by Kaylee Ryan
“Aunt Edna made one for you too.”
“Dear God, can we just tell her that it got lost in the mail?” I ask.
“Cooper,” Reese scolds me. “Is that any way to treat poor Great Aunt Edna’s gift? You will try it on, and I will make sure she gets those pictures.”
Our moms laugh. “Let me know when you get it,” Eve tells Reese. “You kids have fun. We need to go, or we’re going to be late for our pedicures. Love you both,” Eve says.
“Love you both,” Mom echoes, and the line goes dead.
“This is going to be good.” Reese grins.
Reaching over, I tickle her side. “Yeah? You think this is funny? Just wait, I’m framing yours,” I say through her laughter.
“S-Stop. I’m g-gonna pee.” She laughs. Her cute little button nose is scrunched up just like it always does when she’s laughing. It’s a look that I’ve seen often, and one of her best. I love to see her happy.
I move to get a better angle, which has me staring down at her. That’s the moment my bedroom door opens. Nixon and Tessa stand there with weird expressions on their faces.
“T-Tess,” Reese splutters. “H-Help me.”
“You’re on your own, girl. I ain’t trying to be a part of all that.” I look over my shoulder to find Tessa waving her arm in the air toward the bed, where Reese and I are currently having a tickle fest just like we used to when we were kids.
“Mercy?” I ask her.
“Y-Yes.”
“And no pictures to send to Aunt Edna.”
“Y-Yes. Fine.” She gasps for air.
I relent, pulling my hands from her body, and she jolts to action and rushes out the door. Thankfully, Nixon and Tessa jump out of the way to let her through.
Nixon shakes his head while Tessa gives me a knowing look with a smile a mile wide. “We’re going downstairs to watch a movie and order pizza. Just wanted to let you guys know.”
“Thanks, we’ll be right down.”
Tessa’s eyes sparkle. “Take your time. We can wait.” With that, she tugs on Nixon’s arm and pulls him out of my room, down the hall. Their footsteps grow faint as they descend the stairs.
A few minutes later, Reese is back. Her face is flushed, her hair is a mess, and her smile is not only wide but genuine. That’s just Reese. “Where’d they go?” she asks.
“Downstairs. Movies and pizza?” I ask.
“It’s like you read my mind.” She walks to my closet and pulls out one of my CU hoodies. It has my last name and number printed on the back. I wait for her to slip it over her head and then follow her downstairs.
As I walk behind her, I can’t hide my smile. It’s not the first hoodie of mine that she’s confiscated, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. This time though, it feels different. Seeing her wearing my name and number, it’s not new. No, she’s done this since we were kids as my biggest cheerleader. It’s something that has happened more times than not during our friendship, but this time there is something else. Something that almost feels like want. The last twenty-four hours have been strange, and I’m sure tomorrow things will go back to normal. That’s what needs to happen, but the thought leaves pain in the center of my chest. Shaking out of my thoughts, I mentally chastise myself.
She’s my best friend.
This is not happening.
Nixon and I let the girls choose the toppings as he and I will eat anything. By the time the pizza arrives, we’ve convinced them to watch a scary movie.
“You know this is going to suck for us, right?” Tessa asks. I’m not sure if she’s asking me and Nixon, or Reese.
“I know,” Reese grumbles. “Why in the hell did we let them win?”
“Hey, we watch that sappy romantic shit with you two all the time,” Nixon reminds them.
He’s not wrong. We usually pretty much give in to whatever they want. Tonight, however, I put up a fight. I’ve had more sappy thoughts than I can handle with Reese this weekend. I need something that’s not going to have me wishing things were different. Something with gore and suspense should do the trick. Something that’s not going to tempt me to spill my thoughts and potentially ruin a lifetime of friendship. No, I need scary tonight.
Two large pizzas later, the lights are off, and Nixon cues up the movie. I glance over at the couch, and Tessa is curled up next to him. His arm is around her shoulders, holding her close, and a little bit of envy washes over me. It would be nice to be with someone. To know they’re with me for who I am, and not the idea of the fame my future might hold.
“Toss me that pillow,” Reese tells Tessa. Somehow, all of the pillows have ended up on the couch. Reese catches it easily and pulls the cover off the back of the couch. She and Reese insisted that we keep covers down here for nights like this. Otherwise, you’d never see a cover in this house. Nixon and I take turns making sure they’re clean, because our roommates bring home random girls quite often, and well, that’s just nasty to think about Reese or even Tessa wrapped up in… that.
Ten minutes into the movie and the music starts to change. It’s not only louder, but it’s daunting, warning you, building the intensity that something’s about to happen. When a guy in a mask steps out of a hall closet and captures the female lead from behind, the girls scream. Reese jumps into my lap and buries her face in my chest. I wrap my arms around her, comforting her just like I have since we were kids and watched scary movies. She settles against me and doesn’t even attempt to move.
I thought a scary movie was the way to go, and although now for a different reason, I know I was right. I’ll take these moments with her. I’ll bottle them up and keep them close for times when I’m away from her. If I get drafted, like I hope that I do, that’s going to change our relationship. Not a day has gone by since I was eight years old that I haven’t seen her. The draft, my career is going to change that. Maybe she’ll come with me? No, I can’t ask her to do that. I can’t ask her to give up her life. It took her some time, but she now has her heart set on being a social worker. She wants to make a difference, and I have no doubt in my mind that she will indeed make a difference in so many lives.
Just look at what she’s done for mine.
I’m a better person because of her. I find myself doing things that I know will make her smile or be proud of me. She brings that out in me. Hell, she brings it out in my roommates. This house was party central my freshman year. Nixon and I move in, the girls with us, and things calm down. Sure, we still party, but they’re tame compared to what they used to be. That’s her influence. I strive to be better. For her. I never want her to be embarrassed that I’m the guy she chooses to spend all of her time with. One day when we’re older, and we 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 hands around the stadium.
“I swear Cooper has made you into a football junkie,” she teases.
“Come on now. You know you love it.” I lean into her, and she grins.
“Fine. I love it. I love those pants my man wears too.” She wags her eyebrows.
“The pants are a bonus,” I admit.
“Oh, yeah, you got your eye on someone particular?” She looks at me knowingly.
“All of them.” I turn to look out over the field. “With the helmets on, they’re all my future husband,” I joke.
“Amen to that.” She holds up her hand for a high-five.
“Please, you’re practically married already.” She and Nixon have been going strong since our freshman year.
“Married women can look. Besides, I keep my eyes on Nixon more so than the others anyway. I can’t help it if another fine ass just happens to be in my line of sight.” She grins, proud of herself for the spin she was able to put on it.
“Right? Well, I can happily look at all the fine asses without shame or regret.”
“You might be able to, but we both know which ass you spend the most time looking at.” She bumps her shoulder into mine.
“Hey. You’re on the screen!” someone yells from behind us. I glance up, and sure enough, Tessa and I are on the jumbotron. We’re decked out in our CU gear. I have Cooper’s number on my cheek, and she has Nixon’s on hers. This isn’t the first time the media has put me in the spotlight. Last year after they won the championship, Tessa and I rushed to the field, and Cooper grabbed me and swung me in the air. He had me back on my feet and crushed to his side, already talking to a reporter before I could move away. She asked about us. He told her I was his best friend, then proceeded to kiss the top of my head. He was celebrating, with me, his best friend, but the world saw it as a romantic gesture. It’s not just our classmates who we have to continue to remind that we’re not together. When he gets drafted, and I know he will, that won’t be an issue. Sure, they might ask where I am at first, but once they see I’m not following, the world will know that Cooper Reeves is on the market. He told me it’s been nice. That the closer we get to his final year here at CU, the more the vultures come out. Once they run a story on us, it dies down. I guess in a way, I’m his beard. Too bad he can’t be mine; of course, my version is a hell of a lot dirtier than his.
Tessa and I smile and wave at the camera. Might as well ham it up. Doesn’t matter what we tell them; they are going to talk about us. At least when they talk about Tessa, it’s true. She is the love of Nixon’s life, and I get to take all the credit for matching them. Something I’ll never let Cooper live down. He didn’t want me to get involved, but I could see it in the way they looked at each other the first time they met. Maybe I should make a career out of matchmaking.
“What are you thinking about with the goofy grin plastered on your face?” Tessa asks.
“How I helped you find the love of your life.”
“That you did.” She doesn’t even try to deny it. “When are you going to let me fix you up with someone?”
“Never.” I chuckle. “I just want to focus on school, and we are about to start our last year of college. Why tie myself down now?” What I don’t say is what we both know to be the truth. My heart belongs to my best friend. I know it’s crazy, and that he’s never going to feel that way about me, but it’s my truth. I don’t want a relationship to interfere with my last year with him. When he gets drafted, things are going to change. He’s no longer going to be an everyday presence in my life. There’s plenty of time for my heart to get over him and move on.
“Reese.” She whispers my name as if her heart is breaking for me.
“Your man’s taking the field,” I say to divert the conversation. We both turn to watch as the CU Tigers take the field. Nixon, Cooper, Levi, Trey, Dustin, and Hank lead the pack as they rush out of the tunnel. Nixon and Cooper both look to the stands and give us a casual wave. Of course, we wave back, but that little stunt will do nothing to keep the reporters from asking about who we are to them. Looks like there will be some more explaining after the win. Yes, the win, because the team is on fire, and I know they’re bringing home another title for Central University.
“Come on, come on, come on,” I say under my breath. I’m on my feet. Hell, the entire stadium is on their feet. It’s the fourth quarter, and CU is up by three. We have the ball with three minutes left on the play clock. A lot can happen in three minutes.
“Gah!” Tessa grabs my arm and pulls me back and forth. “I can’t take the stress.” She’s smiling as she says it. We’ve been on our feet the entire game. I’ve loved every single minute of it. I love the sport, and to know that my friends, not just Cooper, but all the guys that I’ve grown close to are so near to another victory for not only our school but for themselves, it warms my heart. And it makes me nervous for them. Tessa too, apparently.
“We need a touchdown,” I tell her.
“Damn right we do, and your man is the one that’s going to get it for us.” She points to the field where Hank’s just launched the ball to Cooper. It’s as if I’m watching in slow motion as Cooper jumps up, hands in the air, and the ball lands perfectly in his hands. His feet hit the ground, and he runs. Those long ass legs of his carry him to the end zone.
Touchdown Tigers!
&
nbsp; “Yes!” Tessa and I scream at the same time. Her arms fly around my shoulders as we jump up and down and shimmy and shake to the blaring music and the cheers of the crowd that fills the stadium.
The next two and a half minutes, the Tigers hold them off and just like that, after a hard-fought game… hell, a hard-fought season, the Central University Tigers are once again the number one college football team.
“I say we stick around until the crowd dies down,” Tessa suggests.
“Good idea. We’re supposed to meet up with mine and Cooper’s parents at The Hideout. You and Nixon want to join us?”
“Yeah, more than likely. His parents couldn’t make the trip, so that will be nice for him to be able to celebrate as well.”
“You know our parents, you’re all their kids.” I laugh as both mine and Tessa’s names are called out. Looking down at the field, I see Cooper and Nixon smiling at us. Waving us to the end of the bleachers.
“Looks like we’re being summoned.” Tessa grabs my hand and pulls me down the five rows of steps until we reach the wall.
“You’re going to get your fine ass down here and celebrate with your man?” Nixon smiles up at Tessa like she hung the moon.
She glances over at me. “Go.” I give her a gentle shove, and she moves to sit on the edge of the wall, Nixon already standing below to catch her.
“What? You too good to come down on the field and celebrate with your best friend?” Cooper taunts.
“I just assumed with all the rumors last year….” I let my voice trail off.
“Fuck the rumors. I want you down here, Reese.”
His brown eyes are lit up like a damn Christmas tree. I’m wavering, not wanting to make this another year of him dodging rumors, of both of us dodging rumors, but when he holds his hand out to me and mouths, “Please,” I crumble. Moving, I sit on the edge of the wall just like Tessa did a few minutes before me and jump into Cooper’s waiting arms.
