have families of our own, I want her to be proud to introduce me to them as their pseudo uncle and her best friend. Then again, what I really want is to be the man who stands tall next to her, even though I know that can’t happen.
Reese jumps in my arms, pulling me out of my thoughts. “I’ve got you,” I whisper in her ear. I’ve always got you.
Chapter 12
Reese
Today is Cooper’s last game of the season. It’s hard for me to believe that we only have one more year of college, and then it’s mundane days of adulting. Well, for me anyway. Cooper is destined for bigger and better things. I can feel it.
It’s not just me. There have been scouts coming to his games and trying to convince him to enter the draft this year. I could have told them that they were wasting their time. Cooper promised Ann he would graduate with his degree before pursuing a career in the professional football league. She wanted him to have a safety net to secure his future. I happen to agree with her. It’s a career that takes a toll on your body, and you don’t know how long you’ll be able to play. Having a backup plan as a professional athlete is always a good idea.
There is no doubt in my mind he’s going to get drafted. He’s too good at what he does. Cooper shines on the field, and the scouts and teams would be blind not to see that. I love it and hate it all at the same time. I’m happy for him. I know he’s going to be amazing and kick-ass for whatever team picks him up, but I’m also sad because he’s going to be moving away. It will be the first time since we became friends that we’ve been apart for any period of time, really. Sure, he’s gone for his away games, but that’s days. This could be weeks and even months at a time before we see each other. It hurts my heart to think about us drifting apart. I know it’s inevitable. I’d like to think that even with the distance, we can remain close. I guess only time will tell.
Grabbing my phone, I fire off my game day texts to both Cooper and Levi. Two very different men, and two very different messages. However, they both mean the same thing. I’m thinking about you. Have a good game. My texts with Levi started our freshman year, and it’s something I’ve continued. And, Cooper, well, he’s been getting game day texts from me since we got our first cell phones for Christmas when we were twelve.
Me: Game Day: Squeeze into those tight spots.
I laugh out loud as I hit Send. Levi will get a kick out of that one. I try to make them sound as dirty as I can, but still give meaning to his position to the game. It’s been a challenge over the last three years, but one I’ve lived up to.
Me: Kick some ass out there today. We’re bringing home the win.
Cooper replies immediately.
Cooper: We’re celebrating tonight. Did you pack a bag?
Me: Yep. It’s in my car.
Cooper: See you after the game, Reese’s Pieces.
I can’t help but smile. He’s called me that since the day he met me. When I told him what my name was, he said, “Like the candy, Reese’s Pieces.” I, of course, said yes, and he’s been calling me that ever since. My phone pings, and it’s Levi.
Levi: It might be tight, but I’m sure I’ll be able to fit.
My face flames. His replies are always just as dirty, and sometimes more so than my own. I know he does it to make me uncomfortable, bring me out of my shell as he calls it. I can’t be mad, though. I’m the one who started it. Levi is a good guy. He’s a goofball, but that’s all a part of his charm.
“Where are your and Cooper’s parents sitting?” Tessa asks as I slide my phone into my back pocket. She and I just got to our seats—Cooper and Nixon were able to score us tickets on the fifty-yard line, five rows up. Our parents, however, are in a suite. They bought their tickets on their own.
“They have a suite. Coop’s dad’s work sponsored it, so they got their tickets super cheap.”
“That’s awesome. We should be up there with them.”
“What?” I ask, appalled. “And miss all of this.” I wave my