Page 81 of Now That We Don't Talk

"You don’t know that for sure—and you never will if you don’t give it a chance," she retorts.

I let out a slow exhale. "We’re too different, Mom."

"So what?" she says immediately. "Do you really think every successful relationship only works if two people are exactly the same?"

"Of course not," I admit. "But there were just too many factors that could cause issues. Distance, time commitments, travel, my job, our friends…it’s a lot."

"Are you trying to convince me…or yourself?" she says after a brief pause.

I swallow hard, but I don’t answer. Because honestly—I’m not sure.

“This is for the best,” I say firmly, my grip tightening on the phone. I’ve made my decision, and there’s no turning back.

She’s silent for a few seconds before sighing. “Alright, I know better than to try to change your mind. When you feel strongly about something, there’s no stopping you.”

“Exactly,” I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

She hesitates then adds, “Your dad will be disappointed, though. He was looking forward to going to some hockey games.”

I frown. “Dad doesn’t even watch hockey.”

“I know. But it’s different when your daughter is dating a player.”

I cringe. “Yes. I suppose it would be.”

I could see my dad sitting in the stands, pretending to be invested in a sport he doesn’t watch—just because of who his daughter was dating.

I swallow hard and force a light laugh. “Tell Dad not to worry—I can still get him some tickets if he really wants to go.”

The words slip out before I can stop them, and I immediately regret it. I know Mac would give me tickets in a heartbeat. He thrives on people watching him play, and he’d jump at the chance to show off his passion for his sport.

“I’ll let him know,” Mom says.

“Okay,” I exclaim. “I’m going to change and make some dinner. Love ya, Mom.”

“Love you too,” she replies.

I end the call and set my phone down next to me. I know my Mom means well, but it’s too soon for this conversation.

I made the right move. My life was fine before Mac Evans, and it will be fine after him.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

MAC

Iscroll through my phone as I sip my coffee. Katie and Addi planned this little meet-up, giving me the time and place without much explanation. I’m sure this has to do with Kyle, so I agreed without any push back.

When I glance up, I spot them walking through the door—and sure enough Kyle is trailing behind them. This should be fun.

“Hey,” I say, nodding to all three of them.

They greet me in return and slide into their seats. There’s an awkward silence at first until Katie jumps right in, taking the lead like always.

“Okay,” she announces, clasping her hands together like she’s running a board meeting. “Addi and I decided it was time for you two to get past this nonsense. You’re too old to be acting like children—and the silent treatment is the worst.”

I scoff, leaning back. “It’s not me. I tried.”

Kyle nods in agreement, exhaling. “You did—I should’ve responded.”

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