Page 117 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

Lexi looks so hopeful—I wish that whatever is written there helps heal whatever is broken between them. With a grateful smile, she hugs me. “Thanks so much. Have a safe flight.”

“Thanks.”

She waves before walking away.

“Are you all packed?” Rylee asks.

“Yep. Just need to add last-minute things. You guys want anything from Boston?”

“A lobster plush,” Mia says.

“Done, if I can find one. What about you, Rylee?”

“Hmm.” She rubs her chin. “I’m fine with anything you get me—a T-shirt, a key chain, a mug, a figurine...Surprise me.”

“Okay.” I hug them again. “Don’t have too much fun without me.”

“Of course not,” they say.

We wave goodbye and then Rylee goes to cheer practice and Mia goes to theater.

Aunt Ally is talking to Kade near the school doors. She smiles when I approach and puts her arm around me. “Excited for your trip?”

“A hundred times yes.”

“We’d better get you home so you can finish packing and head to the airport.”

Aunt Ally walks ahead to the car while Kade and I follow her side by side. “Have you ever been on a plane before?” I ask him. “Have you ever flown out of the country?”

“No, I’ve never been on a plane. But we used to go to Disney World every year for my birthday.”

“Really? That’s so cool.”

“Yeah, my parents made it this big deal. One time, I even brought my friends with me.” His face grows soft. “Mom and Dad worked so hard to make the day special for me.”

“They were really awesome people,” I say. “I wish I could have met them.”

A small smile tickles his lips. “They would have loved you.”

“Really?”

He nods. “My mom would have loved how dedicated and driven you are, that you don’t let anyone stop you from chasing your dreams. And the fact that you’re extremely kind is a huge bonus. And my dad would have loved that you love football—heck, that you’re the quarterback. He would have loved to play sports with you.”

“I would have totally been game.”

His eyes search mine. “Maybe you can come with me the next time I visit my mom.”

“Sure. I’d love that.”

Since we’re in public, I’m not sure if he’d like me taking his hand. So I move a little closer and rub my pinky against his. He closes his fingers around mine for a few seconds before letting go.

We get in the car and Aunt Ally drives us home. Uncle Zack couldn’t get out of work early, so he and I already said our goodbyes this morning. After I eat a small snack, I go up to my room to finish packing my last-minute items. I haven’t packed a humongous suitcase because I’ll only be in Boston for a few days. I double check to make sure I added the present I got for Brock from Historic Edenbury, as well as Lexi’s letter.

After half an hour, I’m good to go. Just as I zip my bag closed and stand it up, Kade walks in, holding a book. I glance at it before raising a brow at him.

“I went to the school library during lunch today and came across this book. It looks pretty old, and I remember you saying you wanted an old book? I think it’s adventure. I’m not sure if you’re taking books with you, but...” He hands it to me.

I study the cover. It definitely looks like an adventure book because there’s a teen guy holding a magical sword, with beautiful mountains in the background. I’ve packed books with me, but the fact that he got one for me warms me up in a way I’ve never been warmed up before.

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