Page 36 of The Replay
Cecilia: So you’re in?
Me: Sure. Sounds fun.
Since I’m not a complete asshole, I open a new chat and type out another message, this one for Julio.
Me: Kenji Yamada. Hockey. You’re welcome.
I watch as the message changes colors, letting me know he read it. No response, though. Figures.
I shrug, tossing my phone back on the table. Guess he can’t say I never did him any favors.
gabriel
. . .
The Wolf Denis buzzing with the usual Tuesday crowd—low-key but lively. College students fill the tables, pitchers of cheap beer sloshing around as they laugh too loud over the music. The air smells like fried food, beer, and a little bit of sweat. Feels like home.
I lean back, my arm draped across the back of Cecilia’s chair. Her fingers trace idle patterns on my thigh, and it’s doing a good job of keeping me grounded. This is what I needed. The casual vibe, the shitty beer, Cecilia close enough to touch—it’s the kind of night I can sink into.
Across the table, Adriana’s laughing at something Kenji just said. He’s leaning back, all cocky smiles and easy charm. Typical hockey player. But, surprisingly, not a total asshole. He’s got Adriana’s attention, and from the way she’s leaning in, I’d say she’s interested.
Not my business, though. Julio’s been blowing up my phone ever since I left the house, freaking out about Adriana being on this date with another guy even if he won’t admit it. I shove my phone in my pocket and decide to deal with him later, but right now? Right now, I’m chilling.
“This place has changed a bit since I was here last,” Kenji says, taking a pull from his beer. His eyes flick around the bar, scanning the updates. “Still has the best wings, though.”
Adriana rolls her eyes, nudging him with her elbow. “You’re such a guy.”
He smirks. “What? A guy can appreciate good wings.”
Cecilia laughs softly beside me, her eyes glancing at the menu in front of us. “Are the wings really that good?”
I chuckle. “They’re decent. The burgers are better.”
The conversation flows easily—light banter, quick laughs—and for the first time in a while, I feel myself relax. Cecilia’s leaning into me, her shoulder brushing mine, and there’s this comfortable rhythm between us tonight. After everything we’ve been through, this feels like a break. Like a moment to just be us, no expectations, no drama. I needed that.
Adriana catches my eye from across the table, raising an eyebrow as if she’s reading my mind. She knows. She knows I’m enjoying this rare bit of peace. She flashes a smile, almost like she’s telling me it’s okay to let go for a bit. I forgot that about her. How well she could always read all of us.
Kenji keeps the jokes coming, pulling laughter from all of us. Turns out the guy’s got more than just puck skills; he’s got a great sense of humor too. Even I’m starting to warm up to the guy. I mean, he’s not one of my boys, but he’s not terrible to be around.
“Alright, wing challenge,” Kenji announces, leaning forward with a grin. “Let’s see who can handle the heat.”
I snort. “Man, don’t even. You’ll be the first to tap out.” He does realize I’m Mexican, right? There’s no way some Japanese kid is going to handle heat better than I do. No offense.
Kenji raises his hands in mock defense. “Hey, if you’re afraid, it’s all good. I don’t wanna embarrass you in front of your girl.”
Challenge accepted. “You’re on.”
The lightheartedness is contagious. The energy at the table is good, and I catch Cecilia’s smile, her eyes glowing as she leans into me. This is what it should feel like. Easy. No heaviness pressing down on my chest, no drama hanging over my head.
But then, my phone buzzes again. This time, the vibration cuts through the haze of beer and laughter. Julio. Again. The guy just won’t let it go.
Cecilia glances at me, her eyes straying to my phone. “Everything okay?”
I nod, reluctantly pulling my phone from my pocket. “Yeah, all good.” I discreetly skim my messages.
Julio: So, what’s up with this Kenji dude?
Julio: Is Adriana into him? Like, for real?
