Page 48 of Hey, Stepbro

"You're getting pretty good," she says.

"Yeah, right."

"I mean it."

"Don't patronize me."

We play for a while longer, and I have to admit, I'm having a great time. Tennis is actually kind of fun.

Not.

After a while, I'm struggling to keep up. She's a natural at the sport, and it's no surprise that she dominates me.

"You're not making this easy," I say, wiping the sweat from my forehead.

"That's the point," Stella replies. "You need to push yourself if you want to get better."

I try to focus. We go back and forth for a while, but after a few more volleys, I'm getting worse, not better.

However, I'm grateful I'm finally able to hit the ball back over the net without missing.

"See?" Stella says. "I told you that you could do it."

"You brought me here to humiliate me."

Stella laughs. "No, I brought you here to have fun. And I think we both accomplished that."

I nod, proud of myself. Playing against Stella isn't easy, but what do they say? Nothing in life comes easy.

Fine… That’s the positive self-talk I’ve been trying out this week. I’m hot, sweaty, and I want to throw my racket on the ground like a bratty kid.

"Let's go grab something to eat," Stella suggests.

I agree, and we head off the court, ready to replenish our strength with some food.

"Taco Bell or nothing," I say.

"I want burgers."

I look her up and down. "With that figure, you haven't eaten a burger since you were twelve."

"I mean vegan burgers. Like Lizzo eats."

"I highly doubt there's a place that sells vegan burgers in Riverside, but all right."

"We'll drive around and see what we can find."

To my surprise, we find a place that sells vegan burgers, and we both order one. We grab a table outside to eat.

"So." Stella waggles her brows. "Tell me how it's going with Brock."

My cheeks instantly turn hot pink. "None of your business."

She scoots close to me. "I'm not letting you off the hook that easily. I want all the juicy details."

I smirk, thinking about all the naughty things Brock and I have done together. "Well, let's say he's an incredible lover."

"I knew it. That's the one thing he's good at."

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