Page 81 of Fumble

“I was thinking more along the lines of water. Isn’t it a bit early for the hard liquor?”

“Faith, I really need a scotch. One drink before Hunter comes out. I don’t want to burden him with my bullshit problems on today of all days. So, for the love of God, please don’t judge me right now.” Without another word, I pour him a drink, pushing it across the kitchen island to where he sits, looking like someone just killed his puppy. Throwing it back in one gulp, he plasters a smile on his face and turns to greet Hunter when he appears.

“Drinking already, Coop?”

“We’re fucking celebrating! It’s not every day your best friend becomes a bonafide legend. Should be me, of course, but I’ll ride your coattails without shame.”

“Where’s your lady friend today?” I’m with Coop, I don’t want Hunter worrying about anything today, even if his best friend is hurting. Selfish, I know, but this is a big day.

“She had to work. Very last minute,” I interject.

“Maybe she can fly out tonight to celebrate?”

“I’ll call her.” It’s so sweet that he wants to include her. “Let me just grab my purse, and I’ll be ready to go.”

As I pad down the hallway, I hear Hunter, and I’m surprised by what he says.

“Think I’ll have a drink, too. Dutch courage. I’m nervous as fuck.”

The flight to Ohio is uneventful, but I’m aware of Coop looking to the empty seat at his side where Zee should be. Murphy is running a tight ship today—our transitions from cars to planes, airports to hotels, and to the stadium—everything goes according to plan, which is unusual when I’m involved.

Hunter doesn’t seem excited. If anything, he looks like he’s going to hurl. This is the week we’ve been waiting for, festivities for the Class of 2020 Hall of Fame. I can’t believe Zee bailed on us. I tap out a quick message, telling her to get her butt out here. Whatever is going on with Coop, she needs to stuff in down deep inside and get over it!

Me: Coop looks like you stole his favorite toy. What happened? And why the hell aren’t you here?

Zee: I’ll be there tonight. We’ll talk later.

That’s all I get? Now, I really want to know what’s going on. Zee overshares even when you don’t want her to. This is completely out of character for her.

We spend the day in and out of press conferences and doing photoshoots for every sports magazine in the country. I’m not supposed to, but I snap as many pics as I can on my phone without anyone noticing. Not to post on Instagram or anything, but just to remember how magical this all feels, and for Hunter to have some behind-the-scenes photos to look back on.

Between every shot, he mouths the word fumble at me, and it makes me giggle every time. I don’t know why he’s so against the gold jacket. He looks hotter than the face of the sun, although the color is similar to the actual face of the sun!

By the end of the day, my jaw hurts from smiling so much. Watching Hunter being recognized for an incredible career is a privilege, one I might have missed out on if I’d listened to my doubts at the beginning of the summer. All that seems so trivial now, and I can’t believe this journey started with a wager. A game to lose my virginity. A plan to cash in my V-Card at the altar of Hunter Vaughn’s mighty cock.

Back in a hotel lobby bar, we order drinks and find a quiet corner with Coop. Zee text me ten minutes ago to say she’s here, and I know the second she walks in. Coop’s gaze follows her every move, sliding from his seat to greet her. I watch as he pulls her into his arms like a man starved of oxygen, clinging to her curves as her hands snake around his waist, whispered words between apologetic lovers.

Hunter’s arm rests across the back of my chair, his lips brushing my cheek.

“Care to put a wager on those two?”

“I’m done making wagers.” I nestle into his side as Coop heads for the bar, Zee taking the seat across from me.

“You ready for the big day, Vaughn?” She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively, which makes zero sense to me.

“I’m always ready. Bring it on.”

When Coop returns, whatever was going on with them is forgotten in easy conversation and laughter among friends, an unlikely foursome. It’s last orders at the bar by the time we call it a night. I pull Zee into a crushing embrace.

“Everything okay with you two?”

“Yes. Now go get yours, girl. That boy is looking at you like you’re about to be served up as his dessert for the night.” A pang of desire shoots straight to my core.

“Only if you’re sure you’re okay?”

“Go! You don’t want to keep the mighty Vaughn waiting.” Leaving her in Coop’s capable hands, I run over to where Hunter is propped at the bar, a bottle of Moet in his hand.

“Oh, yummy. Is that for tomorrow?”

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