Page 148 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

Now it’s time to put on our dresses. Mine is long and dark blue, Mia’s is light purple that’s slightly above her knees, and Rylee’s is green that’s a little below her knees with a slit on the left side. I’m not the biggest fan of dresses, but I have to admit—it looked really good on me at the store. And when I put it on now? I feel like a princess. Which is so bizarre because I haven’t been into princesses since I was a little kid. I guess this is how Cinderella felt when she went to the ball.

“Oh my gosh, you guys look so good!” Rylee says.

“You look so good!” Mia tells her.

“We all look good,” I say with a laugh as I wrap my arms around them. They return the hug, though we’re careful not to mess up our hair or makeup.

Rylee texts Mason that we’re ready and he can pick us up. When we go downstairs, we find Charlie and Asher sitting on the couch with the TV playing some kind of science program.

“It’s such a rare organism,” Charlie says to Asher. “But darn can it do a lot of damage to the human body.”

Asher shivers. “How have I put up with these shows throughout our marriage? I swear these programs are designed to give me nightmares.”

Charlie playfully whacks his chest. “They’re interesting.”

“Do I really need to know that something invisible to the naked eye could invade my body and cause all that havoc?” He falls back in his seat and clutches his heart. “The world was a better place when I lived in ignorant bliss.”

Charlie is about to say something, but then she notices us. “Girls! Come in.” She waves for us to enter. She examines each of us, her smile growing. “You all look so beautiful!” Her frown turns upside down. “But why are you growing up so fast?”

“Please stay with us a bit longer,” Asher pleads, still clutching his heart. “Charlie and I couldn’t possibly bear separation from another child and her friends.”

“But I must go out there in the world and discover who I am, my dear parents,” Mia joins in. “I know it will be hard to let go of your youngest, but you have to. For a baby bird must learn to fly on her own.”

Asher falls down on the couch. “She’s breaking my heart.”

“Ew, that really is gross!” Rylee says, pointing at the screen where we see a man with a weird skin rash. “Mason loves this show, too, but ugh, it’s sometimes hard to stomach it. Even though it’s fascinating.”

“It’s not for everyone,” Charlie says. “But you can learn a lot from it.”

Asher sits up and smiles at us. “I hope you have lots of fun at the dance. I still remember our high school dances. I was quite the charmer.” He winks at Charlie.

“Cocky.”

“Confident.”

She laughs and pecks his lips.

Rylee’s phone beeps. “Mason’s here.”

“Bye, Mom and Dad.” Mia hugs them.

“Bye, sweetheart,” Asher says. “And remember, no boys.”

“Ha.”

Mia and I follow Rylee out the door and toward Mason’s car. He gets out and bows before us. “Good evening, fine ladies.”

“Good evening, fine sir,” Rylee says, putting her arms around him and kissing him.

Mia and I slide into the backseat. After they’re done making out, Mason and Rylee get in the car. Mason says, “Kade?”

I nod. “Let me text him that we’re on our way.”

When we get there a few minutes later, I say, “I’m going to get him.”

I don’t know why my heart pounds as I make my way toward my aunt and uncle’s house. Maybe because I want tonight to be even more perfect than I imagine it’ll be. Or is it because I like Kade so much and I feel these intense emotions whenever I’m around him?

I ring the bell. A few seconds later, the door flies open to reveal Aunt Ally. She takes one look at me and her eyes fill with love and pride. “Oh, Zoey. You’re so beautiful. And so grown up.” She shakes her head with a smile. “Where have the years flown? Soon our youngest Musketeers will go off to college and then get married…” She laughs sheepishly. “Sorry.” She gives me a quick hug with one arm as to not ruin my hair and makeup. “Would you like me to call Kade or do you want to go up?”

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