Page 86 of Offside Angle

“How could you actually think I wouldn’t help you with this?”

“You literally punched me,” I point out weakly.

“Yes, after you fucked up!”

That comes back so fast I almost laugh.

Cole leans forward, gesturing broadly at the table around us. “Look around, Rivera. Did you seriously think I was going to think less of you because you suddenly figured out you like dudes?”

The restaurant has gotten suspiciously quiet.

Elias has stopped talking altogether. Damian is watching over the rim of his glass. Nico is standing a few seats away pretending he absolutely did not relocate specifically to eavesdrop.

Cole doesn’t seem to notice any of them. “Man, I haven’t liked a girl in my entire life,” he says, his voice cracking around the edges now. “Honestly, I don’t understand the appeal.”

That gets a snort from somewhere down the table, but Cole keeps going.

“You could’ve come to me. You could’ve told me you were scared or confused or whatever the fuck was going on in that head of yours, and I would’ve been there.”

His eyes are shining now.

Fuck.

“I would’ve been pissed about Lena,” he says, quieter this time. “Obviously I would’ve been pissed. She’s my sister. But I could’ve been pissed at you and still helped you, asshole.”

And somehow that hurts worse than the punch did.

“Cole…” I start, but my voice comes out rough and unsure.

He wipes his eyes with the back of his hand, looking away from me for a second like he’s embarrassed he let it show.

I breathe out slowly, trying to get myself under control, then push my chair back and stand.

“Come on.”

Cole glances up at me. “Where?”

I hold out my hand.

He looks at it, then at me, one eyebrow climbing. “Rivera, where the fuck are we going?”

“Just get up.”

“That is not an answer.”

I grab his hand anyway and haul him out of the chair before he can argue himself into staying there.

“Jesus Christ— I’m coming!” he complains, stumbling after me. “I haven’t even finished my carbs.”

“You’ll survive.”

“You don’t know that. Game-day nutrition is important.”

“We don’t have a game tomorrow.”

“That doesn’t mean my body stops requiring carbohydrates.”

I ignore him and keep dragging him toward the bar while he continues listing reasons I’m personally responsible for destroying his recovery plan.