Page 142 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

She waves, the look in her eyes screaming hope. “Hey, Zoey. How was Boston?”

“It was great. I loved spending time with my grandparents and Brock. And seeing the sights and just being there.”

She nods slowly, her smile wavering. “That’s great. I’m so happy you had a good time.”

“Thanks.”

She bites her lip. “So, um. Did you give Brock my letter?”

I shift from one foot to the other. “I did.”

“Did he write me back?”

Sighing, I shake my head. And it doesn’t take a genius to know my brother hasn’t contacted her. The words from her letter ring in my head, how sad and hopeful she was. And still is.

Lexi nods slowly. “Oh…so he didn’t give you anything?”

I shake my head again. “I’m so sorry.”

She plays with a few strands of hair. “But you’re sure he read it?”

“He read it.”

I’m pretty sure he read it himself after I read it out loud to him. I know my brother and he would never toss her words away like they’re meaningless. He just needs time.

“Did he say anything?” she asks.

I shake my head for a third time.

Lexi makes a face like she’s worried that whatever happened between them can never be fixed. Her entire body convulses in defeat.

I place my hand on her arm. “Don’t give up, Lexi. I know he wants you in his life, even if he might not realize that right now.”

Her unsure eyes meet mine. “Are you sure?”

“I am.”

She gives me a grateful smile. “Okay, I won’t give up on him. Thanks so much for helping me, and I’m sorry if I put you in a tough spot.”

“No, you didn’t. I’m glad to help.”

A group of freshmen guys gather a few feet away from us. Lexi’s friends.

“Thanks again, Zoey. I’ll see you later. Bye, Mia and Rylee.” Lexi hops away, disappearing into the crowd of guys.

Mia and Rylee give me sympathetic faces. “It must be so hard for her,” Rylee says as we watch Lexi and the guys walk away.

“Must be killing her inside,” Mia adds.

I puff up my cheeks. “Brock’s completely fine for the most part. It feels like I’m getting my brother back. But the second I talk about Lexi, he shuts down.” I sigh. “I don’t know what to do other than be there for him.”

“I think that’s the only thing you can do. Pushing him would just make things worse.”

“I know. I thought he might be ready to return home, but it doesn’t look like it. I just need to be patient.”

They nod.

We talk about other things. I catch a certain hottie with long light brown hair enter the building, hands in his pockets. His jacket is open, giving me a nice view of his muscled chest beneath his tight T-shirt. I know I just saw him yesterday, but it feels like we’ve been separated for days.

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