Chapter 33 Liam #2
“Sorry we’re late. I had to run home and let Ace out. He got into my basket of socks so there was a bit of mess. He’s not happy with me right now.” Maddie says. She shoots a quick glance and an uncertain smile my way before turning back to her conversation with Joslyn.
“I completely understand. Abby’s with my friend Lainey tonight, otherwise I’d be worried as well. We haven’t started yet so there’s plenty of time.” Joslyn replies before maneuvering her toward the bar at the back of the room.
That’s when I see Kenji. He’s got his hand on her lower back, as if they’re a couple.
Or on a date. As if they’re together. While she’s wearing my name.
Oh, hell no! I’m moving toward them before even realize what I’m doing, but someone grabs my arm.
I try to shake them off, but damn, their grip is like steel.
Who the fuck is holding my arm? I turn back, ready to rip into someone when I see that it’s Walker.
“Not now, man. Not here.” Walker hisses at me.
I close my eyes and take a breath. I know he’s right, but fuck.
Inside, I’m raging. Is Kenji the reason she didn’t text me?
Are they back together now? Kenji looks over at us and smiles.
Fuck him. I glare at him, trying to tell him without words how pissed I am.
His eyes widen before he looks quickly away.
He shows up with my girl and he’s surprised I’m pissed. What the hell?
“Jesus dude, no subtlety with you. Tone it down, you look like you’re about to jump him. We’ll get this all sorted after the dinner.” I push down my jealous fury, trying to get a handle on my overwhelming emotions.
“Oh shit! Is that Kenji Lee?” Sebastian says, a look of awe lighting up his face. Wonderful. Another Kenji fan. I’m unsuccessful at stopping my eye roll. Thank God Walker answers him. Not sure I would have been civil.
“Sure is. He’s a friend of the family. Why don’t I introduce you.” Walker offers before giving me a warning glare.
“You stay here and behave.” He tells me. Like I have a choice.
You have a choice to show her you can behave like an adult. Isn’t that what you wanted?
Damn. That is what I wanted. I take a deep breath to pull myself together, but it’s a relief when Lily approaches me to with small talk about my investments with her firm.
I keep it together throughout dinner, mainly because Madison’s not paying any attention to Kenji.
She’s in a deep conversation with Lily. Meanwhile, Sebastian and Kenji haven’t stopped talking since their introduction.
That’s fine by me. Fangirl all night long as long as it keeps him away from Madison.
Dinner was delicious. Walker and I were so damn hungry I don’t think we even paused to breathe.
We get like this after a game. Maddie always makes fun of us.
[RH3] I glance her way. Of course, she’s talking to Kenji again.
God, this dinner is taking forever, and I’m sitting here on pins and needles.
Why is Kenji even pursuing her? He had his chance, and he blew it.
Kenji excuses himself to go to the restroom, and I see my chance. Walker’s distracted by his conversation with Lily, so hurry after him. The restroom is at the other end of the dining room, so I have to weave in and out of tables to catch up with him.
“Kenz, wait a second.” I call as he gets to the door of the men’s room. He’s surprised to see me, but damn, he shouldn’t be.
“Hey Liam. What’s up?” he asks carefully. Good, he knows I’m pissed.
“What the hell, man? I thought you and Maddie broke up?” I ask, not even trying to keep the frustration out of my voice. I want him to know he’s crossed a boundary with me.
“We did. Is that why you’re so pissed tonight? Because she came with me? You know there’s nothing between us anymore. We’re just friends.”
“‘Cause friends need to touch each other that much, right? She’s in my fucking jersey and you’ve got your hands on her. What the hell am I supposed to think?”
“Calm the fuck down. It’s not at all what you’re thinking.”
“The what the hell is it? Because it looks to me like you’re trying to get her back.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” He looks incredibly annoyed, but I could give a shit because I’m not giving up my girl without a fight.
“Fuck it! Not how I wanted this to happen but what the hell.” He takes a deep breath and blurts out, “I’m gay, Liam.”
“What? That’s not funny, Kenz. Don’t be a dick.”
“I’m not kidding. I’m gay. Always have been.
My relationship with Maddie was never real.
” He lets out a deep sigh, and I can almost feel the exhaustion in it.
“Look, I’ve been meaning to tell you guys for a while now.
It just never seemed like the right time.
It still doesn’t, but at this point, I’m not sure there is a right time. ”
I just stand there gaping at him until my brain comes back online. I struggle to wrap my head around all of this new information. Kenji’s gay. Holy shit, Kenji’s gay. How did I miss that? He’s one of my best friends.
Is he though? He hasn’t been since he started dating Maddie. Not really.
I guess I have been pulling back since they started dating. It’s hard to be friends and be in love with your friend’s girl. But she wasn’t his girl. Not ever, apparently. Because it was all fake.
“So, your relationship was a lie? Five years, man.” I shake my head. “Why didn’t she just tell me the truth?”
“Because it wasn’t my truth to tell, Liam.” Maddie says quietly from behind me. Well, fuck. “You didn’t have to out yourself for me, Kenz. I’m sorry that it happened like this.”
“It’s okay. I didn’t do it just for you. I’m doing it for me, too. The hiding was killing me anyway. It was time.”
“Just for the record, I could care less that you’re gay, Kenz. Was it because I haven’t been a very good friend lately? ‘Cause if that was the case, then I’m really sorry. I’m pretty sure I was just jealous that you guys were together.”
“You’re doing alright so far, Liam. But thanks for that.
” Kenji says with his first genuine smile of the evening.
“I just wasn’t ready. It had more to do with me actually saying the words out loud.
You and Walker have always been good friends to me.
Well, at least when you’re not being a jealous prick.
” The grin on his face takes away the sting of his rebuke.
“That’s fair. I was being a dick. Sorry about that.”
“Who’s being a dick? And why are you all standing outside the bathroom?” Walker asks, appearing at the end of the hallway and looking confused.
“We’re talking about me being gay. You missed the big reveal.” Kenji tells him with a heavy dose of sarcasm.
“What? No way. That explains so much!” Walker says as he claps Kenji on the shoulder. “Congrats on coming out, man. That’s gotta be a load off, right? Oh, so I guess that means you aren’t trying to date my sister again, huh?”
Maddie, Kenji and I exchange a quick glance before we burst out laughing. Maddie rolls her eyes.
“Jeez Walker.” She tells him, even as she’s grinning.
“Whatever. Kenz, we love ya, man, and we’ll always have your back. You do you.” Walker says, finally serious for once.
“I agree. We got you.” I tell him and Maddie echoes my support.
“Group hug!” Walker shouts obnoxiously, smashing us all together. Even Kenji’s looking ridiculously thrilled despite his antics, before escaping from our forced affection to the bathroom. Walker looks like he’s about to go in after him, but I stop him with a hand on his stomach.
“Let it go. You know how he is with excess emotion.” I tell him.
“I will. For now,” he says with a sly smirk. I roll my eyes, a constant activity around Walker, as he heads back to the dinner.
Then it’s just me and Maddie. The silence is awkward before we both begin to speak simultaneously.
“So, I’m sor..” she says.
“Hey can we...” I say.
“Ladies first.”
“I have a lot to say and I don’t really want to say it standing in the hallway next to a restaurant bathroom. Can we get together and talk, Liam? Like really talk?”
“I’d really like that, Mads. I have so much I want to say to you too.” I take her hand in mine, unable to resist touching her. “Can we do it soon? I’m not sure I can wait much longer. I miss you.”
“Tomorrow’s Friday. How about after my kids’ class? I could make dinner at my place?”
“That perfect. You have a pretty packed schedule on Friday’s. Let me handle food, okay?” Her smile is shy, almost tentative at my offer. “Can I hug you? I’ve missed my Maddie hugs.”
Her pretty green eyes widen, her sudden smile lights up her face.
She leans toward me, holding her breath as I sweep her into my arms. Sighing, she wraps her arms around my torso, snuggling into my chest. I breathe in her wildflower scent, pulling her closer.
Neither of us moves, both concerned about breaking this temporary spell of contentment.
I can do this all night. She’s worth it.
It certainly doesn’t feel enough when she pulls away, eyes bright and glossy.
“Tomorrow?” she asks softly.
“Tomorrow.” I answer. “Can I get Ace in the morning?”
“I’m sure he’d love that. He’s missed you, too.”
I watch her walk away, hope blooming in my heart. Maybe it’s not too late for us after all.