Page 87 of Now That We Don't Talk

Mac exhales and together we trail behind the twins, stepping out of the loud ballroom and into the quiet hallway. We move down the hall until we reach two heavy doors. Kyle moves inside, and we all join him.

“Okay, let’s hash this out,” Kyle exclaims.

I take a slow, deliberate bite of my cake, my pulse picking up speed. My eyes flick between him and Katie, waiting.

“What do you want to talk about?” Mac asks.

“This,” Katie says, gesturing between us. “You two.”

My stomach knots, my grip tightening around my fork. Oh, wow. I think I know where this is going.

I shoot a quick glance at Mac, my heart tightening just a little.

Katie throws her hands up. “We asked you two to getalong,” she exclaims, her voice filled with exasperation. “And you did…”

Kyle nods and takes over. “Look, I’ll admit—I had my doubts. And yeah, I was wrong in the way I went about things, but I honestly thought I was doing the right thing.”

“Kyle, we already talked about this,” Mac says, his tone smooth. “We’re good.”

“Yes, but you aren’t,” Kyle retorts.” It’s obvious to everyone you’re both miserable.” He gestures between Mac and me. “Before, we couldn’t even get you guys to be in the same room without an argument breaking out. And now? Watching you apart is even worse.”

I swallow hard. He’s right—I am miserable.

Katie sighs, crossing her arms. “Listen—you both know challenges you face. The distance will be hard, but if you want it to work, it will. You are the two most stubborn and determined people we have ever met.”

“There are no guarantees,” Kyle adds. “But you never know until you try. It’s better than being miserable. And we will stand by you no matter what. Even if things don’t work out. We’re your best friends and that won’t change.”

I feel tears prick my eyes, so I look down at my half-eaten piece of cake.

“We will support you in whatever decision you make,” Katie says. “Now we’ll leave you to talk because we’re missing our birthday party.”

They quickly head out of the room and shut the door behind them, leaving me and Mac to figure out our situation.

Mac lets out a sigh. “We’re pretty lucky to have those two in our lives.”

“We sure are,” I say, putting my plate on the nearby table.

“So, what do you think?”

“I think I’m going to be very sad when you leave,” I say, my voice cracking. “But I can’t wait to see you play.”

His eyes widen full of hope, so I continue talking.

“I’m sorry Mac—I got scared and thought it would be easier to let you go with no strings attached.”

"I understand," he insists, stepping toward me, his proximity stirring a spark inside me. "You don’t need to apologize for anything."

I shake my head and let out a deep, unsteady sigh. “Honestly, it frustrates me how empty I’ve felt since I walked out of Casa.”

His expression softens as he reaches up and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

“I know the feeling,” he murmurs. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to call you. Or just show up at your house.”

My lips curl into a small smile. “I think I’m starting to see what all your fans see.”

His face lights up instantly. “Finally,” he exclaims, throwing his hands in the air. “I knew someday you’d get the Mac Evans hype.”

A genuine laugh escapes me, and he grins.

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