“You said you loved watching my games,” Kai says, hugging Tabitha close.
“And now you’ve rewarded me by letting me miss a game.” Tabitha’s eyes fill with bewilderment as she turns to us. “Can you believe he’s giving up a soccer game to be my date? I must be special or something.”
Kai smirks and kisses Tabitha’s cheek. “Special doesn’t cut it.”
“How in the heck did Coach Lyle agree to let you skip the game?” I ask skeptically.
Kai sighs. “He’s got a brutal training regime for me this week.”
“I’m so excited about the garden party,” Tabitha asks, eagerly bouncing in place. “Jamie, do you get to sit with us?”
“I’ll be breezing past your table with canapes,” I say light-heartedly.
“Surely you’ll get to join us,” she replies. “Then it can be like a double date for the four of us.”
The twins share perfect ‘yikes’ expressions.
Tabitha nudges Kai. “Come on. Don’t be a party pooper. You know I want a double date.”
“Milo and I are still getting used to the whole going on dates thing,” I say. “Hanging out at the cafe is more our speed.”
“You’ll get there,” Tabitha says. “I’m changing at Kai’s house, too. Do you want me to do your makeup?”
I giggle at the happiness radiating off her. “You’d do that? I’ve never worn makeup.”
Her nose crinkles. “Like, ever?”
“Yeah.” I look at Milo and he gives me a coy smile. “Thanks for the offer, but I like how I look. I don’t need makeup.”
Tabitha shrugs. “Suit yourself. I just like to play. And now that Cammy’s gone and Yvette’s giving me the silent treatment, it feels weird getting ready alone.”
I shake my head. “What do you mean, Cammy’s gone?”
She deadpans me. “You didn’t hear? She and her mom are leaving town.”
“Whoa.” It comes out of me in a low hum.
Milo rubs my back, and just audibly, he mutters, “Thank go"dness.”
I watch the sadness on Tabitha’s face. “I do feel bad for Camila. It’d be hard dealing with your family breaking up. But she was mean to me long before her parents’ break up.”
Tabitha nods. “I wouldn’t blame you for celebrating that she’s gone.”
I grin and look at Kai, mouthing, “Yay.”
Kai smirks, jingling his keys. “Ready to go?”
Milo slings my bag over his shoulder, and we walk hand in hand to Kai’s car.
“Were you totally bored today?” I ask him.
He chews his lip, suppressing his grin. “Not totally.”
“Well, get ready to be on edge,” I say, swinging his hand in mine. “My aunt will give us fifty tasks as soon as we walk into the cafe.”
“I’m sure it won’t be that bad,” Milo says with hope.
“Don’t bet on it. I was just telling Coach how panicked she’s been over this event.”
