Page 70 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

We’ve somehow walked to the side, where there are no people and it’s quieter. Our hands aren’t clasped anymore, and I feel a little chilly.

Zoey glances around the place while I lean on the wall with my arms crossed.

“Sometimes I wonder how I let my friends talk me into going to these things,” she says.

“You’re very lucky to have them. Good friends who would do anything for you.”

Her face registers concern and a bit of sympathy. I look away from her.

“I know I’m lucky,” she says. “I’m lucky that I come from a long line of Musketeers. We’re like a huge interwoven family.”

I lift an eyebrow. “Musketeers?”

She takes a few minutes to explain the history of how the Four Musketeers, Junior Musketeers, and Musketeer Trio came to be.

“So your mom and dad also met in high school?” I ask.

“Yep. Ally and her friends and my cousins and their friends all met their soulmates in high school.”

“How did they know they’re their soulmates?”

“They just did. The Junior Musketeers will also live happily ever after with their guys. And so will Rylee and Mason.”

“Yeah, they make a great couple.”

“Yep.”

I squint as I think. “You said you’re not looking for romance, right? But what if the right guy comes along? What if he sweeps you off your feet, says you’re the prettiest and smartest and kindest girl he’s ever met, and declares his love for you?”

“Um…” she murmurs as she stares at me. “What?” She shakes her head. “I mean, that won’t happen. I don’t want a boyfriend. Like I said, all they bring is heartache.”

“Rylee’s happy, isn’t she?”

“Yeah…”

“So do you think she’ll end up in heartbreak?”

Her eyes bug out. “No way! I hope not.” Her eyebrows furrow. “Why are you trying to convince me to fall in love in high school?”

“I’m not. I’m just trying to figure you out.”

She scoffs. “There’s not much to figure out. I’m Zoey Hastings, quarterback for the Edenbury High Lions, and I love reading. That’s it.”

I bend closer to her. “No. There’s much more to you.”

“W-what?”

“There you are!” Mia says as she joins us. “So that was a complete bust. The guy was flirting with me because he was trying to get a girl jealous. Ugh. So much for that.”

Zoey blinks at her. “Oh. Sorry, that sucks.” She gives me a pointed look. “See? Heartache.”

“Whoa! What?” Mia says. “Who said anything about heartache?”

“Never mind.”

As they chat about the guy, I wonder what the heck that was about. Why in the world was I talking to her about love and soulmates? I don’t believe in that stuff. I mean, obviously many people are crazy in love—like my parents and Ally and Zack—but many relationships end badly.

Why is it that she makes me say things I normally don’t say to other people? It’s like my heart opens every time I’m around her. Like I want to share things with her.

---