Page 147 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

Zoey lifts a brow. “With a suit.”

I groan as I cross my arms over my chest. “With a suit,” I reluctantly say.

We stay with Mom for a bit longer, continuing to talk about everything going on in our lives, before deciding it’s time for us to go home.

“Thanks for bringing me here,” she tells me as we walk toward the exit of the building. “Your mom is awesome and I’m so glad I got to know her.”

“Thanks for coming with me. It means a lot.”

She stops and throws her arms around me, pulling me close to her. My hands wrap around her as she buries her face in my chest. She doesn’t say anything and neither do I. I don’t know how long we stay like this, but I didn’t realize just how much I needed it.

Chapter Forty

Zoey

I can’t believe this moment has finally come!

It’s the night of the fall dance and my friends and I are getting ready at Mia’s house.

I can’t stop smiling. I know, I know, since when do I get this excited about a high school dance? But the thought of dancing the night away with the person who’s come to mean so much to me…I can’t think of anything more perfect.

I feel like Kade and I have grown even closer since he took me to meet his mom. I’m so honored that he felt comfortable enough to share that part of his life with me. It sucks so much that she’s in a coma, and it sucks even more that it’s unlikely she’ll ever wake up. I hope I can support him in whichever way he needs.

“Zoey, hold still,” Rylee complains when I fidget in my seat as she works on my makeup. She and Mia are taking care of my face and hair, since I’m completely useless in that department. But ugh, this is taking forever.

“Tonight is going to be awesome,” Mia gushes as she continues working on my hair. “Even though I wish I had a date, I want to make the most of the dance. So be prepared, Musketeers. We’re going to dance until our legs fall off.”

“Yes!” Rylee squeals, spreading something on my face. “I’ve been dreaming about it for days.”

“Me, too,” I admit with a huge grin.

“Ooh,” Mia teases. “The day has finally arrived. Zoey Hastings is actually excited to go to a dance. I thought I would have to wait a lifetime.”

“You know I always love hanging out with you guys,” I tell them. “But it’s different when you have someone to share a dance with. Sorry, Mia.”

She waves her hand. “Don’t apologize. Like I said, I won’t let the fact that I have no date bring me down. I’m going to have an amazing time with my amazing Musketeers. My guy will come when the time is right.”

“I’m glad you feel that way,” I tell her. “Because I’d hate to see you sad.”

“I’m not sad,” she assures me.

“Maybe someone will ask you to dance,” Rylee says. “He’ll see you killing it on the dance floor and will be like, ‘Who is that incredible girl with the kickbutt dance moves? I need to get to know her.’”

Mia laughs. “Maybe, but it’s okay if I don’t dance with a single guy. Tonight is all about fun. And romance for you guys. You’d better squeeze in as many romantic dances with your guys as you can. Don’t worry about me. I’m feeling oddly okay about being single. Maybe if I don’t obsess over it so much, it’ll happen. Like BAM! When I least expect it.”

“Totally!” Rylee says. “Zoey, your makeup is done.”

“So is your hair,” Mia adds.

She spins me around to see my reflection in the mirror. I smile at my friends. “I look pretty. Thanks.”

“What are you talking about?” Mia demands. “You’re always pretty. Beautiful. But tonight, you look extra gorgeous.”

“Agreed,” Mia says.

“Thanks. And you guys look extra beautiful, too.”

“Thanks.” Rylee tosses her hair. “We do good work, don’t we?” she jokes.

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