Page 33 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

I nod, too.

Another few minutes of silence tick by. What’s taking the food so long?

“So…what do you like to do?” she asks.

“Not much.”

She blinks, as if waiting for me to say more, but I don’t really have much to say.

“Why do you like football?” I ask her.

Her face brightens. “It’s the best thing in the world. It’s been a big deal in my family for years and years. My grandfather wanted to play when he was in high school, but his dad got into an accident that paralyzed him and he had to help take care of his family. My mom had an older brother called Brock who played, but he died when he was in high school. Uncle Brayden was QB for Edenbury High and then went pro. And my mom also was QB for EHS. Then my cousin Noah did as well before he gave it up to follow his dream to be a musician. And then there’s me. So yeah….lots of football players in my family.”

I just stare at her. “Wow.”

She laughs. “Yeah.” She glances at her phone. “Oh, food’s here.”

We don’t say much as we unpack the containers and start eating. The food’s pretty good. I’ve lived in different towns once I entered the system, but there’s something about Edenbury…I don’t know what it is, but the people are kinder and the food is better. The entire atmosphere is just different.

I don’t know where I’ll end up next, but I’d like to remain in this town. Not that I have much of a choice.

Zoey looks at me as if she has a million questions to ask. But she focuses on her food. I’m glad she’s not prying. I’m not ready—or willing—to talk about my past.

I like listening to her talk, though. Pretty sure I could listen to her for hours and never get bored. But she wouldn’t talk to me, anyway. We’re not friends or anything.

I haven’t had a friend in six years. I liked keeping to myself after Dad died and Mom fell into a coma. But I’m not sure I feel that way anymore. Maybe I’m just confused.

Zoey leans back in her chair. “Sheesh, I’m stuffed. I ate way, way too much.” She gets to her feet and starts gathering her stuff. “I need to finish studying. Enjoy the rest of your food.” She leaves the kitchen.

I eat in silence, then pack the leftovers away in the fridge, clean up a bit, and go up to my room.

I don’t like thinking about the future a lot, but Zoey’s words force me to. I know I want to graduate high school, but I have no idea what to do after that. I mean, I’ve played with the idea of becoming a cop or detective. They never found the guy who shot my parents, so I thought maybe I could make a difference in the world. Or, maybe find the guy one day. Maybe that’s why I like watching true crime shows and mysteries.

Lying down on my bed, I fold my arms beneath my head and shut my eyes. Nothing motivates me, other than finding the guy who ruined my life. I know it’s crazy. Practically impossible. But I owe it to my parents to try to find him.

“Kade?”

My eyes open and I sit up. Ally and Zack stand in the doorway. They’re back from their date already? Did I fall asleep?

“Doing all right?” Zack asks me.

“Yeah.”

“Did you eat?” Ally says.

“Yeah.”

They look at me and then at each other. “Want to watch a movie with us?” Ally asks. “Zoey’s still studying for her test, but if you’re in the mood, come join us.”

I shrug. “Guess I don’t have anything else to do.”

I follow them out of my room. They stop at Zoey’s to try to convince her to take a break from math.

“Come on, Zoey,” Ally pleads. “It’s just for two hours. You’re more than prepared for the test.”

She twists her nose. “What are you watching?”

“A Regency romance,” Ally says without hesitation.

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