Page 155 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

Zack nods with an encouraging smile. “Will you be okay?”

I nod. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. As much as this hurts, I know she’s in a better place now.”

Zack and Ally tell me they’ll take care of the funeral arrangements. We stay together for a bit before I leave to my room.

After plopping down on my bed, I gaze at the ceiling and let new tears spill down the sides of my face. I’ll miss my mom like crazy, but at least she’ll be okay now. With Dad, in some sort of afterlife. I hope.

My phone buzzes with a text.

Zoey: Kade. My parents told me what happened. I’m so sorry. Are you okay?

Her care brings fresh tears to my eyes. I manage to tap out a text with wet eyes.

Kade: Yeah. I’m devastated, but I’ll be okay.

I’m so thankful I got to see and talk to her one last time. And I’m more than glad she got to know the girl of my dreams.

Zoey: Want me to come over?

Kade: Yes.

Since she lives very close, it doesn’t take her long to ring the bell. After saying a few words to her aunt and uncle, she knocks on my open door.

Her eyes are sad as she stands in the doorway. I slowly get up, and she runs into my arms. “Kade. I’m so sorry.”

I bury my face in her hair. “I can’t believe she’s actually gone.”

“What can I do?”

“Just hold me, please.”

She squeezes her arms around me. The tears fall from my face. She sniffs as well, her shoulders trembling.

“I’m so glad you met her,” I whisper in her ear. “Now she can rest in peace knowing I’ll be okay. That I have so many people in my life who care about me.”

She draws back and wipes my tears with her thumbs. “You do.”

“She and Dad are together now,” I tell her. “I was bothered that he was all alone, but he’s not alone anymore. I mean, I like to think they’re together.”

“I bet they are and they’re watching over you and will always be with you.”

I press my face to her shoulder and we just stand in my room with our arms intertwined.

“Thanks for coming, Zoey,” I murmur.

She squeezes me again as she whispers comforting words in my ear.

Chapter Forty-Two

Zoey

Two weeks have passed since Kade’s mom passed away. The funeral was difficult for him, but he had so many people who were there for him. Including The Four Musketeers, who told him he’s part of the family. He also learned that Easton Knight was paying for his mom’s care and was very grateful.

He’s been doing all right since then, putting on a smile whenever he could, and living his life as he came to terms with it. I’ve never left his side once. We’ve hung out a lot, talking, thinking, just being together.

Now it’s Saturday afternoon and we’re watching a movie in my room. We’re sitting side by side on my bed, our shoulders nearly touching, our fingers inches from each other.

He and I have gotten really close these past two weeks, on a deep level that goes beyond anything I ever imagined. We haven’t kissed since the fall dance, and as much as I’d like to, I want to give him time until he’s ready. Even if it takes months or years. I’ll go at whatever pace he’s at.

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