Page 6 of Now That We Don't Talk

You make it? Bored yet?

I snort as I type a reply.

Nope. Just had dinner with the parents. Looking forward to sleeping for many hours.

I love to sleep, but sometimes it’s hard to get when we’re on the road for long stretches. And during the season wehave early conditioning, practices, and meetings. I can’t remember the last time I slept in without having some sort of commitment.

So racquetball in the morning is out?

I groan. He knows I’d never pass on the chance to beat him in a friendly game. It’s just not who I am.

Before I have a chance to change my mind, we plan to meet at the courts at seven. So much for sleeping in. I could always take a nap later. Wow—what a concept.

It’s good to be home.

CHAPTER THREE

VIVIAN

Iknow better than to go to the grocery store when I’m hungry, but I have no choice. My empty fridge is pathetic, and I need to stop eating out so much.

I’m putting anything and everything in my shopping cart. I’ve been here for five minutes, and I’ve already added some watermelon, carrots, bell peppers, salt and vinegar kettle chips, and dill pickle hummus. I didn’t know there was such a flavor, but it’s worth a shot.

As soon as I turn down the cookie aisle, something causes me to freeze in my tracks—or rather someone. That can’t be who I think it is, right? I shift slightly and see that the guy is wearing a Tennessee Wolves hoodie. Yep, it’s him—Mac Evans.

Why? Why?

He’s reading a label, so I quickly turn around and leave the aisle before he notices me.

This is all Katie’s fault. She jinxed me when she said I’d see him in Trader Joe’s. I skipped going there just in case, and here we are. What are the chances?

I’m not sure what to do now. I could abandon my cartand leave, even though I had my heart set on trying the dill pickle hummus. Some things just aren’t worth it.

I decide to go to the farthest aisle and take my time, hoping Mac leaves before our paths cross, forcing an awkward conversation that neither of us wants to have. This is if he even remembers who I am aside from yet another woman he believes is head over heels in love with him.

Nope—the last time I saw him was beyond humiliating, and I’d rather not do it again.

It’s bad enough that Katie’s mom is hosting a barbeque and he’s going to be there. The saving grace is there will be plenty of other people lining up to talk to the hockey star, so I can avoid, avoid, avoid.

I could always skip the event, but Katie is my best friend, and I adore her family. Why should I let the return of Mac Evans keep me away from people who are important to me? He doesn’t live here. I do.

I take my time perusing the various types of cheese, giving Mac plenty of time to finish his shopping and get out of this store.

I find my phone in my bag and send Katie a message.

What are the chances I’d see Mac while grocery shopping? Can you see the future?

I check my surroundings in case he’s lurking nearby.

Are you serious? He’s at Trader Joes?

I frown.

I’m not at Trader’s because of what you said. I’m at Market Place and he’s here. I can’t even get to the cookies.

I cautiously move away from the cheese display and peek around the corner, looking completely suspicious. A woman with two small children gives me a curious look, so I flash an innocent smile.

My phone buzzes again.

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