Page 94 of Something Rad
“And what does that have to do with me?” she asks, raising her brows.
“Don’t you think it would be a bit of a bad look to show up without my current girlfriend to a house party where my ex-girlfriend will certainly be?”
Cooper stiffens, her eyes shifting to the side. “Denise will be there?” she asks.
“Definitely,” I say. “She’s on the cheer team with Lisa.”
“Right,” Cooper mutters, nodding slowly, chewing on her bottom lip.
“And besides, there’s only two weeks left until class elections. You need to get your name out there.”
“I put up posters,” Cooper mumbles.
“Cooper,” I say, leaning forward, “your little construction paper and magic marker monstrosities were adorable, but you and I both know that isn’t gonna cut it.”
She lets out a deep sigh, and I know she knows I’m right.
“I have to work,” she says.
“And when do you get off work?” I ask.
She rolls her eyes again before looking back at me.
So stubborn, Cooper.
“Nine.”
“Perfect,” I clap. “The party starts at nine. I’ll pick you up from Groovy Movie and we’ll go straight there.”
“Fine,” Cooper says, moving past me in the door. “Don’t be late or I’m walking home.”
“You got it, Cooper.” I turn around, watching her leave. “Hey, do you want a ride to work now?”
She spins around with a look on her face like I just asked her if she enjoys kicking puppies for fun. “Absolutely not.” She shakes her head. “I think we will have been in enclosed spaces together for more than enough time by the end of today.”
“Whatever you say, Cooper,” I reply, holding my hands up. “As always.”
“WhateverIsay?” she asks, raising her eyebrows. “Are you actually ser–” She stops herself, inhaling and releasing a deep breath. “I don’t have time for this right now,” she says. “I’m going to be late.” She spins on her heel and makes her way out the library door.
“Wouldn’t be late if you weren’t so damn hard-headed and let me drive you,” I call after her.
She pokes her head back inside. “Maybe when hell freezes over,” she says, grinning. “But thanks anyways.”
* * *
I was at Groovy Movie by 8:55.
Just because I wanted to see the look on Cooper’s face when she thought I wasn’t there and that she was going to get out of going to the party, I parked at the far corner of the parking lot. It was absolutely worth it when she practically tiptoed her way out of the door at nine sharp, work vest in one hand and a can of Jolt Cola in the other, glancing hesitantly from side to side like a little kitten. She didn’t see me at first, and I swear she nearly broke out in a happy dance. It was short lived though as she spotted my car a few seconds later, her shoulders instantly slumping. I shook my head at her in my rear-view mirror, chuckling.
I pushed open my car door, stepping out into the parking lot and walking around to open the passenger side door for her. “Nice try, Cooper,” I said.
Ten minutes and one just slightly hostile car ride later, we’re pulling up to Lisa McDaniel’s house. I weave through the twenty or so cars already parked up and down the street in front of her house, eventually finding a spot.
“Jesus, it looks like the whole town is here,” Cooper says, her face pressed up against the window like a kid looking at an aquarium for the first time.
“Well, they basically are.” Cooper whips her head around to look at me. “All the cool kids anyways,” I correct, flashing her a grin.
She flops back against the headrest, groaning. “I hate it.”
