Chapter Five
CHAPTER FIVE
VIVIAN
K atie’s parents’ house looks like something straight out of a TV show—not in a museum-like way, but in the warm, lived-in kind of way. It’s inviting and comfortable, with a fridge that’s always fully stocked with the best snacks. I’m one of the first to arrive for the barbeque, even before Katie. This isn’t a surprise because I’m always on time and she’s always late. It’s just another way we balance each other.
“Hi, Laura,” I say, walking into the kitchen like I live here.
“Vivi, it’s great to see you,” she says, reaching for my hand. She’s stirring something in a large sauce pot on the stove.
“How are you?” she asks.
“I’m great.” I say, taking a cube of cheese from the large platter.
This kitchen hasn’t changed at all over the years—it’s organized chaos, and everything has its place. The coffee maker is in the same corner by the door to the dining room. Just above it is a shelf containing mugs from different cities around the country. Laura has an impressive collection of coffee mugs, and I always enjoyed looking at them when I was younger.
“Give me the full report. What’s new in your life?” she asks.
I shrug my shoulders. “Not much. Work and more work.”
She shakes her head. “You’re too young to be working so much. I hope you still allow yourself to have some fun.”
I smile. “You sound like your daughter.”
“Oh, please don’t tell her. I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“It’ll be our secret,” I say with a wink.
“How are your parents enjoying city life?” she asks. “I love seeing all their pictures online.”
“Oh, they are having a lot of fun soaking up every second of retirement.”
She nods. “We’ve thought about downsizing, but I don’t know if I could ever leave this house. I always dreamed of my grandchildren coming to visit us here.”
I smile. I could see that. For some reason it would be shocking if Katie’s parents were ever to leave this place. It wasn’t as difficult when my parents sold their home because I’d always spent more time with my friends here. Our house was always more formal.
“Hellooo,” a high-pitched voice calls. “We’re here.”
A few seconds later Kyle’s girlfriend Addi comes into the kitchen carrying a bowl and a few bags of chips.
“Oh hey, Vivi,” she says as soon as she sees me.
I like Addi a lot. She’s cheerful, positive, and a ball of energy. Katie really likes her too, which is good because she and her twin brother are very close.
“Do you need some help bringing stuff in?”
“Nah. The boys will bring the rest. ”
Boys?
She walks over to give Laura a hug.
“I made homemade potato salad,” she says. “It’s my Aunt Marie’s recipe, and it’s delicious.”
“Oh, I love potato salad,” I say.
“Coming through with the drinks,” Kyle calls.
I follow Addi to help Kyle. And just as I approach the doorway, I come face to face with Mac. He’s balancing a large cooler with two boxes on top of it.
“Oh, sorry,” I say.
“No worries,” he says, his gaze briefly meeting mine. Neither of us speaks another word.
I quickly step aside, giving him space to pass.
Every time I see him, I can’t help but replay that conversation he and his friends had about me. The memory still stings even though I know I should let it go.
“Oh my goodness, there’s our famous son,” Laura squeals as soon as she sees Mac. “We’re so happy to have you home.”
I roll my eyes. I’m guessing this whole day is going to be about him—and I’m sure he’ll love it. Oh well, there’s nothing I can do. I choose to be here because these are my people. I can endure it for a few hours.
“It’s so great that you’re back. When was the last time we saw you?” Laura asks.
I hang back and send Katie a text.
At your parents’ house. Where are you?
“It was probably the Christmas party you hosted a few years ago,” Mac says. “My schedule has been wild these past few seasons.”
“Yes, it was the Christmas party,” Kyle interjects. “All of our friends came back to visit that year.”
“Oh right, that was a fun visit,” Mac says with a smirk .
I watch as Mac crosses his arms and leans against the counter. To his credit, he’s grown into an attractive man—I’m not blind to the obvious.
“Was it that long ago?” Laura shrieks. “You work too much. I just told Vivian the same thing.
Mac shoots a glance in my direction. “Well, I don’t have much of a choice. It comes with the job description, and my team depends on me.”
Hmm…what’s that supposed to mean?
My phone buzzes a few seconds later with a response from Katie. Almost there.
Kyle and Katie’s father joins us in the kitchen, and the Mac praise ramps up a few more levels. They are talking about some highlights from a game his team managed to win despite being down by quite a bit. Honestly, I know zero about hockey, so it all sounds foreign to me.
“We’ve decided we’re starting a Mac Evans fan club,” Addi announces.
“Think of the profits we could make,” Kyle adds. “I should’ve thought of this idea sooner.”
“Yes,” Addi agrees. “We can all contribute. Katie can do the marketing, and Vivian, you can handle the finances, right?”
Um, what?
Everyone turns to look at me, including Mac, who has an amused expression on his face.
“Um, are you being serious?” I blurt out before I can stop myself. Crap. I really need to work on thinking before I speak.
“Sorry, traffic was bad,” Katie exclaims as she rushes into the kitchen with her boyfriend Dallin trailing behind her.
Ah, thank goodness for Katie and her impeccable timing. I was going to need to do some quick thinking to pull my foot out of my mouth.
Thankfully other guests start arriving at the same time and the fan club conversation is abandoned.
“What did I miss?” Katie asks, handing me a tray of cupcakes.
“Well, not much other than we’ve been recruited to start a Mac Evans fan club.”
She frowns. “What? Who has been recruited?”
“I had the same reaction. Apparently, we’ve all been included. You’re doing the marketing, and I’ll be running the finances.”
“Katie Kat,” Mac calls, interrupting our conversation.
“Ah, look who decided to show up,” Katie announces as she gives him a hug. I need to remember he’s like a brother to her. I don’t want to put her in an awkward spot due to our mutual dislike for one another.
“Aren’t you too important and famous for the rest of us here in the suburbs?” Katie teases. “I’m surprised you’re not spending your time off on an exotic island somewhere.”
Mac rolls his eyes. “Of course I’m not too important to come back. Did Vivian give you that idea?” His eyes dart in my direction.
Wow. Is he really going there?
“Well, not one person has asked for your autograph yet,” I suggest making a sad face. “Are you going through withdrawals?”
He folds his arms, a smug look spreading across his face. “Nope. Plus the day just started, so I’m not worried.”
I shake my head. “Some things never change.”
“Apparently not,” Mac agrees.
A strange flutter stirs in my stomach as we lock eyes in a silent standoff. His ego is undoubtedly unmatched .
“Um, I’m sure Mom needs some help,” Katie exclaims. “Come on, Vivi.”
She grabs me by the elbow and pulls me away.
“I didn’t start that,” I remind her.
“I know. It’s probably better if you avoid him for the rest of the day.”
“Gladly.”
We busy ourselves helping her mother prepare food and set everything on the large buffet table. Before I know it, the house is full of guests, and of course many of them want to talk to the hockey star. Mac’s parents are also here, both showing off their jerseys sporting his number. And I can’t blame them. I’m sure they are very proud of their son and his accomplishments.
“Okay, Vivi,” Katie says.
“You’re finally ready to meet Cash,” Dallin says, setting his plate down on the table next to mine.
“Excuse me. She’s been ready,” Katie says, sitting down on the other side of me. “You’re the one who decided to risk your life by getting sushi from an unmarked building.”
Why am I sitting in between these too? They bicker better than any married couple I’ve ever met.
Dallin’s face twists and turns a shade of gray.
“Don’t worry, I’ll never do that again. I can’t remember the last time I was so sick,” he wails. “Anyway Cash is looking forward to meeting you. I think you two will get along great.”
“That’s what I’ve heard.”
I find it fascinating when people assume two individuals will automatically get along—because you never really know.
Addi and Kyle sit down across from us, and then Mac sits on the other side of Kyle .
“So, Mac, what is it really like playing a professional sport?” Dallin asks.
Mac grins. “Overall I enjoy it. It has its drawbacks like any other career, but I’m very lucky and it’s opened a world of opportunities for me.”
Kyle joins in their conversation, and the hockey talk continues.
“Vivian, I’ve been wanting to chat with you,” Addi says. “I want to plan a big birthday celebration for Kyle, and of course that includes Katie.”
“Yes, poor Katie always has to share her birthday,” I reply.
Katie frowns. “My whole life.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Addi says. “Please don’t feel obligated if you want to have your own celebration. I should’ve asked first.”
Katie waves her hand. “It’s totally fine. I’m used to sharing my birthday with that guy. Plus, I’d never turn down someone throwing me a party.”
Addi claps her hands together. “Perfect. Vivian would you be willing to help?”
“Of course. Anything for my best friend,” I tell her.
“Fantastic. One of my best friends is an event planner and she has some fun ideas,” she squeals. “Oh, and Mac will help too.”
I force a smile. I guess there’s no way of avoiding the man no matter what I do. He will be around for the next few months and our paths will inevitably cross. The good news is he won’t be here forever and before I know it, he’ll go back to his glamourous life and leave us in peace.