Page 71 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

That’s crazy.

“Kade?”

I snap in and look at Zoey and Mia. Rylee and Mason are here as well, their arms wrapped around each other.

“My dad is on his way,” Mia informs us. “We should wait for him outside.”

As we pass through the many kids, I feel their gazes on me. Accusing, judging, hating. And while I tell myself I don’t care and that their stares don’t hurt me, I know it’s a lie. All I’m doing is trying to survive in this world with no parents and I don’t need them pushing me down. Or thinking the worst in me.

A hand slides into mine. Zoey’s. She gives me an encouraging smile. All my worries and unease from the prying eyes vanish as we make our way out the door.

She doesn’t release my hand until Asher comes.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Zoey

Classes are canceled on Monday because we have a trip to Historic Edenbury and the Edenbury Museum of History. The students are being divided into two groups to make things less chaotic. The first group will go to the historic town and museum first while the second group will visit the nearby apple orchard. It holds significant meaning for the residents of Edenbury because the apple trees were planted the day Edenbury became a town. Then the second half will go to the town and museum while the first half visits the orchard.

I’m in the first group and Mia and Rylee are part of the second group. I’m not bummed about it, though, because Kade is in my group.

“I love chaperoning,” Aunt Ally says as she drives us to school, where we’ll board buses that will take us there. “The museum should be a lot of fun. Remember when we took you kids there when you were really little? From what I understand, they added a lot of new features.”

Aunt Ally is part of the second group, too. I don’t think Uncle Brayden will join us, since he has a lot of work to do in his office.

“I don’t remember it much,” I admit. “But I’m super excited to go.” I turn around to face Kade in the backseat. “Do you like museums?”

He’s quiet for a few seconds before shrugging. “I haven’t been to one in a long time. And I don’t remember if I enjoyed them when I was a kid.”

“Well, I believe you kids will have a wonderful time,” Aunt Ally says as she slides into a spot in the faculty parking lot. “There’s nothing like having an educational experience outside of school.”

“I’m happy to miss class,” Kade says with a light laugh.

“Not me,” I inform him. “But at least the trip will be educational.”

“Goody Two Shoes,” he mutters.

I spin around. “Did you just call me Goody Two Shoes?” I demand.

Humor is etched into every feature of his face. “Of course not.”

I stare at him for a few seconds before turning around and unbuckling my seatbelt, trying to hide my smile. Did Kade Sanders just tease me? I know he’s called me that before, but he’s never joked with me like this. I think I…like it?

After we get out of the car, we make our way to the front of the school building, where a mass of students and faculty are gathered, waiting for the buses to arrive. Aunt Ally walks away to talk to some of the other teachers, and I search around for Mia and Rylee.

“Over here, Zoey!” Rylee calls with a wave, where she stands with Mia.

I make my way over and say, “Hey, guys. Excited for the trip?”

“Not really because you’re not in our group.” Mia frowns. “So not fair.”

“So lame,” Rylee agrees. “Maybe we can ask Ally to do something about it?”

I look over my shoulder for Kade and find him standing to the side, not really doing anything. Some of the kids still whisper about him, like they did at the party Friday night. I had a feeling it bothered him, which is why I slid my hand into his. But right now, he doesn’t look upset about it. Unless he’s putting up an act? Or maybe he just doesn’t care anymore. Either way, I kind of wish he was standing next to me. I hate that he’s alone. If he were to turn my way, I would wave at him to join us, but his back faces us.

I turn back to my friends. “It’s okay. Kade is in my group.”

Mia narrows her eyes at me, studying me closely. “You seem to be looking forward to hanging out with him the whole day.”

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