Page 283 of Something Rad
Tears blur the edges of my vision, and I have to look away to wipe my eyes, a breathy chuckle escaping me. I feel so overwhelmed with emotions, not even knowing where to begin this conversation. I’ve laid awake for so many nights wondering if this exact conversation would ever happen, and, now that it’s here, I’m not sure how to know if it’s real.
“I… I can’t believe you’re here,” I say. “Actually, whatareyou doing here?”
“Well,” Robbie says, rubbing the back of his neck. “I actually just finished my contract with the Navy a few weeks ago. I’ve been in LA visiting for the last two weeks, but now…I’m not totally sure.”
He’s been in LA for two whole weeks?
“I have a flight back to San Francisco in about an hour,” he says, “but…”
“What?” I question him.
“I’m just not sure if there’s much back there for me,” Robbie answers, giving me a tight smile. “So I was thinking of going to the ticket counter and seeing what other flights are heading out in the next few hours instead. I think I may just go somewhere new. At least for the next few months. I’m planning to start college in the fall.”
“College?”
“Yeah,” Robbie nods. “We get to attend for free with our military benefits. I think…I’d like to go for coaching. I wanna coach high school basketball.”
I can’t stop the smile that breaks out across my face. “I think you’d be amazing at that.”
“I hope so,” he smirks, shrugging. “But anyways, what are you doing here, Cooper? In LA?”
“Well,” I chuckle, pushing my hair behind my ear. “I kinda live here now. I have for the last four years. Ever since I graduated from NYU.”
A smirk tilts Robbie’s lips. “NYU?”
“Yeah,” I nod, “NYU.”
He takes a step closer, his voice quiet when he asks, “Was it everything you dreamed of?”
“It was,” I confirm, chewing on my lower lip. “Everything and more. But I’m more movies and beaches than plays and cold winters. So I came back to California to start working.”
“You got the best of both worlds then?” Robbie asks. “You did everything I said?”
I smile tightly, giving him a shrug.
He takes another step. “You got it all?” he asks.
“It sure feels that way,” I say softly.
His eyes search my face, milk chocolate shifting to caramel. “Good,” he whispers.
I stare back at him, feeling like I could stay frozen to the spot forever. But then, a voice comes over the terminal intercom.
“Attention, we are now beginning the boarding process for American Airlines Flight 7891 to New York City. Passengers, please proceed to Gate C24.”
I clear my throat, taking a step back from Robbie and pointing over my shoulder. “That’s gonna be me.”
He tilts his head. “Back to New York?”
“Just for the weekend,” I say. “It’s actually…for my movie premiere. It’s tomorrow.”
Robbie’s brows raise. “It is, isn’t it?” He blows out a whistle, running a hand through his hair. “Well, shit, Cooper. That’s…that’s amazing. Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” I smile.
We look at each other for a few seconds, neither of us moving or saying anything.
Eventually, Robbie takes one for the team, breaking the silence. “Well,” he shakes his head, dropping his duffle bag to his side. “It was really great to see you.”
