Chapter Six
CHAPTER SIX
MAC
H onestly, I do enjoy the attention that comes with my career, but sometimes I need space. This is supposed to be a casual barbeque catching up with family and friends. I’m not trying to take over the whole event, but every time I turn around someone wants to talk to me about the Wolves season. Well, everyone except Vivian.
The woman is as snarky and tenacious as ever. And I’ll never in a million years admit it, but it’s making me feel something I didn’t expect—intrigued.
Vivian and I have known each other a long time even though I wouldn’t call us friends . Our lives have been naturally entwined due to our best friends being siblings. But outside of this, our paths didn’t cross in any other capacity. We rarely interact with each other except when we are with our mutual group of friends.
She’s very intelligent, and I’ve always wondered if she thinks I’m just an athlete who only cares about sports and my image. She’s alluded to me being superficial and full of myself on multiple occasions. And there’s probably a fair amount of truth in that. I’m not proud of it, but I do have a big ego, and I know it shows even when I try to tone it down a bit. I’m good at what I do, and I know it. People want to talk to me and get photos. Naturally this feels good, but I know there’s a preconceived notion that comes with it. At the same time, it’s different off the ice, and deep down I’m more insecure than people realize. I try not to show this side of myself to anyone.
“So, does it feel like you never left?” Kyle asks, interrupting my thoughts.
I sigh. “In some ways. I see the house hasn’t changed at all.”
He laughs. “Never. You know my mom will spend her last days in this place.”
“I have no doubt.”
“Anyway, what do you think of Addi?” Kyle asks.
“She’s great. Perfect for you.”
He nods. “She is. I’m glad you like her because I’m pretty sure I want to marry her.”
My jaw drops open. “Whoa, man. Give me some warning before you unload that kind of news.”
“You’re my best friend. We should be able to talk about anything.”
“We can. It’s just—marriage is a life-changing step, and as your friend it’s my job to make sure you’re prepared before you jump in.”
He holds up his hands. “I know we’ve only been together six months, but I can’t see myself with any other woman. I’ve never felt this way before and I—” he pauses and clears his throat. “I want to marry her.”
Wow. I can’t believe we’re talking about this. Sure I knew we’d grow up and get married someday but hearing him verbalize the seriousness of their relationship is startling.
“Have you discussed this with her yet?” I ask .
He shakes his head. “Every time I try to bring it up, I panic and freeze. I don’t want to freak her out if she’s not ready to discuss it.”
After seeing them together, I don’t think he needs to worry about that.
“Listen, you know I’m the last person who should talk about relationships, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s feeling the same. It’s obvious how she feels about you.”
He nods slowly. “I know…”
“So, then what are you waiting for? Talk to her.”
Am I really giving relationship advice to my friend? This is a new phenomenon for me.
“You’re right. Thanks, man.”
I glance over and spot Addi chatting with Vivian and Katie. Vivian catches my attention immediately. She carries herself with a quiet yet undeniable confidence. Her long blonde hair falls effortlessly down her back, and her short denim dress hugs her figure in all the right ways without being overly tight. She's incredibly fit—and admittedly, I’ve never really paid much attention before.
Smart and fit is quite a combination. I appreciate that she owns who she is and doesn’t put on an act. This is something I’m faced with often because so many pretend to be people they aren’t. There have been many occasions where I’ve wondered if someone wanted to get to know me for who I am and not just the fame that comes with my career.
I’m not an A-list celebrity by any means, but fans or friends of fans make it feel that way at times. It can be hard to differentiate between sincerity and opportunity. This might be the underlying reason I’m overly cautious when it comes to dating.
“Sometimes I look at her and wonder how I got so lucky,” Kyle continues .
For a second I forget he’s talking about Addi.
“Okay, this conversation is getting a little deep for a Saturday afternoon barbeque. And while I’m touched that you’re confiding in me, there’s a lot of feelings happening here and it’s starting to freak me out.”
He snorts. “You just wait. Someday we’ll be having the same conversation when you find your soul mate.”
“Um, sure. We’ll see about that. Talking about my emotions isn’t one of my strengths unless it has to do with winning and losing hockey games.”
“You say that now, but you’re going to be in my same shoes—maybe sooner rather than later?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Vivian walk inside the house.
“What do you mean by that? Did you forget that I’m extra single right now? This is my summer of reflection and growth.”
My mom always goes on about that Eat, Pray, Love movie—maybe that’s what I’m doing, but there’s no way I’m telling Kyle that.
He laughs. "I didn’t forget about your single status. I’m just hoping you’ll hit it off with Addi’s friend, so you won’t be single for long.”
Ah. I should’ve known.
“I told you I’m willing to meet a friend, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This summer is about me having no commitments or responsibilities.”
“Hey, I get it. And there’s nothing wrong with a carefree summer fling.”
“Ahh…now you’re onto something.”
"Just remember, meeting Addi was completely random. I wasn't expecting anything serious, and now I can't stop thinking about marrying her. "
“Oh my—I knew it,” Katie shrieks from behind us.
Kyle and I turn around, and thankfully, Addi isn’t with her.
“Crap. You better not say anything,” Kyle demands.
“When and where are you proposing?” she asks, not attempting to keep her voice down. “And why haven’t you told me anything about this? I’m your twin sister.”
“Shhh. Can you stop? I don’t have any specific plans yet,” Kyle says in a loud whisper. “I was just getting Mac’s opinion.”
She frowns. “Why? No offense, Mac.”
“Oh sure. None taken,” I snap. “Ouch.”
“Well, you aren’t exactly the settle down and get serious kind of guy,” she points out. “You’re certainly not the most qualified to give my brother advice about the most important decision of his life.”
I can’t disagree with her assessment.
“I wasn’t asking his advice about proposing. I wanted to know what he thinks of Addi.”
“And I told him she’s great,” I chime in. “I wasn’t trying to talk him out of marriage.”
She sighs in relief. “Good, because they are meant for each other. Plus we all adore her, and I’d love to have her as my sister. It’s practically a done deal.”
Kyle grins. “Now can we stop talking about this before someone else hears?”
“Fine. In other news, you need to be nice to Vivi,” Katie demands, poking me in the chest.
“Ow,” I say rubbing my ribcage. “Me? Why is it all my fault. She isn’t exactly nice to me.”
Katie presses her lips together. “Well, you started it earlier when you accused her of putting ideas in my head. That was all you, mister. ”
“Well, it could be true,” I say defiantly. “Vivian isn’t innocent.”
She rolls her eyes. “You both need to stop with this animosity. Maybe it’s time you sit down and hash it out.”
“Oh, that’s an idea. I’d like a front row seat for that,” Kyle agrees. “I’ll get the popcorn.”
“I don’t think it’s necessary. We don’t have to interact.”
I have no doubt Vivian will agree with me on this.
“As long as you refrain from making any more comments that will get under her skin. I know she can be stubborn, but she’s my best friend and one of the best humans I know.”
“And you’re my best friend,” Kyle adds. “Honestly, there’s really no reason you two can’t get along. We’re all adults.”
I hold up my hands. “Fine, there will be no more remarks from me. But I hope you’re giving her the same lecture.”
“I’ll talk to her,” Katie exclaims. “And we will continue the proposal conversation later. I have some great ideas about how you can pop the question.”
She hurries away, leaving me and Kyle alone again.
“Are you worried your sister will take over your marriage proposal?” I ask.
He laughs. “Yep.”
“At least you’re prepared.”
“You know how Katie is—she’s just like my mom,” he reminds me. She likes to fix everything and wants to make sure everyone around her is happy. Her other new project is setting Vivian up with Dallin’s co-worker. She’s been plotting that for weeks.”
Hearing this causes a stir in my stomach.
“Really? Hopefully they prepared the poor guy.”
“There you are,” Addi coos, wrapping her arms around Kyle’s waist, which is my cue to give them a few minutes alone.
“I’ll catch up with you two later,” I say quickly and make my way outside to visit with other guests.
“There’s my handsome son,” my mother calls as soon as I step through the doorway. “Come sit down and chat with us for a little while.”
She’s sitting with Laura and a few other women I sort of recognize.
"Your mother just mentioned you're not seeing anyone at the moment. Is that true?" one of the women asks, as if it's the most scandalous news she's ever heard.
“Yes, ma’am. My schedule has been very chaotic, so it hasn’t allowed a lot of time for anything else. My career can be very demanding.”
“I’m sure the women come running when they hear you’re single,” Laura interjects.
I shrug nonchalantly.
“Oh, they do, but my son is very particular when it comes to dating,” my mom says.
“Not always,” I admit.
“I think it’s a good thing,” she continues. “I often worry about people not being sincere or in your life for the right reasons.”
“I’d be concerned about that too,” Laura agrees.
“Thanks for looking out for me, Mom. That’s always a possibility, unfortunately.”
It’s nice to know I always have my parents in my corner.
“I had friends who played minor league baseball, and women would flock to them,” another woman says. “Most of the women weren’t interested in them for the right reasons. It happens on The Bachelor all the time. Many of them only go on the show for their five minutes of fame. ”
I zone out as they talk about The Bachelor , but then my attention shifts when I see Vivian clearing some dishes off a nearby table.
She looks up and catches me watching her, so I quickly look away just as Laura asks if me and my teammates have groupies.
“Um, sort of, but they aren’t called groupies. There’s another term used to describe the women who pursue hockey players.”
“Oh, what is it?” Laura exclaims as if I just revealed the juiciest gossip.
“Puck bunnies,” I say.
“What? Really?” Laura shrieks.
“Yes. It’s a term used to describe fans who aren’t really interested in the sport of hockey. They’re usually more interested in the attention and all the perks that come with the dating a player.”
Wow. Never in a million years did I expect to be discussing this topic with my mother and her friends. My teammates would thoroughly enjoy it.
“Thankfully my son is smart enough not to fall for that kind of behavior,” my mom says knowingly.
I force a grin. I am now—I can’t say that’s always been the case.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll find someone as wonderful as Addi,” Laura exclaims. “She’s perfect for Kyle, and we already consider her a part of the family. What do you think of them together?”
“I agree. I can’t remember a time Kyle was this happy.”
The subject of Kyle and Addi is a welcome way to shift the attention off me, my personal life, and puck bunnies.
As soon as I get a chance, I excuse myself to get a drink, and when I walk into the kitchen I find Vivian wiping the counters.
“Oh, hey,” I say.
“Hey.”
“Avoiding the guests?” I ask.
“No, I thought I’d help Laura by cleaning up a bit. Are you avoiding the guests?”
“Nope. Just taking a break,” I say.
“A break from all your adoring fans?”
“Exactly,” I reply.
“Have you signed any autographs yet?”
“Not yet. Speaking of which, why is my autograph so important to you? Do you want one?”
“Do I want your autograph?” she spits out. “Uh, I’m good.”
“Fine. It’s your loss.”
"My loss?" she snickers. "Wow, you really haven't changed a bit."
"That's funny, I was thinking the same thing about you."
"Thanks. I'll take that as a compliment," she retorts.
“Good, because that’s how I meant it,” I exclaim. “And I’m sure you meant it the same way.”
“Yeah.”
I shake my head in frustration and turn to leave the kitchen, but something stops me.
“Just to let you know, I’m not as terrible as you seem to think I am,” I say.
She gives a thoughtful look. “It must really bother you that I don’t fall in line like the rest of your loyal fans.”
“Honestly, it’s a little unusual,” I say folding my arms against my chest. “But it doesn’t bother me.”
She throws her hands in the air. “Are you kidding? You’re so full of yourself, it’s mind blowing. ”
I shrug. “For some reason you’re the only one who doesn’t like me, and I’m mystified by this.”
“Yes, it must be shocking to meet someone who doesn’t care about hockey or the great Mac Evans.”
I smile. “The great Mac Evans—I like that. Maybe I’ll start using it. In fact, I might sign my autograph that way from now on. Thanks for the idea, I’ll definitely credit you for it.”
She scowls.
“And just to let you know, I promised Katie I would try not to get under your skin.”
“Well, you broke that promise,” she says, scrunching her nose up.
“Didn’t you promise her you’d try to get along with me?”
She presses her lips together. “Maybe.”
“Look, we don’t have to be friends, but we will always have Katie and Kyle in common.”
“True.”
“So we should find a way to be cordial around each other—for them.”
She nods. “I can do that.”
“I can too.” I pause. “And to show you there are no hard feelings, I’ll be happy to get you that autograph.”
She throws her towel at me, but I think I notice a tiny hint of a smile on her lips.
“See you later,” I call over my shoulder. I hurry to leave before she catches me smiling too.