“Yes, Kellan. I’ll wear the Cooper jersey I ordered at every game, okay?”
She already ordered one. God, I love this girl.
“I’d like that,” I tell her honestly.
“Yeah, well just remember that when my brother is pouting because I’m not wearing his. He’s sensitive with things like that,” she quips, making me laugh.
This girl…
“Hey, you guys are off on Halloween. We should do something,” Grace says.
“Ooh, I love dressing up.” Cora lights up.
They continue talking about it as an idea forms in my head. I don’t know where, but I’m taking my girl to a costume party.
I only need to get the guys on board. It can’t be that hard, can it?
eighteen
Peyton sings along to the radio as Grace drives. Sitting in the back seat, I stare out the window, watching the world pass by.
I don’t know why but today feels different. I’ve watched Kellan play several times now and cheered for him in the stands, so watching him isn’t new. Every time someone gets a little too close to him, my breath catches. When someone hits him, I can’t help but flinch as if it’s me who has taken the blow.
It’s different than when I’ve worried about Clay. With Kellan, it is like my heart is connected to every movement he makes.
Before I know it, we are pulling into the parking lot of the opposing team’s arena and park. We all get out of the car. Somehow, I find myself sandwiched between Grace and Peyton, our arms all linked together.
“Are you okay, Cora?” Grace asks.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”
“You were awfully quiet on the drive over here,” Grace tells me.
“I was waiting for you to spit whatever it is out that’s bothering you,” Peyton adds.
After going through security, we make our way to our seats and sit down.
“So are you going to tell us or not?” Peyton presses.
“I don’t know why but today feels different.” I admit the thoughts I had dwelled on the entire trip.
Grace hums. “Is it a good different or a bad different?”
“Good, I think.”
“Does it have something to do with the guy whose name is plastered across your back?” Peyton asks.
I feel my cheeks heat, and I nod.
“Ah, I get it. It’s okay, you know that, right?” Grace says, nodding as if it makes sense.
“What is?”
“To admit you’re in love with Kellan. That’s what this is about, right?” Grace asks.
As soon as her words hit me, I want to deny it, but I can’t, because it’s true.
I love Kellan Cooper.
