Page 45 of Now That We Don't Talk

This is awkward, and I’m not sure how to fix it. I’ve never been one to avoid a difficult conversation, and I’m not starting now.

“I’m actually glad we have a few minutes to talk before the others get here,” I say.

“Okay. What do you want to talk about?”

“Well…us.”

She makes a face. “Us? What do you mean?”

This isn’t coming out right.

“The truth is I don’t know why we aren’t friends.” I pause as I try to gather my thoughts. “Because I’d like to be—and not just for Kyle and Katie.”

She furrows her brow. “Since when?”

We’re interrupted by the sound of her phone ringing. “Hold on, it’s my sister.”

“Hello,” she answers. “What? Are you kidding?”

She sighs while looking at me. “I’m not sure. I’ll let you know.”

She ends the call and presses her lips together. “Well, they aren’t coming. There’s some sort of crisis that’s probably not actually a crisis.”

I shrug. “Good. This gives us a chance to have a discussion that’s been a long time coming.”

She folds her arms defiantly. “Fine. Why do you want to be friends with me? We didn’t just meet yesterday.”

I nod. “I know.”

She sighs. “Well, I know it means a lot to Katie and Kyle. And obviously were going to be around each other, so maybe we should just move forward.”

“I agree,” I say, our gazes locking. “Maybe I can even convince you to watch a hockey game.”

The corner of her mouth curves up. “You wish. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

I’m wishing for a lot of things right now.Of course I don’t say this out loud.

“You don’t know what you’re missing. The adrenaline, the sweat—there’s nothing like it.”

She snorts. “Do these lines usually work for you?”

“What lines?” I ask.

“The lines you use to win women over.”

I give a thoughtful look. “Honestly, yes.”

She rolls her eyes, but at least she’s smiling, and she has an amazing smile…

“Maybe it’s not working on you because you don’t want it to.” I suggest.

She shakes her head. “I always knew you were full of yourself, but I think the fame has really gone to your head, Evans.”

I shrug. “There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of confidence.”

“Absolutely. But you Mac Evans take it to a whole new level.”

I let out a sigh. “It really doesn’t work on you, does it?”

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