Page 89 of Better Than Revenge

“No, it was my fault for not being more open with them. I’m sorry for not telling them. It’s not that I’m not proud to be withyou.”

“Proud?”

“Yes, proud. And happy. It’s just I’ve been so distracted.”

“By what?” he teased, kissing my cheek.

“By this guy who is super hot and knows it.”

He chuckled. “I’ve been distracted by a beautiful girl who can kick a football.”

“I can do other things too,” I whispered.

He pulled me closer. “Oh, really?”

“I didn’t meanthat,” I said, playfully pushing his chest.

He kissed me, and someone in the parking lot let out a “Whoop!”

“Can I ask you something?” I said, looking up at him.

“Yes.” He took a wide-legged stance so his eyes were more level with mine.

Jensen’s accusations flashed through my mind again. No, I wasn’t going to give them a voice, put a wedge between us, bring uptrust issues once again. I trusted Theo. He’d earned that trust. “Why are you such a good kisser?” I said. “Have you kissed a lot of girls?”

He laughed. “Yes, tons.”

“No, seriously, have you had a girlfriend before?”

“I have been very focused on football for a very long time.”

“Is that a no?” I asked, surprised.

“I’ve been on a few dates. Kissed a few girls. You are my first girlfriend.”

“Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?”

“Oh.” He smiled, and my heart melted. “Yes. Will you be my girlfriend, Finley Lucas?”

I nodded and kissed him again.

Chapter

thirty

“I HAVE A SURPRISE FORyou.” It had been a tough week for Grandma, and it took me until Friday to feel like she was ready to record another episode. I wanted to document her reaction to seeing the pictures for the first time so that we’d always have it to listen to. But depending on her reaction, I wasn’t necessarily going to publish it. Some things were just for my family.

I pulled my backpack onto my lap with a wince. It had been a tough week for me too. Since tryouts were now only eight days away, I’d been practicing kicking a lot with Theo, and I was sore. My friends had even joined us for a couple of practices.

“What’s the surprise?” Grandma asked now. She wore one of her wigs today with a robe and house slippers. Betsy had painted her nails again, a bright purple.

I retrieved the pictures and slid them across my desk to her. “I found some pictures of you with your surfboard.”

She picked them up and studied them close, not saying anything for a long time.

“What do you think?” I asked.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it? It was even more beautiful in real life.” Her eyes were lit up with joy.