27. Olivia
27
OLIVIA
I sit in my favorite coffee shop, nervously tapping my pen against my notebook. The completed article on the Northstar Wolves is spread out in front of me, freshly published and still warm from the printer. The café is bustling, but I’m too lost in my thoughts to notice the clatter of dishes or the murmur of conversations around me.
The bell above the door jingles, and I look up instinctively. My heart skips a beat as I see Liam, Noah, and Ethan walk in together. They spot me almost immediately and start heading in my direction. Confusion and hope battle for dominance within me as they approach.
As they approach my table, I notice something different about their dynamic. The usual tension is gone, replaced by a sense of unity that both intrigues and unnerves me. I straighten in my chair, trying to brace myself for whatever they’re about to say.
"It's good to see you Olivia," Noah says with a smile as he pulls out a chair in front of him. He always has a way of putting me at ease. Even If I feel like I'm going to vomit in my coffee mug at any minute.
They sit down, forming a semicircle around me. The sight of them so close makes my heart race. Ethan graces me with a small smile, that is quickly replaced by her serious face. The one I know just masks all the goodness he has inside.
Liam speaks first, his voice steady but with an undercurrent of nervousness. "Olivia, we need to talk to you about something important."
"Uhm, okay?" I respond, my knees knocking against each other under the table because I'm so fucking nervous.
Noah leans across the table and grabs my hand. "We know this might sound crazy," he begins, his brown eyes earnest. "But we've been talking, and... we have a proposal for you."
I swallow hard, glancing at each of them in turn. "A proposal," I say cautiously. "You have the floor."
Liam leans forward, his blue eyes locking onto mine. "We’ve realized that this situation between us is... unique," he says slowly. "And it’s clear we all care about you deeply."
Ethan nods, his usually guarded expression surprisingly open. "We’ve decided that instead of fighting over you, we want to try something different," he says.
My mind races with possibilities, none of them making any sense. "What are you suggesting?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
Noah squeezes my hand gently before letting go. "We’re suggesting that we try to make this work... together," he says.
I blink at him, trying to process what he’s saying. "You mean... all three of you? And me?"
Liam nods. "Exactly," he says firmly. "We know it’s unconventional, but we think it could work if we’re all honest and open with each other."
I look at Ethan, searching for any sign of doubt in his dark eyes. Instead, I find determination. "We’re willing to give it a shot if you are," he says quietly.
My head spins as I try to wrap my mind around their proposal. This kind of arrangement isn’t exactly something I’d ever considered possible, let alone practical. But as I look at each of them—Liam’s steadfast gaze, Noah’s hopeful smile, Ethan’s quiet intensity—I realize that they’re serious.
“You guys have really thought this through?” I ask, my voice tinged with disbelief.
Liam nods, his expression serious. “We have. We know it won’t be easy, but we think it’s worth trying.”
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts. "I... I don't know what to say. This is a lot to process."
"We understand, we're prepared to wait for your decision," Liam says. Ever the understanding one.
"Before we go any further," I start, "I think you should read this. I want full transparency between us."
Noah frowns slightly, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "What is it?"
I slide the printed article across the table to them. "It's the piece I wrote about the team for the Star Tribune. It's personal... more personal than I intended it to be."
Liam takes the paper from Noah and starts reading over his shoulder, his expression shifting from curiosity to understanding as he skims the lines. Ethan leans in as well, his dark eyes scanning the words with a mix of interest and apprehension.
The silence stretches as they read, broken only by the occasional rustle of paper. I watch their faces closely, searching for any sign of their reactions.
Liam finishes first, setting the article down on the table with a thoughtful look. "You really put your heart into this," he says quietly.
"Yeah," Noah agrees, nodding slowly. "It's honest and raw. You didn't hold back."
Ethan's eyes meet mine, and for once, they’re devoid of their usual guardedness. "This is good," he admits reluctantly. "Hate to say I told you so."
Relief washes over me at their positive reactions. "I just wanted to be honest with you all," I say softly.
Liam reaches out and takes my hand again, his grip firm and reassuring. "We appreciate that, Olivia, more than you know." he says sincerely.
"It was important to me that you all felt seen and understood."
Liam leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "You definitely succeeded," he says with a nod.
Noah chuckles, nudging Ethan with his elbow. "Guess we should've known you'd be good at this whole writing thing."
Ethan smirks but doesn't pull away from Noah's playful jab. "Yeah, who would've thought?" he says dryly.
I laugh along with them, feeling lighter than I have in weeks. This moment of connection and understanding is exactly what I needed.
I take a deep breath, trying to process everything they’re saying. The potential for jealousy and conflict is enormous. But then again, so is the potential for something extraordinary.
“So, I’m not saying no,” I begin cautiously. “But we need ground rules. Clear communication is going to be key.”
Liam’s eyes soften with relief. “Absolutely. Whatever makes you most comfortable”
“And no secrets,” Noah adds quickly. “We have to be completely honest with each other.”
Ethan nods in agreement. “I’m on board with that.”
I look at each of them in turn, my heart swelling with affection and hope. “Okay then,” I say finally. “Let’s give this a shot.”
The tension at the table dissipates slightly as they each visibly relax. Liam reaches across and takes my hand again, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“We’ll make this work,” he says confidently.
Noah grins, his boyish charm shining through. “Alright, Teamwork on three everybody…. one… two…”
Ethan whaps Noah in the head, hard enough to cause the coffee mugs to shake across the table, coffee nearly shoots out of my nose.
"Sometimes I wonder if you should retire early, you've hit your head one too many times." He says to Noah, as he gives me a rare smile, one that makes my heart skip a beat.
For the first time in weeks, I feel a sense of peace settle over me. It’s not going to be easy – nothing worth having ever is – but with these three incredible men by my side, I believe we can navigate whatever challenges come our way.
We spend the next hour talking about logistics and boundaries, making sure we’re all on the same page. By the time we leave the coffee shop, I feel more confident about our decision.
As we step outside into the crisp Minneapolis air, Liam pulls me into a warm embrace. “You’ve got us,” he murmurs against my hair.
Noah joins in on the hug from behind, his arms wrapping around both Liam and me. “All of us,” he says softly.
Ethan stands off to the side for a moment before stepping forward and placing a hand on my shoulder. His touch is grounding and solid.
In that moment, surrounded by these incredible men who are willing to take this leap with me despite all odds stacked against us – both professionally and personally – I know we can make this work somehow… together.
And for now? That’s enough.
Chapter 28- Rodeo