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“I won’t.”

“How do you know what will happen in your life?”

“I…don’t, but—”

“What if I take you there?”

She would do that?

“What if you win the lottery?”

“People like me don’t win stuff like that.”

“Who are people like you?”

“My da—” I notice my mistake a moment too late.

“He won by marrying my mom, did he not?”

“He did,” I concede quietly, disproving my entire fucking point.

“Passion and persistence are all you need to succeed.”

And money, but Kota’s always had that, so she has no idea what it’s like to start from a deficit.

“You can’t turn it off, huh? Being a cheerleader?”

That fist of hers tightens, making me wish I brought Onyx along.

“I’ll have to one day.”

I understand her reluctancy to give up something she truly enjoys. It won’t be easy.

“Do stepsiblings go the grocery store together?” I question.

“Probably. I’ve never been in one to see for myself though.”

“A grocery store?” Oh, this is gonna be good.

“Maybe when I was little but…” Kota shrugs. “Now we just get everything delivered.”

“Not tonight.”

“Why? What are you buying?”

“Steaks and potatoes.”

“You’re going to cook them yourself?”

I try not to look too offended. I’ve only been cooking for the girl all week.

“Does the grill in the natatorium use charcoal or propane?”

Her bewildered shrug doesn’t make me optimistic. The only grills I’ve ever used were the charcoal ones in the park.

“I’ll use the stovetop.” That I’m familiar with.

“And the potatoes?”