Page 57 of Now That We Don't Talk

“So what? I’ve been told I have a great smile,” I tell him.

“Oh please.”

I sigh. “Fine. There is something I want to talk to you about.”

“Should I be worried? Do I need to call a lawyer?”

I snort. “Not this time…”

“What is it?”

“I have a date tonight,” I say.

He looks surprised. “Really? Addi didn’t mention?—”

“It’s not with Claire.”

He nods knowingly. “Ah. I knew it—I could tell you weren’t into her the other night at dinner. It was obvious your mind was on other things.”

“Sorry. I hope Addi won’t be upset.”

“She’ll be fine,” he assures me. “So, tell me who the lucky woman is.”

Here goes nothing. Why am I suddenly so nervous to say this out loud?

“Well, it’s…Vivian.”

Kyle stares at me like I’ve suddenly grown three heads.

“Vivian—as in Vivian Lewis. Katie’s best friend who can’t stand you?”

Which is changing.

“Yes, that Vivian.”

He looks completely dumbfounded. “What are you doing, man? This is reckless, even for you.”

Whoa. I wasn’t ready for this reaction. “Reckless? What does that mean?”

“Mac. This is Vivian—not some random fangirl you met on the road.”

Ouch. What’s he trying to say?

“I know?—"

“Then why are you playing games?” he interrupts.

I frown. “Are you serious? I’m actually offended you’d say that to me.”

"Sorry, but it’s a fair question. You’ve never shown any interest in Vivian, and now, suddenly you’re taking her to dinner like she’s some kind of challenge to conquer.”

I’m at a loss for words. I always believed I could count on Kyle, but I guess things really have changed. “Wow. Is that really what you think of me?”

He lets out a frustrated sigh. “No, of course not. But you can understand why I’m asking. A few days ago you two couldn’t have a conversation without glaring at each other.”

I tighten my jaw as I try to hold back from unloading on my best friend.

“Look, I don’t owe you an explanation, but here’s thetruth. Vivian and I have been talking per your request. We hung out a few nights ago, and I like her—a lot.”

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