It’s just that there were times, like now, he wished they’d fuck off.
Nate: What date?
Coop: Didn’t you have a girl over for “movie night?”
Nate: Why are you using quotation marks?
Coop: Because we all know what that’s code for.
Nate: With my mom and brother in the next room? Sure.
Nate: Plus, it wasn’t a date. She’s a friend.
Coop: Bummer
Coop: Hey, was that the girl Liam saw you leaving with after practice?
Nate: Yes
Coop: Because Liam said she was really cute.
Coop: If she’s just a friend maybe you could introduce me.
Nate went rigid at Cooper’s words, his heart suddenly speeding up.
Like hell he’d introduce him to Madison. She was Nate’s friend and no other introductions were necessary.
Yes, there was nothing weird about that line of thinking. Everything was perfectly normal.
Nate: No
Coop: Ha! I knew it.
Nate: Know what?
Coop: Nothing, just something Liam and I were talking about.
Nate: Do I wanna know?
Coop: Probably not, judging from your reaction.
Nate: I have no idea what you’re talking about and I’m going to bed.
Coop: And now you’re evading.
Coop: Don’t think this is over.
Nate: ‘Night
Coop: Yeah, yeah ‘night
Nate silenced his phone, sending a silent prayer Cooper would let this go. A prayer he knew would go unanswered.
thirteen
Maddy wondered if this was how she died.
She really hoped not. She was too young, for one, and she had so many things she still wanted to accomplish.
