For the Game by Amber Garza

expression sobered. “She’s been harassing you, hasn’t she?”
    I hadn’t told Cooper about the things Madison had said. There was no point. It’s not like he could’ve done anything about it. “How did you know?”
    “I could tell by the way your body tensed when she showed up. It was the same way you used to react to Calista.”
    It was amazing how well he could read me. “Thanks.” My heart swelled when I thought about the way he put her in her place.
    “You don’t have to thank me. I meant every word I said.”
    The tree was already strapped to the top of Dad’s car when we reached it. We all piled inside, and Dad turned on the engine, his oldies station floating through the speakers. Rubbing my hands together, I anxiously waited for the air that spilled from the vents to get warmer. The tires bumped over rocks and gravel until we pulled out of the lot onto the asphalt of the street. We lived only a few blocks from the lot, so we were home quickly.
    Once we arrived, Dad and Cooper untied the tree from the car and carried it inside. Dad and I had already gotten the tree stand ready. It sat in the only empty corner in our family room, between the couch and the wall. The space wasn’t very large, so we had to cram the tree to fit every year. Still, we made it work.
    It was impressive to see how quickly Cooper and Dad worked to get the tree up. When it was just Dad and me it took quite a bit longer. But the two guys were really efficient, and before I knew it, it was time to put on the lights. Excitedly, I pulled out a few strings of white lights and started wrapping them around the tree. The scent of pine and sap wafted under my nose. Dad clicked on some Christmas music, and it filled the room.
    “Want some hot chocolate, baby?” Cooper came up behind me, speaking so close to my ear that his breath fanned over it.
    Joy welling up inside me, I nodded. Emotion rose in my throat as he left the room, and I swallowed it down. Last year the day we set up the tree had been a tough one. I hadn’t been feeling well, so I wasn’t much help. We did get the tree in and decorated, but it was a long, grueling afternoon, and Dad ended up doing most of it while I rested on the couch watching. And it was so disheartening since this was my favorite part of the holiday. Before Mom died, decorating the tree was a huge event in our home. Mom would make hot chocolate and sing Christmas carols at the top of her lungs while she hung the ornaments. She had the nicest singing voice, and I used to listen with awe.
    Also, she had a story for each ornament, and she enjoyed sharing them with me. I loved hearing the stories, knowing the reason behind the ornament. After the tree was all decorated, I’d stare up at the tree, recalling each tale, the significance of every individual ornament. The tree took on new meaning to me then. It was no longer just a tree. It was more like a novel to me. Like the books I read every day.
    When Cooper returned with hot chocolate, I’d finished the lights and they sparkled, illuminating the tree. I stared at them as they twinkled in the dark green branches. Stepping back from the tree, I took the mug in my hands, wrapping my palms around it. Warmth seeped into my skin.
    Cooper’s arm slid around my shoulders. “Looks beautiful.”
    “Thanks.” I rested my head on his shoulder.
    “Tired?” He asked.
    “Not at all.” I swiveled my head to look at him. “And you better not be either. We’ve only just begun.” With my free hand, I pointed to the two large boxes near the couch. “Those are filled with ornaments, and they all need to get up on that tree.”
    He smiled, holding his own mug of hot chocolate. Steam rose from it, and I inhaled the sweet scent. “I can’t wait to get started.”
    “Me either.” My lips curved at the edges.
    “Damn, happiness looks good on you,” Cooper said, staring into my eyes.
    “Then I must look gorgeous today,” I bantered back.
    “Even more than