Chapter Twenty-Three
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
VIVIAN
T his birthday party is nothing short of magical. I can’t imagine a more spectacular way to honor my best friends. The atmosphere is fun and glittering, and many of the guests have moved to the small dance floor.
Katie is in her element surrounded by the people who love her most. It’s impossible to miss the pure joy on her face, and it’s all thanks to Addi, who has outdone herself to make this night unforgettable for both Katie and Kyle. The effort she’s put into every little detail speaks volumes, showing how much she loves Kyle and the bond she’s already built with his family. Their connection is undeniable, and her family has also embraced them. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a couple more perfect for each other.
The only thing that could make this evening more perfect would be if Mac and I were still together. Being near him tonight has stirred all the emotions, and the moment our eyes met across the room, the feelings came rushing back. We shared a moment—one that left my heart pounding and breathless. I wanted so badly to tell him how much I miss him already. I thought I could handle ending things before we got in too deep, but now I’m starting to think I was already too late.
When he asked if we could talk later, I couldn’t bring myself to say no. Friends should be able to talk, right? Making things even more difficult, his mom greeted me with a comforting hug, as if nothing has changed. I’m sure she knows I was the one who pressed the pause button.
“Hey, Vivi.” Katie drops into the seat beside me with a dramatic sigh, kicking off her wedge sandals and wiggling her toes as she slips into a pair of flip-flops. “These shoes are killing my feet.”
I laugh. “But they are so cute.”
She scans the party with a content smile. The twinkling lights glow above us, making the ambiance cozy as the party winds down.
“Are you having fun?” she asks, turning her attention back to me.
“Of course. This might be the best party I’ve ever been to,” I exclaim. “Please tell me you’re hiring Addi and Claire to plan my birthday.”
She giggles. “Definitely. I knew it would be great, but I didn’t expect it to be this spectacular.
I grin, but Katie’s expression shifts as she studies me. “So…have you and Mac talked?”
I nod. “Yep.”
“And?” She leans in, her voice dropping slightly. “Did it go okay?”
“Mm-hmm.” I murmur avoiding her gaze.
“Vivi,” she says sharply.”
“What?”
She tilts her head, her expression skeptical, like she’s trying to read between the lines. “Nothing.”
I shake my head, knowing she’s not convinced, but I don’t have the energy to explain how I’m feeling. “Anyway, will you please go tell your soon-to-be sister-in-law that it’s time for cake?”
Katie grins. “On it.” She gives my hand a quick squeeze before disappearing into the crowd in search of Addi.
A few minutes later, I spot Addi linking her arm through Kyle’s as she steps toward the DJ, signaling him to lower the music.
“Hey, everyone,” Addi’s calls. “Thank you all for being here tonight and making this the perfect celebration for our favorite twins. Now, who’s ready for cake?”
A chorus of cheers erupts as people move toward the dessert table. Katie and Kyle stand behind their cake, their faces glowing with happiness as the crowd sings to them.
I let my gaze drift across the room, and my chest tightens when I spot Mac standing near his parents—alongside Katie and Kyle’s. It suddenly hits me that I should be standing next to him. But I let my stubbornness, and my fear take control.
The crazy thing is there was a time when I wanted nothing to do with Mac. And now, standing here with an empty space beside me, I realize being with Mac is the only place I want to be.
I swallow the lump in my throat as I step forward, weaving through the crowd toward the dessert table.
Just as I reach for a slice of the decadent chocolate cake, another hand appears at the exact same moment. I glance up, meeting Mac’s eyes. A flicker of amusement appears on his face.
“Good choice with the chocolate,” he says, holding up his plate as if to toast mine.
I smile. “Oh, I’m not stopping at just chocolate. I’m planning on having a piece of carrot cake too. ”
Mac raises an eyebrow, his grin widening. “Two pieces, huh? I like the way you think.”
For a moment, we stand there in a comfortable silence possibly waiting for the other to speak up.
Before either of us can say anything else, a voice cuts through the moment.
“Hey, guys.”
I turn to see Kyle approaching with Katie right behind him. Their expressions are serious, making my stomach tighten. Those two are clearly on a mission.
“We need to talk,” Kyle announces.
Mac and I exchange a quick glance.
“Uh, sure,” Mac says, putting his plate down.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“It will be.” Katie’s tone is firm. “Come on.”
I hesitate. “Can I at least eat my cake first? I’ve been waiting all night.”
“Bring the cake,” Katie insists, already walking away.
Mac exhales and together we trail behind the twins, stepping out of the loud ballroom and into the quiet hallway. We move down the hall until we reach two heavy doors. Kyle moves inside, and we all join him.
“Okay, let’s hash this out,” Kyle exclaims.
I take a slow, deliberate bite of my cake, my pulse picking up speed. My eyes flick between him and Katie, waiting.
“What do you want to talk about?” Mac asks.
“This,” Katie says, gesturing between us. “You two.”
My stomach knots, my grip tightening around my fork. Oh, wow. I think I know where this is going.
I shoot a quick glance at Mac, my heart tightening just a little.
Katie throws her hands up. “We asked you two to get along,” she exclaims, her voice filled with exasperation. “And you did…”
Kyle nods and takes over. “Look, I’ll admit—I had my doubts. And yeah, I was wrong in the way I went about things, but I honestly thought I was doing the right thing.”
“Kyle, we already talked about this,” Mac says, his tone smooth. “We’re good.”
“Yes, but you aren’t,” Kyle retorts.” It’s obvious to everyone you’re both miserable.” He gestures between Mac and me. “Before, we couldn’t even get you guys to be in the same room without an argument breaking out. And now? Watching you apart is even worse.”
I swallow hard. He’s right—I am miserable.
Katie sighs, crossing her arms. “Listen—you both know challenges you face. The distance will be hard, but if you want it to work, it will. You are the two most stubborn and determined people we have ever met.”
“There are no guarantees,” Kyle adds. “But you never know until you try. It’s better than being miserable. And we will stand by you no matter what. Even if things don’t work out. We’re your best friends and that won’t change.”
I feel tears prick my eyes, so I look down at my half-eaten piece of cake.
“We will support you in whatever decision you make,” Katie says. “Now we’ll leave you to talk because we’re missing our birthday party.”
They quickly head out of the room and shut the door behind them, leaving me and Mac to figure out our situation.
Mac lets out a sigh. “We’re pretty lucky to have those two in our lives.”
“We sure are,” I say, putting my plate on the nearby table.
“So, what do you think? ”
“I think I’m going to be very sad when you leave,” I say, my voice cracking. “But I can’t wait to see you play.”
His eyes widen full of hope, so I continue talking.
“I’m sorry Mac—I got scared and thought it would be easier to let you go with no strings attached.”
"I understand," he insists, stepping toward me, his proximity stirring a spark inside me. "You don’t need to apologize for anything."
I shake my head and let out a deep, unsteady sigh. “Honestly, it frustrates me how empty I’ve felt since I walked out of Casa.”
His expression softens as he reaches up and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
“I know the feeling,” he murmurs. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to call you. Or just show up at your house.”
My lips curl into a small smile. “I think I’m starting to see what all your fans see.”
His face lights up instantly. “Finally,” he exclaims, throwing his hands in the air. “I knew someday you’d get the Mac Evans hype.”
A genuine laugh escapes me, and he grins.
Then, his expression turns serious again. “So…does this mean we’re doing this?” His eyes are full of hope. “Because if anyone can make this work, it’s us. I know what it’s like to not have you in my life, and I never want to go through that again.”
My heart beats wildly against my ribs, and for a second, doubt starts to creep in. But then I look at him—and I know. I know I can’t just walk away again. I know I’m not ready to let this go.
“Yes,” I breathe. “I want to try.”
Before I can say anything else, he sweeps me up into his arms, spinning me around. I clutch onto his shoulders as his mouth finds mine.
The moment our lips meet, everything feels right. All the doubts briefly melt away. His kiss is different this time, more intentional and meaningful.
My fears haven’t magically disappeared, but being in his arms gives me enough courage to push them out of my mind—at least for now.
He places me on the ground, gently resting his forehead against mine.
“Mmm…” he mumbles. “I have a question…”
I lean back and examine his face. “What’s that?”
His hands tighten on my waist. “Will you go to the twins' birthday party with me?”
I giggle, shaking my head at his serious tone. “Of course. I’d love to.”
“As my girlfriend?” he adds carefully.
The words send a jolt through me. Hearing Mac Evans say them is both surreal and completely natural at the same time.
“Definitely.”
He kisses me again—slower this time, before taking my hand firmly in his and leading me back to the party.
I don’t know what’s ahead, but I know I’m where I’m supposed to be right now.