Page 45 of Endgame

“You’re right,” King agreed as he sat up. “It’s time. Hell, it’s past time. Let’s do it.”

Knight clenched his fist. “Yessssssss. It’s about damn time. Phase two of ‘help King be less of a dick’ is officially underway. I’m thrilled you’re finally pulling your head out of your ass.”

“Yeah, well, you might be the only one who feels that way.”

“Psssh. I failed to mention that when Lila was passing off your hoodie, she kinda looked sad about it. There’s still feelings there, my friend. You’ll see.”

“I’m taking it slow, man. Super slow,” King reiterated. “Super fucking slow.”

“Fine,” Knight agreed. “But you need to come over tonight. Around 11:30ish. Lila’s closing, so she’ll be bringing food home. I’ll give her a heads-up that you’ll be there so she’s not taken off guard. Since now you’ve decided you’re friends and all.”

“Okay, I guess it’d be good to ease back into things, given the fact that phase two is about to start. And obviously, I’m not gonna turn down free food.”

“So you’re in for food tonight and finally ready for phase two. How soon do you want to move on that?”

“I see what you did there…and I don’t know, maybe next weekend? That way it’ll be right before school starts back up again?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

King studied his friend for a minute. “Have you talked to Wren?” His friend still hadn’t shared much about what had happened that night beyond what they’d initially discussed, but King knew that Knight still had it bad for Lila’s fiery friend.

“I’ve been writing her letters. Sometimes she answers; sometimes she doesn’t. There have been a few FaceTimes. She seems to be doing okay, which is good. She needed to get away from some stuff.”

“Do you think Lila knows what happened?”

Knight nodded. “She knows.” He cleared his throat. “She’s holding out hope for us, which means a lot.”

King sensed that he needed to lighten his friend’s mood a bit, so he pivoted. “Well, you are a great human, Knight. And I bet you’re especially skilled with your throwing hand.” He couldn’t mimic Knight’s superior eyebrow waggle, but he sure as shit tried.

Knight punched him on the shoulder and barked out a laugh. “You know it.” And then, more quietly: “Thanks, man.”

King nodded. “I’ve got your back. Just like you’ve got mine.” As they left the track, they parted ways even as Knight ribbed King for running home after his run.

“I’ve got a lot of tension to burn off.” King shrugged.

“Just remember, 11:30 tonight.”

King gave his friend a mock salute. “I’ll be there.”

* * *

Given the enthusiasm with which Knight and Bear greeted Lila when she walked through the door, you would have thought she had Wren and Demarcus inside the bags she was holding instead of dinner. But when various portions of their favorite foods began to emerge, along with Lila’s accompanying smile, King totally understood the reaction.

She pushed a to-go container in front of him. “Buffalo chicken salad and shoestring fries?” She posed it as a question, but her knowing smile said it all. She’d remembered his favorite meal.

“Thanks, friend,” he managed to eke out.

Her smile dimmed just slightly before she replied, “Anytime, friend.” She turned her attention back to the food as she fished out a sandwich and salad for herself. They all ate and joked, and Bear convinced Lila to tell King about what had happened when her boss found out that she was living with athletes.

“So, for a little context, Bryan’s always been a total ass to me. Well, he’s pretty much an ass to everyone except for a couple of the blondes he hired as hostesses who magically got promoted to server and given the best sections within a couple of months.” She rolled her eyes.

“I remember,” King said softly.

She stilled for a sec before rebounding with aplomb. “Anyway, he was being his typical drill sergeant self until he noticed Knight, Bear, and Will in my section. So obviously, he goes over and starts talking shop and kissing ass.” Lila shoots an adoring gaze Knight’s way. And even though King knew better, he had to briefly remind himself that it was definitely a familial adoration and not a romantic one. “And Knight just goes on and on about how I’m the best server they’ve ever had…”

“Who makes the best raspberry lemonades,” Knight interjected.

“And always remembers to put my dressing on the side,” Bear added.

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