Page 12

Cooper has moved on to a new love interest. Vanessa, head cheerleader and favorite to win Homecoming Queen. He only ended things with Emily a week ago. The guy is always finding himself tangled up in some kind of messy love triangle, and honestly, it’s highly entertaining to watch.

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Cooper shouts, finally running out the door.

I already have the car started by the time he climbs into the passenger seat.

“Sorry, got caught up.” He apologizes, tossing his bag on the floorboard.

I look over at him. “No problem, bud. Hey, your hair looks really good today!” A smirk tugs at the corners of my mouth as I glance up at the rearview mirror. Cami is biting her lip, successfully hiding a laugh as she looks out the side window.

The last bell of the day rings, and I stuff my bag with a heaping stack of homework. Assignments I’m somehow going to have to find time to complete before Monday. I’m navigating the crowded courtyard to the gym as Cooper catches up to me.

“Hey man!” He says, slightly out of breath.

“Coop... how was your day? Ready to run drills?”

“Yeah, yeah, it was good. Hey, did you vote for me for homecoming king? The ballots were all due by the end of last period.” He says, anxiously.

“Don't worry, man, I did,” I reassure, giving him a pat on the shoulder. “I told all the guys on the team to vote for you too.”

“Thanks. You’ll probably still win it though.”

“I don't want it.” I laugh. “The only win I want is our last game.”

“We’ve got it, Captain, don't worry!” He smiles.

I have the team sweating, drilling them hard with bleacher sprints. “Last practice, guys, let's go hard,” I encourage, leading them to the water station for a break.

The gym double doors swing open, and the marching band spills out onto the grass, ready to practice their final halftime routine. I spot Cami walking and chatting with her friend Briana and the sophomore drummer, Anthony. Cooper has mentioned him briefly, it looks like he and Cami have gotten close. Cooper gives rounds of high fives as they all pass by. It’s a good feeling to see the band kids comfortable around the varsity team now. I’m sure Cooper has rounded up all their royalty votes.

“Alright guys, huddle up,” I shout.

“I just want to let you all know how proud I am of this team and each and every one of you,” I say, looking around the circle of faces. “You’ve all shown incredible dedication. No matter the score tomorrow night, this has been the best season of my life because of you guys.” I give them all an appreciative smile. “With that, I am ending practice early since it's Halloween. Enjoy your night. But please, for the love of God, don't get wasted because we are bringing home that win tomorrow.”

The huddle explodes into chaotic cheering. Before I can react, Christian and Alex sneak up behind me, tipping the massive Gatorade cooler forward. A wave of ice-cold water slams down my back, completely drenching me. I gasp at the shock, a huge grin breaking across my face as the guys crowd around, jumping, chanting, and celebrating our last day of practice.

“Are you coming to Vanessa’s Halloween party tonight?’ Cooper asks as we sit on the hood of my car, waiting for Cami’s practice to end.

“Ah, I don't know, man,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck.

“Oh, come on. Just join us for a little bit. You don't have to stay late.” He begs.

“Alright, but only for a little bit.” I concede.

Vanessa’s party is in full swing. Her sprawling house is plastered with Halloween decorations and Vote for Vanessa! campaign posters. The cheer team is dressed up as Devils and Angels, my entire varsity team is probably drooling over them. I spot Cooper in the kitchen with Vanessa. He whispers something in her ear, and she lets out a loud laugh. Smooth.

Cooper tracks me as I walk into the kitchen. “Hey, you made it!” he cheers, giving me a pat on the back.

“Dude, what are you wearing?” I laugh, giving him a once-over. He’s dressed as Tom Cruise in Risky Business, complete with an oversized white button-up, tighty-whities, long tube socks, and sunglasses.

“It’s Halloween!” He laughs, throwing his arms out wide, clearly very proud. This guy is such a goof.

“Hey, Drew.” A cluster of girls dressed as devils wander up to us, pulling me into a group hug. “You finally decided to come out and play.”

“Only for a little bit, big day tomorrow!”

“I hope we get to see way more of you once the season is over,” one of them pouts, twisting a strand of hair around her finger.

“Oh, you definitely will! Don't worry!” Cooper shouts for the whole room to hear, wagging his eyebrows up and down.