Chapter Seventeen
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
VIVIAN
I nearly drop my phone when I read Mac’s text. His mother has invited me to dinner. I guess this means he told her about me. Or at least that we’ve been spending time together.
I stare at the message, my heart beating a little faster than I’d like to admit. While I don’t know Mrs. Evans personally, I know she’s close friends with Katie’s mom. She’s always been friendly, but an invitation to dinner at their home is unexpected.
I don’t respond right away, my mind spinning with thoughts. It’s possible I’m overthinking this. I’m curious what Mac’s shared with her. After a few seconds my phone buzzes again with another message from Mac.
No pressure.
I exhale, realizing I’ve left him hanging long enough to make him notice. He must think my silence means I’m unsure—which, okay, maybe I am —but I don’t want him to think I’m hesitating because I don’t want to go.
I throw caution to the wind and quickly type my reply.
That sounds nice. I’ll be there .
There it is. No more overanalyzing. I’m having dinner with Mac’s family.
After I hit send, I remember there’s one more person I need to talk to before tonight.
Katie called me this morning while I was in my Pilates class, and I still haven’t called her back. Other than a few texts checking in, we haven’t really talked since she was sick. And if anyone can help me make sense of this, it’s her—assuming she doesn’t have a similar reaction to Kyle’s.
I tap her name and wait, chewing my lip as the phone rings.
“Hey, Vivi,” she answers, sounding a thousand times better than the last time we talked.
“Oh, you sound so much better,” I say. “How are you feeling?”
“Finally feeling alive again,” she exclaims.
“Good,” I say, smiling.
“Now tell me what’s going on,” she demands. “It sounds like everything has completely fallen apart since I’ve been out of commission.”
I laugh, nervously. “Well…what have you heard?”
“Not much. Kyle said I needed to call you.”
I let out a long breath, I realize I’ve been holding in. A wave of relief washes over me—Kyle didn’t give her any details. That’s good. I want Katie to hear everything from me.
“Okay,” I say slowly. “Just promise me you’ll let me tell you everything before you say anything.”
“Of course.” Her voice is cautious, like she’s bracing for something she might not want to hear.
I swallow, my mind racing through all the things I need to say. Where do I even start? There’s no perfect entry point, so I just dive in .
“Remember when you asked Mac and me to try and get along? Well…we kept that promise to you.” I exhale slowly then keep going. “But it’s more than that now. We’ve been talking and texting. He brought me ice cream last week, and then we had dinner the other night…” I hesitate before saying the next part, knowing how wild it sounds even to me. “And he kissed me.”
She keeps her promise and hasn’t chimed in yet.
“His mom invited me to have dinner with them.” I run a hand through my hair, still processing how quickly everything has changed. “I know this sounds crazy. I never saw this coming, and I still don’t fully understand it myself.” I pause and take a breath. “Anyway, when Mac told Kyle, they had a huge blow up, and now they’re not speaking to each other.”
Silence stretches between us. My stomach twists as I wait for her reaction.
Finally, Katie lets out a slow breath. “Wow. I get sick for a few days, and everything implodes into chaos.”
I let out a nervous laugh. “Yes. You’re obviously the glue holding all of us together.”
She snorts. “So, let me get this straight—you and Mac, who have barely tolerated each other all these years, are now…seeing each other?”
Hearing her say these words makes it feel more real. “Yeah…I guess so. Honestly, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. But he’s been…different since he’s been back.” I pause, chewing over my next thought. “Or maybe I’m the one who’s different.”
It’s difficult to explain something I’m still figuring out myself.
“Well, I believe people can change,” she says, her tone thoughtful. “But Mac is only here for a few months, and then he goes back to his life. Have you thought about that?”
Ha—only every single day.
“Yes,” I say with a sigh. “And I’ve thought about what you said when we were at Casa about Mac having summer flings.”
“Mm-hmm,” she mumbles.
“Honestly, I tried to ignore my attraction to him,” I wail. “You know me—I wasn’t looking for this. In fact, I would have been just fine not interacting with Mac at all…but somehow, it just happened.”
It’s the best way I can explain it. How do you put into words the feeling of being drawn to someone unexpectedly, like gravity pulling you in no matter how hard you try to resist?
“Huh,” Katie says. “Well, you and Mac hooking up definitely wasn’t on my summer bingo card.”
“Trust me, I know.”
“And I guess this means you’re not interested in Cash?”
Crap. Cash.
I feel a knot growing in my stomach. Katie was so excited about setting Cash and me up. How did I let everything with Mac consume me to the point I’d forgotten about him? This whole situation has turned me into a mess.
“Oh, Katie,” I wail. “I’m so sorry. Cash is an amazing guy, and I do like him?—”
I just like someone else more.
“Well, this explains why Kyle has been in a mood,” she finally says. “I thought maybe he was overwhelmed with all the wedding talk, but if he’s not speaking to Mac, that’s a problem.”
I nod. “Yes. Mac’s pretty upset about it.”
“We’ll just need to fix that situation,” she exclaims. “This should be the happiest time in my brother’s life. Being at odds with his best friend will put a huge damper on it.”
Ah. I knew it. Katie has officially entered fix-it mode.
“Yes,” I agree.
She still hasn’t said much about Mac and me, though. Maybe she’s still processing. Or maybe she’s waiting for me to say something more.
I take a deep breath. “Katie…what do you really think?”
She exhales. “I think…I just want you to be happy.”
Tears well up in my eyes, and I blink quickly, willing them away. “I really appreciate you saying that.”
“That being said,” she continues, pausing just long enough to make my stomach clench, “I do have some concerns.”
She’s not the only one.
“I get it,” I say, exhaling slowly. “And I know that’s why Kyle reacted the way he did. He basically accused Mac of having ulterior motives.”
Katie sighs, crossing her arms. “Kyle considers you his sister,” she reminds me gently. “I’m sure his first instinct was to protect you. But…he might’ve been a bit harsh.”
I nod, feeling the heaviness of it all settle over me again. “Yeah. And Mac didn’t take it well. He called me after their blow-up—he wanted to know if I felt the same way as Kyle.”
“And what did you say?”
I chew my bottom lip. “I told him the truth. That I had the same questions at first, but now I believe him.”
“Okay.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “But I won’t lie, Katie. This whole thing is…complicated.”
“I understand. And for the record, I don’t believe Mac is trying to play any games either.”
Relief flickers through me, but before I can say anything, she adds, “That being said, I’m still planning on having a long talk with him.”
A smile pulls at the corner of my lips. Of course she is. I would expect nothing less from Katie.
“I figured.”
She lets out a deep sigh. “Okay, the first thing I need to do is talk to Kyle. Once I do that, we’ll get everyone together and figure this out. This needs to be resolved before our birthday party.”
“Absolutely.”
“I’ll probably talk to Addi too. Between the two of us, we should be able to straighten things out.”
“That’s a good idea,” I say. “Thanks, Katie. This means so much…”
“It’ll be okay, Vivi. We’ve got this,” she assures me. “I do have one more question, though…what was it like kissing your archnemesis?”
I laugh, feeling like a weight has been lifted off me. I’m so grateful that no matter how crazy things get, my best friend is always on my side. “Better than I ever could’ve imagined,” I admit. “Mac isn’t just good at hockey.”
“Whoa. I never thought you’d say something like that,” she exclaims. “This is a weird conversation.”
“So weird.”
She snorts. “Alright, I’m calling my brother. I’ll keep you posted.”
As I end the call, a slow smile spreads across my face. I should’ve known I could count on Katie to be real with me—honest about her concerns but supportive. That’s just who she is. And knowing she has my back makes this whole situation feel a little less overwhelming.
There’s still a lot to think about. And as much as I want to let myself fall completely into whatever this thing with Mac is, I can’t. I’ve spent too long keeping my guard up to let it down so easily. I don’t know how this will change everything—or if it will change everything. But for now, all I can do is take it moment by moment.
I send Mac a text letting him know things went well with Katie.
I still can’t believe I’m having dinner with his family tonight.
I take another deep breath, trying to silence the logical part of my brain that’s screaming at me to be careful and protect myself. But another part of me, the part that’s still replaying the kiss we shared, wonders if taking a risk this time could be worth it.
"It's so good to see you, Vivian," Mrs. Evans exclaims warmly as she opens the door, her arms outstretched to hug me. The gesture takes me by surprise, yet it feels kind of natural. There's a familiarity between us, even though we've never interacted like this before. I suppose it makes sense—we aren't strangers even though tonight is a bit different.
"Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. Evans," I say politely, inhaling the comforting scent of spices filling the air.
"Oh, please, call me Jeannie," she insists, waving her hand. Just then, Mac appears behind her, his tall frame towering over his mom. A wide grin spreads across his face, and before I can stop myself, I return it. He looks just as attractive as ever, but there’s something different about him tonight—he seems more casual and at ease. Maybe being at home with his parents offers a more relaxed environment. He doesn’t have to be Mac the professional athlete here.
"Hi," he says .
"Hey," I reply, my pulse quickening just a little.
"Come in, come in." Jeannie urges, giving my shoulders a quick squeeze before stepping aside to let me through. I step into the house, a welcoming feeling surrounding me. The three of us linger in the entryway for a few seconds.
"I should check on dinner," Jeannie announces abruptly, already moving down the hall without any hesitation.
"I'm surprised she got the hint," Mac murmurs, shaking his head with an amused smirk.
"What hint was that?" I ask, tilting my head.
He shrugs, but there’s a teasing glint in his eye. "That I wanted a moment alone with you before I have to share you with my well-meaning parents for the rest of the evening."
My heart skips a beat as he leans in closer to me and presses a soft, lingering kiss on my cheek. This simple gesture sends a surge of heat through me, leaving my knees slightly unsteady.
I can't remember the last time I received such a nice welcome. Between Mac and his mom, I’m immediately put at ease, calming my nerves.
“So, everything is alright with Katie?” he asks, his voice low with concern.
I nod, still trying to catch my breath after his kiss. “Yes. And she’s talking to Kyle.”
He gives a hopeful smile. “Good. He hasn’t texted me back yet.”
I reach for his hand, threading my fingers through his, giving a reassuring squeeze. “It’ll be okay.”
His grip tightens slightly as he exhales. “Hearing you say that makes me feel a lot better.”
His arms slip around my waist, pulling me closer, and my pulse kicks up as I try to process being here in his arms at his parents’ house .
“Now be honest—did Katie give you any warnings about me?”
I purse my lips. “Nothing specific, other than some concerns about you going back to Tennessee.”
His expression softens, and he inhales sharply. “Yeah. That’s totally understandable.”
I glance toward the hallway where his mother went. “Anyway, I don’t want to be rude to your parents.”
He grins, giving a nod. “Smart girl. We’ll talk more later.”
Mac reaches for my hand, his fingers warm and steady as he leads me into his childhood home. The house is cozy, lived-in, and filled with pieces of a past I never witnessed firsthand. As we step into the hallway, my eyes scan the walls, which are practically a shrine to Mac—framed newspaper clippings, action shots from different games, and a ridiculous number of trophies and medals.
I exhale loudly. “Wow. Look at this display. You must love seeing this every day.”
Mac grins, clearly unfazed by my teasing. “Of course I do. Every home should have a Mac Evans wall.”
I roll my eyes, but there was a time when hearing him say this would’ve made me groan out loud. He’s always been confident—borderline cocky—but somehow that charm has become more endearing than annoying.
“It’s true, Vivi,” he continues, nudging me playfully. “The sooner you accept how great I am, the better.
I scoff, crossing my arms. “Keep dreaming, Evans.”
“Great answer, Vivian,” a deep voice calls from the next room. “I’ve been trying to tell him for years that stuff doesn’t impress the ladies.”
Mac chuckles, shaking his head. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Pops.”
As we step into the kitchen, the delicious aroma grows stronger. Mac’s dad is standing at the counter, sprinkling seasoning over a platter of chicken and steaks. He’s wearing an apron that reads Kiss the Chef in bold, red letters.
He wipes his hands on a towel and steps toward me, extending a firm but welcoming handshake. His eyes are kind, filled with a warmth that instantly puts me at ease. With a respectful nod, he says, “Vivian, we’re glad you could make it. I hope you’re hungry—because you haven’t really eaten until you’ve had my special blend of seasoning. Prepare yourself for the greatest meal of your life.”
I shake his hand. “Thank you. It sounds like I’m in for a treat.”
Mac leans against the counter, grinning. “My dad is as good a chef as I am a hockey player.”
His dad smirks, crossing his arms over his apron. “This is true.”
I laugh softly. I’ve just arrived, but I already feel so comfortable in this house.
“This is ready to go on the grill,” Mac’s dad announces, holding the platter over his head.
“Would you like some coffee? Mac, please get Vivian a drink,” Jeannie orders.
“Yes, ma’am,” Mac says, jumping into action. “We have coffee, soda, water, tea, wine, and I’m sure my mom has a secret stash of scotch hidden somewhere in this kitchen.”
“Mac,” his mom shrieks.
He bursts into laughter. “I’m kidding.”
She shoots him a warning look.
“A Diet Coke is fine,” I say, hopping onto one of the barstools.
“So is this weird for you?” Jeannie asks, not wasting any time getting to the point .
“I’m guessing you’re referring to the fact that Mac and I haven’t exactly been known for getting along,” I say with a smirk.
Jeannie nods knowingly. “Yes. And trust me, as much as I love my son, he can be a handful.”
I can’t help but giggle. “Oh, I know that all too well.”
From across the room, Mac lets out a groan. “Hello? I’m right here.”
He shakes his head as he hands me my drink before sitting down on the stool next to me. Jeannie watches us with an amused expression before speaking again. “In all seriousness, I’m really happy you two have moved past all that.”
Mac glances at me, his eyes warm. “I’m working on it, Mom.”
Jeannie tilts her head, giving him one of those motherly looks. “As you should. You let a lot of years slip by.”
Mac exhales, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah. Don’t remind me.”
I shrug. “We’re all learning.”
Jeannie smiles softly. “That’s all any of us can do.”
We continue chatting until the back door swings open. Mac’s dad comes in carrying a platter piled with perfectly grilled steaks and juicy chicken. The mouthwatering aroma fills the room, making my stomach growl in anticipation.
I take a moment to glance around, soaking up the cozy atmosphere. But what catches my attention the most is watching Mac with his parents. The way he jokes with his dad, the lighthearted teasing between him and his mom—it’s a side of him I’ve never seen before. He’s at ease here, like this is the truest version of himself. Witnessing all of this is making something shift inside me .
Every additional second I spend with him makes the walls around my heart fall little by little. And no matter how much I try to resist, I can’t deny what I’m feeling.