I walk down a dark hall until I find a room marked supply closet. This will have to do. Testing the knob, the door opens. I hold it open for her, feeling along the wall for the light switch. The lighting is dim, and we’re surrounded by takeout containers and other supplies.
“Are we going to get into trouble for being in here?” she asks, looking around the room.
“No.” I’m not certain we won’t, but I’ll use my spot on the Defenders to get out of it if I have to. I’m not usually one to pull clout, but desperate times call for desperate measures. “Come here.” I open my arms and love that she doesn’t hesitate to walk into them. I wrap them around her and hold her close. “I’ve missed you so much,” I whisper, my voice thick.
“I’ve missed you too. It’s been… harder than I thought it would be.”
“I’m glad it’s not just me.” I hold her a little tighter, because she’s here and I can. My heart is racing, and my palms are sweaty. I wish I understood what was going on, why I feel this need to keep her close to me, and never let her go.
I don’t know how long we stand here, locked in each other’s embrace. But the ringing of my cell phone has her pulling away. Reaching into my pocket, I pull it out to see my dad’s name. “Hello.”
“Cooper,” he says in his “dad” voice.
“Yeah.”
“Bring her back.” That’s all he says before he hangs up.
“I guess we should get back,” Reese says.
“Yeah, that was Dad. They’re ready to go. Thank you, Reese. For coming today. It meant the world to me. I missed you.” I reach out and tuck a loose strand of hair out of her eyes, tucking it behind her ear. Similar to what Hunter did earlier tonight.
She turns and opens the door, and panic sets in. I don’t want her to leave. I can’t lose her again. I can’t go months without seeing her. I just… can’t. I force my feet to follow her. One foot in front of the other, we make our way back to the private dining room. Hunter eyes us, but he’s nothing but smiles as Reese goes to him, and he wraps his arms around her. I have to fist my hands at my sides to keep from pulling her away from him.
“Have a safe trip,” my mom says, leaning into me. She looks up at me and subtly motions her head toward Reese and her parents.
“Thanks for coming,” I say, my voice tight. “Merry Christmas.”
“You know we love watching you play,” Eve says, coming over to give me a hug. On autopilot, I wrap my arms around her. “Follow your heart, Cooper,” she whispers before pulling back.
“Cooper.” Garrett holds his hand out for me. “It’s an honor to watch you play, son.” He shakes my hand, and there is something in his eyes, but he moves away before I can describe it.
Then there she is. Reese is standing in front of me, Hunter beside her. “Great game, Coop.” Standing on her tiptoes, she hugs me. I close my eyes and memorize this moment. I don’t know how long it will be before I get to hug her again.
“Thank you,” I choke out.
“Good to see you again, Cooper.” Hunter sticks his hand out for me to shake. I stare at his offered hand for several heartbeats. It’s not until Reese clears her throat that I push my hand toward his and accept the shake.
“Yeah, you too,” I say, and the words feel like sandpaper in my mouth. With another round of waves and promises to see each other soon, the four of them disappear, leaving just me and my parents.
“Cooper.” My dad’s deep voice pulls me from staring at the closed door. I turn to face him. “When are you going to man up and face the facts?”
“What?” I shake my head. “What are you talking about?”
“You’re in love with her.”
“Who?”
“Reese,” Mom says, laying her head against Dad’s shoulder. “You’re in love with her. We can all see it.”
“She’s my best friend.”
“Your mother is mine.” He gives me a pointed look.
“You guys ready to head out?” I ask, ignoring him.
“I’m going to run to the restroom before we go.” Mom gives my arm a soft squeeze as she passes me.
“I’ve watched you with her for years,” Dad says. “We all have. Your mom and I as well as Garrett and Eve. The four of us always hoped the two of you would end up together.”
“What? We’re best friends. It’s never been like that between us.” Except that one night in my room. The one night I’ve replayed a million times since.
“You can be more than that, Cooper. You’re miserable, and, son, I hate to see you like this.”