Page 63 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

We begin the first episode of the superhero show. I was right—the show’s crazy lame and cringey. But it’s funny, too, and I can definitely use a good laugh after the week I’ve had.

“You know, you have a really nice smile,” she says.

The smile drops from my face.

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I was just saying you should smile more often.”

I stare at the wall as a million thoughts hit my head. After I lost my parents, it didn’t feel right to smile or be happy. I mean, they were shot. Dad died and Mom’s barely existing. What do I have to smile about?

“Are you okay, Kade? I’m really sorry.”

I shake my head. “No, don’t apologize. I…” I run my hand through my hair, pulling it over my face. “It’s been a while since I…”

She nods in understanding. “We don’t have to talk about it.”

“Thanks.”

We’re quiet as we continue watching the show. She looks at me and when I turn to her, she quickly looks away.

We end up binging most of the episodes, since they’re short and very light. They’re more comedy than superhero, but it’s still fun.

“I’d better get ready for bed,” Zoey says as she stands. “Do you want to take a shower first?”

I wave my hand. “No, go ahead.”

“Thanks.”

She heads toward the exit, but before she leaves, she turns around to look at me. We stare at each other for a long time—more than we probably should—before she smiles shyly and walks away.

Chapter Twenty

Zoey

So tonight is the dreaded party at Elena’s. Why did I let my friends convince me to go?

I stare at my reflection in my bedroom mirror, taking in my sweatshirt with the Lions logo and my jeans—what I usually wear. Should I wear something nicer?

Shrugging, I make my way downstairs. Then stop in my tracks when I spot Kade standing near the kitchen table, a container of peanut butter cookies in his hands. His head lifts to mine, and something shifts in his eyes. I don’t know what, though.

“Hey,” I say.

“Hey.”

We both just stand here.

Why are things so awkward? He and I…well, are we friends? Watching the true crime show with him yesterday was more enjoyable than I thought. Being in his presence is more enjoyable than it was before.

“Where are my aunt and uncle?” I ask, just to break the silence. Because I know where they are.

He seems to struggle with opening the container. “They went out on a date. Something about a motorcycle and a special place?”

“Yeah, it’s a waterfall in the woods. They go there a lot. Actually, they go on romantic dates a lot…”

He nods slowly as he tries to tear the lid off. “That’s cool. That they’re still in love after all these years.”

“Yeah, totally. They have the most epic romance story in the world.” I frown. “Now I sound like my cousin, Lily. But their story is really romantic—you know, for people who like that sort of stuff.”

His eyes shift to mine. “Do you like that sort of stuff?”

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