Page 31 of Love On Time

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Drew

7 YEARS AGO

Summer break is coming to a close. I’ve spent the past two weeks in training camp with our new team for this next season, my very last season playing high school football. We lost a few key seniors from last year, but we still have a strong roster. The stakes are high; this is my final chance to lock in my UCLA scholarship. This summer, I took a few online courses for extra credit to boost my transcript. It’s vital that I earn a full ride. My mom doesn't need any added financial stress to get me through college.

Cooper has spent the summer doing what most guys our age do. He’s been out late every night with friends, hitting parties, hanging at the beach, and slowly trying to get Ivy to fall for him. To his credit, he’s done well in training camp, staying focused for the most part when he’s on the field.

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Cami, on the other hand, has picked up a summer job at the library, organizing books on the shelves and reading to the little kids during story time. Luckily for me, that meant finally securing her phone number. I gave it to her months ago, but she never used it. Now, it feels like we talk constantly through text.

Because of that, I leave a crack in my blinds every single night, waiting to see if she escapes to the roof so I can join her. It’s become my favorite way to unwind. Sitting up there in the warm night air, watching the stars, and just listening to music or hearing Cami talk about her day

Cooper and I are up in his room playing Call of Duty, winding down after a long week of grueling training camp. It’s nice to just hang out for once with no big plans, no crowded parties, and nowhere else to be.

A sharp rap at Cooper's door echoes through the room, causing us to pause the game and drop our controllers.

“Yeah?” Cooper calls out.

“Can I come in?” Cooper’s mom asks from the hallway.

Cooper pushes himself up from his spot on the carpet to open the door. She walks in, offering a warm expression as she takes a seat on the edge of his unmade bed.

“How are you, Drew?” She smiles, "How's training camp going?”

“I’m good!” I smile back, shifting to give her my full attention. “Camp is rough, but I think the team is ready!”

“That's so great to hear.” She says, her voice turning a bit more apologetic. “So, boys, your dad and I have to leave town this weekend for his work conference. Which means… we’re unfortunately going to miss Camille’s sixteenth birthday.” She lets out a heavy sigh. “Will you two please promise to do something special for her until we can get back to celebrate properly?”

Cooper smiles. “Yeah, Mom, of course.” I nod right along in agreement with him.

“Thank you, that would mean a lot to me,” she says, pointing a warning finger at Cooper. “Also, please no more than ten friends over at a time. I trust you guys, but absolutely no parties, okay? Drew, I already talked to your mom, and she promised she’s going to keep an eye out across the yard to make sure she doesn't sense any funny business going on over here.”

“Okay, Mom. We’ll be good, I promise,” Cooper says reassuringly.

“Thanks, boys.” She stands up from the mattress and heads out into the hallway, carefully pulling the door closed behind her.

Once the door clicks shut, Cooper snaps his head in my direction, a big mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Did you hear that? We get the whole house to ourselves for the weekend!”

“Yeah, man, it's pretty cool,” I say casually, leaning back down to pick up my Xbox controller. “So, what should we do for your sister?”