Chapter Eight
CHAPTER EIGHT
MAC
“ H i, Mom,” I call.
I drop my bag on the floor and set my water bottle on the counter.
“Morning,” she says, coming into the kitchen. “You’re up early.”
I glance at my phone. It’s eight o’clock, which is basically the middle of the day for me.
“I’ve been up for hours. Kyle and I met up for racquetball this morning.”
She pours coffee into a Walt Disney World mug and hands it to me. “That sounds fun. How’s Kyle doing?”
Her tone is curious, which most definitely means she’s trying to get information. The tabloids are child’s play compared to my mother and her friends’ abilities to get breaking news.
“He’s fine. Why do you ask? You saw him a few days ago,” I remind her.
She shrugs. “I’m just making conversation with my son.”
I make a face. “Mom, come on. I know you better than that. ”
She tilts her head slightly and gently places her hand on my cheek. “I really love having you here.”
“I appreciate that, but I’m still not giving up any information.”
She tilts her head again. “Information about what?”
I chuckle. “I know I’ve been gone for a while, but some things don’t change. I’m guessing Laura asked you to ask me about Kyle, just in case there’s any news she should know.”
She stares at me with wide, innocent eyes. My mother has never been a good liar. It’s not in her nature.
“If and when Kyle has something to share, I’m sure Laura will be one of the first to know.”
The corner of her mouth curls up. “It’s happening, isn’t it? Kyle is asking Addi to marry him.”
I hold up my hands. “I can neither confirm nor deny, so you might as well give up your quest to get any information out of me.”
“You’re a good friend, honey. I know Kyle is very happy you’re back—we all are.”
For some reason this makes me think of Vivian. She’s the one person who’s not overjoyed by my return.
“What’s wrong?” Mom asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Nothing.”
“You have a strange expression on your face,” she says worriedly.
I open my mouth to tell her about Vivian but quickly stop myself. The truth is not everyone is going to be a fan and it’s probably good for me to experience this.
“All good.”
I thank her for the coffee and head to the apartment to shower .
After I get ready for the day, I scroll through my messages. Our coach set up a group chat, and a few of my teammates have been checking in. We’re used to spending a lot of time together, so the limited communication feels strange during the off season. I miss those guys, though I’d never admit it out loud.
Jake has shared pictures of him and Sophie on a cruise ship and in Costa Rica. He looks happier than I’ve ever seen him. I really lucked out being on the Tennessee Wolves. We’re like a family, and I think of these guys as my brothers. Our team has such a cohesive energy and compared to stories I’ve heard about other teams in the league, this is a good thing. There are a lot of toxic individuals out there, and it’s easy to get sucked into drama.
My phone buzzes again, and my eyes grow wide as I read the message from my teammate Cooper.
In Hawaii—relaxing and planning the wedding. Blair is still on board with this marriage.
This is typical Cooper to share this kind of information in the most nonchalant way. Who else would put relaxing and planning a wedding in the same sentence? My phone begins blowing up with comments from the guys. I type my own message.
Does she know what she’s getting herself into?
I smile to myself as I hit send. A few seconds later my phone buzzes again.
I asked her the same thing. She says she’s sure she wants to marry me. I tried to get her to hop on a plane to Vegas before she changes her mind—she refused. I guess this means I’m really having a wedding—and I need to show up. You know how much I dislike parties.
I sigh. Cooper Montgomery is getting married. Have we entered an alternate universe? In all seriousness, he may have a tough exterior, but deep down he would do anything for the people in his life. Blair has brought out a different side of him.
Another text from Jake pops up. This is one party I think you’ll enjoy.
I stretch my legs out on the couch. First Cooper and now Kyle. Sometimes it feels like everyone around me is growing and I’m stuck in the same place I’ve been for years. This doesn’t mean I’m anywhere near ready to be engaged or married. It just reminds me that I’d like someone to share my successes and failures with. It would’ve been nice to have someone there after losing in the playoffs.
Maybe I need to change my attitude, stop overthinking about things like cats and annoying TV shows. Honestly, those things were just excuses for ending those relationships. The connection I’m looking for hasn’t been there. Dare I say it’s been too easy with the women I’d dated, there was no thrill. I think I’m looking for a person who challenges and inspires me.
I grab my phone and send Kyle a message.
When are we going out? Tell Addi I’ll meet her friend. Not promising anything.
I’m going into this with no expectations other than to have a good time. If something more comes out of it, then great.
Well that escalated quickly. My text to Kyle officially opened a can of worms, and now Addi is texting me about her friend Claire. She’s practically given me her life story in the last thirty minutes. Claire also happens to be the event planner who’s helping with Kyle and Katie’s birthday party. I have to say Addi is clever since she’s already recruited me to the planning committee. Imagine that? Although, working together on this is a great way to introduce us without the additional pressure of the whole dreaded blind date experience. Addi already sent me a calendar invite for coffee titled Kyle & Katie Birthday Planning. I accept it immediately because I know how important she is to Kyle. Plus I have a lot of free time on my hands right now. Thankfully it’s not a surprise party because I already said something to Kyle about it. There was no chance I’d be able to keep it a secret.
I arrive at the café before Addi and Claire, so I order a drink and sit in a bulky armchair near the entrance. I glance around at other customers on laptops, reading books, and chatting with friends. I can’t remember the last time I sat in a coffee shop—it’s kind of nice. I’m so used to my life moving at an accelerated pace, I probably don’t give myself a chance to just sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. I lean back in the chair and sip my drink while I wait. I’m checking my phone for messages when I hear the door open. Appearing in the doorway is Vivian. She’s wearing a short cream-colored blazer over a mini skirt and gold shoes. I try not to stare but no such luck. She catches me before I have a chance to look away. I give a wave as she slowly moves toward me.
“Good morning, Vivian.”
“Morning, Mac,” she says politely. “I guess you’ve also been summoned by Addi for party duty.”
“Yep.”
She sits in the chair opposite from me and crosses her legs. It takes every ounce of will power I have not look at her legs. Has she always had legs like that ?
“When Addi mentioned throwing a party for Kyle and Katie, I couldn’t say no,” she says.
I clear my throat and lean toward her. “Well I guess we have something in common after all. Scary, huh?”
Her eyes lock with mine. There’s a strange energy brewing between us—it could lead to an argument or perhaps something else.
“Yay, you’re both here,” a high-pitched voice shrieks. I look up to see Addi, and with her is a pretty woman who must be Claire, the party planner.
Vivian stands up and hugs Addi.
“This is my dear friend Claire. This is Katie’s bestie, Vivian, and?—"
I rise to my feet and hold out my hand to shake hers.
“You’re Mac Evans,” she says before I have a chance to introduce myself.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Vivian give an eye roll.
“That’s me. It’s nice to meet you. Addi says you’re the best party planner in the state.”
She grins. “Would I sound full of myself if I say that’s true?”
I smile. “Not at all.”
"And speaking of talents, hello to the star goalie of a playoff-winning hockey team.”
“Would I sound full of myself if I say that’s also true?” I reply.
“I think I’ll grab a cup of coffee,” Vivian announces loudly.
“Oh, me too,” Addi exclaims. “Claire, I’ll get you a drink while you and Mac chat.”
She smiles. “Wonderful, thanks.”
Vivian and Addi head to the counter, leaving Claire and me alone to get better acquainted. I can’t help but be curious as to what Addi is saying to Vivian right now.
“I have a confession,” Claire admits, covering her eyes with her hand.
“Ah, I’m intrigued.”
She gives me a coy smile and exhales slowly. “When Addi mentioned Kyle’s best friend was coming back to town and wanted to introduce us, I was hesitant. Setups haven’t exactly worked in my favor. But she was determined, so I asked all the usual questions about you—then decided to do a little research of my own.”
“As you should,” I say.
“Admittedly, I was starstruck when I saw what you do.” She pauses. “But I figured I’d tell you up front because I didn’t want you to think I only agreed to meet you because you play hockey. I’m guessing you experience that often.”
Whoa. This woman is bold.
“It’s probably happened on a few occasions,” I admit.
“I hope you don’t think it’s weird I’m telling you this. I’m just brutally honest and up front.”
I shake my head. “Not weird at all. It’s a great quality and not something you come across often.”
She grins. “I like to be different.”
“How’s it going?” Addi asks, handing Claire her coffee cup. Vivian sits down and sips her drink without saying a word.
“We’re getting to know each other,” Claire says.
“Yes, we are,” I add.
“Very good,” Addi exclaims.
Vivian clears her throat. “Are we ready to discuss the birthday party?”
“Oh, yes, let’s plan. I have another meeting after this,” Claire says .
“Sorry to interrupt…” Vivian hesitates.
I shoot Vivian a curious glance. Could she be jealous that Claire and I are getting to know each other?
“No worries at all. Mac and I can talk about hockey another time.” Claire says flashing me another smile.
“Okay,” Vivian mumbles.
Claire pulls her laptop out of her bag and shows us a spreadsheet with the plans they’ve already made. Honestly, it looks like everything is done, so I’m not sure what they need from me. I’m beginning to think this meeting was a set up for me to meet Claire.
“Mac, since you’ve known Kyle the longest—we need your input,” Addi begs. “And Vivi, we need your input for Katie. I was thinking we could do a split or shared theme. Maybe two cakes?”
“Katie’s favorite is carrot cake,” Vivian says. “And Kyle’s favorite is?—”
“Chocolate,” I chime in at the same time.
She meets my gaze and nods.
“See this is why I wanted you both here,” Addi says. “And with Claire’s ability to throw epic events, people will be talking about it for years to come.”
“I’m here for whatever you need,” Vivian says.
“Same for me,” I add.
“I’m so happy,” Addi says. “I want Kyle to feel celebrated—and Katie too. She’s been so welcoming to me since I started dating her brother.”
We continue throwing out ideas and wrap it up when Claire leaves for an appointment. Addi offers to walk her out, leaving me and Vivian alone.
Neither of us says anything for a few seconds.
“So, Katie told me about the proposal,” she whispers as soon as Addi’s out of ear shot. “Do you think she suspects anything?”
I shake my head. “I don’t think so.”
She nods. “I can’t believe it’s happening so fast.”
“Very fast,” I agree. “But I support whatever he wants to do. Even if it means getting engaged after six months.”
“Yeah.”
“Sorry about earlier,” I say. “Addi is trying to set me up with Claire.”
“Yes, she told me about it while we were waiting for our drinks. Katie is doing the same with me and Dallin’s co-worker. We had dinner on Saturday.”
A subtle wave of jealousy comes over me. “How did it go?”
“Really well. He seems like an amazing guy.”
“Good for you.”
“Thanks. Claire seems nice, and she’s a hockey fan, so I’m sure that’s an extra bonus.”
I shrug. “Who isn’t a hockey fan? It’s the best sport with the best players—everyone knows that.”
She snorts. “Whatever you say.”
“Have you ever watched a hockey game?” I ask.
“Bits and pieces,” she says. “I’ve never sat through an entire game.”
“You’re missing out,” I tell her. “Especially if you haven’t watched one of my games. We are the best in the league.”
“I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.”
“I’m back, sorry,” Addi announces. “Are you two getting along?”
I raise an eyebrow. “Of course we are.”
Just as Vivian replies, “Sure.”
"Okay, listen—Kyle mentioned you two aren’t exactly good friends, but I hope you can call a truce for this party. ”
“I can do that,” I say.
“Me too,” she agrees.
“Good, then we’re all on the same page.” She pauses. “I still don’t understand why you two don’t get along. You’ve been a part of each other’s lives for such a long time.”
Vivian and I look at each other. She purses her lips together, and suddenly the image of kissing her pops into my head. The idea makes my head spin. In all the years I’ve known Vivian, kissing her has never crossed my mind, and I’m not sure why. Well, other than the fact she doesn’t like me and has no problem making it obvious. But she’s beautiful, and the feistiness makes her even hotter. I’m starting to enjoy getting a reaction out of her.
“I’m not sure,” I say finally. “I can get along with anyone. I have a fan base to prove it.”
I shoot a side glance at Vivian to see her reaction. Sure enough there’s an exaggerated eye roll. Goal accomplished.
“For some reason Mac finds it shocking that not everyone he meets is an instant fan,” she says.
“All I’m saying is it’s a bit of mystery…” I reply.
She glares at me. “Anyway, I promised Katie I would get along with Mac for the sake of our best friends and help with the pro—” She stops, and her eyes widen.
Wait, was she about to reveal that Kyle’s proposing?
"Anyway, we know the same people, so we can definitely put our differences aside," she says.
Addi's phone buzzes, and she steps away to answer it.
"Ohh, you nearly ruined the surprise," I tease.
"But I didn't," she counters.
"Almost, though," I remind her with a grin.
She folds her arms. “So are you going to run and tattle on me now.”
I shrug. “I haven’t decided yet. ”
She sighs. “Do what you want? I need to get to work.”
“Always a pleasure, Vivian.”
“Goodbye, Mac.”
I watch as she leaves, and admittedly there’s a part of me that really enjoys the banter I have with her. I doubt she feels the same way—or maybe she does. I’ve always heard there’s a fine line between hate and like.