Page 64 of The Off-Limits Play

But then the door clicks shut and her eyes get kind of big and glassy.

Oh shit. Is she gonna cry?

“So, Miss Zoey Bird, what do you want to do?” Nylah grins at her. “I’ve got some books in my bag if you want to read something new.”

Zoey eyes her up again.

“I brought some of my favorites. Like Dr. Seuss.”

“Geen eggs ham?” Zoey’s voice pitches with enthusiasm.

“You know that one? Wow. And you know it’s a Dr. Seuss book. You are one clever little peanut, aren’t you?”

Zoey smiles and dips her chin, obviously loving the compliment.

“I also boughtA Fly Went Bybecause that’s like the best book ever.”

Zoey’s interest is piqued, but then her nose wrinkles. “Geen eggs ham.”

“You want that one first?”

Zoey nods again.

“Okay, well, do you wanna show me your room and maybe we can read in there?”

Pointing up the stairs, Zoey guides Nylah up to her room while I stay on the landing, telling myself to leave but knowing there’s not a chance in hell I’m going anywhere.

I can hear Nylah’s voice floating down from Zander’s room, and it’s got this sweet singsong quality. Damn, she’s good with kids and sounds so adorable as she puts on voices and makes Zoey giggle. I just stand there like an idiot, straining to hear her read stories and resisting the urge to climb the stairs so I can spy on her.

“What are you doing, bruh?” Tyrell’s deep voice nearly makes me jump out of my skin.

“Uh… nothing. What the fuck, man?”

“What?” He softly laughs at me as he pulls on his boots.

“Where are you going?” I lean against the railing, trying to look casual and relaxed. Shit, I probably look like an idiot.

“Study group.” He grabs his jacket as Grady wanders in from the kitchen.

He’s reaching for his shoes as well.

I shove my hands into my pockets, feeling agitated for reasons I can’t explain. “You got a date with Teah?”

“I wish.” He snorts as he ties his Skechers. “Nah, I’ve got a tutoring session with that new freshman running back.”

“Stainton?”

“Yeah. Poor kid can’t read for shit. He’s really struggling, and you know Coach is all about excellence in all areas of life. I’m just helping him go through the playbook tonight, and I might proofread an essay for him too. It’s no doubt full of mistakes. He’s bright, just got some processing issues.”

“Dyslexia?” Tyrell asks.

“Yeah, and some other stuff too.” Grady follows our roommate out the door, and they keep chatting while I stand there watching them go and becoming hyperaware that Zoey’s about to go to sleep and Nylah and I will have the house to ourselves.

Maybe we can finish what we started on Sunday afternoon… if I can convince her that my disappearing act was for her sake as much as mine.

CHAPTER23

NYLAH

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