He ends up scoring a few touchdowns, and every time he does, his whole face lights up. His smile splits across his face. I’ve never seen someone so genuinely happy. I thought it may be an act, but I guess that's just who he is.
I wonder what it would be like to live a life that’s so good that you’re just happy about everything.
SVU wins and, oddly, I find myself happy for them.
“Hey.” Cooper jogs over to us. He’s out of breath, sweat dripping from his forehead, hair a mess.
“You killed it!” Val cheers. “That was amazing. So proud of you, Coopy.”
“Coopy?” I look between the two of them as Val throws herself at him. He catches her with a chuckle and hugs her before placing her on her feet. “You’ve got a weird nickname, too?”
“Too?” He grins. “What's yours?"
“He’s my Blakey Poo. And he’s our new bestie, Coopy, so be nice.”
“When am I ever mean?” Cooper raises a brow with a chuckle.
“Well, never,” Val says. “Just don’t scare him away, okay?”
“Babe, if anyone is going to scare him away, it’s you. If you haven’t already by now, I think we’re good.”
“I’d try to get away, but I think she might end up locking me in her basement or something.”
Cooper tosses his head back and laughs. I didn’t think it was possible for him to glow with a positive light even more, but this proves me wrong.
“Smart. The best thing to do is to befriend the serial killer. Keeps you living longer.”
“So, sheisa serial killer?” I turn to Val. “You lied to me.”
“Oh, he has jokes.” She rolls her eyes. “Haha.”
Cooper’s smile lingers on me before looking at his friends. “So, you girls coming to the victory party?”
“Hell yeah,” Lexie says. “Want a ride?”
“Nah, I’ll meet you there.”
“You’re coming too, right?” Val asks, giving me big puppy dog eyes.
“Ah, I don’t think so. Parties aren't really my thing.”
“Please, pleasepleeeeease,” Val begs.
“Leave the guy alone.” Lexie sighs.
“Val.” Cooper's voice is firmer, but softer. “If he doesn't want to go, leave it.”
Something about the way he’s sticking up for me has me blinking in shock. This is... weird.
And, for some reason, it makes me want to go to the party.
“Fine. I’ll go. But I don’t drink, so don’t even try.”
“Deal!” Val grins wide. “Yay. Okay, let's go!”
We make our way down the bleachers.
“Hey.” Cooper grabs my arm gently, pulling me to a stop. “If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to. Val will live. I can give you a ride home after I’m done showering, if you want.”
