Chapter 5
Liam
The passenger pickup lane at Denver International Airport is a mess, but Walker and I have already picked a spot to meet at the very end of the terminal.
This way we can grab his gear and go. He’s exactly where he said he’d be, blond head standing out above the crowd.
He’s got no intention of ever going back to New York, so I knew he’d have a lot of gear.
I’m glad I brought my Range Rover, because there’s more than I thought. I step out of the car and wave.
“Walks, over here, man.”
His blue eyes light up and heads toward me, grinning from ear to ear, and easily carrying four bags at a time. Show off.
“Fergie!” Jesus, I hate that nickname. I’m so shutting that shit down. There’s no way that’s catching on here. Fergs is bad enough.
I shake my head, but I’m grinning as I open up the back hatch so that we can load up all his luggage. Undeterred, Walker comes in for a bro hug, dropping his luggage on the ground with a thud.
“Bro, I’ve missed your sorry ass! How fucking cool is that we’re playing together again?” He slaps me on the back with his typical enthusiasm before heading back for more of his gear. Fuck, it’s so good to see him.
By the time we get his gear stowed and we’re headed out of the airport, I’m shaking off my headache and feeling more optimistic.
“I can’t believe this is finally happening. Thought I’d never get back to Colorado. I almost dropped the damn phone when my agent called me with their offer. Un-fucking-real.”
“Yeah, I was shocked, but in a good way. Big changes coming up this year for the team, yeah?” I can’t wait to hear what he thinks about our new team situation.
We’ve kept each other up to date on our respective teams, so he knows what he’s walking into.
He didn’t love the guys on his old team, but even he’s agreed it was nothing compared to the issues I had with the Wolves.
“Something had to give. No offense but your team was seriously fucked up last year. I’m pretty stoked about the changes. Gotta tell ya, I never would have signed with your old GM. Guy was a complete asshole. Hey, did you see they brought in Orlova on defense? That guy’s a beast.”
His excitement is contagious, and I let him go on for a bit about the team. This is pure Walker King. Loud and in your face, but loyal to a fault. He just needs to get all the thoughts out of his head before he can listen. I’m pretty sure he’s been saving this all up for weeks.
I smile because this is us. This is our dynamic. It’s so familiar, like watching your favorite movie again. I let myself sink into the comfort of listening to him talk. God, I’ve missed him.
“So, what’s up in your life?” he asks, and that’s my cue that it’s my turn to info dump. I smirk. Well, he’s got a surprise coming this time.
“Guess who got offered Captain?” I say as we hit a red light, looking over and waggling my eyebrows at him.
“Shut up! For real?” I think that’s the first time I’ve surprised him in quite a while. Usually, it’s the other way around.
“For real. I know, crazy, huh?”
“Bro. That’s outstanding. You so deserve it. No one works harder than you.”
I smile at that. I was a little worried that he’d be jealous, but I should’ve known better. He’s always had my back, just like I’ve got his.
“Thanks, man. It’s a lot, but I think I’m ready. Not gonna lie, though, I did not see this coming.”
We chat the entire hour and a half drive up to Kenji’s house in the foothills of the Rockies.
Gossiping about people we know and catching each other up on the latest trades and hockey news.
Slipping back into our easy friendship like we’ve never been apart.
It’s a beautiful drive, but we’re too busy catching up to notice.
Walker and I have been to Kenji’s house in Genesee quite a few times, but it never fails to impress. Designed by a famous Japanese architect, it’s the epitome of modern minimalism. He had it built after his first title win. It’s all clean lines and windows against miles of Rocky Mountain pines.
The smell of dinner has us heading straight for the kitchen at the back of the house.
The dining room table looks out onto a gorgeous Japanese garden in the courtyard.
This entire house is just so him. I love it, but I always find it strange that Madison lives here too.
There’s no trace of her personality anywhere.
We all help get dinner on the table, just like in high school, and it’s not long before we’re all enjoying Kenji’s ultra-healthy version of Oyakodon, a chicken and egg rice bowl.
His mom used to make them for us after practice when it was her turn to pick us all up.
Our parents took turns carpooling before Kenji and Madison got driver’s licenses.
Maddie hated having to pick us up every day, although I think it was the smell more than the actual driving.
She used to have those air freshener trees all over the car.
Not that I blame her. Our gear was pretty rank.
“This is so fucking good, Kenz. Just like your mom’s.” Walker says while he’s shoveling food into his mouth. I can see his eating habits haven’t changed. He’s always hungry, and he’s not shy about eating. I like to try for a bit more decorum.
Kenji can make anything taste good. He’s a terrific cook, and we all appreciate it.
“Yeah, thanks for making dinner, man.” I say before loading up another bite.
“We have some news.” Maddie announces before shooting a quick glance at Kenji. He gives her a slight nod.
“What’s up?” Walker asks, not bothering to look up from his food.
Please don’t say you’re getting married. Please.
“Kenji and I are splitting up. And before anyone say anything - it’s fine. We’re fine. No one’s upset or anything. No hard feelings. It’s just time.” Her tone is matter-of-fact, like she’s making a grocery list instead of ending a five-year relationship.
It’s the moment I’ve been waiting for, but it feels off. And I have no idea what to say to either of them right now. So, I say nothing. Thank God Walker seems to have that handled because he jumps right in.
“Wow, really? That seems kinda sudden.” He’s examining their faces with suspicion, finally focused on more than his food. Madison looks over at Kenji. “Something happen? Because I don’t think I can kick Kenji ass, M.”
“Don’t be dumb. Nothing happened, Walker.” She shakes her head in obvious annoyance.
“We just realized we’re better as friends.” Kenji informs us in an equally pragmatic tone. “It’s all good.”
“Yeah, I’m thinking I’ll get an apartment of my own here soon.” Maddie tells us.
“So, you’re both okay with this?” Walker gestures to both of them while shoveling a forkful of noodles into his mouth.
“We are.” Madison reassures him.
The three of them discuss the next steps and logistics, but I don’t pay attention.
I can’t function right now. I’m pretty sure my mouth is hanging open, but it’s hard to focus enough to close it.
My heart is racing out of control, beating so hard I feel like it’s going to explode out of my chest any minute now.
I try to take a deep breath, but I can’t seem to get enough oxygen into my lungs.
Holy shit! It finally happened.
At some point, I’d convinced myself that they were never going to break up and that I would be living some kind of half-life while I watch their happily ever after. I take shallow breaths as I try to sort through the chaos in my head.
This changes everything.
I need a plan. I need a plan ASAP. I cannot fuck this up.
Jesus Christ, they just broke up. Do not be the asshole who tries to date her right after a breakup.
What am I even thinking here? I need to calm the fuck down.
Normally, I would call my dad or Walker to talk me down.
Yeah, not an option right now. Fuck. What do I do?
I can’t exactly say I’m thrilled, but shit, I’m not sorry either.
Maybe nothing is better? The problem is that I’m an athlete and my whole body is primed for action.
No way will I be able to sit still and pretend everything is fine.
“You okay, Liam?” Madison’s soft query interrupts the shitshow going on in my head.
“Uh yeah, sure, I’m good.” I mumble while trying to get myself under some kind of control. I smile, but it comes off all wonky and weird. I resist the urge to bury my face in hands as my face heats.
Just get through dinner, and then you can lose your shit.
I see Madison open her mouth to reply when Walker asks her about her yoga practice.
“How’s your little yoga thing going? Good right? I bet you didn’t know that I recommended you to the GM. Best brother ever!” Walker crows, clearly proud of himself.
I wince.
“My what?” She asks, with a dangerous edge to her voice. Sometimes Walker is the epitome of the dumb jock stereotype. I know he’s a smart guy, so it always takes me by surprise because I can’t figure out if he does it on purpose.
“Your yoga thing. That YouTube thing or whatever.” It’s like watching an accident unfold in front of us.
You can’t stop watching, even though you know it’s going to end badly.
Kenji shakes his head and looks at me. I shrug my shoulders.
Walker’s digging his own grave, and sadly, it’s not the first time.
“Can I speak to you in the other room?” Madison’s tone is icy cold as she stands and points toward the study down the hall. Blond hair whipping behind her, she marches down the hall before turning to glare at him when he doesn’t follow immediately.
“What? Right now? I’m not done eating.” Jesus Walker read the room.
“Now, Walker!” Her voice cracks like a whip, and the look on his face when he finally gets that he’s fucked up is comical.
He looks at me for help, but I’ve got nothing.
He brought this on himself. Kenji and I have agreed that we won’t interfere when those two go at it.
If we took sides, our friendship would have been over long ago.