Page 104 of The Way the Heart Breaks: Jade’s Story

She notices. “What?”

“Nothing.”

“You're doing that thing.”

“What thing?”

“That stupid smile.”

“I don't have a stupid smile.”

“You do.”

“Your dad thinks I'm a good kid.”

She shakes her head. “What does that have to do with⁠—”

“Because if your dad likes me, that's one less person I have to convince.”

She studies me for a second, then smiles. “You really are determined, aren't you?”

“I told you I want to take you out after the game.” Her smile fades a little. “He said no?”

She shakes her head. “I can’t. Tessa’s birthday is coming up, and we’re having a girls’ night after the game.”

Unable to hide my disappointment, I groan. “That’s gonna be a problem for me.”

“A problem?” She quirks a brow.

“Not the whole girls’ night thing, I get that. But the whole, I really need to take you on a date, so you remember our first kiss was earned, and I don’t just steal one because it’s damn near impossible not to kiss you, pretty girl. Those lips,” I shake my head and sigh. “I’ll use what little self-control I have when it comes to you, but I wanna make sure I make a damn good impression, because one kiss is not going to be enough.”

Mrs. Haskins clears her throat from the front of the room. “Mr. Lane.”

I look up. “Yes, ma'am?”

“If your conversation is finished, perhaps you'd like to complete your assignment.”

I glance down at my empty paper and look up at Jade, who’s trying not to laugh. “Yes, ma'am.”

I pick up my pencil as I whisper, “Gonna be so worth the wait.”

She shakes her head, smiling. And for the rest of study hall, we actually manage to get some work done.

Coach Saville asked us to meet him during lunch to go over some footage of our opponents from last season. I'd never had to wrestle with skipping lunch to prep for an upcoming game, but I sure as hell do today.

Fifth period gym class is over, and I’m standing in front of Blue Valley’s trophy case, which has been covered up until now. I understand why; the damn thing is all but empty, unlike ours was at Stoneville. The last trophy BV won was back in the late 60’s. I lean in closer, thinking my eyes are fucked because I swear I’m seeing Ross on one, nope, two Ross’. Both J. Ross, and I know immediately it’s Jack and John, Jade and Tessa’s fathers.

“No shit.” I chuckle and turn to someone next to me, standing back a bit. Ryan Brooks. His arms are crossed, and he has that I-hate-the-world look on his face. “This is crazy. Right?”

He huffs in response.

I push past the bullshit I clearly have to put up with from this fucker and ask, “How come Jade didn’t tell me her⁠—”

“Because it has fuck not to do with you.” He sneers. “Some advice, Country Club: if she’s not talking about it, she doesn’t want you to know, so don’t bring it up.”

He turns and storms off. “Swear to God that kid has a screw not just loose, but completely missing.” I mumble as I look back at the glass case and check out the photos.

One is of a bunch of kids; I spot Alex and Ryan immediately. Middle schoolers. I don't recognize the two next to them from the team, but I see it. I glance down at the names in small print on the bottom of the photo. Two more J. Ross’.