“Where you’re from, people still marry their cousins,” Coop shoots back.
Vaughn’s cheeks flush. “That’s bullshit and you know it.”
“The man makes a good point,” Parker says, nodding. “Our boy went from permanent bachelor, to wifed-up and meeting the parents in a hot minute.” He turns to me. “No offense, Quinn.”
“None taken.” I’ve already met Cooper’s parents, but since it was a disaster, I’m perfectly content to let them think this is our first meeting.
Reid huffs out a breath. “There’s nothing wrong with having a girlfriend.”
It’s the wrong thing to say because Parker and Vaughn howl with laughter.
When Vaughn finally catches his breath, he looks from Cooper to Reid and says, “Oh, how the mighty have fallen.”
“Don’t you assholes have your own people to bother?” Coop grumbles.
“Chill, princess. We just wanted to say hi to Quinn and meet the parents.” Parker smirks. “We figured if she gets to meet them, we do too. You know, since we’ve been putting up with your sorry ass for the last three years.”
At the reminder of his parents’ absence, a muscle in Cooper’s jaw flutters.
They haven’t attended a single game in four years and they can’t even bother to show up on time? My heart aches for this man. He’s been trying to downplay it, but he’s been looking forward to having his mom visit. To having her escort him onto the field and watch him play. What kind of monster would stand in the way of that?
The kind who terrorizes his family and lies to his constituents.
Red-hot fury floods my veins.
All Cooper wants is what every child should have; unconditional love.
It’s such a precious gift, and yet so easy to take for granted. After all, how many times have I complained about my annoying, overbearing family? More times than I can count. But I know deep down that it comes from a place of love.
Seemingly unaware of the tension that’s descended over our group, Parker glances around slyly and pats his stomach. “Where’s your mama, Vaughn? I need to get another one of those homemade cookies.”
Vaughn sighs disapprovingly. “You can have one after the game. All that sugar will have you crashing in the fourth quarter.”
Parker’s jaw drops. “Are you seriously gatekeeping the cookies right now? That’s stone cold, man.”
“Think of it as an incentive to play well.”
“I always play well,” Parker says, puffing out his chest.
I laugh, because how can I not? Cooper’s friends are hilarious, and it’s clear they have a deep bond, just like me and Hales.
Coop’s phone rings and his face sags in relief as he pulls it from the waistband of his pants and swipes accept. We all go silent and when he disconnects, there’s a genuine smile on his face, the first one I’ve seen all day.
“They’re here.”
49
COOPER
Leaveit to my father to show up at the last possible second. Nerves taut, I retrace my steps down the hall to the player’s entrance, Quinn at my side.
When mom texted this morning to say they were running late and that they’d meet me at the stadium instead of the apartment as planned, I’d worried they were canceling. When Quinn arrived and I still hadn’t heard from them, I’d worried something had gone wrong. That maybe my father changed his mind, and I’d be taking the field alone today.
No, not alone.
Quinn will be at my side, no matter what.
I draw a steadying breath as we turn the corner and I spot my parents waiting near the door, just as Quinn had been earlier.
