Page 19 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

She just stares at me. “What are you—?”

My eyes widen and I back away from her. Muttering a curse under my breath, I push past her. Like before, I feel her eyes on me, but this time they’re overflowing with confusion and pity instead of anger or irritation.

Darn it.

I plop down on my bed, burying my face in my pillow. I have no idea how that slipped out. I’m always in control of what I say, never show vulnerability. What is it about that girl that makes me…I don’t know, different.

Getting to my feet, I peek out of the doorway. Zoey is still standing there with her eyebrows furrowed. Is she thinking about what I said?

I don’t know why I care so much what she thinks. Like I said, we’ll just be two kids living under one roof. I guess I don’t want her to look at me with pity. I mean, she knows I’m in foster care, so it’s no surprise that I’ve been through crap. But I don’t want her to think I’m weak. I don’t want anyone to think I’m weak. I’ve learned over the years how to survive.

A few minutes pass before Zoey goes to the bathroom. I return to my bed, crossing my arms over my chest.

My hand acts on its own and reaches for the drawer of my nightstand, where I pull out the few photos of my parents. The memories wash over me as I stare at them. Hard, like I’m hoping that if I stare long enough, the past could change.

Shaking that away, I shove them back in the drawer and close it. It’s time I stop moping about the past and move on.

“Kade?” Ally says, standing near my open door. “You doing okay?”

Geez. It’s like she read my mind and knows I’m not feeling so great. But I lie and say, “Yeah, I’m okay.”

“Okay. Want a snack or a drink?”

“No, thanks.”

“Good night. I’ll see you in the morning.” She leaves.

My throat tightens again as tears poke my eyes. She reminds me of Mom. She’s the only one in the last six years who makes me feel this way.

You’re lowering your guard, the voice in my head warns me.

Right. I have to remember that she and Zack are taking care of me out of obligation.

Yet, it doesn’t really feel that way.

Puffing up my cheeks, I reach for my copy of Jane Eyre and continue reading it for Ally’s class tomorrow.

Chapter Seven

Zoey

After my shower, I settle down on my bed and start a video call with Mia and Rylee. Rylee texts that she’ll join in a few minutes because she’s finishing an assignment, but Mia’s face appears on my phone screen. Actually, she’s standing in the middle of her room while her phone is propped up against something on her desk.

“Hey,” she says to me with a wave before facing an invisible person. “No, Mom! I’ve had it with you! Had it with your excuses, your lies, your—” She sighs and shakes her head. “Too over the top. Ugh, why am I struggling with this scene?”

“Are you practicing for the play?” I ask. Mia landed the main role, which isn’t surprising because she always bags the lead.

She releases a huff before marching to her desk and plopping down on her chair. “My character is supposed to be tough and strong, but I want to add more depth to her. Show a softer side. The way she’s written in the script is just so one-dimensional. Ugh.” She buries her face in her desk and moans dramatically. “What if my poor performance in this play kills my acting career?”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” I tell her with an encouraging smile. “You’re one of the most talented people I know. Besides, you always wow everyone with your performances. You’ve got this, Mia.”

Her shoulders relax as she raises her head and gives me a grateful smile. “Thanks, Zoey. I really needed that.”

“No prob.”

“Virtual hugs!”

We virtually hug each other.

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