Page 86 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“A bucket list?”Cole asked me as we tucked into our food.

The Nook was incredible. The perfect blend of rustic and bohemian, it was warm and inviting and everyone was so friendly. There was a big open fire on the back wall, roaring away as quiet chatter and laughter filled the air. Our table was tucked in the corner next to the windows, so we had a perfect view of the bonfire Cole had mentioned. People milled about on hand carved benches and swings and there was a wooden pergola covered in foliage that offered some protection from the elements.

I loved it.

“Yeah, Mom said that I shouldn’t let the cancer stop me from doing all the things I’ve always wanted to do.”

“Didn’t Poppy’s mom do something similar in her senior year?”

“Yeah. I’ve heard that story too.”

According to Poppy and Lily, their mom Felicity had had her own bucket list senior year. A list that had ended up with her dating Mr. Ford. She’d even got ‘Property of a Raider’ tattooed on her chest when the Raiders had won the championship. A little fact my friends preferred to pretend never happened.

But part of me admired that. I’d never really taken risks or stepped out of my comfort zone before. I was a good student, a good friend, a good daughter. And I’d been content being just that.

Now though… now things felt different.

“You should totally do it. Write a list of everything you want to do, and we’ll make it happen.”

“I don’t know where I’d even start.”

“No one is saying you’ve got to make the list right this second, but it could be a good way to focus on something positive when your treatment starts.”

“Speaking of treatment, I think I’ve decided to have the fertility procedure.”

“Good. I think it’s the right call.”

“You do?” I was surprised he’d given it any thought.

“You’re still young, Sofe. Becoming a mom might not be on your radar yet, but one day, it might be. You’ll regret not doing it.”

I nodded, forking some more prime rib into my mouth. “God, this is good.”

“I like seeing you like this.” Cole watched me, and I arched a questioning brow. “Happy.”

“Thank you for pushing me to come tonight. I’m sorry I avoided you yesterday.”

“Hey, remember what we said? No apologies, okay? You needed space, and I can respect that. But I don’t ever want you to shut me out because you think you’re protecting me.”

“Have you always been this amazing?” I asked.

“Yup. I was just waiting for you to notice.” Cole winked, finishing off the last of his sloppy joes.

“Do your parents know about me?”

His brows furrowed. “Why does it matter?”

“It doesn’t matter.” My walls went straight up, the bitter sting of dejection rolling through me.

“Shit, Sofe, I didn’t mean to snap. I just… it’s a sore subject. My dad couldn’t care less about my life if it’s nothing to do with me attending Drexel.”

“I guess he’ll really love finding out you’re dating a girl with leukemia then.”

“Sofia, don’t do that.” His jaw clenched.

“Sorry, that was unfair.”

“I’ve actually been thinking, and I’m going to apply to the University of Michigan. There might be a shot at a football scholarship.”

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