Page 50 of Now That We Don't Talk

“It takes time,” she says. “Remember, Dallin and I didn’t exactly hit it off at first.”

I nod. “Yes, but you did have very strong chemistry.”

“Very,” she exclaims. “But we both got on the others’ nerves. He thought I was bossy and opinionated.”

“Imagine that,” I tease.

She gives me a dirty look. “Very funny.”

“And I thought he was too sarcastic,” she says. “But when we got past those things, the chemistry took over and it was all we needed. And now his sarcasm is one of my favorite qualities.”

I smile.

“My point is, even if you and Cash like each other, it might still take time to form a connection. Don’t rule it out yet.”

“I’m not…”

We continue talking throughout our dinner, and thankfully I don’t have a view of Mac and Claire on their date. I had planned on talking to Katie about my conversation with him, but I hold off. It can be a conversation for another day, or not.

I’m not even home five minutes before I change into my pajamas. My stomach is full, and I’m ready to relax. I make myself a cup of tea, and as soon as I sit down my phone buzzes.

My stomach does a flip when I see a message from Mac on my screen.

Hey.

I don’t know whether to be happy or irritated. Is he really messaging me while he’s out with another woman? This would be the person I always believed he was. I’m worried he might be proving me right. I start typing.

This is low—even for you. Texting me while you’re on a date. Why am I not surprised?

I guess Katie was spot on when she mentioned Mac having a summer fling.

My phone rings after a few seconds. I sigh when I see Mac’s number.

“Hello.”

“I’m offended by your message,” he says.

I roll my eyes. “Good. I’m offended you’re texting me while you’re out with Claire.”

“Whoa—slow down. I’m not with Claire anymore. Why do you always think the worst of me?”

I take in a sharp breath but don’t reply.

“I think you owe me an apology,” he adds.

“An apology, for what?” I exclaim. “You just had dinner with another woman and now you’re calling me.”

“I had dinner with afriend,” he says. “And now I’m calling anotherfriend. Really, Vivi I’m not as bad as you seem to think.”

I scowl. This man is infuriating, but maybe I did jump to conclusions without getting all the details.

“Fine. Why are you calling?”

I’m trying to ignore the feeling of my heart beating loudly against the walls of my chest. My strong reaction is worrying me.

“Do you still want to hang out?”

Um…every cell in my body is shouting yes, and I wish I could make them stop.

---