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Buck smiled at that.
His 222 high score had been a highlight of his time in the league, and he had every intention of doing better.
Someday.
He lifted a brow as he opened the door for his friend.
Hoss gave him a chin lift in thanks, and they walked into the semi dark of the alley one after the other.
The teams were already setting up at the different lanes.
The schedule for the whole league had been set up at the beginning giving each team a chance to be near another, cycling through until the last week, which was more of an individual competition to find the best of the best. That meant in each team and overall.
They were halfway through the league, but Buck had only played twice before the accident.
This was the first time that he’d walked back into the bowling alley since that night. He’d been invited to come numerous times.
He’d been cajoled and yes, even nagged.
And he’d managed to push it off again and again, but even if Pallas hadn’t prodded him again the other day, he probably would have come on his own.
It felt like it was time.
Laughter from the kitchen drew his attention and he looked over to see Kawehi walking out of the kitchen with one hand on her back and the other carrying a near empty tray.
As Pallas’ wife, Kawehi was a sister to all of them, and when she’d come to see him, Buck made sure to be on his best behavior.
She didn’t deserve his bad mood anymore than anyone else, but she was always so kind and gracious to him that he did better than his level best.
Lanikai Lanes was Kawehi’s family’s business and had been on the decline for a time, but the League had brought more people in. Other military teams from other branches had joined in.
There was even talk about a retired military league starting.
A large part of it was the food available. Kawehi’s uncle wielded his knife and spatula like a magician, crafting hearty meals with the varied flavors of Hawaii.
Kawehi took that heart of the bowling alley and created a ladies night even around the league.
The women that were coming in were… enthusiastic.
He smiled, remembering what it was like to be there, stepping up onto the wooden flooring of the alley and hearing a few whistles or applause.
It was funny at times, awkward at others.
Being there in a spectator capacity… That was going to be like putting one foot in the ocean and keeping one on the sand.
Half in.
Half out.
“Buck?”
He let out a breath through his nose.
“Buck? You okay?”
Turning his head, he saw Riptide moving closer. “Hmm?”
Riptide lifted a hand and waved it in his face. “Hello?”
