Page 71 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

It didn’t.

“I’ve always hoped you two would stop tiptoeing around things.”

“Poppy June Ford, me and Cole do not have things.”

“Whatever you say,” she huffed. “Just promise me I can say I told you so when you finally get your act together and realize the two of you are perfect for one another.”

“I hope you don’t talk to my brother about this.”

“I don’t tell Aaron everything.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Ooh, they’re off.”

I laid my head on her shoulder and watched as the Raiders kicked off. But I wasn’t watching the game, not really.

Not when I only had eyes for Cole, wishing things were different.

* * *

“I’m notsure we’re supposed to go down there,” I said, but Poppy and Ashleigh completely ignored me, taking off down the bleachers to run and meet my brothers.

I watched with a strange mix of envy and melancholy as Aaron picked up Poppy and swung her around before planting a big sloppy kiss on her mouth. Ashleigh and Ezra were more discreet with their affections. But that didn’t surprise me. Ezra was quiet and reserved. Guarded even. It had taken him a long time to find his feet in our family and our town. But he’d finally found his home in Ashleigh. They were so freaking adorable together.

“You came,” Cole said, sneaking up behind me.

I turned around and smiled. “Congratulations, you played a good game.”

“How are you feeling?” He stepped closer as the celebrations went on around us. “I’ve been worried about you.”

“I’m fine. Things got on top of me after the doctor appointment, but I… I shouldn’t be talking to you about this. Sorry.” I went to leave, but he gently grasped my wrist.

“Stay, talk. You can tell me anything and it’ll stay with me. I promise. I won’t make the same mistake twice, Sofe.” Conviction glittered in his eyes.

“Cole, I—”

“Here he is, man of the hour.” Aaron jumped on his back. “You fucking killed it out there tonight. I’m proud of you, man.”

“Uh, thanks.”

“Coach has invited us all back to his place to celebrate.”

“He has?” Poppy balked. “He wants the whole football team to come back to the house? Mom will love that.”

“Suck it up, buttercup.” He dropped down off Cole’s back and pulled her in for a hug. “Maybe we can sneak up to your room and—”

I moved away, really not wanting to hear what my brother planned on doing to my best friend.

“Are you feeling up to it?” Cole asked me.

“No, I think I’ll head home. Sounds like too much excitement for me for one night.”

“You should come, Sofe. Everyone is going… even your parents.”

I glanced over to where they were talking to Poppy’s mom and Ashleigh’s parents.

“I should probably get home. It’s been a long day.”

---