Page 146 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

“How?”

“Because you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met, with a dress or with your regular clothes.”

Her cheeks are very red now. “T-thanks. You’re the most handsome guy I’ve ever met.”

I tilt my head to the side, letting my hair fall over my face. “Handsome, huh?”

“Yes.”

I turn to Mom with a sad smile. “I wish she could know you.”

“She’s getting to know me right now.”

We tell Mom more stories. Zoey talks about football and reading. And when I tell her Mom loves Pride and Prejudice, Zoey discusses the themes in the book as well as other things.

I love seeing her chat with my mom. She’s so at ease, so respectful, and sweet. And she also thanks my mom for bringing me into the world because her life would be completely different if I wasn’t in it.

“Do you mean that?” I ask her.

She gazes into my eyes. “I do.”

“No, there’s nothing special about me.”

She sighs. “Are we doing this again? Even your mom knows what an extraordinary person you are.”

I’m about to argue with her, but decide not to. Maybe I should stop feeling terrible for the way I was in the past. Overcome with pain and anger and helplessness. Zoey and her aunt and uncle made me realize that life isn’t bad all the time. You just have to see the good as well as the bad.

I take Zoey’s hands. “Thanks for everything. For coming here with me and being so accepting and respectful to my mom.”

“Of course.”

Footsteps sound outside before someone enters the room. Nurse Heidi. She takes one look at Zoey and stops in her tracks.

“You must be Kade’s girl!” She rushes to our side and holds out her hand. “I’m so happy to finally meet you.”

I cringe. Did she just call Zoey my…girl?

Zoey smiles as she accepts the handshake. “Hi. I’m Zoey.”

“Heidi. My, you’re absolutely lovely.” She beams at me, giving me a look like she approves.

I seriously want to bang my head against the wall.

Zoey’s cheeks redden. “Thanks.”

“Kade has told me so much about you,” she gushes. Not really. All Heidi knows is that I have feelings for Zoey.

They talk for a bit before Heidi checks on Mom, winks at me, then leaves the room.

I sink down a bit in my seat. “Sorry about that.”

She laughs shyly. “Did you tell the whole world about me?”

“No. Just my mom. I…” I clear my throat. “I was telling Mom about you one day and Heidi walked in and overheard.”

“Oh, I see. Sorry if she embarrassed you.”

I wave my hand. “It’s okay. Heidi wants to see me happy. I bet she’ll celebrate when I tell her we’re going to the dance together.”

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