Chapter Twenty-One
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
VIVIAN
I ’ve never really considered myself much of a crier. Sure, I get choked up when I watch movies that pull at the heart strings, but full-on sobbing—that’s not my thing. Or at least, that’s what I thought. But last night changed everything.
From the second I walked out of the restaurant, the tears started falling—and they didn’t stop. I cried in the car, barely able to see the road through my blurry vision. Then I cried when I got home, curled up in a ball on the couch. I cried in bed as I replayed the conversation I had with Mac, wondering if I’d just made the biggest mistake of my life. I think I’ve cried more in the last fourteen hours than I have in the last five years combined.
I can’t even count how many times I reached for my phone to call Mac. I thought about making a joke—ha, ha, just kidding—as if I could take everything back with words.
I still don’t know what came over me. One second I was sitting there, feeling everything shift between us, and the next I was in full-on fight-or-flight mode. I panicked and convinced myself that ending things now would save us both the hurt later. Because if Mac was the one to break things off, it could ruin his friendship with Kyle and make things awkward with the whole family.
And maybe my practical brain is right. Maybe this wasn’t meant to last. Our lives are too different. The distance between us would eventually take its toll. And what about the years we didn’t get along? Would those old grudges eventually rise to the surface and cause issues? Maybe this was only meant to get us to a place where we could be friends.
At least, that’s what I keep telling myself. But deep down, I’m not sure.
While I wait for my coffee to brew, I contemplate calling in sick to work. Crawling back under the covers is very tempting. I haven’t called in sick since I had the flu last year. I don’t like missing work. For some reason, people find this odd, but what can I say—I enjoy my job. And more importantly, it gives me a distraction. If I stay home today, I’ll think about Mac.
At work, I’ll have reports to read through and numbers to crunch. I can lose myself in spreadsheets, where everything makes sense and there are no emotions. I really need that today.
While I mentally debate my decision, my phone buzzes on the counter. I glance at the screen—it’s Addi again. She’s in full-blown party mode, sending text after text about last minute lists and details. I’m glad to be receiving these messages. She’s been quieter ever since the whole disaster with Mac and Kyle—or maybe she’s just been busy. Either way, I’m happy to be included.
I sit at the table with my coffee and scroll through my contacts until I find Katie’s number. I really need to talk to my best friend. I was too emotional to call her last night, but now I’m ready.
I press the call button, and she answers on the second ring.
“Good morning,” she says.
“Hey.” My voice cracks, and I swallow hard, forcing back the lump in my throat.
“What happened?” she asks worriedly.
I take a deep breath. “Mac and I aren’t seeing each other anymore.”
There’s a pause, and I can practically hear her piecing things together. “Wait—what do you mean? I just spoke to him.”
I’m sure she’s already drawing her own conclusions about how things went down.
“I’m the one who ended things,” I tell her, my voice steadier now. “It wasn’t going to work. He’s leaving and going back to hockey and his team. I didn’t want to be the thing that held him back. The distance would’ve been too much. And honestly, we probably wouldn’t have lasted anyway.”
“Oh, Vivi. I’m so sorry.”
“I cried—a lot,” I admit.
“Really?” She sounds surprised. “Vivi, are you sure about this?”
“No—and yes.” I sigh, rubbing my eyes. “I don’t know.”
And that’s the truth. I don’t know. This whole situation has left me feeling uncertain and confused. I never expected my feelings for Mac to develop so quickly, and maybe that’s part of the problem. Maybe I got swept up in the excitement, in the thrill of falling for someone I never thought possible. Honestly, it would make a great romcom movie .
But this isn’t a movie. This is my life. And in real life, there isn’t always a happily ever after.
“Anyway, I just wanted to let you know,” I say after a pause. “But can you do something for me?”
“Of course. Anything.”
“Please talk to Kyle. Tell him to stop fighting with Mac.”
“I was already planning on it,” she assures me. “I told Mac the same thing.”
“Good. Thank you.”
“Everything will be fine,” she assures me.
“I know,” I reply unconvincingly. “Anyway, I need to get ready for work. I’ll talk to you later.”
As I hang up, I feel a bit better. If anyone can fix things, it’s Katie.
One way or another everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.
As soon as I step through the front door, my phone starts buzzing. I set my bag down on the counter and check the screen. It’s my mother, so I take a deep breath before answering.
"Hi, Mom," I say, turning on the speaker.
"Hi, honey. How are you?"
"I’m good. Just got home from work. How’s it going there?
"Very busy," she replies. "Your father and I are running bingo night here in the building. It’s been a lot of work but so much fun."
I smile as I collapse onto the couch. The thought of my parents in charge of bingo night is interesting. Retirement really suits them .
"Wow," I say. "You two are really living your best life, huh?"
She laughs. "I guess we are."
I start to take off my shoes as she continues talking.
"Apparently, you’re doing the same," she says, her voice suddenly full of knowing amusement. "Jaclyn told me your news."
I sit up straight. My news?
A slow, sinking feeling settles in my stomach as I realize what she’s talking about. My sister must’ve told her about Mac.
"Honestly, I wasn’t that surprised," Mom continues. "It makes complete sense for you and Mac to get together—you’ve been in each other’s orbit for years. And let’s be real, he’s very good-looking. Your children will be gorgeous."
Oh no. Make it stop.
I drop my head into my hand and groan. I need to shut this down before she starts talking about mother of the bride dresses.
"Mom—Mac and I have decided to just be friends." I say it quickly, like ripping off a Band-Aid.
She’s silent for a few seconds. "Why?"
"Because he’s going back to Tennessee. His life is hectic and non-stop, and it just wasn’t going to work."
"You don’t know that for sure—and you never will if you don’t give it a chance," she retorts.
I let out a slow exhale. "We’re too different, Mom."
"So what?" she says immediately. "Do you really think every successful relationship only works if two people are exactly the same?"
"Of course not," I admit. "But there were just too many factors that could cause issues. Distance, time commitments, travel, my job, our friends…it’s a lot. "
"Are you trying to convince me…or yourself?" she says after a brief pause.
I swallow hard, but I don’t answer. Because honestly—I’m not sure.
“This is for the best,” I say firmly, my grip tightening on the phone. I’ve made my decision, and there’s no turning back.
She’s silent for a few seconds before sighing. “Alright, I know better than to try to change your mind. When you feel strongly about something, there’s no stopping you.”
“Exactly,” I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel.
She hesitates then adds, “Your dad will be disappointed, though. He was looking forward to going to some hockey games.”
I frown. “Dad doesn’t even watch hockey.”
“I know. But it’s different when your daughter is dating a player.”
I cringe. “Yes. I suppose it would be.”
I could see my dad sitting in the stands, pretending to be invested in a sport he doesn’t watch—just because of who his daughter was dating.
I swallow hard and force a light laugh. “Tell Dad not to worry—I can still get him some tickets if he really wants to go.”
The words slip out before I can stop them, and I immediately regret it. I know Mac would give me tickets in a heartbeat. He thrives on people watching him play, and he’d jump at the chance to show off his passion for his sport.
“I’ll let him know,” Mom says.
“Okay,” I exclaim. “I’m going to change and make some dinner. Love ya, Mom. ”
“Love you too,” she replies.
I end the call and set my phone down next to me. I know my Mom means well, but it’s too soon for this conversation.
I made the right move. My life was fine before Mac Evans, and it will be fine after him.