THE BEVERLY EAGLES WERE back on the field. lined up against Culver City. The crowd was loud and the energy was buzzing everywhere.
I was up in the bleachers with Layla and Olivia. the three of us pressed shoulder to shoulder. The second Spencer took the ball and cut through the defense. it was like the whole place held its breath.
Then he made touchdown down on the culver Culver's 20 yard-line.
We shot up to our feet at the same time, screaming and clapping like we'd just won the championship.
We jumped to our feet at the same time, screaming and clapping like we'd just won state.
Spencer got up from the ground, pulled off his helmet, sweat glistening under the sun. His eyes flicked my way. Automatically, I waved at him with a smile. But all he did was shake his head, giving me a short, almost sad smile.
I hate that I knew what the reason was.
"What was that about?" Layla asked then I realized she'd caught the little face exchange.
"Our friend Coop was supposed to be here." I admitted quietly. "But... something else came up."
Truth was. word got back to me that Coop's been hanging around Shawn again. The first time I heard it, I felt this mix of anger and disappointment. Anger because I never thought Coop would be all down for that.
Disappointment because deep down, I knew exactly what kind of trouble Shawn carried with him. Trouble Coop didn't need.
The worst part? Not too long ago I was at his place. We had the most serious conversation we'd had in months. I laid it all out, tried to warn him, tried to get him to see things different. To choose better.
For a second, I thought maybe my words had actually got through. That maybe he'd change his perspective, even just a little.
But I was wrong. Clearly, I didn't make much of an impact at all.
And now it wasn't just Shawn slipping. Coop was right there with him, following down that same road.
I swallowed hard. My smile fading as I glanced back at Spencer. He hadn't said a word about it but I couldn't stop thinking. did he know? Or was I gonna have to be the one to tell him
"Oh. Well, too bad she missed it. He's looking good today." Layla teased and I couldn't help but smirk back because I knew exactly where she was trying to take this conversation.
"Don't."Olivia cut in quick. " last time you played matchmaker, I ended up in a hot tub with my almost brother."
"That's not even your brother anyway," Layla shot back rolling her eyes.
