Chapter 19
Madison
It’s Sunday morning. My studio is closed, I’m not hungover, and I have the whole day free.
For once, I have nothing planned. While I wait for Liam and Ace to get back from their run, I plan my to-do list for the day.
With my apartment fully unpacked and the paperwork caught up at the studio, the only errand I have for the day is grocery shopping.
I can get that delivered, but I’m on the fence because I never feel like they pick out the freshest produce. I know I’m picky. Thanks mom.
I’m also out of breakfast food, so I’m going to talk Liam into brunch.
There’s a breakfast cafe with outdoor seating up the block that I’ve been wanting to try.
The Get Eggy With It Cafe. Such a cute name, and the food always looks and smells amazing when I’m walking by.
Plus, a lady in my class told me they’re dog-friendly and even have a dog menu. I’m sold.
I grab a shower and I’ve just finished getting dressed when Liam and Ace get back from their run.
How is he so hot when he’s a sweaty mess?
He’s flushed, and his smile is bright and happy.
It must be contagious because I can’t stop smiling at my guy.
Waking up all warm and snuggled up against him this morning was heaven.
“Good morning, Mad girl?”
“Morning, handsome. You guys have a good run?”
He comes over and kisses me on the cheek.
“We did. Gonna shower. Then I can give you a much better hello.” He winks as he grabs his bag and heads for my bathroom.
Ace whines from his sprawl on the kitchen floor.
It’s the only place with tile in the apartment, so that’s his post-run spot.
He’s doing that adorable dog-sploot thing.
Time to get my four-legged roomie some breakfast. Ace, of course, follows me to the pantry as if I can’t get breakfast without his supervision.
I give him just enough to tide him over since we’re going out for brunch and they have a doggie menu. How cute is that!
My phone rings just as I set down his breakfast. It’s Kenji.
“Hey Kenz.”
“Hey Maddie bear. Whatcha doing today?”
“You back in town?”
“I am. Thinking about brunch. You in?”
“Oh yeah! There’s this new brunch place right up the street. The food is supposed to be incredible, plus outside seating and a dog menu.”
“Sounds like a winner. Pick you up in 30.”
“Wait. I’ll just meet you there. I have someone with me. He’s coming too.”
“What? When did this happen? Who is it?”
“So nosey?”
“Oh please, girl. You know all my secrets.”
“Okay fair. I do.”
“Tea please!”
“Fine. It’s Liam. I’m bringing Liam.”
“Yes! Walker owes me a hundred bucks.”
“What the hell, Kenz? Did you and my brother bet on my love life.”
“Hell yeah, we did. Have you met us?”
“I hate you both.”
“You love us.”
Okay, he’s right, I do, but seriously, rude.
“Whatever. Meet us there, but you’re buying ‘Mr. I just won a hundred bucks.’”
“Happy for you.”
I smile because, yeah, me too.
“Thanks Kenz. Me too.”
“Don’t overthink this.”
The man knows me too well.
“Gotta go.”
I hang up right as Liam walks out of the bathroom looking like a snack in only his jeans, and no shirt. All those glorious muscles on display, I eye him up and down because everybody deserves a little appreciation. I definitely appreciate.
He smirks as he walks by, running his finger along my lower lip.
“You’ve got some drool... “ He winks.
“No, I d...”
He cuts me off when he brushes his lips against mine in a soft kiss, before he pulls me in for more.
I could get addicted to this. How is his skin so soft? I rub my hands all along those gorgeous washboard abs. I just want to bury myself in his chest and stay there forever, breathing in his spicy scent.
“I like it.” He whispers into my hair, referring to the fact that I can’t seem to keep my hands off him. But damn, he feels so good, and he’s so warm and yummy smelling.
“Want to go out for breakfast, Mad girl?”
“I was just going to ask you that! Yeah, there’s a new place down the street. Get Eggy With It.” He laughs,
“I love the name. Let’s check it out.”
“I know, right? Hilarious. Someone in my class recommended it. Dog friendly too.”
“Sweet. With a name like that we have to try it.”
“Oh yeah, Kenji is meeting us there. I hope you don’t mind.” Kenji doesn’t seem ready to say anything yet. I hate lying, but it’s not my secret to share.
“Yeah, your brother wants to meet us for breakfast, too. I had to say yes or he threatened to come over her and hang out with us.” Liam says with a laugh.
“God forbid.”
“The fantastic four back together again.”
“I can’t believe we used to call ourselves that. Lame.”
“Maybe, but we had fun,” he reminds me. I smile because the four of us do share some wonderful memories.
“Let’s head out. Grocery shopping is mandatory today. I need coffee and I’m out of creamer.” I say, mentally running through my to-do list.
“Oh yeah? Do you uh, want some company? I have some errands I need to do today too. We could do them together, maybe.”
God, how is he so damn cute, looking all shy about asking me to hang out with him today. He’s like this crazy combination of confident and uncertain, and I have no idea why I like it so damn much. But I do. I definitely do.
We arrive at the restaurant first. It’s only a five-minute walk from my studio.
It’s a gorgeous September morning in Colorado, sunny and 75 degrees.
Perfect. There’s a light breeze blowing, which takes the edge off the warmth of the sun, but still allows us to sit outside in comfort.
I’m going to wallow in this nice weather, because the cold is just around the corner.
Denver doesn’t get that cold except in January, and we usually get a bit of sun every day.
It makes the snow and cold bearable. It’s not like the Midwest either, where the same snow is still on the ground in May.
Yuck. I can’t imagine living anywhere but here, especially on a day like today.
Ace is following my commands perfectly now that Liam and I have spent some time working with him. After watching so many other owners struggle with their pets’ behavior in public, I can’t help but appreciate that he came to me already trained.
The yellow and orange umbrellas that decorate the cafe’s outdoor seating area are so bright and cheerful.
There’s a dancing egg on the sign above the entrance.
It’s incredibly cheesy, but I love it. The wait for a table on the patio is short, so we take a seat on the bench out front.
It bodes well for the food if the place is this busy.
Liam pulls me close, and I snuggle into him.
It feels comfortable, as if we’ve been together for years.
Our hostess leads us to a large round table in the patio’s corner so there’s enough room for all four of us and Ace.
I love the chairs. They’re a bright spring green and they have cushioned seats.
Metal chairs are so uncomfortable. Liam pulls out my chair for me.
It’s a little thing, but it tells me how much he values me, and it warms my heart.
Ace is watching all the people walk by as he makes himself comfortable at my feet. It’s his favorite new hobby, and he’s really into it. It’s a gorgeous day, so people are out and about today, many with their own dogs, so there’s so much to look at.
We give the server our coffee orders and peruse the menu.
“Is it bad that I want to eat basically everything on here?” I ask, only partially joking. I’m starving this morning.
“Not even a little. It’s my cheat day so I’m actually considering eating all of it, too.
” He teases. I’ve been watching these guys eat since their teenage years, so I’m no longer surprised by the amount of food that the three of them can pack away.
It’s truly stunning, but today, it’s not bothering me like it normally does when we all go out to eat together.
“Couldn’t you guys have waited like one month? For real. Bro, you lost me a hundred bucks.” Walker gripes as he flings himself down in the seat across from Liam.
“What the fu..heck are you talking about?” Liam stumbles, his cheeks pink with embarrassment.
“What was that?” Walker asks with a penetrating stare at Liam.
“What?” Liam’s suddenly studying the menu, the picture of nonchalance.
“Not swearing. Is this a thing now that you guys are.... Whatever. Together and shit.” Walker doesn’t bother to hide his annoyance, “Because I am not a fan. I want my best friend back.” I just glare at Walker.
He’s the one who’s been pushing me toward Liam, so he’s hardly in a position to complain.
I’m too food-focused to bother with him and his attitude this morning, so I just roll my eyes and look down at the menu.
Thankful he’s sitting next to Liam and not me.
“What? Um. No, yeah, maybe. I don’t know. My dad doesn’t like to swear in front of my mom. I guess I’m just trying to be respectful. You should try it. For once.” Liam finishes awkwardly.
“Whatever, she’s my sister. I don’t have to be respectful.” Walker snaps back at him.
“Rude!” is my indignant reply. Liam winces.
“Shut it, Walks” Liam says, warning clear in his tone. Walker has the audacity to look as if Liam has hurt his feelings. Liam scowls at him.
“Who’s rude? I’m guessing Walker.” Kenji says as he takes the last seat at the end, reaching down to give Ace some dog love.
“Why is everyone so mean to me?” Walker whines.
“Yes, you are so put upon, little brother.” I say, with all the sarcasm I can muster.
“If you think I’m going to feel sorry for you so you don’t have to pay me. Think again, Walks. Never gonna happen.” Kenji gives him a look of disdain, ignoring my brother’s dramatic attempt to gain sympathy.
“The food looks wonderful, but the name is the real seller.” Kenji grins at me. “What are you getting, Maddie?”