Page 37 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

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After finishing my homework, I prop myself up on my bed with my laptop and start a video call with my parents. I’ve only spoken to them over the phone since they left a few days ago, other than when they watched my game live, so it’ll be awesome to actually see their faces.

Mom’s face appears on the screen. “Zoey!” She waves both hands and blows me a million kisses. “There’s my beautiful daughter. Zane!” she calls. “Zoey’s on video call.”

“I’ll come in a second. Just finishing my outline.”

Mom grins at me. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen your dad so inspired. He hasn’t moved from his laptop all day.”

“So it’s already working? You guys just got there.”

“I know, right? Check out this gorgeous place we’re staying at.” She moves her laptop around so I can see the place they’re renting. It looks like a dream vacation. “Have you seen the pictures we sent you?” Mom asks. “New Zealand is absolutely stunning. We’re totally bringing you and Brock here over summer break.”

“That would be so fun!”

“So how are you doing? Awesome game on Friday, sweetheart. You were such a kickbutt, as usual. I’m sorry we couldn’t chat—we booked a tour and were running late.”

“That’s okay. I’m just glad you were able to watch it live.”

She smiles. “Me, too.”

Dad plops down next to her and kisses her cheek, then he smiles and waves at me. “I’m so happy to see you, Zoey! How are you? Are my brother and Ally treating you right?”

I sigh with exaggeration. “They’re so horrible to me. They try their hardest to make me feel at home and Aunt Ally’s always cooking my favorite foods. And can you believe Uncle Zack actually went to a specific store to buy my favorite chocolate?”

Dad also sighs with exaggeration. “Should have left her with the Knights.”

Mom snorts. “They’d spoil her there.”

I chuckle. “I love living with Aunt Ally and Uncle Zack, but I miss you guys so much.”

“We miss you too, sweetie,” Dad says. “And Mom is very appreciative of your hourly texts.”

I laugh sheepishly. “Sorry. Sometimes I get so caught up in what I’m doing that I forget to update you guys on my life.”

“That’s okay,” Mom says. “We just want you to live your life happily.”

“Uh huh,” Dad teases, then does an impression of her. “‘Zane, Zoey hasn’t texted me all day. You think she’s okay? Maybe she’s upset with us for abandoning her? Oh, she just texted, finally! Yay, a photo. Aw, Zane, she’s so beautiful, isn’t she? Remember when all she wanted was to play tea party with her dolls? Now look at her. She’s growing up to be such a wonderful person and I’m so proud—’”

Mom whacks Dad’s chest. “I’m not that bad.”

He laughs and nuzzles her nose with his. “I know. I’m just teasing you.”

“I’ll try to text more often,” I promise. “But honestly, everything is pretty much the same. Your lives are much more interesting. You’re the ones who need to send us a million photos and updates.”

“Hmm, true,” Dad muses.

“Dad, how’s the new book coming along? Mom said you haven’t left your computer all day.”

He beams. “It’s going really well. I haven’t been so inspired to write since your mom and I got married. Remember that first week, Bailey? You were so upset when I was holed up in my office writing.”

“Not true. I was super happy and supportive of you.”

He chuckles. “That’s not how I remember it, my muse.” He kisses her nose. Then he looks at me. “By the way, Grandma, Grandpa, and Brock say hi.”

“I spoke to Grandma and Grandpa last night and I’m going to call Brock after we hang up.”

“Great. So what else has been going on in your life?” Dad asks.

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