Her arms fly around my shoulders as we jump up and down and shimmy and shake to the blaring music and the cheers of the crowd that fills the stadium. “Yes!” Tessa and I scream at the same time. Those long ass legs of his carry him to the end zone.

It’s as if I’m watching in slow motion as Cooper jumps up, hands in the air, and the ball lands perfectly in his hands. “Damn right we do, and your man is the one that’s going to get it for us.” She points to the field where Hank’s just launched the ball to Cooper. I love the sport, and to know that my friends, not just Cooper, but all the guys that I’ve grown close to are so near to another victory for not only our school but for themselves, it warms my heart. “I can’t take the stress.” She’s smiling as she says it. “Gah!” Tessa grabs my arm and pulls me back and forth. We have the ball with three minutes left on the play clock. It’s the fourth quarter, and CU is up by three. Hell, the entire stadium is on their feet.

“Come on, come on, come on,” I say under my breath. Yes, the win, because the team is on fire, and I know they’re bringing home another title for Central University. Looks like there will be some more explaining after the win. Of course, we wave back, but that little stunt will do nothing to keep the reporters from asking about who we are to them. Nixon and Cooper both look to the stands and give us a casual wave. Nixon, Cooper, Levi, Trey, Dustin, and Hank lead the pack as they rush out of the tunnel. We both turn to watch as the CU Tigers take the field. “Your man’s taking the field,” I say to divert the conversation. “Reese.” She whispers my name as if her heart is breaking for me. There’s plenty of time for my heart to get over him and move on. He’s no longer going to be an everyday presence in my life. When he gets drafted, things are going to change. I don’t want a relationship to interfere with my last year with him. I know it’s crazy, and that he’s never going to feel that way about me, but it’s my truth.

Why tie myself down now?” What I don’t say is what we both know to be the truth. “I just want to focus on school, and we are about to start our last year of college. “When are you going to let me fix you up with someone?” “That you did.” She doesn’t even try to deny it. “How I helped you find the love of your life.” “What are you thinking about with the goofy grin plastered on your face?” Tessa asks. Maybe I should make a career out of matchmaking. He didn’t want me to get involved, but I could see it in the way they looked at each other the first time they met. Something I’ll never let Cooper live down. She is the love of Nixon’s life, and I get to take all the credit for matching them. At least when they talk about Tessa, it’s true. Doesn’t matter what we tell them they are going to talk about us.

Tessa and I smile and wave at the camera.

A Joyful Heart by Kaylee Hart