Page 28 of Cooper & Jake
“It was Go Fish, Peyton. How the hell do you cheat at Go Fish?”
“I don’t know, but you did. So, I called you out.”
“Shouldn’t you have let him win?” Taylor cuts in, placing her yellow pieces in their slots. “If Jared kept winning at every gameand never let me win, I wouldn’t want to play with him anymore either.
“Blasphemy,” Peyton blows a raspberry, shaking his head. “I won’t go easy on any of you. Buckle up, buttercups.”
“Oh god,” Jake says sheepishly. “I’d apologize and say he’s never like this, but y’all have known him for two days now. I’m sure you’ve figured out that he’s exactly like this.”
“Let’s play,” Peyton tells us, rubbing his hands together.
Peyton is on the edge of his seat throughout the entire game, his eyes bouncing from one person to the next to make sure none of us are cheating. I can’t even focus on the game because I’m laughing so hard, tears are streaming down my face. I have never in my life met someone who was as competitive as Peyton is right now. He’s so close to winning, but Jake is on his tail and could easily pass him up.
The moment I was dreading happens, and Jake slides his final piece into his home base, and Peyton’s mouth flops open like a fish. “You had to have cheated.”
Jake laughs loudly, tapping the table. “Fuck you are the biggest sore loser I have ever met in my damn life. Just take the L, Peyton.”
“I demand a rematch.”
“Let’s play something else,” I say, laughing as Peyton stares at the game board.
“Fine,” he mumbles as he starts to pack up the game. “I’ll just win the next one.”
“You’re kinda ridiculous,” I tell Peyton, chuckling again when he pouts.
“I’m competitive and probably ridiculous. But it’s what makes me, me.” He winks before grabbing the game and walking over to the wall.
“I’m sorry about him; he gets a little overdramatic,” Jake tells me, taking up the seat next to me.
“It’s okay. It’s kind of fun to watch. Seeing him get all riled up. Makes me want to figure out something I’m really good at and challenge him.”
“You could probably pick an activity to do with animals. That man has no idea what any animal is.”
“I’m going to tuck that away for a rainy day.”
We play a few more games, Peyton only losing one more time. After looking at the clock, I realize they’re likely just starting the formal dinner, so if we leave now, we can probably get changed and be back right when dinner ends.
“All right, Taylor and I brought outfits to wear for the 80s theme tonight, so we’re going to head back and change. We’ll meet you there?”
“Sounds good. Peyton and I need to head out and change, too. I’m not much for dressing up, but I couldn’t resist the theme.”
Jake and I stare awkwardly at one another, not quite sure how to say goodbye. I sidestep one way while Jake goes to the other, both of us laughing while we dance around one another. Jake grabs hold of my waist and leans down, planting a kiss on my cheek. “I can’t wait to see what you look like,” he whispers in my ear.
“Ditto,” I murmur, my heart beating wildly at the mere touch of his lips against me. “Save me a dance.”
“Always.”
Taylor and I take way too long to get ready, so we’re rushing out of the hotel and to the school like our asses are on fire. We rush into the building, making sure to grab our name tags from thetable before hurrying into the gym. Some tables and chairs are still being put away to prepare for the awards.
My eyes scan the space for Jake, but I’m not sure if he’s here yet. For some reason, we still haven’t exchanged phone numbers, which is stupid on my part. I need to make sure I get it before the end of the night.
“Fuck, why did you let me wear spandex?” Taylor gripes, pulling on the crotch part of her leotard. “This is not comfortable at all. Why would people want to wear this?”
She gestures to her bright pink leotard-looking outfit she’s paired with bright neon green shorts and a crop top. Her blonde hair is styled so that it’s in a high ponytail off to the side. She has both warmers on her wrists and legs, and she looks fucking spectacular.
“I’m just glad you didn’t convincemeto wear the spandex. It looks like you’re going to be dealing with a wedgie for the entire night.” I shudder at the thought of having a wedgie. “Yeah, no thanks.”
“It’s not that bad, but itisuncomfortable. But hell, I’m excited for Jake to see you. You look amazing,” she squeals excitedly in front of me.
