them a pack of Reese’s Pieces. My heart stutters in my chest. This is what Cooper would be doing if he were here with me. The only difference is that he never would have had to ask what I wanted. He would have just known.
Chapter 25
Cooper
This week’s game is a home game, and my family will be here. Reese will be here. Finally, I get to wrap my arms around her. This has been the longest six months of my life. The longest. I talked to her last night, and she said that she and Hunter were riding up with her parents to watch the game. I hate that he’s coming with her. However, I’m not going to let that stop me from hugging the shit out of my best friend. Boyfriend be damned. It’s going to happen.
This week is also Christmas. Well, the week before but close enough. If we win today, we play next week in the playoffs. I’m glad to be able to spend a few days with my parents. They’re staying until Tuesday. Reese and her parents and the boyfriend are all driving back to her parents’ place tonight. I’m going to get a few hours with her at best, but at this point, I’m going to take what I can get and cherish every fucking second. Fuck, I’ve missed her. I had no idea it would be this bad.
At least we have the early timeslot today. We’re all going to dinner after. My parents are staying with me, and I offered the other spare room to Garrett and Eve. I figured Reese could room with me like old times, but then she threw Hunter into the mix. He can take the couch as far as I’m concerned. Of course, I kept that to myself. I had to bite my tongue when she told me they were heading back home tonight. Apparently, all four of them have to work tomorrow. I get it, but I don’t like it. My phone vibrates, pulling me out of my thoughts. Grabbing it from the bench beside me, I see a message from Reese.
Reese: Hey! Just got to the stadium. Can’t wait to see you out there.
Me: I’m glad you’re here.
Reese: Aw, are you missing me, Reeves?
Me: Yes.
More than you know.
The distance my career has put between us weighs heavily on me. So much, in fact, it has me wondering if pushing her away was the right move. I thought it was what was best for her, but then if I hadn’t, she would be here with me. I would have made certain she was by my side. I let my mind wander back to that night in my room. She wanted me. Fuck, I wanted her, but I stopped us. I was scared to death it would ruin our friendship. I had no idea the divide, or hell, even the void I would feel without her every day. It’s not something I was prepared for. It’s not something I know how to handle. I keep thinking that I need to get some time with her in person. Sure, I love our nights we hang out and watch the same movie, and eat the same food, but it’s not the same thing. I just need some time with my best friend for everything to feel right. To feel normal again.
Reese: I missed you too, Cooper.
Her reply has my chest inflating. Reese has always been able to make me feel as though I’m ten feet tall. Knowing she’s here, not just at home on the couch, that gives me drive. It motivates me to kick some ass and takes some names. It’s always been like that, though. If she’s here in the crowd, my game is on point. My missing piece is in the stands, and I’m not about to disappoint her. The agony of not seeing her, not feeling that connection we’ve always shared, loosens its grip around my heart. Today, I get to lay my eyes on her in the flesh. But first, I need to win this game.
“Reeves!” Coach Freeland calls after me as I’m jogging to the locker room. I stop to look over my shoulder, and he’s waving off a reporter and headed my way. When he reaches me, he snakes his arm around my neck and pulls me into him. “Damn fine playing out there, son. Six touchdowns! I don’t know what got into you, but keep it coming.” He releases me and jogs off