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He’s in sports and making friends and being the quintessential high school success, as opposed to me, the loser, who plays games with her nerdy friends in the basement. But the idea of sitting and watching Andrew play for multiple hours makes me want to curl into the fetal position. Although, one thing could make it more tolerable.

“Can I bring a friend?” I ask.

“That requires you tohaveone,” Andrew mutters.

Mom furrows her brow. “Well, it’s not exactly a family outing if you bring someone along, but I do love the idea of meeting your new friend.”

“Who would you bring?” Andrew asks.

“Kashvi Anand.”

His eyes light up. “Oh yeah, never mind, you should definitely bring her.”

“How do you know Kashvi?”

“She helps out Mrs.Carmichael in my bio lab, like as an assistant. I guess she’s really smart.” He shrugs. “She’s cool. I’m surprised she’s friends with you.”

If my parents weren’t here, I’d dump the rest of my food on his head.

“Sheiscool. And guess what else she is? Part of my livestream D&D group.” I raise my eyebrows. “Now what do you have to say?”

“Nothing. I never said D&D was dumb. Just that youare.”

“Andrew,” Mom says with a sigh.

“I won’t ask her to come if you’re going to be a jerk.”

“But then you won’t get to hang out with her either.” He grins, knowing he has me. “Or maybe I’ll just ask her to come myself.”

Ugh, I can’t believe my gross little brother has a thing for Kashvi.

I bite my lip, debating. I want to refuse to bring her just to annoy Andrew, but I also don’t want to punish myself. This soccer game will be infinitely more fun with her there.

“Fine,I’ll ask her.” I point at him. “But stay far away from us. We haven’t been friends for long, and she’ll lose all respect for me if she knows we’re related.”

Chapter Fourteen

“I’m not sure I’ve ever watched an indoor soccer game,” Kashvi says as we shuffle along the narrow metal bleachers that line one wall of the indoor sports complex where Andrew is playing. Since it’s the last week of February in Ohio, it’s way too cold to play outside. This place is huge and there aren’t many spectators other than parents.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” I whisper. “I would be miserable without you.”

We all sit down, and Dad leans forward to talk to Kashvi and me. “Isn’t this fun!”

We nod politely, although nothing has happened yet that would make it fun. “Thanks for letting me tag along tonight,” Kashvi says.

“Of course,” Mom replies. “We’re thrilled that both of our kids are making friends here. We really appreciate you taking Quinn into your group.”

Her wording is mildly insulting, like I’m some tragic casethat needs rescuing, but Mom isn’t entirely wrong. If Kashvi hadn’t invited me to their game when we first met, I don’t know what I’d be doing right now.

“Which number is your brother?” Kashvi asks.

“No idea,” I whisper. “But they’re wearing green jerseys. Just cheer when that team scores and we should be covered.”

A moment later Dad stands and bellows, “Let’s go, Andrew!” like this is the World Cup instead of a sparsely attended match in the Midwest.

Andrew swivels and waves warily at Dad. I see he’s number11—good to know, I guess. He spots Kashvi and his whole body perks up a bit as he waves more enthusiastically.

Her eyes widen and she looks over her shoulder like he’s waving at someone else. When she realizes he isn’t, she waves back hesitantly.