His second was caught by Dawson for nine yards.
On the third play, Cooper was sacked.
And on the fourth, he opted to run the ball on the outer perimeter. But instead of running out of bounds, he ran straight into the defense resulting in a helmet-to-helmet collision.
The great Cooper Callahan was rushed to the blue tent and then off the field.
Nico waited a few hours to gloat, shooting a quick message to Cooper.
NICO
You need me to come coach you on how not to run straight to the morgue?
Chapter Thirty
november 2026 - columbus
Nico admiredhimself in the mirror, turning slightly to check all angles. He opted for an all-black tailsuit, classic with a modern flair of sharp-cut edges at the collarbone. The diamond necklace peeked out of the black collar on the sides of his neck. He exhaled as he patted himself down, preparing himself for whatever could happen.
On his way out the door, he stopped and glanced at the fully stocked minibar.
He exited his hotel room without taking a shot, or many more. Every step toward the elevator was heavier than the last, like he was being pulled back to his hotel room with the strength of a heavy magnet.
Nico arrived at the ballroom about a half-hour after the doors opened and about a half-hour before the first speech. A varied selection of hors d'oeuvres was served, including California rolls and bruschetta, but Nico’s unsettled stomach wouldn’t allow him to partake. He found his wayto the bar and ordered an ice-cold water while bottles of expensive champagne freely poured into flutes for the guests around him. He slipped the tiny black straw into his mouth and sucked slowly, contemplating his most recent terrible decision—to show up to the Luke Davies Gala.
“Hey, brat,” Cooper said from behind, a stillness in his voice.
Nico turned to his former lover with a half-smile. “Hey, coach.”
“I have to say I’m a little surprised you’re still showing up to these things.”
“What can I say?” Nico shrugged. “I’m predictable.”
“You’re anything but.”
Nico scratched at the side of his neck. “Yeah, I don’t know why I said that.”
“You look like you could use a drink a little stronger than the water in your hands.” Cooper wagged his finger in a circle, pointing at Nico. “You got that nervous look on your face.”
“I don’t drink anymore.”
“Right.” Cooper nodded. “That makes sense.”
Nico scrunched his face. “And I don’t have a nervous face.”
“You do.” Cooper laughed quietly. “When you’re nervous, your face lightens just a little bit. Your eyes dance around the room desperately trying to find something to hold onto. Your fingers rub against each other. I know every tic of yours.”
“You look rather pale yourself.”
“I have a lot to be nervous about tonight, but it’s really just been a long winter.”
Nico leaned forward, just slightly. “Winter doesn’t start until the twenty-second of December.”
Cooper smiled. “How have I survived this whole year without your smart-ass comments?”
It was time for Nico to swallow his pride. “I wanted to tell you?—”
“People on the outside look at this life I built and think it’s the pinnacle of success,” Cooper said, interrupting Nico. His eyes twisted to the side, searching the crowd around them. “They dream of living this life I’m fortunate enough to live. They don’t see the scars underneath. They don’t see the foundation.” Cooper turned back to Nico, blue eyes glistening. “I’m sorry for creating the cage. I’m sorry for trapping you in it.”
