Page 107 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

“Ooh, let’s watch one of your movies, Mia,” Rylee says. “How about your latest one?” she teases.

“Heck no! I don’t want to see his face.”

Rylee and I giggle. Mia scowls.

“Let’s watch your first movie,” I suggest. “You were so cute.”

“Fine. But no criticizing me.”

We settle down on her bed and start the movie. And then we stay up way too late and eat way too much junk food.

Chapter Thirty

Kade

After dinner on Monday, Zoey and I volunteer to clean up. Ally and Zack leave to the living room, probably to read a book together or watch a K-drama.

Zoey and I gather all the dishes and place them in the dishwasher. We don’t say much, each of us focused on our task. She washes the dishes that aren’t dishwasher safe and I dry them.

Clearing my throat, I open my mouth to speak, but I shut it.

She turns to me. “Did you say something?”

“Yeah. No. I mean, how was your day?”

She shrugs as she rinses the dish and hands it to me. “Was good. Nothing special. Practice was great, too. How was your day?”

“Had a test. I think I did well.”

She smiles. “That’s good.”

“Yeah. Maybe I’ll be a goody two shoes, too.”

She twists her nose. “Nah. Bad boy suits you better.”

I chuckle. “Then bad boy it is.”

We’re quiet again.

She looks at me. “There’s something comforting about doing dishes, isn’t there? Like I can imagine in the olden days when people would wash their dishes and think. About everything.”

I place the dish where it belongs. “Not sure I like being alone with my thoughts all the time. They can be a little overwhelming sometimes. And I don’t mean in a good way.”

Her eyes fill with sympathy and regret. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. It was very selfish of me.”

I place my hand on her arm. “No, it wasn’t. Sometimes being alone with your thoughts is good. Helps you reflect on yourself. But other times…”

She nods. “I’m really sorry about everything you’ve been through. Maybe I shouldn’t say that, either. Is it insensitive?” She shuts her eyes for a second like she’s scolding herself.

I slide my hand in hers, ignoring the spark that makes me want to pull away in shock. “It’s not insensitive. I’m glad you care.”

“I’ve never…” She takes a deep breath. “I mean, I haven’t been through anything. My brother has and I can kind of understand, but not really. Some people would be upset that I feel sorry for them.” Her eyes widen. “Not that I feel sorry for you.”

“It’s okay if you do. I used to feel sorry for myself, but I’m working on it. I let the past hold me back for many years, and I’m done. I’m ready to move on and live.”

She smiles. “That’s great.”

We finish cleaning up, then separate to our rooms.

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