Page 48 of Now That We Don't Talk

“As friends?”

For now…

“Yes.”

She’s quiet for a few seconds, and I’m starting to get concerned. Maybe I’m reading this all wrong.

“Okay,” she says finally.

I breathe a sigh of relief. “Great.”

“Great.”

It’s official—Vivian Lewis is going on a date with me. I don’t know what to expect, but one thing is for sure. I haven’t been this excited about spending time with someone…possibly ever.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

VIVIAN

I’m in desperate need of coffee this morning due to a very restless night of sleep. I’m not easily surprised, but Mac asking me out completely caught me off guard. In fact, the whole evening has left me confused. At first I was annoyed when Jaclyn cancelled, but now I wonder if I should thank her. Her being a no-show gave Mac and I a chance to talk, and as much as I hate to admit it, I enjoyed every second. I feel like I’m going against every instinct and rational bone in my body. This is the same man who rarely acknowledged me for years and then smugly bragged to his friends that I was into him like every other woman he encounters. Still, he’s managed to convince me to let my guard down. This is something that rarely happens. I’m well known for my stubbornness, and Mac was able to push through that boundary.

There’s also the very important fact that in a few months he will leave to return to his life playing professional hockey and to his legions of superfans, including women everywhere. Still, here I am—intelligent and independent Vivian succumbing to his irresistible charm. It’s beyond frustrating.

Despite my hesitation, I believe Mac isn’t a bad guy. It’s obvious he’d do anything for his supporters and friends. He takes time out of his life to talk to every one of them. I know there are plenty of athletes and celebrities who would rather not be bothered. I suppose I’m choosing to focus on the generous and funny side of him, and I know people grow and change with time. Maybe Mac has changed for the better.

Aside from my confusing feelings surrounding Mac, there’s Cash. I enjoy my time with him, and he’s not leaving to return to a career of fame. It’s still new, so I’m not getting ahead of myself—I’ve been down this road before. Katie may have her mind made up, but that doesn’t mean Cash and I are end game.

Meanwhile, Addi is already working on her own matchmaking scheme for Claire and Mac. Hearing that they’re spending time together this weekend bothers me. I had a front row seat to their flirtation when we met to plan the twins’ party.

I finally drag myself to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee and then curl up on the couch under a blanket. It’s eight o’clock on Saturday morning. I have some errands to run today, but I’m strongly considering blowing them off to stay in my pajamas and binge the Real Housewives all day.

I turn on the TV, but my mind continues to wander to Mac and Claire spending time together. Ugh—make it stop.

I reach for my phone and click on Katie’s number. It’s early, so she may not be awake yet. This still doesn’t stop me from calling her.

“Good morning,” she answers cheerfully.

“You’re up early.”

“Yes, I’m on my way to family brunch with Addi’sparents. Apparently our lives will revolve around Kyle’s wedding from now until the big day.”

I laugh. “You only have yourself to blame. You helped set it in motion.”

“I know. What was I thinking?” she wails. “What are you doing? I’m assuming you’ve been up for a while since you never sleep in.”

She knows me well.

“Sitting on my couch, drinking coffee. I need to run some errands later. Do you have plans with Dallin tonight?”

“No, he’s going to a Cubs game,” she says. “Want to meet for dinner?”

“Yes. I was going to ask if you wanted to meet. I’m craving chips and queso.”

This will give me a chance to talk to her about Mac. I don’t like feeling like I’m keeping something from her.

We make plans to meet at our favorite Mexican restaurant at seven. Now I have an entire day to sort out my feelings before I talk to her, which might be easier said than done.

Doesn’t everyone have their go-to favorite restaurants?Casa del Sol Cantinahas been around for generations. My grandparents used to take us here on Sunday evenings when I was younger, and to this day I order the same entrée.

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