She’s enjoying my humiliation far too much, and I’m okay with it. I can’t remember the last time we spent time together like this. Jenna looks like she’s having genuine fun. I still feel guilty for not knowing there was more going on with her moods than just being a shitty teen. I’ll talk to Mum and Dad later this evening.
Looking back, Icanremember the times Jenna stalked off to her room when me, Mum and Dad got onto a topic she clearly had no input on. Actually, I think we’ve done that a lot. Assuming Jenna would be as interested as us, not paying attention to her as an individual. That stops now.
My door pushes open and Sloane leans against the frame. “Hi.”
“Hey, babe. Just one second. I gotta kick Jenna’s arse at tennis.”
Five minutes later I’m ready to launch the fucking console through the window, but at least I hit a ball in this game.
“I think we know which Sawyer inherited the athletic genes in the family,” Sloane says, grinning. She walks up toJenna and gives her a high-five. I can’t grumble too much because I get a delicious kiss.
“I hear this was your genius idea,” I say, nodding to the TV.
“Actually it was Bryce, believe it or not.”
“Bryce? Why would he suggest it?”
Sloane smiles at me like I’m clearly missing something and she finds my ignorance adorable.
“Because you have quite the following, Eden. Half the school wants to see you finish the 5k.”
I scoff. “More like fall on my arse.”
Jenna takes the controller from me and hands it to Sloane. “No, Sloane’s right. You’re the talk of Holcroft. Loads of people hope you do it.”
“That’s just weird. There have to be a million other things more interesting than this.”
Sloane shrugs. “I think it’s nice.”
“Mmm.” I don’t know what to say. Firstly, I didn’t realise my beef with Mr Ass Hat was so well known. I’m kinda proud, to be honest. Secondly, I knew Holcroft was a decent enough high school, but even I’m surprised how little shit I’ve gotten, and now the apparent support.
“Sloane, do you wanna playJust Dance?” Jenna asks, her fingers pulling at her sleeve again.
I should be irritated that my little sister is eating into my time with Sloane, but I’m the opposite. I love they’ve hit it off so easily. Plus, after several games of tennis, I’m actually sweaty and could do with a sit down. Maybe Pia’s right, and I am an old lady at seventeen.
“Hell yeah. Let’s do this,” Sloane replies with genuine enthusiasm. She dumps her bag by my desk and takes her place next to Jenna.
After a few minutes of scrolling through songs I’ve never heard of Jenna selects one with excitement. Sloane gives her an approving nod.
What I witness over the next four minutes is mind-boggling. I never knew Jenna could dance like that. She’s so confident and clearly in her element. Sloane is just as good, but her dancing elicits other feelings that I’ll tell her about when we’re alone.
“Fucking hell,” I blurt when the song comes to an end. Both of them are panting hard. Jenna has a shy smile on her face and Sloane is beaming at us both.
“You smashed it,” Sloane says to Jenna.
“That was awesome! Jenna, you absolutely have to try out for the squad,” I say. Sloane is nodding along. Jenna goes a little redder.
“Eden’s right. You’d be a great addition. Let me introduce you to the junior captain.”
Jenna looks from Sloane to me. Taking her sweaty hand, I look into her eyes. “Go for it!”
“O-okay then. Thanks, Sloane.”
“No problem. Now, as much as I want to dance the evening away, algebra calls.”
Jenna laughs as Sloane groans and thumps her head to my shoulder in defeat. She really hates math.
“I’ll leave this set up, E. Maybe we could play again soon.”
