CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

RILEY

It’s been two weeks since Jackson and Taylor’s wedding and I’ve seen Walker twice. The first time was the weekend after the wedding when the newlyweds hosted dinner at their now-shared penthouse to tell us about their honeymoon in Cabo. It was a short vacation since they’re both busy with their careers and there wasn’t much advance notice for this wedding.

Walker was quiet, the same aloofness as on the yacht.

The second time I saw him was when Jackson asked me to meet him for drinks after work one night and Walker happened to be invited as well. Even though I was tempted to decline, I put my big girl panties on and joined them. It was just the three of us, which Walker seemed to be more comfortable with.

Conversation was awkward at first. Walker didn’t want to hear about the family business, and Jackson knew nothing about football, which meant I was the center of attention. They both asked about the upcoming 5K, how Boston Strong was fairing, if I’d accept money from them to help pay the rent. The answer was still no.

I don’t mention I figured out it was Walker who donated the 50K. I’m more than grateful, but that money is allocated for the kids, not for my bills. At some point, I’m going to have to let go of my pride, but not yet. If it comes to a point where I’ll lose the lease on the building, I’ll accept a loan from Jackson. Maybe.

I’m still zoned out when a tap on my office door has me looking up from my blank computer screen. “Hi, Kyle. What’s up?”

“You’ve been spending too much time locked away up here. Thought I’d come check on you and see if there’s any way I can help.”

“That’s kind of you, but unless you have an idea on how to increase revenue without compromising our mission statement or taking away from our kids, not really.” I’m one course away from earning my nutrition certificate, but I haven’t had time to do the work. Even if I did, taking on nutrition clients will be nickel and diming it.

He takes a seat across from my desk and casually crosses one ankle over his knee. Guess he plans on staying awhile.

“If we take on another PT, we can bring in more clients. Or we can open more gym hours, maybe offer private sessions? People pay top dollar to feel special. We could cater to those higher up execs who want to work out in private.”

“I’m not opposed to the idea, but we often use the gym for therapy. We can’t build both private clients and more PT patients at the same time.”

“True. Other than expanding or finding a new location, I’m not sure how to bring in more revenue unless we cut back on some of the free services for kids.” He holds up his hand, stopping me before I can protest. “Which is never going to happen on your watch. Got it. What you need is to get lucky and find sponsors with deep pockets. You’d think with all the money being made in this city some would float down this way.”

“Tell me about it. Unfortunately, there are hundreds, if not thousands of reputable causes and charities that need the financial and volunteer support just as much as I do, if not more.”

“You’re doing great work, Riley. If anyone can make it happen, it’s you.” He raps his knuckles on my desk and stands. “I’m here if you ever need to talk. Coffee. A cocktail. Dinner. It’s always on the table. Pun intended.”

He may have hit on me within the first week I hired him, but he took my rejection easily. In the two years he’s been here he’s always made it clear the invite is still there, but he’s not pushy about it. If anything, it’s a running joke between us, otherwise I would have let him go. “Thanks, Kyle.”

It isn’t until he reaches the doorway that I notice Walker standing in the hallway. He steps aside to let Kyle pass, but the annoyed expression on his face is clear.

“Wait.” Kyle spins around and looks up at Walker. “Are you Walker Bankes?”

Walker tips his chin.

“Wow. That’s so cool. I thought you looked familiar when you were here before.” He grins at me and snorts. “If the only reason you’re turning down my dates is because you’re with the Walker Bankes, no hard feelings.”

I close my eyes and keep my groan to myself.

“It’s nice to meet you, man. I’m pumped to have you on the Revolutions. Gonna be a great season, huh? I hope to see you around her more too. Riley can use a guy like you right now.”

I snap my head up and watch as Kyle pats Walker on the shoulder before he struts down the hall like he’s the coolest man on Earth.

“Am I interrupting?” Walker asks as he makes his way into my office.

“Not really. We weren’t talking about anything in particular. My eyes need a break from the computer anyway.”

“Perfect. Have you eaten yet?”

“I packed a salad.” Eating out is too expensive, and making this month’s rent is already going to be tight.

“Save it for tomorrow, or for dinner. I’m starving, and this way we can walk and talk.”

“Talk about what?”

Walker does a poor job of hiding how hurtful my question is. He drops his chin to his chest in defeat.

“I’m sorry I intruded, Riley. I thought we could have lunch as friends, is all. I didn’t come with a specific agenda.”

He turns and walks away, leaving me alone and feeling shameful. I’m the worst person. The worst friend. Walker doesn’t have anyone in his life but me and Jackson, and we’re limited with our time with him.

I’ve been feeling alone lately, and I have a close circle of besties. I can’t imagine truly being alone. By the time I’ve slapped myself out of my stupidity and run out the door and down the stairs, Walker is already gone.

The more time goes by, the more I question if I’m doing the right thing by pushing Walker away. Is it worth losing him and holding out for someone less perfect but who wants to have a family?

“Oh my word, Riley. Come see Lydia’s baby. Isn’t she the cutest?”

With a heavy sigh, I turn around and see Julie holding Lydia’s three-month-old baby girl. Her cherub cheeks and toothless smile has my heart twisting in my chest. Do I need to have a baby now? No. Not until I’m financially stable. But do I want one before it’s too late? Yes.

Which answers my question.

I’ll keep him in my life, but Walker and I can’t be anything more than friends.