Page 59 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

She and Ae-Cha continue talking in Korean. Charlie learned the language after she and Asher got together, and she speaks it fluently.

After their discussion is over, she smiles at us. “So what’s the big news going on around Edenbury High? Mia never tells me anything.”

Mia holds up her hands. “There’s nothing to tell. Everything is the same, just like my relationship status.”

Charlie laughs as she wraps her arm around Mia. “This one is quite the drama queen when it comes to romance. I can’t believe how much I love all your drama, kiddo, considering I used to hate drama. Your dad changed me.”

“You think I’m dramatic all the time,” Mia corrects her.

She chuckles. “You might be right. You’re just like your dad.” She kisses her forehead. “Speaking of, where is he? He told me he was going to stop by the restaurant and I wanted to surprise him.”

“Lorenzo is out running an errand,” I tell her.

She smiles as she shakes her head. “So he’s Lorenzo today? It’s hard keeping up sometimes.”

“Only when he’s our chauffeur,” Mia explains.

“Ah, I see. So, what’s up with you guys? Lay it all on me. I want to know what’s going on in your lives. And how’s Teagyn, by the way? Does she still have an invisible witch’s wart the size of Jupiter?”

“Even bigger,” Rylee grumbles.

“I hope she’s treating you right,” Charlie warns with a serious expression. “Because if she’s not, don’t be embarrassed to tell your parents or me or any of the adults in your life. We’re here to help you.”

“I know,” Rylee assures her. “I think she got the message loud and clear from my dad. She’s not exactly treating me badly or anything. She just prefers to pretend I don’t exist until she has to.”

Charlie makes a face like she wants to march over to her right now and slap her good.

“But you don’t have to worry about that,” Rylee continues. “In a few years, the witch will be off her throne and a new queen will reign.”

Charlie smiles. “That’s right. Mia told me you’re thinking of being the next cheer coach. That’s wonderful, sweetie. You’ll be amazing at it.”

Rylee beams. “Thanks. My cheer squad will be a fun and accepting place for everyone.”

“I’m so proud of all of you,” Charlie says as her gaze moves between us. “Bailey, Kara, and I, and our guys have raised strong, independent young women who are ready to take the world by its horns. Though I can’t believe our baby Musketeers are all grown up and are ready to fly the nest.” She holds out her arms. “Bring it in, guys. I need a massive hug from all of you.”

We comply just as her food arrives. She digs in and we continue to chat, and then Asher joins us a few minutes later.

Chapter Nineteen

Kade

Zoey’s eating out with her friends, so it’s just Ally, Zack, and me for dinner. Things are good between us. They don’t treat me weird or differently because of what happened yesterday, and I’ve kind of opened up. A little. Normally, I’d be quiet at the table, but tonight I feel comfortable enough to talk more.

Once we finish eating, we decide to watch a movie. Considering I finished my homework already, I’m free tonight.

“So since we watched a romance the other day, you pick, Kade,” Ally suggests.

I shrug. “Haven’t really been up to date with the newest movies. I’m cool with whatever.”

Ally and Zack exchange a look before saying, “Fantasy.”

With popcorn and other snacks, we gather in the living room and Zack starts the movie. It’s all right, not out of this world, but interesting.

Ally and Zack are snuggled in each other’s arms and I glance down at myself. We’re together, but I’m lonely. I never really thought much about girls. Figured no one would ever want a messed-up guy like me. But the more I see the love between my foster parents, the more these strange thoughts attack my mind. I wonder if I’m destined to find someone and live happily ever after like them. Or like my parents. Everything was good and perfect until our lives were shattered forever.

Sounds come from the TV, pulling me from my thoughts. There’s an intense battle between enemies and the main character’s love interest dies.

Ally sits up sharply. “Darn it. That’s it, I’m done. I hate when they ruin movies.”

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