Page 85 of Now That We Don't Talk

“Me too,” I say, nodding. “Although I told him I would’ve shown up today no matter what.”

A flicker of amusement flashes across her face, her lips curving up slightly.

“As you should,” she murmurs. The words linger in the air, fading into a silence that stretches between us.

Before I can gather my thoughts, my mother’s voice interrupts our moment.

“Vivian,” she exclaims, stepping forward with open arms, her face alight with warmth.

Vivian turns, allowing herself to be pulled into my mother’s embrace. I watch as she melts into the familiar comfort. I’d give anything to be the one hugging her, to have her in my arms again like she never left.

“It’s so good to see you,” Mom gushes, pulling back just enough to look at her. “You look gorgeous. That dress is stunning on you.”

Vivian smiles. “Thanks, Jeannie.”

My mother glances between us, her expression shifting.

“Well,” she says briskly, “I’ll leave you two to your conversation. We’ll catch up later, Vivian.”

And just like that, she turns and rushes away.

I release a slow breath, shaking my head. “My mother is nothing if not subtle.”

Vivian chuckles softly, but she doesn’t meet my eyes.Suddenly an impulse grips me—a desperate need to tell her that I’m not ready to give up yet.

“Vivi—”

“I should probably check in with Addi and see if she needs anything,” she interrupts, her voice rushed, almost as if she’s trying to escape before I say something she doesn’t want to hear.

She turns to leave, but I gently catch her wrist. “Can we talk later, please?”

For a moment, she hesitates. Then nods slowly. “Okay.”

As I watch her walk away, I feel a tiny glimmer of hope. At least she agreed to talking. I don’t know what I’m doing, but one thing is certain—I’ve never been good at giving up. Maybe there’s still a chance for us…I won’t know unless I try.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

VIVIAN

This birthday party is nothing short of magical. I can’t imagine a more spectacular way to honor my best friends. The atmosphere is fun and glittering, and many of the guests have moved to the small dance floor.

Katie is in her element surrounded by the people who love her most. It’s impossible to miss the pure joy on her face, and it’s all thanks to Addi, who has outdone herself to make this night unforgettable for both Katie and Kyle. The effort she’s put into every little detail speaks volumes, showing how much she loves Kyle and the bond she’s already built with his family. Their connection is undeniable, and her family has also embraced them. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a couple more perfect for each other.

The only thing that could make this evening more perfect would be if Mac and I were still together. Being near him tonight has stirred all the emotions, and the moment our eyes met across the room, the feelings came rushing back. We shared a moment—one that left my heart pounding and breathless. I wanted so badly to tell him how much I miss him already. I thought I could handle ending things beforewe got in too deep, but now I’m starting to think I was already too late.

When he asked if we could talk later, I couldn’t bring myself to say no. Friends should be able to talk, right? Making things even more difficult, his mom greeted me with a comforting hug, as if nothing has changed. I’m sure she knows I was the one who pressed the pause button.

“Hey, Vivi.” Katie drops into the seat beside me with a dramatic sigh, kicking off her wedge sandals and wiggling her toes as she slips into a pair of flip-flops. “These shoes are killing my feet.”

I laugh. “But they are so cute.”

She scans the party with a content smile. The twinkling lights glow above us, making the ambiance cozy as the party winds down.

“Are you having fun?” she asks, turning her attention back to me.

“Of course. This might be the best party I’ve ever been to,” I exclaim. “Please tell me you’re hiring Addi and Claire to plan my birthday.”

She giggles. “Definitely. I knew it would be great, but I didn’t expect it to be this spectacular.

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