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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 down the hall toward the locker room.
I smile after him. I was on fire tonight. My hands like glue every time the ball came my way. With every catch, after every play, I would look up in the stands where I knew she was sitting. I couldn’t always make her out in the crowd with no time to sit and stare up in the stands, but I knew she was there. I could feel her. It makes me sound crazy as fuck, but it’s the truth. It’s like she was out there on that field with me today.
My teammates rush past me, clapping me on the back, and I join in the masses, putting one foot in front of the other. I need to shower and get the hell out of here.
Twenty minutes later, after a speech from Coach, and the fastest shower ever, I’ve got my bag over my shoulder as I hustle to my Jeep. I’m meeting everyone at the hotel just down from my house. I made reservations for a private dining room. I didn’t want to waste time cooking or dealing with fans when all I want to do is spend time with my family. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for my fans, but tonight, I just need to not be Cooper Reeves the running back for the Defenders. I just want to be Cooper.
The drive to the hotel ends up taking twice as long with all of the game-day traffic. I would have thought it would have been cleared out by now, but no such luck. Grabbing my phone, and making sure I have my wallet, I lock my truck and rush inside. A few people call out to me. I give them a wave and otherwise keep my attention on the hostess, who is leading me back to the private dining room.
