Page 89 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

“The guy you end up with will be a mobile gamer,” Rylee teases. “And you’ll fall so in love with him that you’ll get down on your knees before me and admit that you were wrong.”

“Heaven forbid,” Mia mutters.

“Snob,” Rylee teases.

I laugh lightly to Kade. “Sorry. We’ve been besties for so long and are not used to having someone new here.”

He shakes his head. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. Like I said, you guys are funny.”

“Thanks,” Rylee says. “But back to your love of true crime. My mom loves it, too. There are tons of mystery book recommendations I can give you. Hey, did Zoey ask you to join book club? We’re always looking for new members, and having a guy would be great, too.”

“Reading isn’t really my thing, but thanks.”

“Bummer.”

We chat for the rest of lunch. And after the bell rings and we place our trays on the table, Kade leans in to whisper to me, “Thanks for inviting me to sit with you and your friends. It means a lot to me.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t invite you sooner.”

“That’s okay. For years I convinced myself it was better for me to be alone, but you’ve shown me how rewarding it is not to be.”

I slide my hand into his and give it a squeeze.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Kade

After signing in at the front desk of the facility Mom’s at, I turn toward her room and walk inside. Zack’s waiting for me in the car in the parking lot. Like Ally, he told me I should take as long as I need.

I’m doing much better than I did before. It kind of feels like I’ve changed. And that’s all because of my foster parents. And Zoey. Definitely Zoey.

I drop down on the chair near Mom’s bed and rest my hand on hers. “Hey, Mom,” I whisper. “Told you I’d be back, didn’t I? Hope you didn’t miss me too much.”

I look around her room. Everything is the same. I don’t know why I expect things to change just because I have.

“There’s so much to tell you,” I continue and update her on everything that’s been happening at school. Like my grades, for example. While I’m not the best student, I’ve been doing well in all my classes. I guess now that I don’t have to constantly watch my back like I did at the group home, I’m free to focus on school. And sure, Ally pushing me has a lot to do with it, but I’m glad she’s pushing. Because it shows that she cares. And if I do want to be a detective one day, I’ll need decent grades to get into a good school.

“Zack keeps reassuring me that he’s searching for a good home for me. And I know he’s determined, but I kind of…” I puff out my cheeks. “I like living with him and Ally. And I know there’s no way I can stay with them until I age out.”

I take a break from talking and watch her for a little bit. It’s been six years, not that long ago, but sometimes it’s hard for me to remember details about her. Like her smile. Or the way her eyes lit up whenever she was happy. And how when she and Dad argued—which was very rare—she’d do whatever she could to talk it out with him so there would always be joy in the house.

Our house was always filled with warmth and kindness, which is probably why I love living with the Hastings. From what I can tell, Zoey has that kind of home as well. She’s very lucky, and I hope and wish she’ll continue to have a good life. Me? I’m not sure where I’ll end up, but I’m determined to make something of myself. Zack is confident that I could and I want to believe him.

I glance back at Mom and smile sadly. “I think you would love the Hastings,” I tell her. “And Zoey, too. Mom…I’m not sure what’s going on with me lately, but I feel like…” I puff up my cheeks. “I don’t know. I think about her a lot. Like, really a lot. And every time I think about her, I smile in a way I’ve never smiled before. She makes things seem okay. Good, even. She’s like sunshine after a thunderstorm.” I laugh lightly. “Was that lame? But nothing feels lame about Zoey. Mom, I’ve never felt about anyone like the way I feel about her. I look forward to waking up in the morning just so I can see her smile. She’s the best friend I’ve ever had.” I swallow. “Is it normal to feel that way about a friend? If she knew I felt this way, would she be uncomfortable? I mean, she seems to like hanging out with me, but maybe she only sees me as a friend. And anyway, she told me she doesn’t want a boyfriend.”

Footsteps sound in the doorway and when I turn my head, I find Nurse Heidi standing there. She holds up her hands. “Sorry to interrupt.”

“That’s okay. Hi, Heidi.”

She smiles as she enters. “Hey, Kade. How are we doing today?”

“I’m okay.”

She smiles again, then checks on Mom. “I couldn’t help overhearing about the special girl in your life.”

My face is a bit warm. “There’s no special girl. She’s just a friend.”

She nods as her eyes narrow. “From the way you describe her, she doesn’t seem like just a friend.”

---