Page 108 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

He arched a brow before nuzzling my neck. “If it’s too much, you should go—”

“Kandon,” Aaron barked. “Some of us are trying to eat lunch.”

“You are such a pain in the ass,” I murmured.

“It’s my right and privilege since Kandon broke bro code.”

“He’s right, you know,” Deacon said. “Everyone knows you don’t go after your best friend’s sister.”

“Dude, he’s literally with my best friend.”

“Sorry, but it’s not the same, Sofe.” Deacon shrugged.

“You guys are so full of shit,” Ashleigh added. “My dad married his best friend’s sister, and they are totally couple goals.”

“I bet Coach Ford gave your dad shit for it though?”

“Yeah, but he got over it.” She flashed Aaron a seething look.

“It’s been a few days,” he huffed. “I need more time.”

A few of the guys snickered, and even Cole’s shoulders shook with silent laughter. I’m glad he saw the funny side of it because I really didn’t, and Aaron’s snide comments were starting to irritate me.

A lot of things were.

Cole ran his hand up and down my spine as if he knew I was pissed.

“You’re vibrating,” I said.

“Yeah, it’s my old man.”

“The application didn’t convince him then?”

Monday evening, Cole had sat down with his mom and dad and finalized his application to Drexel.

I didn’t agree with it, but Cole didn’t seem ready to hear it. He was worried about his mom, and about how his dad might react if he found out Cole had applied to UMich instead.

But it didn’t sit right with me that Cole was sacrificing his dream for a woman who by all accounts had chosen her cheating husband over her son for all these years.

Maybe that was an unfair judgment. I didn’t know Mrs. Kandon. Had only seen her one or twice in passing. But Saturday, I would have to endure the mixer with her, Mr. Kandon, and Cole.

He was enduring so much for me though, so it was the least I could do. Besides, the truth was, the more time I spent with Cole, the less I wanted to be apart from him.

We were on a path to heartache, but I couldn’t seem to stop myself. Because he hadn’t shied away from my diagnosis.

No, Cole stood strong beside me at every turn. And even though it was far too soon to be falling so deep, it didn’t stop me taking the leap.

“Walk you to class?” he asked, and I twisted to look at him.

“That would be nice.”

“Oh, will you two stop with the fucking moon eyes.”

Cole flipped Aaron off as he nudged me forward and followed me up. “We’re heading out.”

“Yeah, whatever,” Aaron grumbled.

“You need to get over yourself,” I said.

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