Page 9 of Cooper & Jake
“That sexy little dude is here,”Peyton says, my head jerking up to see where Cooper is.
Across the gym, Cooper stands with Alice Wingham. He’s staring in our direction, not paying any attention to the person at his side. Knowing this is my chance to talk to him, I ignore Kirk, who’s still talking, and make my way through the crowd of people, heading straight for Cooper. Our eyes never leave one another, and it’s the same now as it was the first time I saw him.
I remember it as if it were yesterday. It was my first day at Gomillion High, and I had gotten lost trying to find my classroom. Later, I learned that the room didn’t exist, but I spent five minutes desperately searching for it. I kept thinking of that Halloweentown movie where there’s an enchanted room that appears when you do a magic spell. I was seriously contemplating trying some magical words when Cooper popped up next to me.
With ear-length red hair, vivid green eyes, a smattering of freckles, and a dazzling smile, he was gorgeous. He made a joke about the disappearing classroom before telling me the story of when the school was built. He ended up showing me to where Iwas supposed to be, and I was hesitant to leave him. Luckily, we had a different class together, and I formally introduced myself to him. After that, we were inseparable.
“Hi,” I say once I reach him. “Long time no see.”
Cooper taps his finger against his chin, offering me a beaming smile. “Ya know, I’m honestly surprised this is the first time I’m seeing you today.”
“I figured I should probably chill with the stalker vibes,” I joke.
“Oh my god, Jake Ward!” Alice screeches from beside me. “I didn’t know you two were still in touch. Ya’ll were inseparable back in the day. Everyone thought for sure the both of you would get married. If anyone was going to make it, we all had bets on it being you both.”
“Uh, thanks?” I say, giving her a polite smile. “So, uh, Cooper, I was wondering if—” There’s a loud screech of feedback from the microphone, and Kirk quickly apologizes before telling us it’s time for the first icebreaker activity. Of course. I sigh loudly, adding, “Find me later?”
“Sure,” he says amiably.
We all listen as Kirk explains the instructions to the game. Apparently, we’re supposed to go around with our cards and ask one another questions, trying to find our match. I give it about three people before I’m all peopled out and decide to give up. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with the activity. I’m just not that big of a people person, and I’m already tapped out.
I look over the sea of people, catching Peyton having the time of his life. You would think that, with how at home he is with everyone, he’d gone to Gomillion himself. He’s laughing and talking, and the whole group is eating up every word out of his mouth. He is always the life of the party, no matter where he is. Needing some water, I head toward the bar area, hoping theyhave some cold bottles. I don’t want any warm-water-in-a-cup shit.
“Hi,” Taylor says, walking up to me.
“Uh, hi?” I question, looking back at her. “Are you having fun?”
“It’s all right. Not my reunion, so I don’t know anyone here except for Coop. But I’ll never say no to dancing.”
“That’s good,” I reply, taking a sip of the water the bartender just set down in front of me.
“Do you have someone waiting for you back at home?”
I choke on my water, looking at her. “I’m sorry?”
“Back at home. Do you have someone waiting for you? A boyfriend or a husband? Hell, even a permanent fuck friend.”
“No, why?” Damn, this Taylor person is very forward. I can see why she and Cooper are best friends.
“I’m debating whether to help you,” she tells me, taking a sip from the thin straw that’s sitting between her teeth.
“Help me?” I echo, waiting for her to get to the punch line.
“Talk to Cooper. I love him to death, but geez, y’all have been circling one another and not actually talking. So, I figured I would perform my bestie duties and help you—and him—both of you.”
“And what plan do you have for us to talk? Because I’ve seen him three times now, and each time he’s dipped out.”
“Well, that’s just Cooper. I doubt he’s changed much since you knew him. But there’s this after-party at Timbers & Tallboys. If I knew you were going to be there, I might agree to take him.”
“I wasn’t planning to, but if you can guarantee he’ll be there, then I’ll show up. I’ve been wanting to talk to him since we first ran into one another.”
“Well, you still haven’t told me if you have someone at home.”
“I don’t,” I blurt, hoping she’ll be able to convince Cooper to meet me at the bar later. “Sooo,” I drag out, smiling when she offers me a smile.
“Leave it up to me. Be there at ten and I’ll make sure Cooper shows up.”
“Okay.”
