“It was one time. It’s not like it’s going to become a thing.” I roll my eyes. “Relax.”
“What did you do after practice?” Nina presses.
“We went to grab something to eat before class. Why?”
Her eyes light up, and a smile consumes her face. “Why do you look so happy?” I narrow my eyes accusingly.
“No reason,” she says, grinning down at her food. “No reason at all.”
The rest of supper, Mom talks to Nina about school and cheer. Then she asks me about the girl I’m supposed to be tutoring tomorrow. I almost forgot about her.
Honestly, I’m not really looking forward to it. But I agreed to take her on, and I won’t let someone down like that.
When we’re done eating, I help Mom clean up before heading up to my room.
Looking at the time, I see it’s nearly seven.
I rush to my console and turn it on, putting on my headset while it loads. Once I get into the chats, I see Cooper is already on.
He sends me an invite to a party chat.
“Hey, hey, hey. It’s my main man. How was the rest of your night?”
Smiling, I shake my head. “It was good. Supper was awesome.”
“What did you eat?”
“Lasagna. My mom makes the best.”
“Fuckkkk.” He groans. “Please tell me I’m invited over to your place for supper sometime soon. I love lasagna.”
“Ah, yeah, sure,” I mumble. “I’m sure she would love that.”
“Fuck yeah.” He chuckles. “Alright. You ready to play?”
“Yeah. You joining my campaign?”
“Oh yeah. Ready to see my skills? I’m gonna blow your mind, Latte Boy.”
I roll my eyes. “We’re on the same team, you know.”
“Still doesn’t mean I can’t show you how awesome I am. Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.” He chuckles.
“Whatever you say, Golden Boy.” I shake my head, a smile on my face I’m sure as hell not used to.
Yet somehow, this man has been able to make me smile more in the past few days than I have in years.
Cooper Novak is someone I never expected to come into my life. But now that he’s here, I don’t think I want him to leave. And that scares me more than it should.
Chapter 11
Cooper
My shoulders slump as frustration takes hold. We were so close to winning!
This is our second loss this season, and while I know it’s not the end of the world, and we still have more games to come, it still doesn’t feel great to lose.
The other team celebrates, pure excitement and joy on their faces.
