Chapter Twelve
CHAPTER TWELVE
MAC
I stare at the Vivian’s text.
Why so curious?
I don’t know how to answer her question. I have no idea why I’m suddenly so interested in her life—it’s none of my business. But it’s all I’ve managed to think about since Katie told me she hasn’t responded because she’s focused on her date. I suddenly have an urge to find out more about this guy she’s having lunch with. I know he’s Dallin’s co-worker and the perfect match for Vivian—according to Katie. How does she know who Vivian’s perfect match is?
I start to type a response and stop to wipe my hands on my jeans because they are sweating. This is weird. I don’t get this nervous when the Wolves are facing a challenging opponent. Or when the score is tied with a few minutes left on the clock. Hockey is a breeze compared to texting a woman you don’t have the best history with. I finally decide to suck it up and reply with brutal honesty.
I don’t know, but I am.
And there it is. I hate being vulnerable, especially with women. But Vivian isn’t like every other woman. She’s not someone I met while on the road in a random city. She’s always been right in front of me.
I’m assuming she’s still on her date, so I don’t expect a response right away. And of course I’m wondering if it’s going well.
I return to watching highlight clips from our season. I’m supposed to be taking a break from hockey, but I don’t think I could ever fully step away. It’s still important to study and keep up with workouts. As I watch I make notes of a few things we can work on when we return to the ice. My phone buzzes again, and I breathe in sharply when I see Vivian’s name on the screen.
Whatever. Anyway, my sister and her friends would like an introduction—I’m assuming they are fans of your team. Sorry to put you on the spot.
Hmm…she totally glossed over my text. I’m not sure what to make of her avoiding it. It’s so hard to gauge reactions through messages. Maybe it’s best to just let it go.
Of course. I’m always happy to meet my fans. Name the place and time.
About twenty minutes goes by before she responds.
I checked with my sister. She suggested the Velvet Vine Cellar on Friday night? Eight o’clock? Let me know if that works for you.
I manage to respond without asking any more questions about her date. I think I’ll steer clear of that topic for now.
Friday works. I’ll be there.
Knowing I’ll be seeing Vivian in a few days makes me happier than I thought it would. Whoa. I have a lot to sort out, starting with why I’m jealous that Vivian went out with someone else.
“I can’t believe you’re engaged,” I say, stretching my arms over my head. It’s seven in the morning, and we’re about to play a few matches.
“I know. I don’t think it’s really clicked that we pulled it off so perfectly. Addi was very thankful for all your help.”
“I’m glad I was in town for it. What did your parents say when you told them?”
He grins. “Well, my mom already suspected it was happening. I’m convinced the woman has a secret power. She always knows what’s happening before it does—maybe it’s a mother thing. She cried off and on for about an hour—happy tears. And now everyone is on us to set the date.”
I’m wondering the same thing, especially if the date is set mid-season.
“I was thinking about that too,” I admit. “I know my schedule isn’t the most important factor, but I don’t want to miss your big day.”
He nods. “Not a chance. We are thinking about next summer.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. “Perfect.”
I won’t miss this event. Kyle hasn’t officially asked me to be his best man yet, but I’m expecting it.
“Also, Addi asked if this coming weekend works for us to double with you and Claire.”
Claire. Wow, I’d already forgotten about that. There’s nothing keeping me from going out with her.
“Sure.”
“How about Friday?”
I shake my head. “I already have plans. How about Saturday?”
“Saturday it is. I’ll check with my fiancée .” He grins from ear to ear.
“You’re so done,” I say shaking my head .
He laughs. “I know, and I don’t even care.”
“I’m really happy for you,” I say, patting him on the shoulder. “I might even let you win today.”
He gives an eye roll, and we head onto the court.
“Whoa, I didn’t think you were serious,” Kyle shouts after he defeats me.
Sadly. I didn’t let him win. He beat me fair and square. I’m not at my best this morning, and I don’t like it.
“Are you feeling okay?”
I nod. “Yep, it must be your lucky day. Or maybe you’re stepping up your game because you convinced a girl to marry you.”
We take a break to get some water while Kyle checks his phone. “Saturday is a go.”
Saturday? I’d already forgotten about the date with Claire. Wow. Should I be concerned?
“Sounds good.”
“What are you doing Friday?”
“I guess Vivian’s sister and friends want a meet and greet, and I’m always there for my fans.”
“Did Vivian ask you? It’s good you two are finally acting like friends.”
I nod. “Honestly, I don’t even remember why we’re not. I guess I never really talked to her.”
He twists his mouth to the side. “No, you didn’t. And there’s something else, but Katie won’t tell me what it is.”
I make a face. “What do you mean?”
He shrugs. “All I know is Vivian overheard you talking about her.”
“What? When? ”
“You have to ask her,” he says.
My mind spins as I try to remember. It could be anything. It wouldn’t be the first time I said something stupid without giving it any thought.
“Oh, and watch out for her sister,” he says. “She’s a piece of work.”
The last thing I’m worried about is what Vivian’s sister thinks about me. I need to try to fix any damage I might have caused.
Our break is over, and we head back onto the court. Unfortunately Kyle might pull out another win because the last thing on my mind is racquetball.
I haven’t heard from Vivian, so I finally text to confirm we’re still meeting tonight. I’m hoping to have a chance to talk to her. It might finally be time to clear things up. I’m hoping it’s a big misunderstanding that can easily be resolved. There is one thing I’m most certainly guilty of, and that’s never giving her the attention she deserves. Everyone likes to be noticed, I certainly do.
When I arrive at the Velvet Vine, I look around and spot Vivian sitting at a table alone. She’s wearing a blue dress and white sandals. Her long blonde hair is pulled back in a ponytail. She’s scrolling through her phone while sipping a glass of water.
“Hey, hey,” I say as I approach the table.
She looks up from her phone, offering a small nod and a hint of a smile. “Hi.”
She’s effortlessly beautiful—her makeup is minimal, yet her wide, sparkling eyes draw me in.
I’m speechless for a few seconds until I manage to string some words together.
“I was expecting a whole table of fans to be waiting for an autograph and a photo op,” I say, trying to make a joke.
She gives an eye roll. “I hate to break it to you, but I don’t think Jaclyn and her minions are hockey fans. They’re fans of famous people—or, in your case, semi-famous.”
“Ouch, Vivi,” I say pretending to be offended. “I thought we were making a fresh start.”
She shrugs. “Just being honest.”
“I get it.” I pause. “Also, what do you mean by minions?”
She smiles. “Ah, that’s just a little nickname Katie and I gave to my sister’s friends. You’ll see what I mean when they arrive.”
A server comes over to our table, and I order a drink.
“Anyway, how are you?”
“I’m good,” she says.
“You look beautiful tonight,” I tell her.
She looks surprised by my compliment. “Thanks.”
This is awkward, and I’m not sure how to fix it. I’ve never been one to avoid a difficult conversation, and I’m not starting now.
“I’m actually glad we have a few minutes to talk before the others get here,” I say.
“Okay. What do you want to talk about?”
“Well…us.”
She makes a face. “Us? What do you mean?”
This isn’t coming out right.
“The truth is I don’t know why we aren’t friends.” I pause as I try to gather my thoughts. “Because I’d like to be—and not just for Kyle and Katie.”
She furrows her brow. “Since when?”
We’re interrupted by the sound of her phone ringing. “Hold on, it’s my sister. ”
“Hello,” she answers. “What? Are you kidding?”
She sighs while looking at me. “I’m not sure. I’ll let you know.”
She ends the call and presses her lips together. “Well, they aren’t coming. There’s some sort of crisis that’s probably not actually a crisis.”
I shrug. “Good. This gives us a chance to have a discussion that’s been a long time coming.”
She folds her arms defiantly. “Fine. Why do you want to be friends with me? We didn’t just meet yesterday.”
I nod. “I know.”
She sighs. “Well, I know it means a lot to Katie and Kyle. And obviously were going to be around each other, so maybe we should just move forward.”
“I agree,” I say, our gazes locking. “Maybe I can even convince you to watch a hockey game.”
The corner of her mouth curves up. “You wish. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
I’m wishing for a lot of things right now. Of course I don’t say this out loud.
“You don’t know what you’re missing. The adrenaline, the sweat—there’s nothing like it.”
She snorts. “Do these lines usually work for you?”
“What lines?” I ask.
“The lines you use to win women over.”
I give a thoughtful look. “Honestly, yes.”
She rolls her eyes, but at least she’s smiling, and she has an amazing smile…
“Maybe it’s not working on you because you don’t want it to.” I suggest.
She shakes her head. “I always knew you were full of yourself, but I think the fame has really gone to your head, Evans. ”
I shrug. “There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of confidence.”
“Absolutely. But you Mac Evans take it to a whole new level.”
I let out a sigh. “It really doesn’t work on you, does it?”
She shakes her head. “No.”
“Maybe that’s why I’m so intrigued,” I say, my voice low.
She rests her arms on the table leaning closer to me. “You can give the lines a rest. I’m here, and we’re having a civil conversation.”
I shake my head and follow her lead moving closer to her. “That wasn’t a line.”
There’s a magnetic force field that’s drawing me to her. And I suddenly want to tell her the truth about not being able to get her out of my mind.
“Mac Evans, from the Tennessee Wolves?” A deep voice shouts. “No way.”
A guy in a backwards baseball cap calls to his friends at the bar, and before I know it, they’re all surrounding me with hockey questions.
I glance over at Vivian, who’s watching us curiously. I appreciate my fans, but their timing is terrible. Don’t they know I’m trying to make up for years of stupidity when it comes to this gorgeous woman.
“You guys were robbed in that playoff game,” one of them shouts. “What are you thinking about next season? Will there be any major trades?”
“Sorry,” I mouth to Vivian.
She waves her hand.
“I’m expecting next season to be our best yet. Unfortunately, I don’t have any insider info on trades I can share.”
They ask a few more questions, and I do my best to stay engaged before they finally leave .
“Sorry about that,” I say.
“Why? It’s your job,” she says flatly.
“Yes.”
“Anyway, I should probably get going,” she says. “Sorry about my sister bailing. She’s not the most dependable person.”
She doesn’t need to apologize. I’m glad her sister didn’t show.
“Do you really have to go? Or are you just saying that so you can make an escape.”
She scowls but doesn’t answer me.
“Ah, I thought so,” I say knowingly. “I wanted to ask how your date went.”
At this point I’ll say anything to keep her here and talking to me.
“Wow, you’re really curious about that, aren’t you?”
“Sure I am. This should prove I’m making a true effort to be friends with you. I’m asking questions about your life.”
She gives me a skeptical look.
“Okay. It went very well. I like Cash…”
For some reason it sounds like she’s trying to convince herself more than me. Or it could be wishful thinking.
“That’s good. I’m happy for you.”
She nods. “Thanks. And since we’re on the subject, how are things with Claire?”
Who’s Claire?
Oh, Addi’s friend Claire. Honestly, I’m not thinking about any other woman at this moment.
“Actually I’m seeing her tomorrow—” I trail off.
I don’t know why I just shared that with her.
“I’m sure you’ll have a great time. You two seemed to connect well,” she says .
Sure, other than I couldn’t remember who she was a few seconds ago.
“We’ll see. I appreciate Addi’s help, but I wasn’t planning on dating when I came home. I needed a break after such an intense season.”
“What made it so intense?” she asks.
I tell her about team injures and a few shake ups in the Wolves administration. I’m not sure if she’s really interested or if she’s just humoring me. Either way, she’s still here and that’s all that matters. I have no doubt it’s going to take some time for things to change between us.
“I’m probably boring you with all the hockey talk,” I say finally.
She grins. “Maybe a little, but I asked.”
“Yes, you did.”
The sound of her phone buzzing distracts her. She looks at it, and her expression changes.
“Everything okay?”
“Yes, it’s Cash.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Tell him I said hi.”
She makes a face. “He’d probably be thrilled to hear that. He was asking us about you.”
“Really? Tell me more. I love my fans.”
“Well, Katie and Dallin were singing your praises.”
“And you?”
She shrugs. “I told him the truth—that we aren’t friends.”
“But we’re working on it—” I interject.
“Yes, now…”
“I look forward to meeting him.” I pause. “I’m assuming you’re bringing him to the twins’ birthday party?”
She shrugs. “I haven’t thought about it. Obviously Claire will be there.”
“Yes, I’m guessing she will. ”
How long should I keep this going? While I’m enjoying our banter, I feel like we’re both dancing around the subject of our friendship. There’s an attraction whether she wants to admit it or not.
I’ve never been one to shy away from taking chances, so I decide to throw caution to the wind.
“Since you and I are making an effort to be friends, would you be interested in hanging out again soon?”
Her eyes grow wide. “Are you asking me out?”
I sigh. “Yeah, I guess I am. What do you say? How about dinner or breakfast—or any meal you want?”
“As friends?”
For now…
“Yes.”
She’s quiet for a few seconds, and I’m starting to get concerned. Maybe I’m reading this all wrong.
“Okay,” she says finally.
I breathe a sigh of relief. “Great.”
“Great.”
It’s official—Vivian Lewis is going on a date with me. I don’t know what to expect, but one thing is for sure. I haven’t been this excited about spending time with someone…possibly ever.