Page 34 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

I make a face.

Zack chuckles and wraps an arm around my shoulder. “It’s a good one. Promise.”

Zoey fixates her gaze on me, like she didn’t see me standing near her aunt and uncle. “I guess a small break won’t kill me.”

Ally grins. “Great. I’ll make popcorn.”

We gather in the living room with the popcorn and start the movie. Ally and Zack are on the couch while Zoey and I take the two chairs.

I don’t like romance. Maybe because I’ve read quite a few to my mom, and they remind me that she’ll never be the same again.

The movie is okay, though. Very heavy on the romance, but at the same time there’s enough suspense and intrigue to keep me guessing what’ll happen next.

Zack’s arms are around Ally’s and her head rests on his chest. Zoey hasn’t taken her eyes off the TV screen. And I’m actually enjoying myself for once.

The kiss scene is quite intense. I’ve never seen—heck, felt—anything like it. Ally is mesmerized, Zack’s lips are pressed to her cheek, and Zoey’s eyes are wide like she’s never seen anything quite so powerful in her life.

As if she can feel me watching her, she glances at me. I look away, shifting in my seat and clearing my throat.

Chapter Twelve

Zoey

Today is Monday, which means…book club!

I look forward to it every Monday and Wednesday because I get to hang out with the people I love most in the world and do one of the things I love most in the world—talk books. Since I have football practice after school, Rylee has cheerleading, and Mia has theater, we have our book club meetings during lunch.

“Darn it, no pizza,” Mia complains as she and I wait in line. “But I’ll take the chili. It smells so good. My stomach is eating itself up.”

I laugh. “I’m starving, too. Totally worked up an appetite during my math test.”

“How did you do?”

“Aced it.”

“Awesome!” She fist bumps me. “You got the results already?”

“Nah. I just know I got a perfect score.”

“I wish I had my mom and Willow’s brains,” she grumbles as we move up the line. “Math never ceases to kick my butt.”

“You’re super smart, Mia,” I tell her. “And super talented. I know it’s hard growing up in your mom and sister’s shadows, but you’re amazing just the way you are.”

“Thanks! I just wish I was more of a genius like them. School was always so easy for my sister.” Mia brightens up. “Ooh, we’re almost there.”

After the students ahead of us get their food, Mia and I step up to the counter. We each ask for a bowl of chili, and she gets Coke while I choose Dr Pepper. Then we make our way to the invisible table.

“Rylee’s not here yet?” Mia looks around as she lowers herself in her chair. “Hope she’s not late for book club.” She takes a large spoonful of chili. “Yum.”

While enjoying my chili, I notice Kade enter the cafeteria. Grabbing a tray, he walks to the back of the line and plays with his phone.

He and I haven’t spoken since yesterday, after that weird…incident with Isaiah and the awkward lunch afterward. I have no idea what to make of it. I mean, he thought I was in trouble and tried to help me. Not rescue me like I was some lame damsel in distress. No, he really thought I was in a bad situation. The fact that he looked out for me was kind of…sweet? I don’t know. The whole thing is just bizarre. I guess I never had a guy who’s not my teammate or family look out for me before. It kind of feels…good.

Kade’s eyes suddenly lift to mine.

“Crap,” I mutter as I pull my gaze away.

“What?” Mia asks over a mouthful of chili.

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