Page 86 of Now That We Don't Talk

I grin, but Katie’s expression shifts as she studies me. “So…have you and Mac talked?”

I nod. “Yep.”

“And?” She leans in, her voice dropping slightly. “Did it go okay?”

“Mm-hmm.” I murmur avoiding her gaze.

“Vivi,” she says sharply.”

“What?”

She tilts her head, her expression skeptical, like she’s trying to read between the lines. “Nothing.”

I shake my head, knowing she’s not convinced, but Idon’t have the energy to explain how I’m feeling. “Anyway, will you please go tell your soon-to-be sister-in-law that it’s time for cake?”

Katie grins. “On it.” She gives my hand a quick squeeze before disappearing into the crowd in search of Addi.

A few minutes later, I spot Addi linking her arm through Kyle’s as she steps toward the DJ, signaling him to lower the music.

“Hey, everyone,” Addi’s calls. “Thank you all for being here tonight and making this the perfect celebration for our favorite twins. Now, who’s ready for cake?”

A chorus of cheers erupts as people move toward the dessert table. Katie and Kyle stand behind their cake, their faces glowing with happiness as the crowd sings to them.

I let my gaze drift across the room, and my chest tightens when I spot Mac standing near his parents—alongside Katie and Kyle’s. It suddenly hits me that I should be standing next to him. But I let my stubbornness, and my fear take control.

The crazy thing is there was a time when I wanted nothing to do with Mac. And now, standing here with an empty space beside me, I realize being with Mac is the only place I want to be.

I swallow the lump in my throat as I step forward, weaving through the crowd toward the dessert table.

Just as I reach for a slice of the decadent chocolate cake, another hand appears at the exact same moment. I glance up, meeting Mac’s eyes. A flicker of amusement appears on his face.

“Good choice with the chocolate,” he says, holding up his plate as if to toast mine.

I smile. “Oh, I’m not stopping at just chocolate. I’m planning on having a piece of carrot cake too.”

Mac raises an eyebrow, his grin widening. “Two pieces, huh? I like the way you think.”

For a moment, we stand there in a comfortable silence possibly waiting for the other to speak up.

Before either of us can say anything else, a voice cuts through the moment.

“Hey, guys.”

I turn to see Kyle approaching with Katie right behind him. Their expressions are serious, making my stomach tighten. Those two are clearly on a mission.

“We need to talk,” Kyle announces.

Mac and I exchange a quick glance.

“Uh, sure,” Mac says, putting his plate down.

“Is everything okay?” I ask.

“It will be.” Katie’s tone is firm. “Come on.”

I hesitate. “Can I at least eat my cake first? I’ve been waiting all night.”

“Bring the cake,” Katie insists, already walking away.

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