with you since we were eight. No way am I missing the grand finale.”
“The grand finale, huh?” He grins.
“Yep. It’s all downhill from here. You’ve made it, Cooper. Tomorrow you find out where your future leads you.”
“Tomorrow? You got me pegged for the first round, Reese’s Pieces?” His grin is wide and contagious.
“Don’t do that. Don’t be modest with me. We both know how hard you’ve worked, and you know as well as I do that you’re going to know your fate tomorrow. And if you don’t believe me, I know your agent has been telling you what’s up.”
“Oh, you do, do you?” He chuckles.
“Stop.” I push on his arm. “Where is everyone?”
“They’re taking a later flight.”
“So, it’s just us?”
“Yep. Our parents are going to be there too. Did your mom and dad tell you they were going?”
“Yeah, Mom called me last night. I know they were on the fence, not sure if she could arrange the coverage at work.”
“Yep. They fly out tonight with Mom and Dad.”
“I’m so excited for you, Coop. I’m thrilled that we all get to be there with you to see your dreams come true.”
He steps closer and engulfs me in a hug. “I’m so fucking glad you’re here, Reese.”
My arms wrap around him, and I hug him tightly. I’ve missed him something fierce. I’ve missed his hugs. I’ve missed our talks. Just missed Cooper. I missed all of him.
I thought that keeping myself away from him was the right thing to do. I need my heart to heal, but in this moment, I realize I was wrong. I need as much time with him as I can get. These hugs are just down the road, and soon could potentially be across the country. I know his agent has a good idea of where he’s going. I know they’ve talked about it, but I’ve never asked. I don’t want to know. Not until I have to. I’ll deal with it then.
When he finally pulls away, his eyes catch mine. He stares down at me, and I swear if I didn’t know better, it’s yearning I see in his eyes.
“You all set?” I ask, breaking the moment between us. I can’t handle anymore moments. My heart won’t make it.
“Yeah. I’ll get our bags.” With a bag in each hand, he wheels them to the door. We’re only going to be gone for four days, so carry-on is all that we really need.
“Let’s take my car. It’s easier to maneuver in the parking garage at the airport.”
“Good idea.”
He places our bags in the back seat and slides behind the wheel. I get into the passenger side and hand him the keys. He’s driven my car countless times. In fact, he usually drives when we go somewhere, even if we take my car. This time though, it feels different. It’s a glimpse of what domestic life would be like between us, yet, at the same time, it feels like a cruel joke. This will never be us. We’re not going to be more than best friends. We’ll never be loading up our kids to go on vacation or visit our parents. I guess this time the reason is different because I know that the hope I once held is gone. Like a puff of dust into the early morning sky. Somehow, I need to learn to stop loving my best friend.
We’re three-wide, two-rows deep as we walk to the hotel where the draft is taking place. Cooper and his parents lead the pack while I walk with mine. Dad is in the middle, and Mom and I both have our arms linked through his. I’m glad because my knees feel weak. I’m so nervous for Cooper. I was reading last night that sometimes even if it’s an assumption that you will go in the first round, that’s not always the case. I know it’s a privilege he was invited. Only those slated to go in the first round get picked. Cooper, Trey, and Nixon all got the invite. They’re hell on wheels on the field together. I know the chances of them all going to the same team are slim, but those coaches, they’d be crazy to not attempt to be able to recreate the magic of the three of them on the field together.
We filter into the hotel and are directed where to go. Apparently, all players and their families and agents wait in an area they refer to as the green room. There are tables set