Quarterbacks Don’t Fall For Invisible Girls (Invisible Girls Club, Book 1)

by Emma Dalton

  His mom chuckles. “That’s great to hear.” She offers me and her son some. Brayden grabs a handful, winking at me again. The guy sure does love his cookies.

  I bite into one and my eyes widen. “So good. Definitely better than mine.”

  Brayden shakes his head. “It’s super close.”

  His mom smiles, though it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Thank you.”

  “Kara’s going to help me babysit Bailey, if that’s okay?” Brayden asks. “I know Bails will have lots of fun with her.”

  “Sure, son,” his dad says. “We’ll be home in a few hours, but we prepared dinner. It just needs to be warmed up.”

  Brayden nods. His mom reaches up to kiss his cheek and his dad slaps his hand. Then they tell me it was nice to meet me, wish us a good day, call out goodbye to Bailey who must be upstairs, and leave the house.

  Brayden watches them go with longing, lips pulled down in a frown. I inch closer to him, stretching my hand toward his, then yank it back. I wish I could touch him, comfort him, but I can’t. It’s like my heart is telling me to, but my brain is warning me it’s a bad idea.

  Brayden turns to me, shooting me an uncertain smile. “Sometimes it’s hard to see them like this. They used to be so in love, so happy.”

  “They still love each other. They just need some time.”

  He nods unsurely, then his lips curl into a wide smile. “I think it’s time we find the little princess.”

  I follow him up the stairs and into a room that’s painted half pink and half blue. There are dolls scattered around and posters of many different football players and athletes adorning the walls.

  “Bailey,” Brayden sing-songs as he steps into the room, motioning for me to follow him. I walk close behind him as he ambles toward what looks like a fort made of pillows and bedding. “Where are you, Princess Bailey?”

  He stops at the fort, chuckling, then turns around and pretends to search around the room for her.

  “Where could the princess have run off to?” he says loudly. “It looks like she doesn’t want to play with Prince Brayden and his new friend today.”

  A head peeks out from the opening of the fort. A little girl with identical hair as Brayden stares at me. She’s wearing a Cinderella dress. “Who’s that?”

  Brayden whips around and his eyes widen in mock shock. “There’s the princess!”

  She doesn’t take her eyes off me. “Who is she?”

  Brayden wraps his arm around me, gently pulling me close to his side. “This is my friend, Princess Kara. She’s here to play with us.”

  Friend…he called me his friend. Well, I guess he wouldn’t want to lie to his sister.

  Bailey blinks at me, scanning me from top to bottom. “Do you like tea parties?”

  “I guess?”

  “Sports?”

  I nod, even though I never play. But I like watching her brother, so that must count, right?

  She scans me again. “Okay, you can play. I’ll get you a tiara.” She vanishes into her fort.

  Brayden pulls me aside. “Sorry about the whole friend thing,” he whispers. “I didn’t want to tell her you’re my girlfriend because she gets very attached to my girlfriends and I don’t want her to get hurt when we, you know, break up.”

  I nod. “Right. Of course. That makes total sense.”

  He keeps his eyes on me, as if he wants to say more, but Bailey emerges from the fort with a golden tiara. She pushes it into my hands. “You have to wear it,” she commands. Then she frowns at her brother, small hands on her hips. “Where’s your crown?”

  He holds up his hands defensively. “Sorry, I left it in my room. Be right back.” He dashes out.

  Bailey studies me. “Are you Bray’s girlfriend?”

  “No, just a friend.”

  She pulls over a chair, gets on, takes my tiara from my hand, and places it on my head. “Timmy from school said there’s no such thing as boys and girls being friends. He said they can only be boyfriend and girlfriend.” She climbs down and lugs the chair back to its place.

  “Oh, there are lots of platonic relationships.”

  Her eyebrows furrow. “What’s that?”

  “Friends who are opposite genders.”

  She nods slowly. “Oh. So Timmy’s wrong?”

  “Yeah. Your brother and I are great friends. But just friends,” I quickly add.

  She narrows her eyes like she doesn’t believe me. Am I that obvious that I’m into her brother?

  Brayden sweeps into the room, a golden crown on his head and a royal red cloak around his shoulders. “Do I look presentable, Your Highness?”

  Bailey nods with a lifted chin. “I want a tea party now.”

  Brayden salutes. “Sure thing. Why don’t you girls have fun while I prepare everything?”

  Bailey slips her hand into mine, giving Brayden a bright smile. “Yeah. Kara’s nice. I like her. She told me Timmy was wrong about prognic relaships.”

  His eyebrows knit. “Huh?”

  “Platonic relationships,” I clarify. “I told her guys and girls could be just friends.”

  His eyes meet mine and it feels like he’s staring at me for hours. But then he leaves the room.

  A small hand slips in mine. “Wanna see the fort Bray made for me?” Bailey asks, jumping in place. “I helped, too, but I think I got in his way. He’s so good at building stuff.”

  I smile at her. “Sure. I’d love to see your fort.”

  She yanks my hand to pull me inside. I hang back, my eyes on the small opening. “I don’t think I’ll fit. Maybe it’s best I just peek in.”

  “Okay!” She disappears inside, holding the door open for me.

  Bending on my knees, I peer inside. The floor is covered with pillows and cushions and she’s got many toys lying around, dolls as well as action figures and electronic toys. It’s like her own personal playroom.

  “You like it?” she asks eagerly.

  “I love it.”

  She slides out and hands me a piece of paper. “I drew that.”

  I glance down at it and see a man, woman, two older boys, and a little girl all holding hands. Their colors match their hair—all except for the dad have sandy brown hair. “It’s beautiful,” I tell her. “Is this your family?”

  “Yeah, Mommy and Daddy and Bray.” She taps the older brother. “That’s Brock. I don’t really remember him so much, but we have lots of videos with him. He taught Brayden how to build forts. And one time he was supposed to be watching me in the pool but he forgot and I almost drowned.”

  My eyes widen. “Really?”

  She shrugs. “Yeah, but then he remembered me and everything was okay. He died when I was really little.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  Her eyebrows furrow. “Why do people say that? It’s not their fault he died, is it?”

  I shake my head. “No, but it’s a way to show compassion and sympathy.”

  “Oh.”

  Footsteps sound in the hallway and then Brayden steps inside with a tray carrying a kettle and three cups. He sets the tray on the small table in her room and we gather around it. The chairs are kid-size and I have no idea how we’ll sit down without smashing them to bits. But I’m surprised when Brayden lowers himself on one of them like it’s no big deal.

  “Princess Kara sits near me because I like her,” Bailey says as she pulls me down on the chair beside her.

  Brayden pouts. “Don’t you like me?”

  “Yeah, but she’s the guest,” she hisses to her brother. “And Annie will sit next to Brayden.” She nods to the empty chair near her brother.”

  “Annie?” I ask.

  Brayden bends close to whisper, “Her new imaginary friend from England. Her other friend Sally ran away, so we need to be nice to Annie so she’ll stay.”

  I nod in understanding and smile at the empty chair. “It’s so nice to meet you, Annie.”

  Bailey beams. “She likes you!” Then she straightens up like royalty. “Please pour
the tea, Prince Bray.” She says it with the most adorable British accent I’ve ever heard.

  “Yes, milady,” Brayden says, bowing his head. He, too, speaks with a British accent.

  He’s about to pour some tea into her cup, but she holds up her hand, gesturing to me. “Where are your manners? The new princess first. And then Annie.”

  He bows his head. “Forgive me.”

  “Thank you,” I say once he pours my drink.

  “British accent!” Bailey demands.

  I look from one sibling to the other, insecurity washing over me. “Oh, I’m not good at that. I don’t know how.”

  Brayden smiles. “I’m sure you can do it. Besides, it’s all fun. No one will judge you.”

  Bailey nods vehemently.

  I clear my throat and try my best to form a British accent. “Thank you.”

  Bailey nods, pleased. Then she starts talking about her day, from morning to this very moment. Brayden watches her as if she’s the most interesting person on the planet and my heart skips a beat. He’s so…wonderful. Perfect. Oh, man. I’m totally in trouble now. If I thought my crush on him was massive before, now it’s the size of the Grand Canyon.

  As his sister talks, Brayden’s eyes move to mine. I quickly avert my gaze. Does he know I was ogling him?

  We drink and talk for about twenty more minutes before Bailey demands we do something fun.

  “Like what?” I ask.

  She jumps up and down. “Basketball!”

  “You play basketball?”

  She lifts her chin proudly. “Yes. And I wanna play. Please, Bray?”

  He laughs. “Sure, kid. Anything you want. Tonight is your night. Go change out of your princess clothes.”

  He and I slip out of the room so she can get changed. He leans in close to whisper in my ear, “Every night is a Bailey night.” He chuckles, his breath warm on my cheek. I’m trying not to freak out that he’s this close to me. It’s not the first time, but every time seems new.

  I smile at him. “You’re such a fun older brother.”

  “Thanks. I try.”

  Bailey appears in the doorway a few minutes later. “I’m ready. And Annie’s going to watch us. She’s too scared to play.”

  “Are we going to the park?” I ask as we go down the stairs.

  “Nope. Got our own hoop in the backyard.”

  Bailey takes my hand, pulling me toward the door leading to the backyard. Brayden follows close behind. He pulls the door open and I take in the pretty yard behind the house. There’s a large pool, a barbeque, a small garden, and a basketball hoop.

  “I didn’t know you play,” I say to Brayden. “You’re not on the school basketball team, are you?”

  Laughing, he shakes his head. “No. I’m not good. I just play for fun.”

  I’m sure he’d be great at it. This guy is amazing at everything.

  He taps his chin. “How are we doing this?”

  “Girls vs. boy!” Bailey says as she bounces in place.

  Brayden and I exchange a glance. He raises an eyebrow. “What do you say, Kara?”

  “I’m game, but I’ve never done this before. You’re going to have to teach me, Bailey.”

  “Okay.” She spends a few minutes going over the rules, making sure to be clear and meticulous. She really is so adorable and I kind of feel a little lonely that I’m an only child. But I’m glad to spend time with Bailey now. And Brayden of course.

  We start playing and right off the bat I see we’re no match for Brayden. But he’s so obviously letting us win. Not for my sake, but for his sister’s. When it’s her turn to make a shot, I lift her in my arms so she can reach the basket.

  “Yay!” she cheers.

  He laughs and I laugh and then we’re having so much fun I don’t pay attention to the time until my phone dings.

  “It’s my dad,” I say as I glance at the screen. “He wants to know when I’m coming home for dinner.”

  “Eat with us!” Bailey says.

  I glance at Brayden and he lifts a brow. “We’d love to have you.”

  Warmness fills every part of me. “That’s really nice of you guys, but dinner…it’s important to my dad that we eat together and I don’t want to upset him.”

  Brayden nods in understanding. “So I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  “Yeah.” I turn to his sister. “I had so much fun playing with you, Bailey.”

  She flings her arms around me. “Me, too. You’re my favorite of Brayden’s friends.” As I hug her, my eyes find Brayden’s. He looks away, fully aware that after our arrangement is over, I most probably won’t hang out with his sister again. That hurts me more than I thought it could. I won’t just lose this amazing guy when we break up—I’ll lose all the great things that come along with him.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  I’m on pins and needles as I watch the students read the Edenbury High Times’s October issue the next morning. I, as well as the rest of the team, have been handing them out the second they were available and so far, no one has thrown them to the floor. A good sign, right?

  I guess Martina was right—putting Brayden’s picture on the front page sparked people’s attention. Our photographer did a great job catching my fake boyfriend in just the right light to make him look even sexier than he is. And more than that, you can see the fire and passion in his eyes, not just for football, but for life. Just staring at his picture, I see him in a whole new light.

  I smile as the kids read it, most of them even moving on to the articles and topics that are not football related. But as I walk through the hallway and the throngs of students, I spot several kids shrug and toss the paper on the floor like it’s garbage. My stomach drops to my toes. I guess I shouldn’t have hoped we’d reach all the students. I should be glad about the people who are interested—hopefully they’ll pick up more copies in the future.

  I turn toward my locker and my eyes widen when I catch a tall, buff guy bending down to sweep the discarded newspapers off the floor. He walks over to those who threw them away, speaks a few words to them, then hands them the paper.

  What in the world is Brayden doing?

  The crazy part? The people actually listen to him. The guy has a way with people…must be all that charisma.

  And the even crazier part? Brayden has his own stack of papers that he’s handing out. I didn’t know he volunteered to pass them around.

  I can’t help but stare as he moves from student to student, either returning their discarded papers or handing them a new copy. I stand in the middle of the hallway in such shock, I don’t pay attention to the kids knocking into me on their way to their lockers or classrooms.

  “Hey,” a voice says.

  Glancing up, I find Brayden smiling at me. His stack is gone. Wow. He handed them out pretty quickly. I still have over half of mine.

  “What are you…I mean, you’re handing out the newspaper?”

  He grins. “I told Martina I wanted to help out. Figured people might be more swayed to read it if I gave it to them.”

  I nod, my mind still not able to believe he…cares this much. Does he, though? Am I ever going to understand his complex mind?

  “Do you want me to help you?” he asks.

  I look at him. “What?”

  He slides half the stack out of my hands. “We can pass them around together,” he suggests.

  I nod again, and we head down the halls.

  “I read your article,” he tells me, then laughs. “Twice actually. I loved it.”

  My walking comes to a halt. “You did?”

  “Yeah.” He stops a girl and guy passing by and places two newspapers in their hands. They start reading as they continue to where they were going. “You painted me as this driven, hardworking, positive, kind, caring person.”

  “That’s what you are. I just wrote the truth.”

  He smiles as we resume our trek down the hall. No one accepts a copy from me, but the second Brayden asks them to read it, they rush to
comply.

  “It’s crazy how popular you are,” I say. “Though I’ll admit it has its advantages right now.”

  He chuckles. “Yeah it’s great, I guess. But sometimes I wish I could just fade into the background and be…”

  “Invisible?”

  He laughs again. “Yeah.”

  “Trust me, being invisible is not fun. But I think I’m starting to realize that being so popular isn’t a walk in the park, either. Always being in the spotlight can’t be easy.”

  He shakes his head. “No.”

  I smile. “But it still beats being a nobody.”

  “Maybe you won’t be a nobody anymore once everyone reads your article.”

  “No, I’m pretty sure people still won’t know who I am.”

  He playfully jabs his elbow into mine. “You never know.” He lifts his eyes and catches a few kids throwing their copies on the floor. He chases after them and convinces them to give it a shot. Like with the others, they agree.

  Brayden returns to my side. “People can be so rude sometimes. You and your team worked so hard to get this done. The least they could do is appreciate it.” He runs his hand through his hair. “Sorry, it bothers me when hard work goes by unnoticed.”

  “Thanks for that. But I don’t know if there’s a point. Those who want to read it will, and those who don’t won’t.”

  “Maybe they just need some convincing. Hey!” He heads over to some of his football buddies and hands them each a paper. “Read it.” He comes back to me. “I think we’re almost done. And look…no papers on the floor or in the garbage.”

  “Why do you care so much?”

  His eyebrows furrow. “Like I said, it bothers me when had work goes by unnoticed or unappreciated.”

  My insides deflate. I don’t know why I was hoping he’d say he was doing it for me. That’s selfish.

  “And I want them to read your awesome article,” he says, voice so soft it touches every part of me. “Not because it’s about me, but because it’s a great article. I felt like I got to know myself better.” He laughs. “I know that sounds weird, but it’s the truth.” He places his hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry I never paid attention to it. The past few weeks…I felt like I’ve changed. I notice things I haven’t noticed before. Like the paper and all the hard work you put into it. That you’re pretty cool and not just a smart girl whom I have nothing to talk to about. I think we get along great.”