Now That We Don’t Talk

Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE

VIVIAN

R elief washes over me as I read the texts from my friend Katie. She continues apologizing for canceling our plans tonight. Apparently, her boyfriend got food poisoning from a shady sushi restaurant, so they won’t be able to introduce me to his co-worker. I’m really bummed about it. Not really—but that’s what I’m telling her.

Oh no. Totally understand. I hope he feels better.

She doesn’t need to know that I’m already changing into my pj’s before I even hit send. Let’s be honest—sometimes canceled plans are the best plans.

Cash really wants to meet you. Can we reschedule for next weekend? We both feel so bad about this.

I pull my long, dark blonde hair into a low bun, slide on a headband, and wash my face before reaching for my phone.

Please don’t feel bad. I’ll check my schedule for next week and let you know.

And I will—just not this second because I’m currently in deconstructive mode, getting ready for a dreamy evening at home .

I’ve been hearing about Cash for weeks. Katie swears he’s a perfect match for me. Of course I still have my doubts, even though she knows me so well. She’s been one of my best friends since we were in our awkward early teen years, so I should probably trust her judgment. It’s not her fault my outlook on men and dating has become so negative. I take full responsibility for my bad attitude.

In my defense, I’ve had a run of bad experiences with men over the past year or so. I’m starting to wonder if it’s me and not them like I’d originally thought. It’s not fun to admit the truth—I’m the problem, it’s me.

Well, mostly—I won’t take the blame for the guy who claimed my grandmother visited him in a dream and told him we were soul mates. Granny passed away five years ago, so yep, that one freaked me out a bit.

Anyway, when Katie told me about Dallin’s new partner at his firm, I was both hesitant and a little hopeful. To be clear her exact words were "You two might have been made for each other.” Katie insists he’s the male version of me. When someone says that, it’s kind of hard to ignore. The only information I have about him is he’s from Florida and he’s attractive in a baby face, Tom Holland way. It’s not much to go from, but it’s a start.

Anyway, due to schedule conflicts and now Dallin’s poor choice in dining establishments, Cash and I haven’t had the pleasure of being introduced to each other yet.

Seriously though, maybe this is a sign. It shouldn’t be this difficult to get together for dinner. Perhaps plans keep falling through because it’s a disaster waiting to happen. Sometimes it’s easier to think that instead of getting my hopes up. What can I say—I’m a realist.

The sound of my phone ringing interrupts my thoughts, and I see Katie’s number on my screen. That was quick .

“I haven’t had a chance to look at my schedule yet,” I answer before she can say a word.

“I figured. I was just making sure you weren’t getting any ideas about this being some sort of sign you shouldn’t meet Cash.”

Crap. There are both positives and negatives about having a friend who’s known you most of your life.

“No, of course not,” I exclaim, unconvincingly.

“I’m so mad at Dallin right now,” she trails off. “Wait. Why don’t you and Cash still meet up tonight? You’re both adults. You certainly don’t need us tagging along as chaperones.”

I glance down at my pink and blue striped pajamas. Sorry, friend. Once the pjs are on, the plans are off.

“It’s okay. Let’s just reschedule when you guys can join us,” I tell her.

She lets out a frustrated sigh. “Okay, but it’s happening. I won’t let you out of this.”

“For sure.”

I slip my feet into my warm fuzzy slippers and wander to my kitchen. As happy as I am to be staying home tonight, I’m a little bummed about missing out on delicious Northern Italian cuisine. I open the fridge and stare. My options are limited, so I grab some grapes and cheese, and crackers from the pantry. I desperately need groceries.

“Anyway, want to meet for breakfast tomorrow?” I ask, stretching out on my couch. “Unless you need to nurse Dallin back to health?”

Katie snorts. “Please. Of course I want to get breakfast. Dallin will be fine—hopefully a little smarter next time.”

I giggle. Katie and Dallin are one of those couples who thrive on playful banter, constantly teasing each other. Honestly, they should have their own reality show .

“Aww…shouldn’t a loving girlfriend take care of her man when he’s under the weather?” I tease.

“He’ll survive. At least it’s just food poisoning and not the dreaded man cold ,” she says dramatically. “Now that would be a nightmare. When Dallin gets a man cold, he acts like it’s the end for him.”

I laugh. “That’s sounds pretty accurate.”

“Anyway, I’ll see you in the morning,” she says. “Enjoy your night off. Let me guess…you’ve already changed into your pajamas?”

I scowl even though she can’t see me. “See you tomorrow.”

I end the call, grab my not so fancy charcuterie board and curl up on the couch with a blanket. This is my kind of night.

It may not be a meal prepared by a world class chef, but it’s much better than forcing a conversation through awkward pauses and wondering if I have food in my teeth. Truthfully, I’m not against going out with Cash—it’s just the initial meeting that stresses me out. He might be the most amazing man ever, so I should at least take a chance, and having a good meal is an extra bonus.

I let out a deep sigh. Dating isn’t for the weak. My last relationship ended on good terms—and maybe we would’ve lasted if it were a different time. Brent and I weren’t at the same place in our lives, so we wished each other well and went our separate ways.

Sometimes I wonder if I should branch out and move to a new place. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and I’ve never had the desire to leave. I love being near my family and friends, while only a train ride away from a bustling metropolitan city.

My parents downsized to a condo a year ago, but are nearby if I ever need them, which is very rare. I’m wildly independent and stubborn—I’ve made it my life’s mission to make it on my own. My younger sister still soaks up all the benefits of being the miracle baby of the Lewis family. After years of infertility, my parents had Jaclyn, and the rest is history. I went to college, got my degree, and landed my dream job in finance. And yes, it’s my dream job. I’m one of those people who loves math, including algebra. Yes, we do exist. I thrive on solving problems—at least when it comes to math. Relationships, though? That’s a whole different equation.

I cross my legs and lean my head against the back of my couch. I continue to scroll through the channels until I find a lighthearted romcom.

Sometimes a quiet Saturday night at home is exactly what you need.

“Mmmm…is there anything better than waffles?” Katie asks, closing her eyes as she enjoys every morsel of her breakfast. “Other than churro waffles.”

“The answer is no,” I declare, taking a sip of my coffee.

“Correct.

“So, how’s Dallin feeling on this beautiful morning?

She rolls her eyes. “He says he’s a little better today, and he’s left the bathroom if that’s any indication. I told him I’d go over and check on him later.”

“Yes, because that’s what a devoted and loving girlfriend does.”

She rolls her eyes despite the hint of a smile. Katie can be just as stubborn as me.

“Anyway, I have some interesting news,” she says carefully .

“Interesting? I hope that translates to good .”

She blows on her coffee and shrugs. “I guess it depends on what you would consider good news.”

“Hmm…I don’t like the sound of that.”

She makes a face. “Kyle told me that Mac is coming back after his season ends. I guess he’ll be here all summer.”

I groan. “And that’s your idea of good news?”

She cringes. “Sorry.”

“Are you sure he’s staying all summer? I’d think he’s much too important to lay around here for months. I mean, being a hockey player isn’t like being a Marvel superhero, but I doubt Mac Evans thinks there’s a difference.”

She snorts. “Probably not.”

“I’m sure the good people of Tennessee will miss him. Maybe he should just stay there.”

“Maybe your paths won’t even cross,” she suggests.

“Oh they won’t—I’ll do everything I can to make sure of it.”

I take a bite of my French toast and chew while my thoughts race. I’m not the type of person who dislikes people—except Mac Evans.

Katie’s twin brother Kyle and Mac have been friends even longer than Katie and I have. Mac was always around, so we had to interact to an extent. Mac is one of those men who never struggled with the ladies—for many reasons—looks, talent, sense of humor, and exceptional athletic ability. Then he became a professional hockey player, so that only added to his impressive resume. His ego is like nothing I’ve ever experienced, and I’m sure it’s only grown more inflated over the years as he’s become a superstar.

“I can’t believe your brother is still friends with Mac,” I say finally. “I would’ve thought they’d drift apart after Mac became famous .

She shrugs. “Kyle is as loyal as they come. He’d never turn his back on a friend—even if they might deserve it sometimes.”

I nod. “I know. Being a good friend runs in your family.”

"We are twins," she sings, fluttering her eyelashes.

“Yes, but you have me as a best friend and Kyle has Mac,” I remind her. “Your brother definitely got the short end of the stick.”

She smiles. “There was a time we were all friends.”

I hold up my hand in defense. “Let’s be clear, Mac Evans would’ve never talked to me if I wasn’t friends with you. It was a requirement as a member of the Thomason extended family.”

“That’s not true,” she says.

I roll my eyes. “Um, it sure is. We couldn’t be more opposite if we tried. Popular hockey legend hanging out with the star of the math club—not a chance.”

“So what? There are plenty of friendships that thrive by being opposites,” Kate insists. “You and I are very different.”

“Yes, but Mac and I are not those people,” I assure her.

Katie sighs. For some friendships the subject of politics remains off limit. For Katie and I, the subject is Mac Evans. I know it’s awkward for her because Mac is basically like family to her.

Truthfully, he and I coexisted because of our friendships with the Thomason twins. The last time I saw him was at a Christmas party two years ago at Katie’s parents’ house. That’s where I overheard him tell two other guys he thought I was interested in him and always had been. The three of them found this idea very humorous, and I’m still not sure why he said it. I wasn’t one of the girls who swooned every time he walked by. I guess Mac believes that anytime a woman glances in his direction it automatically means they want to bare his children. Despite what many say—professional hockey player doesn’t equal dream guy. At least it doesn’t for me.

“Well, thanks for letting me know,” I say finally. “I’ll be sure to check my surroundings when I leave the house.”

She laughs. “You do that. Just run out the door if you spot him in Trader Joe’s. His parents house is right down the street from there.”

“I will.”

Ugh. Trader Joe’s is one of my happy places. I’m there at least three times a week. The manager and I are now on a first name basis. She even invited me to join her Bunco game. I might have to switch up my shopping for a while just in case.

I happily change the subject so there’s no more mention of hockey players or blind dates. Those are two topics of conversation I’d rather not touch.