“Old man.” He snorts. “I’m only a year older than you.”
“Yeah, but you’re like a dad now and you work at the university. That’s all old people stuff.”
“Fuck off, Novak.” He chuckles. “So, tell me. Are you and Blake a thing now?”
“Yeah, we are.” I grin.
“Congrats. I’m going to guess Ellie doesn’t know?”
“Not yet. But I plan on telling the girls today.”
“Good. She would be hurt to find out last.”
Gearing up, we head out to the field.
I should have known practice wasn’t going to go well today. I’m not the only one noticing my lack of focus.
“Cooper,” Coach barks.
“Yes, Coach?” I jog over, heart racing from the drill we just did.
“Don’t think I don’t see you watching Blake in the bleachers, making googly eyes at him.”
“It’s goo-goo eyes, sir.” I snicker.
“Whatever.” He waves me off. “I don’t mind him here, but if he’s going to be a distraction, then he’s not going to be allowed back.”
“Won’t happen again.” I nod.
That promise proves hard to keep, but I do my best to keep my head on the task at hand and only look over to Blake when I’m stopping for a drink of water.
Something I do far more than I should and by the time I’m done with practice, I have to piss like a race horse.
After practice, we head to our own classes. I’m in a very good mood all day. In class, I feel proud of myself for understanding the material a lot faster than I used to.
Blake has been helping me get ahead in a few of my classes, just the basics, but it’s helped a lot.
By the time lunch rolls around, I’m grabbing my bag and rushing to the lunch hall.
Blake isn’t there yet, so I grab something for us both and head over to our usual table.
Once Blake started eating lunch with us, I stopped sitting at the football table and started sitting with the girls.
“I know you can eat a lot, but two lunches is a first for you, Coop.” Lexie snorts when I place the trays down and take a seat.
“They’re not both for me.” I laugh. “One’s for Blake. He’s on his way.”
“Isn’t that sweet of you.” Ellie grins.
“You know, you two have been awfully close lately.” Val eyes me suspiciously.
“You’re just noticing this now?” Lexie laughs.
“No,” Val grumbles. “I’m just pointing it out now.”
“Yeah, Cooper. You and my brother are practically joined at the hip. What's up with that?” Nina grins.
“Hey, sorry I’m late.” Blake appears at my side. “I had to talk to my professor.”
