I didn’t know what I’d been expecting, but that wasn’t it.
I’m sorry. I didn’t think you’d still want me to have it
Did he really think I would have taken it after he said he wanted to be with me, and I walked out on him?
I don’t mind giving you a jersey. I have plenty, but do you even still want one with my name on it?
Of course, I wanted one of his jerseys. I’d almost bought one when I went to the game with Jacob, and the one from Coop would have meant more since it was his. But it would also hurt more to have a reminder of him every time I looked at it. Still, there was only one thing I could say.
You’ll always be my favorite player
I thought that might be the end of the conversation, but his next question almost brought me to my knees.
Is this really the end?
I had only one answer, and it broke my heart. In a perfect world, Coop and I would be together. I knew I loved him and I believed there was a possibility he felt the same, but love didn’t always overcome everything.
For now
The following day,I packed a bag and headed out for the two-hour drive to Hartford. The trip passed quickly, and soon, I was pulling into my grandparents’ driveway. Before I had a chance to grab my bag from the backseat, Grandma came outside and rushed over to hug me.
“I’m so happy you’re here.” She squeezed me tight.
“Me too.” I gave her a peck on the cheek.
“I hope you’re hungry. I just finished whipping up a pot of clam chowder.”
My stomach rumbled at the mention of the soup that had won awards at several local fairs. “I’m starving.”
I followed her into the house, where the aroma of homemade clam chowder filled the air. As we entered the living room, I spotted Grandpa reclined in his favorite chair with a cast on his leg from his hip to his toes.
“Ford!” Grandpa exclaimed, setting aside his bowl of chowder. “Good to see you.”
“How’s that leg holding up?” I asked as I embraced him.
Grandpa chuckled. “It looks worse than it is.”
Grandma rolled her eyes. “It’s broken in three places, Larry. How much worse could it be?”
“It’s just a flesh wound,” he teased. “I’ve had worse injuries.”
“I’m sure you’ll be good as new in a couple of weeks.” I smiled.
My grandmother went to the kitchen and reemerged a few seconds later with a steaming bowl of chowder for me. I grabbed the TV tray and quickly set it up before taking the bowl from her hands.
“Thank you,” I said. “It smells delicious.”
Lifting a spoonful to my lips, I closed my eyes and savored the first taste. The creamy broth was rich and flavorful, with chunks of tender clams and diced potatoes. It reminded me of the times I spent at their home when they lived in Boston, and it brought back memories of a time when things didn’t seem so hard.
After lunch, I helped Grandma with a few things around the house while Grandpa watched some World War II movie in the living room.
Later that evening, I offered to go into town and pick up a pizza for dinner. The moment I stepped into Mario’s, I heard someone call my name.
Turning, I spotted Coop’s friend JP and his wife, Chrissy. I’d met them during the summer that Coop and I were together. JP came over and shook my hand.
“Hey, when did you get back into town?”
I smiled at him and his wife. “Today actually. I’m just visiting my grandparents for the weekend.”
