Chapter Sixteen
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
MAC
I ’ve done plenty of stupid things in my life, most of which I never want to relive. But nothing compares to waiting all these years to kiss Vivian. This incredible woman has been right here all along, and I never noticed. What’s wrong with me? Admittedly the electricity crackling between us is unlike anything I’ve ever felt.
When our lips finally part, neither of us speaks. The air between us is quiet with an energy that’s difficult to describe. I glance at Vivian, her wide eyes mirroring the emotions racing through me. I’m hoping she enjoyed the kiss as much as I did.
She exhales a shaky breath. “Well, I can honestly say I never saw that coming.”
I let out a low chuckle. “At least we agree on that.”
She slowly lifts her fingers to her lips. “Yeah…definitely unexpected.”
I tilt my head down, studying her expression. “You know, I think it’s a travesty we haven’t done that before. I blame myself. ”
Vivian smiles. “To think we spent years avoiding each other and bickering.”
I step closer, sliding my hands around her waist, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. “Can I tell you a secret?”
She lifts a brow. “Sure. I don’t think anything could surprise me anymore.”
Leaning in, I lower my voice. “I enjoy bickering with you.”
She leans back slightly, studying me. “Really?”
“Really.”
A slow grin spreads across her lips as she playfully taps a finger against my chest. “Then I guess you’re in luck, because I don’t see that ending any time soon.”
I laugh and bring my lips to her ear. “Good. But just so you know, I plan on making up for lost time.”
I take her hand in mine, and we walk back to my car. I’m hopeful this is the first of many more evenings like this. I’m not letting any more time go to waste, and I meant every word I just said.
When I open my eyes, it takes me a few minutes to realize where I am. I’m in the apartment above my parents’ garage, not in Tennessee. I reach for my phone and see that it’s already after nine. I don’t think I’ve slept this late in years. After a few seconds the events of last night flood into my mind, causing a smile to spread across my face. My evening with Vivian was…I don’t even know if I can put it into words.
After strolling along the river, lost in conversation and the lingering electricity of our unexpected kiss, we sat in my car in front of her house. Neither of us ready to say goodbye, so we sat, talking for what felt like hours. Eventually, Vivian reminded me she had to get up for work this morning.
When I got home, still buzzing from the night, I fired off a text to my teammates letting them know the evening was a smashing success. Then, exhaustion must have taken over because I don’t remember anything else.
This morning my phone is full of messages, a mix of congratulations and warnings. A few of them reminding me not to screw this up like I did with the veterinarian. I let out a chuckle, rubbing a hand over my face. Believe me, I don’t need the reminder. I’ve already messed up enough when it comes to Vivian. The amount of time I’ve wasted turns my stomach.
I still haven’t heard from Kyle. I know avoiding this won’t make it any easier, so I refuse to let it drag on much longer. He needs to hear me out, to understand where I’m coming from. And more than anything, I hope he can be happy that Vivian and I are getting along so well. Our friends have wanted this for years and now that it’s happened, Kyle and I manage to have our worst fight.
Vivian is planning to talk to Katie, and maybe with her help we can start smoothing things over. The twins’ birthday bash is next week, and I fully intend to be there—even if it means crashing the event. There’s a good chance I’ve been uninvited, considering I’m probably not Addi’s favorite person right now. She had high hopes for things working out with Claire, and I have no doubt Kyle has already broken the news to his fiancée.
I finally force myself to get out of bed, dragging my feet to the bathroom and brushing my teeth as my thoughts continue to spiral. The uncertainty of it all is weighing on me, but there’s no turning back now .
I’m in need of food, so I head to the main house, where the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee still lingers. My parents aren’t home, but thanks to my mom’s caffeine addiction, there’s always coffee ready.
As I sip my drink, I wander through the house, my gaze landing on the framed photos and articles lining the walls. Each one is a reminder of the career I’ve built and the milestones I’ve reached. My parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders, never missing an opportunity to remind me of how proud they are. It also stirs a feeling of guilt for not visiting more often.
But right now, none of that feels as important as figuring out how to address the argument with Kyle—and making sure I don’t mess up what’s happening with Vivian. There’s a lot at stake but being here gives me a feeling of peace. I’m realizing I’ve been away too long. I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything, but all those times I could’ve come back and didn’t might haunt me. I believe in timing, and maybe it’s all happening the way it’s supposed to. I knew there was a reason I needed a break, I just had no idea it would lead me to this point.
I settle into my dad’s worn leather recliner, with the familiar sound as I kick up the footrest. I used to love sitting in this chair when I was a kid. I exhale and pull my phone out of my pocket. I scroll past a flood of notifications—sports updates, news alerts, random group chats. When I come to Kyle’s name I hesitate before tapping on his number. I’m not ready to call him yet. We haven’t exactly been acting like mature adults, and I don’t want to push too hard. A text is safer right now.
Let me know if you want to talk.
I stare at the screen, rereading the message at least twice before pressing send. A groan escapes my mouth because we’re really acting like teenagers.
While I wait for a reply, I scroll up through my recent conversations with Vivian. I grin as I reread the messages full of fun banter and teasing. I never imagined messages like this could be so entertaining.
The familiar creak of the back door pulls my attention away from my phone, followed by my parents’ unmistakable bickering.
“I’m just saying, I don’t need your help. I’ve been driving longer than you, my love,” my dad grumbles in a frustrated tone.
“You were too close to those other cars,” my mom counters firmly as if this argument is one they’ve had a thousand times before.
I smirk, shaking my head.
“Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad,” I call, setting my phone aside.
Kyle hasn’t responded yet, but at least I can listen to my parents debate over who’s the better driver.
“Oh, hi, honey!” Mom calls from the kitchen, the clinking of dishes echoing behind her voice. “What are you up to?
I sink deeper into my father’s recliner, stretching my legs across the footrest. “Just sitting in Dad’s chair and trying to figure out how I can convince him to let me take it back to Tennessee with me.”
A deep chuckle comes from the doorway. “Not a chance, kid,” Dad says as he steps into the living room, arms crossed, a smug grin on his face. “I finally broke it in just the way I like it.”
I laugh, already knowing how he’d answer. “Yeah, I figured.”
Instead of kicking me out of his chair, he sits on the couch, stretching his arm across the back of it. My dad has always been one of my heroes. He was the one encouraging me to keep pursuing my hockey goals.
“How are you this morning?” he asks casually.
I glance at my phone on the armrest, as if staring at it will magically make a text appear. It feels strange wondering if Kyle will even reply.
“Just enjoying being here,” I say honestly, leaning back in his chair. “And waiting for Kyle to text me back.”
Dad raises an eyebrow but doesn’t ask any questions. He nods, knowing my mom’s superpower will kick in and she’ll start grilling me for the details.
A few minutes later, my mom joins us in the living room, a fresh cup of coffee in hand. She settles onto the couch beside my dad, and he immediately wraps his arm around her shoulders. It’s funny how they both seemed to forget the argument they were just having over his driving skills.
She takes a sip of her coffee before looking over at me. “Did you say you were waiting for Kyle? Do you have plans with him today?”
I let out a sigh and shake my head. “No. He’s not exactly thrilled with me right now.”
Mom gives me a concerned look. “Why? Did something happen?”
Shifting in my dad’s chair, I cross my arms over my chest, making myself more comfortable. Maybe discussing this with my parents will be helpful.
“We had a disagreement about me going out with Vivian,” I admit. My mom’s expression shifts from concern to curiosity. “He thinks my intentions aren’t sincere.”
My mom frowns, no doubt the wheels turning in her head. “Wait. I thought you were going out with Addi’s friend. How did Vivian come into the picture? ”
I sigh and stare at the ceiling. I’m still trying to make sense of it all myself.
“I had dinner with Vivi last night,” I say finally. “We’ve been…talking since I got back.”
Mom’s eyebrows lift slightly, and she mutters, “Huh. Okay…”
I recognize that reaction immediately—it's the same one I’ve been getting from everyone who hears about this unexpected development.
She pauses for a moment then carefully chooses her words. “Vivian has always been nice. You two just never really connected … until now.”
I appreciate her tact, but we both know there’s more to it than that. The truth is, Vivian and I existed in separate orbits for years. We barely acknowledged each other’s presence, and neither of us seemed to mind. We weren’t just acquaintances—we were practically strangers, even though we shared our best friends. And yet, somehow, here we are now rewriting history.
“I’m starting to think I really messed up. How did I never notice her? She’s gorgeous and funny and very smart. There’s something very wrong with me.”
My parents exchange a questioning look, their silent communication speaking volumes. After a brief pause, my mom sits up, leaning toward me.
“There is absolutely nothing wrong with you,” she insists, her voice gentle yet firm. “Sometimes, life takes us down unexpected paths, ones we don’t always understand in the moment. Maybe you and Vivian were meant to go in separate directions for a while—not because either of you did anything wrong but because you needed time to grow, to learn, to experience things on your own. Life has an interesting way of teaching us lessons, even when we don’t realize we need them. Maybe this journey apart was necessary for you to find your way to each other—stronger and wiser. The best partners truly appreciate and understand each other—and in the end it’s about the timing.
Well, my mother’s monologue just opened a whole new way of thinking about this situation. It’s like she knew exactly what to say to give me clarity. That’s what I’ve been needing. I’m even more convinced it’s a superpower.
“Thanks. I really needed to hear that.” I exhale, feeling a weight lift from my chest. “I know I haven’t always shown it, but I appreciate you both more than you know.”
My parents exchange a glance—the kind only parents can exchange. I’ve seen it before.
“We know, kid,” Dad says, his voice steady like he’s trying to sidestep an emotional moment.
“We love you so much,” Mom chimes in, and before I can react, she’s on her feet, wrapping me in a tight hug.
I return the embrace. “Love you too.”
She pulls back and looks at me. “You should invite Vivian over for dinner.”
I blink. “Oh—okay. I will.”
My head nods in agreement, but my mom isn’t satisfied just yet. “Perfect. How about tonight?”
I chuckle. I should’ve known she’d say this. “I’ll ask her if she’s available.”
Kyle still hasn’t responded to my text, but that’s okay. I shift gears and type out a new message.
Hey you. Good morning.
Less than ten seconds pass before my phone buzzes. At least some people are talking to me.
Hi. Good morning to you. I missed a call from Katie this morning. About to call her back. Wish me luck .
I cringe. After my difficult conversation with her brother, I don’t know what to expect.
Good luck. I pause before typing the next part. Also, do you have plans tonight? My mom would like you to come to dinner.
I hit send before I give it a second thought. And now Vivian knows—knows I told my parents about her, or us , or at least enough for them to extend an invitation.
I stare at my phone, waiting for her answer. I hope she says yes.