AFTER that, Avery’s life was…well, not easier, but certainly happier. She hung out with Elena and her friends when she could escape the house. Li Min seemed to have mostly warmed up to her. And while the twins and her aunt weren’t any lighter on her, and Jamie couldn’t help much, she still got out of the house three times a week tutoring Alex. And, by extension, hanging out with Lucas. And his friends.
Today was just another day they were supposed to be going to the library after practice, and Avery was waiting for them on the bleachers as usual. She’d taken to going home to do her chores and coming back right before their practice ended.
Practice ended, and Lucas dismissed the team. Avery looked up as Alex came bounding up to her, still covered in sweat, his clothes sticking to his skin
