pops up.This is one party I think you’ll enjoy.

I stretch my legs out on the couch. First Cooper and now Kyle. Sometimes it feels like everyone around me is growing and I’m stuck in the same place I’ve been for years. This doesn’t mean I’m anywhere near ready to be engaged or married. It just reminds me that I’d like someone to share my successes and failures with. It would’ve been nice to have someone there after losing in the playoffs.

Maybe I need to change my attitude, stop overthinking about things like cats and annoying TV shows. Honestly, those things were just excuses for ending those relationships. The connection I’m looking for hasn’t been there. Dare I say it’s been too easy with the women I’d dated, there was no thrill. I think I’m looking for a person who challenges and inspires me.

I grab my phone and send Kyle a message.

When are we going out? Tell Addi I’ll meet her friend. Not promising anything.

I’m going into this with no expectations other than to have a good time. If something more comes out of it, then great.

Well that escalated quickly. My text to Kyle officially opened a can of worms, and now Addi is texting me about her friend Claire. She’s practically given me her life story in the last thirty minutes. Claire also happens to be the event planner who’s helping with Kyle and Katie’s birthday party.I have to say Addi is clever since she’s already recruited me to the planning committee. Imagine that? Although, working together on this is a great way to introduce us without the additional pressure of the whole dreaded blind date experience. Addi already sent me a calendar invite for coffee titled Kyle & Katie Birthday Planning. I accept it immediately because I know how important she is to Kyle. Plus I have a lot of free time on my hands right now. Thankfully it’s not a surprise party because I already said something to Kyle about it. There was no chance I’d be able to keep it a secret.

I arrive at the café before Addi and Claire, so I order a drink and sit in a bulky armchair near the entrance. I glance around at other customers on laptops, reading books, and chatting with friends. I can’t remember the last time I sat in a coffee shop—it’s kind of nice. I’m so used to my life moving at an accelerated pace, I probably don’t give myself a chance to just sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. I lean back in the chair and sip my drink while I wait. I’m checking my phone for messages when I hear the door open. Appearing in the doorway is Vivian. She’s wearing a short cream-colored blazer over a mini skirt and gold shoes. I try not to stare but no such luck. She catches me before I have a chance to look away. I give a wave as she slowly moves toward me.

“Good morning, Vivian.”

“Morning, Mac,” she says politely. “I guess you’ve also been summoned by Addi for party duty.”

“Yep.”

She sits in the chair opposite from me and crosses her legs. It takes every ounce of will power I have not look at her legs.Has she always had legs like that?

“When Addi mentioned throwing a party for Kyle and Katie, I couldn’t say no,” she says.

I clear my throat and lean toward her. “Well I guess we have something in common after all. Scary, huh?”

Her eyes lock with mine. There’s a strange energy brewing between us—it could lead to an argument or perhaps something else.

“Yay, you’re both here,” a high-pitched voice shrieks. I look up to see Addi, and with her is a pretty woman who must be Claire, the party planner.

Vivian stands up and hugs Addi.

“This is my dear friend Claire. This is Katie’s bestie, Vivian, and?—"

I rise to my feet and hold out my hand to shake hers.

“You’re Mac Evans,” she says before I have a chance to introduce myself.

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