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Cooper smiled. “You were. I’m glad you remember.”
“It was beautiful. That’s what I want with Cole. A beautiful life like that.”
“Then what’s holding you back? Greg’s parents were our problem, but what has you blocked from being able to take your life into your own hands? If you’re living to please someone other than you, that’s going to be hard to manage.”
“I know. But I have to protect him and I’ve already failed.”
Cooper shook his head. “Cole is a grown man. He doesn’t need your protection.”
But he was wrong. I did need to protect him.
“So was my uncle, but it didn’t stop those people from beating him and his boyfriend so badly that the doctors couldn’t save them. They tried, but we only got a short time with him. That’s why I have to protect Cole. I can’t allow that to happen to him.”
Cooper took in everything I told him and bit his lip. “I really think you need to talk about this with Donovan and Cole. He can help you navigate this, if you’ll let him.”
Maybe he was right. “What if he doesn’t want me back? What if I’ve waited too long?”
Cooper smiled at me. “It’s never too late, buddy. And I don’t think you have to worry about that with him. But you owe it to both of you to get the help you need. There’s absolutely no shame in needing help. None of us are born pre-wired to handle everything the world throws at us. Both of you deserve to have a beautiful life together.”
Somewhere, deep inside of my brain, I’d begun to believe that before the accident. And I really needed to talk to Cole.
“How about some of that sandwich now? You can come out and watch the baseball game with us. Greg should be back soon.”
My stomach growled, making me groan. “How long have you been here?”
Cooper smiled. “Three days. Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, not even the Keys.”
“But you were supposed to spend the month there.”
“We’ll get there. But we wouldn’t be able to enjoy it knowing our friends were hurting. That’s the way this bunch is. You should know that by now, Griff.”
I curled my lips in to keep from crying again. Being traded to Portland was the best thing to happen to me, after Cole. And Adam.
“Come on. I’ll carry the tray.”
Cooper got up, and I followed him out to the sofa.
While we watched the game, I ate some of the sandwich he’d brought me, then thumbed through my phone for Donovan’s number. I sent him a text and asked if there was any way he could fit me in.
Donovan: Absolutely. When?
Me: As soon as possible.
Donovan: Are you experiencing something in regard to your accident?
Me: Yes, and no. It’s about me and Cole.
Donovan: How is tomorrow at ten?
Me: Perfect.
Donovan: Can you get here?
I looked over at Cooper. “Can you take me to Donovan’s office tomorrow?”
He smiled. “Of course.”
Me: Cooper’s going to bring me.
