Dan holds up his phone. “Bull sent a text about five minutes ago.”
So Bull knew Cooke was coming to Ames before I did?“Word spreads fast, huh?” I’m not about to admit to Dan that I’m in the dark about this since I knew nothing about his injury in the first place. “Cool, right?” I chuckle.
“It’s awesome. Well, gotta go. I’m late for a test.” I watch Dan turn on his heel and jog out the library doors.
A week ago, at our dinner party, Bull suggested Cooke rehab here. In that time, Cooke hadn’t brought it up again. I thought it was because he a) didn’t want to or b) found out he couldn’t. Cooke did ask for Bull’s phone number, which I thought was a little odd but not really. The two of them had become friends, of sorts. But this is all a shock. And the fact that Dan and Bull knew before me?
“I’m going to kill him.”
I grab my phone, making sure it’s on silent so the dinging of text messages doesn’t disturb anyone.
Me:You’re coming to Ames to help the rugby team?
I don’t have to wait long.
Cooke:Bloody gossips. I told them to keep it to themselves. I wanted to surprise you.
Oh, that’s kind of sweet.
Me:So, you’re seriously coming to Ames? For real?
Cooke:It’s real, but not forever, sadly. But our physio, an American, worked it out with your uni. They’ve never rehabbed someone with my injury, so they think it will be an educational opportunity for your physio students.
Me: That makes sense.
Cooke: And I’ll help the rugby lads from time to time.
Me:They’ll love that. Well, if Dan’s reaction is any indication, they’re thrilled.
Cooke:Aye. I’m thrilled too. But not for that reason. I’ll get to be with you for a few months.
A few months. But then what?
Me:I live on the top floor. There’s no elevator.
Cooke:I’ll stay at my place. There’s an elevator, remember?
Me:At your place? I thought you said you didn’t buy that condo.
Cooke:When you asked, I hadn’t yet. But I wanted it in case you needed it. Now I’m glad I did. Then you can move in too.
Me:Cooke, I live with Tayler. I signed a lease. I can’t just move out.
Cooke: Then you can stay with me as much as possible.
Me:I guess I could.
Cooke: Bloody brilliant.
Me:When will you be here?
Cooke:I’ve got some things to do here. The plan is before New Year’s. Saffron’s going to house-sit after she gets back from the States.
Me: ?
Cooke:She’s going to fly over with me to help me with the travel part of it. She’ll stay a fortnight to help me get settled. Then she’ll stay here and take care of my flat.
Me:It’ll be fun to see Saffie again. I can’t believe you’re coming here and you didn’t tell me. You’ll be here for New Year’s Eve?
