Chapter Four
CHAPTER FOUR
MAC
“ O ne of these days I’m going to win a game,” Kyle mumbles.
I smile. “Sure you will. Just keep practicing.”
We’ve played three matches, and I won all three. This is much better than sleeping in. There’s nothing like a little friendly competition to start the day.
“Funny,” he says.
I sit down on the bench and take a few sips of my water.
“So how does it feel to be back here?” Kyle asks.
“Really good. I think it was the right decision to come back for a while. I needed it.”
Kyle sits down next to me. “We haven’t had a lot of time to talk. What’s going on?”
I shrug. “I guess I’m starting to reevaluate some things.”
“Really?” he says, sounding surprised. “Like what?”
I’m not sure how to describe it. And talking about my feelings isn’t one of my specialties.
“I don’t know exactly—priorities, relationships, the deep stuff. ”
“Oh yeah, what happened with you and the vet? I thought you were really interested in her.”
I shrug. “She was great and had a lot going for her. Something was missing though.”
He nods. “There’s nothing you can do when that happens.”
“You’re right,” I say. “And did I tell you about Sophie?”
He shakes his head. “Who’s Sophie? Come on, man, you’re letting me down. Don’t leave me out of the loop.”
I snort. “I didn’t date Sophie. Long story short—she came for a visit with Cooper’s girlfriend, didn’t give me a second look, and fell for my coach.”
He throws his head back in laughter. “That’s brutal. I never thought I’d see the day when Mac Evans couldn’t get the girl.”
“Thanks for the support,” I mutter.
“You know what I mean.”
I ignore him. “Anyway, ever since the holidays, I’ve been in a weird headspace when it comes to dating and women.”
“It happens—and then, bam, you meet the one,” he exclaims, clapping his hands together.
I raise an eyebrow. “So Addi’s the one?”
Am I really having this conversation with my best friend. When did we grow up?
“I think so.”
“Well that seems to be what everyone else thinks too. Your mom told my mom that you two are getting very serious.”
“Mom loves Addi,” he says. “Although it’s not difficult to love her.”
I pat him on the back. “I’m happy for you, man. And looking forward to meeting her. ”
“Let’s have dinner tonight,” he suggests. “Unless you have other plans.”
“No plans. Let’s do it.”
“Should Addi bring a friend?” he asks. “You’re a big topic of conversation amongst her friends.”
I grin. “Not tonight. I want to spend some time getting to know the woman who has taken over my best friend.”
“Sounds good,” he says. “How about one more go round? I need to try to walk out of here with my head held high.”
“Sure. Give it a shot—maybe I’ll let you win.”
He frowns before hopping to his feet.
I win our final match, and Kyle demands a rematch next week.
“Oh, guess who I saw at the store—Vivian Lewis,” I tell him.
Kyle raises his eyebrows. “How did that go?”
I shrug. “Fine. We really didn’t have a chance to talk because I was walking out and there was a woman who wanted a photo with me?—”
“I bet she did,” he interrupts.
“A photo with her and her kids for her husband,” I add.
"Well, it's probably for the best that you were busy," he says. "Vivian isn't exactly a fan of Mac Evans."
I shake my head in disbelief. “I don’t get it. She always acted like she was better than everyone. Isn’t she some kind of genius?”
Kyle nods. “Pretty much. But honestly, Vivian’s a great person and a good friend. She’s like Katie’s version of you.”
Hmm…I’m not sure how I feel about that.
“Yeah, but Vivian and I couldn’t be more different,” I point out .
“Yes and no,” he says. “You’re both loyal, driven, and passionate about your careers.”
I exhale. “Okay, that’s true…and she looks good.” That’s actually an understatement—she looks better than I remember. Seeing her caught me off guard. I mean, Vivian has always been pretty, but there was something different about her.
"Yeah, Katie always says Vivian is one of those women who doesn’t realize just how beautiful she is.”
The sound of his phone interrupts our conversation.
“Ah, it’s Addi,” he tells me. “Hey, babe, I was just about to text you. Does tonight work for dinner with Mac?”
A smile spreads across his face. “Just the three of us tonight. He wants to get to know you.”
I’m not opposed to meeting any of Addi’s friends, but I want the opportunity to talk to my best friend’s girlfriend without having to get to know someone else at the same time, especially if Addi is really the one my friend wants to spend his life with.
“We’re on for tonight,” he says after ending his call. “Anyway, what were we talking about?”
“It doesn’t matter,” I say. “I’m looking forward to finally sitting down with Addi.”
“Be prepared for a lot of questions about Kyle throughout the years,” he exclaims. “Don’t forget I’m counting on you to not break the code.”
I smirk. “The code? Oh, you mean by revealing all the dark secrets of your past?”
“Yes. And I’ll remind you I have more scandalous dirt on you.”
“Ah. Good point,” I say. "Alright, my go-to answer for her questions will be, 'I don’t recall.' But if she asks whether you ever passed out under a tree wearing a Barbie T-shirt, well…I can’t tell a lie."
He scowls. “Fine. But don’t forget I’m a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the star of the Tennessee Wolves. I could make a fortune telling the true story. Juicy gossip sells, and I could use some extra cash.”
“Fine. I’ll never say a word.”
We continue to chat on our way out and plan to meet for dinner at seven. It feels good to be back—almost like I never left.
“I can’t believe we’re finally meeting,” Addi squeals, giving me a tight hug. “I feel like I already know you.”
“The feeling is mutual,” I say with a smile.
I look back and forth between Addi and my best friend. They make a great couple. She’s pretty with short brown hair and a wide smile stretching across her face.
I can already tell she’s a bundle of energy. Kyle is pretty laid back, so she’ll balance him out well.
As soon as we’re seated at our table, the questions begin. One after another I answer them, and then it’s my turn to ask the questions.
“So what’s your favorite thing about this guy?”
Her face lights up like a Christmas tree. “I don’t even know where to begin. He’s thoughtful and patient, and he’s always there to help a friend.”
I nod. “I can confirm that.”
She shoots a dreamy look at Kyle, and he beams. Wow. My best friend is done. I’ve known him a long time, and I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at this woman .
“Katie and Vivian told me a story about the time you guys saved the baby squirrel and how Kyle wouldn’t go to sleep because he wanted to make sure he was alright.”
I give a thoughtful look. “Oh wow, I forgot about that.”
“That’s because you weren’t as concerned as me. You thought we should just drop it off at a twenty-four-hour clinic,” Kyle adds.
“Because we knew nothing about taking care of a baby squirrel or baby anything,” I remind him.
“It sounds like you all had some great times together,” Addi says. “Katie and Vivian are the best.”
I press my lips together and nod. She must not know that Vivian and I didn’t get along back in the day, and I’d rather keep it that way. I want her to like me.
“I love that Kyle is a twin,” she continues. “My mom is a twin also, and I’ve always been in awe of the connection they share—even though I know it’s different with boys and girls.”
“Yes, Katie is like a sister to me,” I say with a grin. “Though I’m pretty sure she sees me as just another annoying brother.”
“I can confirm this,” Kyle agrees.
“I’m surprised you haven’t heard the not-so-great stuff about me,” I admit. “I’m not as charming as everyone believes.”
She grins. “No one is perfect, but Kyle wouldn’t be best friends with you if you weren’t truly a good guy.”
I like this girl. I think I’ll give them my blessing.
“Thanks for saying that,” I say.
Her face lights up. “And Kyle has been so excited for you to come back. I told him we should go watch some of your games. ”
“Yes. You should. He hasn’t been to see a game since last season.” I shoot Kyle a disappointed look.
“I know, I know,” he says. “I promise I’ll go in the fall.”
“I know a few girls who really like hockey,” Addi says with a broad smile. “They are excited to meet you.”
And there it is. I knew it wouldn’t be long before she brought up her friends.
“I’m always excited to meet hockey fans,” I tell her. “And it’s even better if they are Tennessee Wolves fans.”
“I’m sure they will be after they meet you,” Kyle suggests. “Mac Evans has a good-sized fan club.”
“I don’t actually have a fan club,” I admit.
“Hey, you’ve just given me a great idea,” he exclaims. “I could start a Mac fan club and be the president. I could send out autographs and raffle off dates with you. It’ll be a huge success.”
“Okay, settle down,” I tell him. “You have a job and a girlfriend?—”
“We could do it together,” Addi exclaims. “It’ll be fun. I’m sure my friends would join, plus Katie and Vivian.”
Ha. That’s funny. I highly doubt Vivian will be signing up for my fan club.
“I appreciate the thought,” I say, “but I think I need a few months away from hockey.”
“Mac is taking this time to reflect,” Kyle chimes in.
“Good for you,” Addi says. “Self-care is important. Too many people don’t make it a priority.”
“You’re right,” I say. “Self-care is exactly what I need.”
She nods. “You should read some books and enjoy your time off. Kyle says you’re always on the go for months at a time.”
“The season is very intense, and I love what I do, but it’s been a strange few months. ”
We spend the rest of the evening chatting, and I can see why Kyle is so happy. Addi is cool and it’s obvious she cares about my best friend. I’m not a relationship expert, but I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends up being a long-term thing. No one deserves it more than Kyle. He’s stood by me through it all.