Page 126 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

“Maybe it’ll be more fun doing it with you.”

“I’m not really in the mood.”

“Then what are you in the mood for?”

He shrugs.

“You want to just sit here and mope?”

“You’re the one who ruined everything.”

“I’m sorry.” I put my hand on his arm again. “We don’t have to talk about any of that. You choose what to do.”

He’s once again quiet for a little bit, then nods at his computer screen. “Want to watch this documentary with me? It’s about sharks.”

“What a shock,” I joke, hoping to get him to smile.

He does, a little.

I scoot back on his bed and get comfortable. “Okay, let’s see these apex predators in action.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

Zoey

My alarm wakes me up super early the next day for sailing. Normally, I would groan and smash my pillow over my face because I always sleep in on Saturdays, but I haven’t been on Grandpa’s boat since the summer and I’m super excited.

Brock is already in the kitchen when I walk in, stuffing his face with pancakes and waffles. He has a mountain of food on his plate. He grew an appetite of ten men in middle school when he was very active in sports. But ever since the accident, he hasn’t played much. He still has a gigantic appetite, though, and works out a lot. I need fuel, too, but not like my brother.

Grandma is at the stove, preparing the pancakes and waffles. She smiles at me. “Good morning, Zoey sweetie.”

“Morning, fam.” I slide onto the chair next to Brock. “Hey, maybe save some for others?” I tease.

“First come, first serve,” he says over a full mouth.

“Is that a way to treat the sister you missed so much?”

He looks from his right and left. “I don’t see any sister I missed so much.”

I shove his shoulder.

“It’s okay, kids,” Grandma says as she places a new batch of pancakes on the table. “I made plenty of food.”

“I know, Grandma,” I tell her. “Thanks. I’m just teasing Brock. It’s a wonder you’re not broke with the amount of food he eats.”

“Shut up,” he mutters over another mouthful of pancake.

“Well, he’s a growing boy,” Grandma says as she mixes the batter. “You’d be surprised how much food they need.”

“I’m not that surprised,” I say as I cut into my pancake. “My team is made of boys who can devour an entire horse in less than ten minutes. Mmm, Grandma. This is delicious.”

“Thanks. How are the Edenbury Lions, by the way? Your mom told us you’re well on your way to going to state for the third year in a row.”

I beam. “Yep. I’m super proud of my team. We all work really hard.”

“We see it in the videos. You deserve it.” As she cooks the next batch of pancakes, she says, “I remember your mom’s football days as though they happened yesterday. She was such a tough and determined little thing, just like you. I always loved seeing her out there, but Grandpa?” She chuckles. “He looked like he was seconds away from having a heart attack at every game.”

“Why?” I ask.

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