She glances over at me. “Go.” I give her a gentle shove, and she moves to sit on the edge of the wall, Nixon already standing below to catch her.
“What? You too good to come down on the field and celebrate with your best friend?” Cooper taunts.
“I just assumed with all the rumors last year….” I let my voice trail off.
“Fuck the rumors. I want you down here, Reese.”
His brown eyes are lit up like a damn Christmas tree. I’m wavering, not wanting to make this another year of him dodging rumors, of both of us dodging rumors, but when he holds his hand out to me and mouths, “Please,” I crumble. Moving, I sit on the edge of the wall just like Tessa did a few minutes before me and jump into Cooper’s waiting arms.
“We fucking did it, Reese. Another championship.” His deep timbre is in my ear, and my body shudders. I can usually hide my reaction to my best friend. In fact, it’s become a talent of mine, but in this moment, with the happiness and joy radiating from both of us, his deep voice just for me in a stadium full of people who want his attention, well, today is not one of those days.
I wrap my arms around his neck, and my feet lift from the ground as he hugs me so tight I lose my breath.
“Cooper Reeves, Natalie James from The Times. How do you feel after another win?” she asks, shoving the microphone in his face.
Cooper takes his time to set me back on my feet, and just like before, his arm goes around my shoulders, and he holds me close to his chest. “Like all the hard work paid off. We had a great team all season. The CU Tigers put the work in, and this is our reward,” he says dutifully.
“Any word on your going into the draft?” she asks.
“No, ma’am. I’m going all the way with my CU brothers, with my team. We need another championship under our belts.” He winks at her, and I swear she blushes.
“Do you have any big plans for celebrating your win?” she asks, her eyes darting to me.
“Celebrating with my team and my loved ones.” His arm squeezes my shoulder, and any hope of the reporter missing the action is gone when her eyes dart to where his hand is and then back to Cooper.
“My man!” Trey comes rushing toward us, and to my surprise, picks both me and Cooper up in a hug.
We’re all laughing hysterically by the time he puts us down and takes a few steps over and does the same thing to Nixon and Tessa. He’s pumped up, as he should be. They all should be. They kicked ass this season. Their hard work and dedication on and off the field are shining through.
Cooper keeps me close to his side throughout the celebration. He even drags me on stage when it’s his turn to address his team and the reporters. I try to pull away, but he’s not having any of it. One arm is slung over my shoulders while the other hoists the trophy in the air. The cameras flash, and I don’t even have to try to remember to smile.
I’m happy for my team.
For my best friend.
For my friends.
They deserve this win, and I couldn’t be happier for them.Chapter 13CooperCollege: Senior YearIn two hours, I could play my last game of football in front of a crowd. I’ve been playing since I was five years old, and now, it all comes down to this. This one night, in a stadium that will no doubt be packed full of fans. Not just fans, but family. My parents, as well as Eve and Garrett, are both coming. Reese will be here as well. She and Tessa insisted that they sit as close to the field as they can. Nixon and I hooked them up. As seniors, our seat choices are better. Bottom row, right on the fifty-yard line. Of course, it helps that we’re both slated to be drafted to the professional football league.
That’s what makes this game so bittersweet. It could be my last ever or just the last of my college career. Time will tell, but regardless, I’m staying right here in this moment as long as I can. I want to soak up the feel of the lights, the noise of the crowd, and the rush of the moment when the pigskin falls into my hands, and I run into the end zone. I fucking love this game, and all I can do is send up a silent prayer that this one won’t be my last.
“Yo, gather round,” Trey calls out in the locker room. We amble to our feet and make a circle around our quarterback. “Four fucking years,” he says, his voice eerily calm. “We’ve had each other’s backs not just on the field but off. For some of us, tonight is the end. There will be no more running out of the tunnel and waving to the crowds, no more passes, no more plays. For others, this is just a stepping stone. A placeholder in time until you move onto bigger and better things. Here and now, you are my brothers.” He closes his fist and bumps it against his chest. “Much love,” he says, before his cocky grin that we’re all used to slides into place. “Now, let’s get our asses out on that field and bring CU another trophy home.”