Chapter Seven
CHAPTER SEVEN
VIVIAN
M ac Evans is infuriating in so many ways. So the fact I suddenly can’t get him out of my mind is driving me crazy. How could I let him use his annoyingly charming ways to impact me? The last thing the man needs is someone else swooning over his every move. Not to mention I refuse to give him the satisfaction of being right when he and his friends had their little chat about me.
At the same time, the man is dashingly gorgeous and I’m only human. It’s okay to think he’s good-looking and dislike him at the same time. Regardless, I promised Katie I would coexist with him for the next few months, and I keep my promises.
“What are you doing in here?” Katie asks, making me jump several inches in the air.
“Ahh! You scared me.”
“What’s wrong? You didn’t even flinch when I called your name.”
“Oh, I guess I zoned out. I was cleaning for your mom.”
She frowns. “I can see that, and I need you to stop, or else you’ll make me look bad. You’re already her favorite. ”
I giggle. “One of her favorites.”
Katie joins me by the sink. “Anyway, I have some interesting gossip, and it’s good.”
“Ohhh, tell me.”
She looks outside and then checks the hall off the kitchen. I totally get it because these walls have ears.
“I just found out Kyle is proposing to Addi,” she whispers as she claps excitedly.
I gasp and cover my mouth with my hands. “What? That’s amazing—and fast.”
She waves her hand. “All that matters is that I like her. Could you imagine if he ended up with the woman he dated from the UK—what was her name?”
Like most of us, Kyle has had some questionable relationships.
I cringe. “Good point. She was terrible.”
“The worst. And she hated me. She told Kyle I was bossy and nosy.”
I press my lips together. Katie is bossy, but her heart is in the right place.
“So, when is this proposal happening? Did he buy a ring yet?”
She shrugs. “He hasn’t decided. I only know because I overheard him talking to Mac.”
I make a face. “He was talking to Mac about getting engaged? Please tell me he wasn’t asking him for advice.”
She shakes her head. “No, thank goodness. Could you imagine?”
I shake my head.
“I told him I have some great ideas, but I don’t want him to think I’m trying to take over the whole thing.”
“No. Why would he think that?” I tease.
She scowls. “I’m just excited for my little brother. ”
I laugh. It’s always funny when she calls Kyle her little brother. She claims it’s true since she’s a whole three and half minutes older than him. I wish I was a twin, I’ve always envied their relationship, especially since my sister and I aren’t super close.
“You know what this means, right?” I ask. “Maybe you and Dallin are next?”
She shrugs. “You never know—or you and Cash. I really can’t wait for you to meet him. I know you’re going to think he’s yummy.”
I glance outside to where Mac is posing for photos with the guests. Speaking of yummy.
Gah. What’s happening to me?
“I’m starting to get excited about meeting him.”
“Yes. That’s the energy I want to see. For some reason I have a feeling something big is about to happen.”
“Of course—your brother is getting engaged.”
She shakes her head, “I’m talking about something happening for you.”
I sigh. “Let’s do it then. Pick the time and place, and I’ll be there. Then at least I won’t have to hear about it anymore.”
She rolls her eyes. “You say that now, but you’ll be thanking me when you fall in love.”
“We’re going to dinner. Don’t get ahead of yourself.”
She gives me a hug and rushes off to find Dallin. I look over to see Mac still surrounded by people and clearly loving every second of it.
The barbeque is winding down, so I decide to make an early escape. Admittedly I don’t want any more run-ins with Mac. I'm already bothered by how attractive I find him.
One of the things I love about my job is how easily I can lose myself in it, letting it drown out everything else around me. I truly enjoy getting into the data, research, and solving problems. Sometimes hours go by, and I completely lose track of time.
The sound of my phone buzzing pulls me away from my laptop. I have two texts from Katie.
We are set for Saturday. Cash is ready to meet you .
Helped Kyle plan out the proposal. He’s doing it around their seven-month anniversary. It’s happening. Give you the scoop later.
Wow. When did we all grow up? The topic of Kyle’s proposal makes me think of Mac. I bite my lip before doing something I’ve never done before. I type Mac’s name into the search bar on my laptop.
Stats, photos, and articles about the Tennessee Wolves pop up on my screen. For some reason I’m a bundle of nerves—like I’m doing something I’m not supposed to be doing.
I flip through photos of Mac and his teammates with fans, at charity events, and action shots of them on the ice. I don’t know much about hockey except that it’s an aggressive sport and there is a lot of fighting.
In the photos, Mac is wearing several layers of clothing, huge pads on his arms and legs and a large face mask. You can’t even tell it’s him. That seems like a lot of gear, but I suppose it’s dangerous with sticks and hockey pucks coming at you for hours at a time. I wonder if it’s heavy. Does he ever get annoyed wearing all that stuff?
I quickly shut my laptop and push my chair away from the desk. My sudden interest in hockey uniforms and gear is freaking me out. I’ve never been even the slightest bit interested in the sport or anyone who plays it, and I’m not starting now .
I grab my phone to call Katie. There’s no chance I’ll mention Mac, but I’m curious about Kyle’s marriage proposal. I’m a sucker for a romantic plot.
“Vivi, is everything okay? You never call me in the middle of a workday.”
I look at the closed laptop sitting on my desk. “Everything’s fine. I just saw your texts. I want all the details.”
“Well, Dallin spoke to Cash this morning. We’re set for Saturday at seven. Dinner at The Ember Table.”
“Okay.”
I was referring to Kyle and the proposal, but I don’t say this.
“What are you wearing?” she asks.
“Right now?”
She sighs. “No not now—to dinner on Saturday.”
I giggle because I knew what she meant.
“I have no idea,” I say. “What are you wearing?”
“That’s not important.”
“It’s important to me.”
“Vivian, are you going to take this seriously?” she scolds. “You might be meeting your soul mate in a few days. This is huge.
She’s so dramatic.
“It’s dinner, Katherine ,” I retort. “Don’t stress me out.”
“Sorry. I’m very excited.”
“I know, and I so appreciate your enthusiasm.”
“Do you?” she asks pointedly.
“Of course. That’s why I promise I’ll be my normal engaging and charming self.”
“Perfect. I was counting on it.”
“Now tell me about Kyle and Addi.”
“Oohhh, it’s going to be so magical,” she squeals. “Mac and I spent almost three hours helping Kyle plan out the details.”
Mac? I sigh. It’s like there’s no escaping him. I can’t even have a conversation without his name being brought up.
“Really? How did that go? Was he any help?”
“Believe it or not, he was. I was irritated at first, but Kyle wanted him there too. Honestly, I feel like Mac is trying to make up for lost time. He’s been gone so long—I think he’s realizing he’s missed a lot of time with his best friend, and now Kyle is embarking on the next chapter of his life, and Mac recognizes it.”
Hmm…that’s an interesting take.
“I guess it’s possible, but it was his choice to rarely come back here,” I say.
“You’re right. He wanted to be a jet-setter and live his best life,” she agrees. “Anyway, Kyle’s shopping for a ring this week.
“So, it’s happening fast?”
“Very. He’s asking her parents for their blessing and everything. He’s terrified about that part.”
“I’m sure Kyle will win them over. He’s one of the best guys I know.”
“Thankfully they already like him but getting engaged to their daughter is a whole other level.”
“True. And they haven’t been together that long.”
“That’s why he’s worried,” she says. “But he’s a thousand percent sure he wants to marry her, so he’s jumping all in.”
Wow—even I’m nervous for him.
“Anyway, the plan includes me inviting Addi to dinner, and then I’ll strategically bring her to Kyle. Are you in the mood for a girls night out?”
“Always. ”
“Perfect. I’ll keep you posted once we have all the details ironed out.”
“I can’t wait. I’m so invested. This is better than Love is Blind.
She laughs. “Me too. Anyway, don’t forget to text me when you decide what you’re wearing on Saturday.”
“You’ll be the first person I tell.”
“Ha-ha.”
I end the call and open my laptop, making sure I close out all pages hockey related. I’m still on the clock, and I have a job to do.
I’ve changed my outfit three different times already, which is dumb. Katie’s like the little devil and angel on my shoulders making me overthink my attire for the evening. I told her it was only dinner, so why am I worried about which color pants I wear?
I sigh as I look at my reflection in the mirror. My third outfit is a cropped red sweater and a pair of wide-legged jeans, it’s cute and comfortable, so I refuse to change again. I sit on my bed and send Katie a text.
Cropped red sweater and wide-legged jeans. I’m not changing.
She responds within a few seconds.
Perfect. Are you ready?
I roll my eyes. While I’m interested to finally meet the man she’s been raving about, I’m pretty sure she’s more excited than I am.
Very. See you soon.
When I arrive at The Ember Table, I see Katie and Dallin talking to a tall, attractive man with short brown hair. He has a strong jawline and a deep laugh—so far so good .
“Vivi,” Katie squeals as soon as she sees me.
I smile and give a wave as I head toward where they are standing.
“Cash, this is my best friend, Vivian,” Katie announces theatrically. You’d think I was a celebrity based on her introduction.
“Hi. I’m Cash Brennan. It’s good to finally meet you.”
I smile. “Yes. It’s nice it’s finally happened. I feel like we’ve all been trying to get together for months.”
“I take full responsibility for the last time we had to cancel,” Dallin announces. “Katie was so mad at me, I was in the doghouse for a solid week.”
“It’s true,” Katie says. “I’ve been warning him not to eat at those random places. It finally caught up to him in the worst way.”
“The random, one-off restaurants usually have the best food,” he says.
Katie makes a face. “Anyway, the good news is we’re all here now.”
Cash smiles broadly, his warm brown eyes twinkling as his smile lights up his face.
The host lets us know our table is ready, and we follow him to a table nestled in a quiet corner. The Ember Table is one of those newer trendy restaurants I’ve never tried. I’m usually a creature of habit and like to return to my favorites. The restaurant’s atmosphere has an energetic and inviting vibe. There are fairy lights twinkling from exposed wooden beams, casting a soft, golden hue over the space. There’s lush greenery draping from hanging planters and prelit candles in the center of every table.
“Have any of you been here?” I ask as soon as we’re seated .
“No, but we have a co-worker who’s been raving about it,” Cash says.
“I’ve heard the food is fantastic,” Katie adds. “The reviews online are excellent.”
Our server comes to the table, offering wine suggestions as well as appetizers.
Katie and I each order a glass of merlot.
“So, Katie and Dallin tell me you work in finance. My focus is financial law.”
“Ah, so you might be a fellow math nerd,” I tease.
“Absolutely.”
I laugh. “Most people are surprised when I tell them I landed my dream job. I get some interesting looks when I tell them I work in finance. I guess it doesn’t sound very glamorous.”
“Eh, they’re just jealous.”
“I agree,” I say.
Katie beams as we talk. I appreciate how invested she is in this evening, but I don’t want her to get her hopes up just yet. It’s still very early.
After our server returns with our drinks, Dallin offers a toast to a thrilling evening. We order appetizers to share, and so far, the evening is off to a good start. The conversation doesn’t lag, and I can tell Cash has a great sense of humor. He’s witty and laid back.
“Dallin told me you’re all good friends with someone who plays in the NHL,” Cash says. “My brother and I are huge hockey fans.”
Oh no. Is it too much to ask to have a few hours without someone mentioning hockey or Mac?
“Yes. We’ve known Mac for years,” Katie says. “He’s been my brother’s best friend since we were kids. ”
“What team does he play for again? My team is the Glacier Bay Titans—we’re diehard fans.”
“Mac is the goalie for the Tennessee Wolves,” Dallin tells him. “The guy is a beast on the ice. You should see some of his highlights.”
“Have you gone to any of his games?” Cash asks.
It takes me a few seconds to realize he’s talking to me.
“Oh, me? No, I’m not a hockey fan.”
A look of surprise appears on his face. “You really need to go to a game. It’s a whole different experience being there in person.”
"That's what I've heard," I say, my teeth clenched.
“Vivi and Mac barely tolerate each other,” Katie interjects. “I suppose you could call them frenemies.”
Are we really talking about this? Somehow Mac Evans has hijacked my date. I might need more than one glass of wine if this continues.
Thankfully the server returns to the table, interrupting all talk of hockey games and players. The subject shifts to food, and I couldn’t be more relieved.
Cash is very outgoing and knowledgeable about a lot of topics. I appreciate this because I don’t want to feel like I need to carry the conversation. He also seems genuinely interested in getting to know me. He asks about my family and my interests.
“Have you been to Europe?”
I shake my head. “Not yet. You?”
“I’ve only been to London and Paris so far,” he says. “My sister recently opened a travel agency, so she’s eager to plan vacations for everyone.”
“That’s a nice perk. I haven’t been on a vacation in a while.”
“We should take a trip,” Katie exclaims. I’m not sure if she’s referring to her and Dallin or all four of us. You never know with her. “Where should we go? Let’s each throw out a destination.”
I shoot her a look. While Cash seems great, I’m certainly not ready to go on vacation with him.
Katie is already on her phone searching locations. “Do we want beach, adventure, city, cruise?”
“I’ll think about it and let you know,” I say.
“Good idea,” Cash agrees. “I can ask my sister and maybe she can check for promotions.”
“Perfect,” I say unconvincingly.
Katie looks disappointed. In typical fashion, she was probably ready to book some flights tonight.
After we finish eating, we stay and talk for a while. Katie was right about one thing—I enjoy talking to Cash. It’s still too early to make any long-term plans, but I’d go out with him again if he asks.
“This was so fun,” Katie says as we’re leaving the restaurant. “I can’t wait to plan our trip.”
Clearly, she’s not letting the trip thing go.
“Yes. Let’s do this again,” Cash says flashing a warm smile at me.
“Absolutely,” I agree.
Katie beams like a proud mother whose child has won student of the month.
Cash hands me his phone. “This is going to sound like a lame pick up line, but can I have your number?”
I giggle as I take his phone from him. “Not lame at all.”
As I drive home, a smile spreads across my face. If anything comes of this, Katie will be reminding me about tonight for years. I’ve been down this road enough to know that one successful evening doesn’t always lead to a lasting romance. Cash has my number now, so the ball is in his court. We’ll just have to see what happens next.