Page 30 of Now That We Don't Talk

Claire pulls her laptop out of her bag and shows us a spreadsheet with the plans they’ve already made. Honestly, it looks like everything is done, so I’m not sure what they need from me. I’m beginning to think this meeting was a set up for me to meet Claire.

“Mac, since you’ve known Kyle the longest—we need your input,” Addi begs. “And Vivi, we need your input for Katie. I was thinking we could do a split or shared theme. Maybe two cakes?”

“Katie’s favorite is carrot cake,” Vivian says. “And Kyle’s favorite is?—”

“Chocolate,” I chime in at the same time.

She meets my gaze and nods.

“See this is why I wanted you both here,” Addi says. “And with Claire’s ability to throw epic events, people will be talking about it for years to come.”

“I’m here for whatever you need,” Vivian says.

“Same for me,” I add.

“I’m so happy,” Addi says. “I want Kyle to feel celebrated—and Katie too. She’s been so welcoming to me since I started dating her brother.”

We continue throwing out ideas and wrap it up when Claire leaves for an appointment. Addi offers to walk her out, leaving me and Vivian alone.

Neither of us says anything for a few seconds.

“So, Katie told me about the proposal,” she whispers assoon as Addi’s out of ear shot. “Do you think she suspects anything?”

I shake my head. “I don’t think so.”

She nods. “I can’t believe it’s happening so fast.”

“Very fast,” I agree. “But I support whatever he wants to do. Even if it means getting engaged after six months.”

“Yeah.”

“Sorry about earlier,” I say. “Addi is trying to set me up with Claire.”

“Yes, she told me about it while we were waiting for our drinks. Katie is doing the same with me and Dallin’s co-worker. We had dinner on Saturday.”

A subtle wave of jealousy comes over me. “How did it go?”

“Really well. He seems like an amazing guy.”

“Good for you.”

“Thanks. Claire seems nice, and she’s a hockey fan, so I’m sure that’s an extra bonus.”

I shrug. “Who isn’t a hockey fan? It’s the best sport with the best players—everyone knows that.”

She snorts. “Whatever you say.”

“Have you ever watched a hockey game?” I ask.

“Bits and pieces,” she says. “I’ve never sat through an entire game.”

“You’re missing out,” I tell her. “Especially if you haven’t watched one of my games. We are the best in the league.”

“I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.”

“I’m back, sorry,” Addi announces. “Are you two getting along?”

I raise an eyebrow. “Of course we are.”

---