It’s been a bit of an adjustment having people in my life, people who want to spend time with me and who like me for me. It’s become a lot more of a blessing than I ever thought it would.
I feel myself changing, but in a good way.
The girls have given me a trust in friendship I never believed I’d ever have and Cooper has forced me to see myself in a different light. That I am worthy of being loved, having friends, and being happy.
And every time those dark thoughts sneak their way back in, he seems to know exactly what to do to ease them away.
“How's my favorite couple?” Val bats her eyelashes.
“What do you want?” Cooper asks.
She gasps. “What do you mean? I’m just saying hi to my besties.”
“We’re great.” Cooper chuckles. “So, what do you want?”
Val lets out a heavy sigh. “Okay, fine. But I really do wanna know how you’re doing.”
“Mhhm,” Cooper hums, trying not to laugh.
“You know your friend,” Val asks me. “The one you tutor?”
“Bailey? Yeah, what about her?”
“Soooo, she’s into girls right?”
My brows shoot up and I cast Cooper a look.
“Val, don’t just assume people's sexual preference.”
“I’m not!” Val throws her hands up. “I saw Tabitha and her hanging out the other day at the coffee shop. And when Tabitha met up with us, she seemed pretty happy.”
“Oh.” I can’t help but smile.
“You know something,” Val gasps. “Spill!”
“I don’t want to assume anything.” I rub the back of my head, remembering the way Bailey was smiling at her phone the last time we were at the library. I thought she was looking at a funny video or something, so when I peeked to see what it was, I found her looking at Tabitha’s Instagram. “But I can tell you she is into girls.”
“Do you think she would be into Tabitha?” Val’s eyes light up.
“We are not trying to set Tabby up,” Cooper insists. “You know she hates that.”
“I know. I know,” Val whines. “But I also know I haven’t seen her smile that big before. Something is going on between them and I want to find ways for the two of them to hang out more. That brings me to my question.” Val grins. “Can you invite her to the football game tonight?”
“Val,” I groan.
“Pleaseeee. She’s your friend. So it’s not like it would be out of the blue if you invited her, would it? I promise I won’t push the two of them to talk or anything, okay?”
“I mean, I can ask. But I’m not going to pressure her to come.”
“Perfect.” She grins. “Love you!” She leans in and kisses me on the cheek.
“Hey, paws off my man,” Cooper says playfully, pulling me into his arms.
I can’t help but get a giddy feeling in the pit of my stomach at his possessiveness. Maybe it’s wrong of me, but I love the fact he gets jealous sometimes. Makes me feel less like a crazy person, because I do the same.
“I found him first.” Val rolls her eyes.
“And I’m keeping him for good. I trump you,” he says smugly.
