Opening the door, I let in Lindsey and the crew as I sit at the desk I’ve made into a vanity overlooking the inner harbor.
They set up quickly as I tame my curls, and by the time I’m putting on some tinted moisturizer, they’re ready.
“How are you feeling about seeing Cooper play?” Lindsey asks.
I put on my best pageant smile. “I’m so excited. He’s just soelectricon the field, you know?”
Lindsey’s eyes flicker to the cameraman, the corner of her mouth tipping into a frown. She knows my game, and she’s tired of it.
“How many games have you been to now?”
I shrug. “Genuinely, I can’t remember. There’s been a few.”
“What has been your favorite thing about living here with Cooper?”
I put down my eyelash curler, thinking of an honest answer for once.
There are quite a few things that I’ve learned about Cooper by living here. I’ve seen a new Cooper that I haven’t seen before, along with the boy that I’ve loved my whole life. He’s still in there. Just new and improved.
But the biggest thing that I’ve learned from the entire thing is that he puts on a front. I think a lot of people do.
Cooper is exactly who he thinks he is. But that deeper version of him still wonders if he’s enough, and if people around him are going to accept him for who he is. While he’s always been a goofball, I think that a lot of what everyone sees now is him overcompensating for the fact that he’s sad.
“I’ve liked getting to know him again,” I tell her honestly. “I think he’s a good guy.”
“Have you guys talked about why you had a falling out?” she fishes, and I take a deep breath.
“No, we haven’t.” I mean, sure, we’ve mentioned it. But I still don’t really understand what happened. We haven’t actually dived into that, and I’m not sure I’m ready to. I just want to get this show done and be able to move on with my life, settle down, and find someone else who can fill the void in my heart that I still have.
A sense of loss washes over me. One that I haven’t felt in at least a week, and I feel my eyes start to prickle. “Are we done now?” I ask her quietly.
Knowing she’s gotten all she’s going to get out of me, Lindsey has the guys pack up, and they wait for me out in the family room.
“This is so weird,” Heidi whispers as the cameras follow us through the stadium and to our suite.
My neck grows hot as I watch everyone around us stare. “We’ll be getting food and watching the game in a few,” I tell her, hoping that they make themselves scarce.
“God, the chicken wings they give us are amazing. I think you’ll love them,” she assures me, taking my hand. “That jersey looks really good on you, by the way.” Heidi winks at me, her steps becoming faster and faster as we get near the suite.
When we’re finally there, she whips open the door, yanking me through. Mila, Isla, and Briar are already there, plates of food and drinks in hand. The glass door is open, and I can hear the crowd below screaming.
“Did they start yet?” I ask.
Isla shakes her head. “Nope. But Cooper is out there stretching.” She shoots me a knowing smile, and I wonder what she’s heard.
What are those god damn boys talking about in the locker room?
But I can’t help but feel myself walk toward the window, the pull of watching him in his element like a magnet I can’t even pretend to fight against.
I spot him instantly in his purple jersey and white pants. He runs straight at first, turning a sharp right as someone throws him a ball. He catches it easily, then throws it back as someone else does the same.
“He looks like he’s doing well,” I say quietly.
“He’s been looking really good,” Briar says, suddenly beside me. “Leo’s been keeping a close eye on him. Apparently, Coach isnothappy about this show.” She looks to the left from the corner of her eye, and I assume the cameramen are making everyone uncomfortable.
“Are they filming him at practice?” I ask.
She nods solemnly. “Yep. It was approved. I don’t know how the hell they were able to do it, but Coach doesn’t really have a say over it, and he’s not happy. Apparently, they may be filming an in-season show here next year, too. He’s pissed they don’t get a break.”
