Page 133 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“I may have mentioned it.”

“And…”

Cole shrugged. “He issued his usual threats. I need to speak to your mom and Coach, Monday. If I’m seriously going to do this, I need to figure out my plan of attack. It’s pretty late in the year for UMich to offer me a football scholarship, but not impossible. At least, I hope not.”

I raked my fingers through his hair, brushing it off his face. “I’m sure you’ll figure something out. Maybe you could apply for a music scholarship?”

“I hadn’t thought of that.”

“It’s something to consider.”

He nodded, leaning into my hand as I pressed it against his cheek.

“I’m sorry if I made things worse for you.”

“Just you being here makes everything easier.”

I wasn’t so sure about that, but I didn’t have it in me to argue.

“Sofe, I want you to know that last night, what happened between us… it was everything.”

“Yeah?” My heart beat faster, blood roaring between my ears.

It had been amazing, the way he’d loved my body. How connected I’d felt to him. But it had also been bittersweet because we both knew that everything was about to change.

Cole slid his hand into the back of my hair, forcing us closer. “I really, really like you, Sofe.”

“I really, really like you too. But—”

“No buts. I choose this. I choose you, okay?”

“I…” The words lodged in my throat, my heart careening in my chest now.

“Sofe?”

“Y-yes.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he leaned in. Sealing his words—his promise—with a kiss.

“I’m going to tell Jude I’ll play with them next weekend,” he said.

“You are? That’s great. You’re too good not to play again.”

“I want you there though, in the crowd. Will you do that for me?”

“Cole, I don’t know.”

“Please. I need you, Sofe. I need you in my corner.”

He’d chosen me.

Cole had chosen me. It seemed only fair—only right—that I chose him too.

“I’ll be there,” I said. One way or another, I would be there to support him and the band.

“Good.” His smile grew. “Who knows, maybe it’ll be my big break and I won’t even need to worry about college tuition.”

“Yeah.” I laughed but it was forced. Because every time I trusted in our connection, something came along to remind me that our paths were headed in different directions.

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