Page 31 of Now That We Don't Talk

Just as Vivian replies, “Sure.”

"Okay, listen—Kyle mentioned you two aren’t exactly good friends, but I hope you can call a truce for this party.”

“I can do that,” I say.

“Me too,” she agrees.

“Good, then we’re all on the same page.” She pauses. “I still don’t understand why you two don’t get along. You’ve been a part of each other’s lives for such a long time.”

Vivian and I look at each other. She purses her lips together, and suddenly the image of kissing her pops into my head. The idea makes my head spin. In all the years I’ve known Vivian, kissing her has never crossed my mind, and I’m not sure why. Well, other than the fact she doesn’t like me and has no problem making it obvious. But she’s beautiful, and the feistiness makes her even hotter. I’m starting to enjoy getting a reaction out of her.

“I’m not sure,” I say finally. “I can get along with anyone. I have a fan base to prove it.”

I shoot a side glance at Vivian to see her reaction. Sure enough there’s an exaggerated eye roll. Goal accomplished.

“For some reason Mac finds it shocking that not everyone he meets is an instant fan,” she says.

“All I’m saying is it’s a bit of mystery…” I reply.

She glares at me. “Anyway, I promised Katie I would get along with Mac for the sake of our best friends and help with the pro—” She stops, and her eyes widen.

Wait, was she about to reveal that Kyle’s proposing?

"Anyway, we know the same people, so we can definitely put our differences aside," she says.

Addi's phone buzzes, and she steps away to answer it.

"Ohh, you nearly ruined the surprise," I tease.

"But I didn't," she counters.

"Almost, though," I remind her with a grin.

She folds her arms. “So are you going to run and tattle on me now.”

I shrug. “I haven’t decided yet.”

She sighs. “Do what you want? I need to get to work.”

“Always a pleasure, Vivian.”

“Goodbye, Mac.”

I watch as she leaves, and admittedly there’s a part of me that really enjoys the banter I have with her. I doubt she feels the same way—or maybe she does. I’ve always heard there’s a fine line between hate and like.

CHAPTER NINE

VIVIAN

Idon’t know what’s happening to me. Mac Evans is making me feel all kinds of things. I never thought it would be fun to argue with someone. Plus, it bothered me the way Claire was flirting with him.Why? Why?She can flirt all she wants because I can’t stand the guy. I keep reminding myself that it’s possible to think someone is attractiveandnot like them. It’s completely normal and nothing to worry about, right?

And Mac didn’t hesitate to flirt right back with her. For some reason it almost felt like he was purposely trying to get me to react. Maybe he thinks I’m still harboring deep feelings for him? Ha. He wishes.

The worst part about this is I don’t want to tell Katie about my dilemma. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t share something with my best friend. I’m probably being silly, but I’m not sure what she’d think. Plus, she already has her heart set on Cash and me being soul mates.

Speaking of which, I haven’t heard from Cash since our dinner. It’s only been a few days, and he was the one who asked for my number, so I’m trying not to read too much intoit. Truthfully, I hadn’t been worried about it until stupid Mac asked me about our date. Why does he care how it went? Ugh. I can’t believe I’m letting him push his way into my thoughts like this. I should be working right now—this is my happy place. The place where I can become completely engulfed in my work without my personal life getting in the way.

I’m just about to leave the office when I receive a text from Cash.

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