Page 179 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“How did it go this morning?” I asked, dropping in the chair beside her bed.

“Good. I now have fourteen eggs sitting on ice.”

“They’re not actually sitting on ice, right?”

“I really have no idea. But it sounded better than the spiel the doctor gave me earlier.”

“So now we just have to wait to find out if Aaron’s a match or not for the stem cells.”

“Yep.”

“Hopefully the results will come in soon,” I said.

“They said they could take up to a week.”

“Do you think they’ll let me sneak you out of here for a few hours?”

“I wish.” She let out a soft sigh. “But they said I need to be on standby in case Aaron is a match.”

“Plan B it is then.”

“Plan B?” She frowned.

“Yeah, scoot over.” I kicked off my sneakers and pulled off my Raiders hoodie.

Climbing on the bed I rearranged Sofia over my chest, my hand resting on the bottom of her spine. “What are we watching?” I grabbed the television remote and turned the volume up.

“Re-runs ofFriday Night Lights.”

“Ooh, an oldie but a goodie.”

“Cole?” She tipped my head up to look at me.

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for coming.”

“Better get used to it,” I said. “Because I intend on being around a lot.”

“What do you mean?” Her brows furrowed.

“I quit the team.”

“What?”

“It’s not a big deal, and no, you won’t talk me out of it. As far as I’m concerned, this is non-negotiable.”

“But you can’t quit the team, you’re their star quarterback.”

“Not anymore. Deacon Faris holds that title now.”

“Faris? He’s not ready. He—”

“Sofe?” I pressed a finger to her lips.

“Yeah?” It came out muffled against my skin.

“It’s done. I choose you, okay. It will always be you.”

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