Page 82 of Now That We Don't Talk

“Then why didn’t you?” I ask.

He shrugs and glances at Addi. She gives him a look urging him to talk. “Because I was wrong, and I didn’t want to admit it. I overreacted, and I shouldn’t have come at you like I did.”

The tension in my shoulders loosens a little. It’s not easy to admit you’re wrong—I know that firsthand. It’s something I’m not great at either.

Addi leans forward. “You two have been friends forever. A disagreement shouldn’t ruin that.”

Kyle nods. “You’re right. I’m sorry, man.”

“It’s cool,” I say. “I’ve made my share of mistakes.”

“So does that mean you’ll be the best man at my wedding?” he asks carefully.

I smirk. “Definitely. Especially now that you admitted you were wrong. It might never happen again.”

He chuckles. “True.”

Katie throws her hands up. “See? That took less than five minutes. If you two hadn’t been so prideful, this could’ve been settled already.”

“And you’ll be at the birthday party, right?” Addi asks, making it sound like a demand rather than a request.

“Oh, I was planning on coming to the party regardless—even if I had to crash it,” I tell her. “I’ve missed enough over the years.”

“Good,” she says, satisfied. “Now, I need coffee.”

She and Kyle head to the counter, leaving Katie and me alone. She studies me, tilting her head to the side.

“How’s it going?” she asks.

I already know she’s not talking about me and Kyle. She’s referring to Vivian.

“Not great,” I admit.

She nods like she expected that. “Well, if it makes you feel any better, it hasn’t been easy for Vivi either.”

Her words hit like a punch to the gut. That’s the last thing I want.

I let out a slow breath. “I understand why she put a stop to this, but I can’t help but wonder if we could make it work. I keep trying to come up with some kind of plan to convince her to take a chance.”

Katie presses her lips together thoughtfully. “I’ve heard of long-distance relationships working, but they’re not for everyone.”

“You’re right,” I say, running a hand through my hair. “No matter what, I don’t regret any of it. She’s amazing—and I’m an idiot for never noticing until now.”

“Yes, you are,” Katie says with a knowing smirk. “But to be fair, you’re not entirely to blame. Vivian is as stubborn as they come, and she already had her own opinions about you.”

I let out a slow breath, nodding. “I can’t blame her for that. Especially after the things I said about her.” Ugh. Every time I think about it, the guilt cuts deeper.

“Well, you can’t change the past,” she reminds me. “But youcanlearn from it.”

I smile. “You’re very wise.”

“That’s what I’ve been told,” she replies playfully, tossing her hair over her shoulder.

“So, does this mean you’re going to continue trying to play matchmaker for Vivian and Dallin’s friend?”

Her eyes widen slightly. “Huh. I hadn’t thought about that.”

Crap. I just put the idea back in her head.Great job, Mac.

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