Page 49 of Endgame

Lila rolled her eyes affectionately. “I could grab him and you could ask him yourself, you know.”

Wren blushed. “I actually talked to him yesterday. Because that particular conversation was long overdue.”

“And it went okay?”

Wren nodded. “I don’t know how, but I have this calming feeling that everything is going to work out the way it’s supposed to.” She smiled at her friend. “The letter idea was a good one, Li. My first one back was an apology for everything after Jock Jam, which made it easier to start talking again.”

“You were going through a lot, which I think Knight understands, but I think it’s nice that you acknowledged what happened. He might look like he’s super tough, but the man is a marshmallow inside,” Lila mused. “In the best of ways.”

Wren nodded. “That’s one of the things I like about him. Before yesterday, we’d been FaceTiming a bit. Obviously, there’s a lot to say, you know? A lot’s changed since that night.”

“I know. I’m trying to be here for both of you without inserting myself. But I think that since there are obviously some strong feelings there, you need to both put aside your insecurities and talk it out so that you can figure things out.

“Even though this is all big and scary, and frankly life-changing, I have a good feeling about your future. Even when one or both of you is acting ridiculous.”

“Speaking of ridiculous… How are things with your new bestie, King? You realize I still want to cause him some bodily harm that may or may not involve handing his balls to him in a paper bag, right?”

“Again with the shockingly violent and shockingly specific maiming scenarios. Are you listening to murder podcasts again?”

“Guilty.” Wren raised her hand. “But stop avoiding the question.”

Lila raised a shoulder. “Things are fine. He’s been coming around more and hanging out with the guys. I already told you that he gave me a damn fine apology.” She shifted to uncross her legs. “So we’re doing the friends thing. It’s a relief, actually, to know where he stands.”

“Mmhmm.”

“Seriously. He’s made it abundantly clear that he just wants to be friends. So I’m not overanalyzing everything like I did before.” Lila started to ramble. “Actually, it’s better, you know? I don’t have to worry about what’s going on if he doesn’t text me back or wonder if we’re done or wonder if he’s with someone else. It’s a delightful place, the friend zone.”

“Aw, babe. You’re still feeling feelings, aren’t you?”

“Trying to stop,” Lila mumbled.

“I hear that,” Wren replied solemnly.

“We’re quite the pair. Even with thousands of miles between us.”

“Best friends for life. Soulmates forever.”

“And ever.”

After hanging up with Wren, Lila meandered downstairs. Bear was having breakfast with Demarcus. They’d just decided to upgrade their relationship from self-proclaimed “fuck buddies” to boyfriends, and they were sickeningly adorable. Hell, they’d even styled their cornrows in the same exact pattern in preparation for the season.

“Morning, boys. Heading to conditioning soon?” Football had started back up for her roomies, so they were gone a lot more.

“Yup,” Bear answered, sliding a coffee her way. “Cashew milk and sugar, right?”

“Okay, you are officially my favorite this morning.” She took a contented sip and sighed.

“Working today, Lila?” Demarcus asked.

“Closing.” Both Demarcus and Bear’s eyes lit up at the prospect of being fed. “And yes, I’ll bring you two food.”

“What about for your big bro?” Knight sauntered in, shirtless, hair still mussed from sleep.

“There will always be food for you, my friend.”

“Appreciate that.” He headed over to the fridge as Bear and Demarcus headed out.

“Don’t you have practice with those two?”

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