Page 7 of Now That We Don't Talk

Just say hi to him. It doesn’t have to be weird.

I move to the next aisle and peek around a tall stack of toilet paper packages.

“Is everything okay?” a voice calls from behind me.

I turn around to see the woman with the kids.

“Oh, yes, I’m sorry,” I exclaim. “There’s just someone here I’m hoping to avoid.”

She nods knowingly. “Got it. What does he look like?”

I press my lips together. “Um, it doesn’t matter?—”

“Nonsense. I can check to make sure the coast is clear.”

I’m probably overreacting, and now I’ve involved an innocent woman and her kids.

“Uh, okay. He’s tall, muscular, with wavy brown hair.”

And a famous hockey player.

Before I have a chance to finish my description, she quickly takes off with her cart to fulfill her mission. A few seconds later she’s hurrying back to me.

“Are you talking about Mac Evans, the hockey goalie?” she whispers loudly. “My husband is a huge fan. Why would you want to avoid him? He’s so gorgeous—and don’t worry my husband knows I think so.”

This just keeps getting worse by the second.

“Please forget about it,” I beg. “I’m sorry I bothered you.”

She gives me a confused look.

“Thanks again for helping,” I say before I rush away.

I wander for a few more minutes and slowly make my way to the front of the store. This needs to stop, so I’ll take my chances. As soon as I near the front, I spot Mac talking to the cashier, and naturally my new friend is standing right behind him. I should’ve known that would happen. She says something, and he turns to talk to her. Hopefully she doesn’t tell him about the strange woman who was ducking aroundcorners trying to avoid him. Women are supposed to stick together, right?

“Mommy, there’s the lady who was hiding,” her little girl shrieks as she points in my direction. Her voice carries through the store, and I’m sure every single shopper hears her.

No. Why do kids have no filter?

I didn’t even consider the kid would rat me out. Oh well, there’s no where I can hide now. I should just act natural and walk through the store without a care in the world.

“Vivian?” a deep voice calls.

I cringe as my heart sinks into my stomach.

I look up to see Mac still standing at the register. I slowly push my cart forcing a surprised smile onto my face.

“Oh hey, Mac,” I say nonchalantly. “How funny. Katie mentioned you were coming home.”

He holds up his hands. “Here I am. How are you? It’s been a while.”

“Yeah, it has. I’m great.”

He doesn’t say anything for a few seconds. “Good. I’m glad to hear it?—"

“My husband says you just had your best season yet,” the lady with the kids interrupts him.

Ah, maybe she will end up saving the day after all.

---