Page 60 of Now That We Don't Talk

My typical routine prior to an evening with a new man is standard—hair, makeup, and multiple outfit changes. Plus a few texts and phone calls to Katie. Tonight feels different in so many ways. I’m going out with someone I’ve known for years, yet it’s still a first date. I’m not counting the spur of the moment evening of watching hockey in my pajamas.

Anyway, I only change my outfit once and I’m strangely unbothered by what the evening holds. I don’t feel any urgency to impress him, and I wonder if he’s feeling the same way. Considering his presence used to irritate me to my core—this is a surprising new feeling.

While I’m getting ready, I decide to do something I never thought I’d do—I turn on a hockey game. Confession—I didn’t realize how violent this sport could be.

I’d heard stories of brawls and players losing teeth, but wow some of it is brutal. And it looks hard—especially the goalie position. And I totally get the hype of the fans because Mac is good. I thought some of it was due to his inflated ego, but it’s not. He’s dynamic, and it makes sense why his fans support him the way they do. I’m still not planning to tell him any of this tonight because he doesn’t need anyone else encouraging him.

I’m ready to go when Mac arrives, my pulse kicking up just a little at the sound of the doorbell. I take one last look in the mirror, smoothing my black romper and adjusting the pink sweater draped over my shoulders, just in case the restaurant is chilly. My silver sandals add just the right amount of sparkle.

I open the door to find Mac standing there, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable.

“Hi, you’re actually here,” he says, a smile forming on his face.

I raise an eyebrow. “Yes…I live here.”

He shakes his head with a chuckle. “I know that—I meant you being here now.”

I tilt my head, giving him a curious look. “Did you think I might stand you up?”

He shrugs. “You never know.”

I smirk. “Fair enough.”

Stepping aside, I gesture for him to come in. As he walks past me, I catch a whiff of his familiar scent—clean and a little woodsy. I could get used to this.

“Are you feeling any better?” I ask, closing the door behind him. “You weren’t exactly happy this morning.”

He exhales heavily, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck. “Better now. I talked to some of my teammates, which helped.”

I nod, sensing there’s more he isn’t saying. “Did you hear from Kyle?”

His jaw tightens as he shakes his head. “No.”

I hesitate. “Well, Katie’s sick, but she didn’t mention anything, so I’m assuming Kyle hasn’t told her about your conversation.”

He nods. “I was wondering about that.”

I offer a comforting smile. “I’m sure you guys will work it out. You and Kyle are bros for life or whatever you call it.”

Mac makes a face. “We don’t say that anymore. And I’m surprised you remember.”

“Oh, I remember,” I say, pausing. “It was annoying.”

He snickers. “Come on, no way.”

“Sorry, just speaking the truth.”

He grins, his shoulders relaxing a bit. “I know. I appreciate that about you.”

“Even when I call you out for being annoying?”

“Yep. It’s good for me to be reminded that I’m not as great as everyone thinks I am.”

I cross my arms. “Wow. Look at you. You’re really evolving.”

He smirks. “I’m trying.”

“We all have things to work on,” I assure him.

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