Page 33 of Now That We Don't Talk

“I’m great.”

“Has Vivi told you about the birthday celebration we’re planning for you and Kyle?” Addi asks Katie.

“She hasn’t given me any details.”

“We had a very productive planning meeting the other day,” she says.

I nod without saying anything.

“I was also able to introduce Mac to my friend Claire, and wow they had some good chemistry. Don’t you think so, Vivi?”

“Um, yeah sure,” I say.

“Good,” Katie says. “Mac needs to meet a nice woman.”

“Claire is the best. I think they’ll get along very well,” Addi tells her.

Katie’s phone buzzes, and she gestures for me to check it. A message from Kyle flashes on the screen—he’s ready. I meet her gaze and give a subtle nod. She grins.

“We just need to make a quick stop, if that’s okay,” Katie says, glancing in the rearview mirror.

“Of course,” Addi replies, not looking up from her phone.

The sun has cast a glow as we pull into the park. That’s when I spot Mac, waving in our direction. My stomach does an unexpected flip.

“Oh, why are we here?” Addi asks. “And there’s Mac.”

“I’m not sure,” Katie says. “Mac texted and asked us to swing by.”

“Good evening, ladies,” Mac says, leaning into the window after we approach him. He nods his chin toward me. “Thanks for stopping by.”

“What’s going on?” Katie asks, trying hard to sound confused.

“It’s a surprise,” he replies.

She sighs. “Okay. Come on girls.”

We all get out of the car, Addi looks completely lost, but I guess that’s supposed to be part of the experience.

Katie links her arm with Addi’s while Mac and I follow behind them. He glances at me every few seconds as we walk but doesn’t say anything.

“What’s going on?” Addi asks, just as the path turns to the left and Kyle appears. He’s wearing a gray suit, over a white shirt and no tie.

Katie throws her arms around Addi, hugging her tightly as Kyle approaches. Katie joins me and Mac as the tears flowdown her cheeks. I can feel tears prick my eyes also. The three of us walk back to Katie’s car without saying a word. Mac hops in the back seat.

“I can’t believe my little brother is getting engaged right this second,” she wails dabbing the corners of her eyes.

“I can’t believe my best friend is ready to get married,” Mac adds.

“How was he before we arrived?” Katie asks. “Was he still freaking out?”

“He seemed pretty calm,” Mac says. “I think it was mostly the anticipation of her getting to the park and pulling off the surprise.”

“I think she was definitely surprised,” I say.

“Anyway, what are we doing tonight?” he asks leaning between the front seats. I catch a whiff of his cologne, and it smells fantastic.

“We’re going to get sushi,” Katie says.

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