Page 116 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

“I just can’t help but think how much it’ll suck when I move into a new home. I probably won’t be in Edenbury.”

His words cause my stomach muscles to twist in a painful way. I’ve been dreading thinking about it, too. But I need to be strong for him. Telling him how much it’ll suck for me will just make him feel even worse.

“Maybe Zack will find you a good home in Edenbury.” I try to sound as hopeful as possible.

“I don’t think so. He would have found someone by now.”

“Maybe.”

We’re both quiet as we continue drinking.

“Sorry for ruining the mood,” he says. “I just told you that you brighten my day, and now I ruined yours.”

I shake my head. “I just want you to be happy, Kade. With the right foster family. Even if…” I swallow. “It’s far from here.”

His face holds nothing but ache and disappointment as he chugs down his milkshake.

I straighten up. “We’re together now, right? There’s no point worrying about what might be. After we’re done with our drinks, I want to show you a store Mia, Rylee, and I used to cause trouble at when we were younger.”

His face fills with intrigue. “What kind of store is that?”

“It’s a clothing store that has an area in the back where they stash old clothes. Some of them look ancient. My friends and I would dress in them and pretend to be movie stars. It was the perfect improv for Mia. But the store owner would always catch us and kick us out. Yet somehow, we always managed to sneak back in…”

Kade chuckles. “I definitely need to see that.”

“Then let’s go!”

Chapter Thirty-Two

Zoey

School on Friday takes forever. The whole day, I count down the hours until I can finally get on a plane and fly to Boston.

When the final bell rings at last, I jump out of my seat and gather my stuff. At my locker, I put away my textbooks and things I don’t need, then wait for Mia and Rylee. We’ll say our final goodbyes because my flight is in a few hours.

A few minutes later, I catch Mia heading my way. She rushes over and flings her arms around me. “I’m going to miss you so much! Promise you’ll video chat with us.”

“I promise.”

“Wait for me!” Rylee throws her arms around the both of us, squishing us tight.

“Dying here,” Mia gasps.

“Sorry!” Rylee quickly steps back.

Both of them wrap me in their arms, and we stay like this for a few minutes, enjoying our last moments together. I know, I know, we’ll see each other when I get back in a few days, but it’s been so long since we’ve been separated.

When we reluctantly break apart, I notice Lexi standing before me with a nervous expression. She texted me earlier today that she had something to give me—probably her message for Brock.

“Hi, Lexi,” I greet.

She plays with her backpack straps, shifting from one foot to the other. “Hey. When’s your flight?”

“In a few hours.”

She nods before slipping her backpack off her back and rummaging inside. She takes a deep breath and plucks out an envelope. “Can you please give this letter to Brock?”

“Of course.” I take the envelope from her, giving her an encouraging smile. “I’ll make sure he gets it.”

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