Page 40 of Now That We Don't Talk

Although I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking for a reason to talk to Mac, even though it pains me to admit it. It never crossed my mind that I’d become attracted to him. I feel like I’ve caved under pressure.

My phone buzzes after a few minutes with a number I don’t recognize. When I click on the text, my stomach does a flip. It’s from Mac.

Hey. Katie says you need my help. How can I be of assistance?

I suck in a breath. While I was hoping Katie would step in, I wasn’t expecting a text from Mac so quickly. There’s a part of me that doesn’t want to give him any satisfaction. Of course there’s also a part of me that wants to talk to him. Ugh. I’m a mess.

I start to type a reply, but I stop myself. Do I really want to do this immediately after receiving his text? Or do I need to do this at all? I could say no to my sister—she doesn’t always need to get her way. Maybe I’ll wait until tomorrow to respond to him because it’s late and I’m tired. I need to bewell rested and have a clear head before engaging with both Mac Evans and my sister.

Two calls and three texts from Katie within the last two hours. She must’ve forgotten I’ve actually been on dates before, and I’m not completely clueless in this department. I appreciate her wanting me to be happy, but it’s a bit unsettling how determined she is for things to work out between Cash and me.

I click on her number instead of responding to her texts.

“You know I love you, but you’re starting to make me nervous,” I say as soon as she answers.

“Nervous is good. That means you want things to go well. And it’s my role as your best friend to help you out.”

“I appreciate it, but I’m not completely inexperienced when it comes to men,” I remind her. “I might be a little out of practice, but I should be able to handle a lunch date.”

She giggles. “I know. And you have nothing to worry about—everything will be perfect.”

“Okay.” I pause. “But if things don’t end up working out with him, you promise not to be too upset.”

“Of course.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Good.”

“By the way, Mac messaged me and said he never heard back from you,” she says. “I thought you wanted to set up an intro for Jaclyn?”

Hearing this causes my heart to beat a bit faster. The image of Mac repeatedly checking his phone for my reply swirls through my mind.

“Yeah, I haven’t had a chance to text him. I obviously have more pressing matters to attend to. My sisters request is not high priority right now.”

“Yes, you do,” she exclaims. “Having lunch with your soul mate takes precedence over everything else.”

Wow. She’s really set on this soul mate thing. It’s difficult to not get excited about the possibilities when your best friend is so positive about it. I guess you never know what the future holds.

“Anyway, I’ll call you after I leave,” I say, purposely ignoring the soul mate comment.

“I’ll be waiting. Tell Cash I said hi.”

Katie’s really invested in this. I know her heart is in the right place, but it’s a lot of pressure.

After ending the call, I finish getting ready and try to clear my mind of all other things and people. I want to be present and enjoy my time getting to know Cash better.

I arrive at Butter & Thymeabout ten minutes early, so I have a few minutes to touch up my lip-gloss and check my messages. I’m about to go inside when my phone buzzes. It’s another text from Mac.

Are you on your date?

How did he know? Never mind, Katie probably told him. I’m sure she told him this was the reason I hadn’t responded to him.

I wait a few seconds and then type a quick response.

About to walk in now. I’ll get back to you soon.

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