Free Better than Perfect by Simone Elkeles Page A

secret flexible material. I have no clue how they’re able to move like that. I’m jealous, although neither of them can catch, throw, or kick a football like I can.
    Derek walks outside and heads for the shed. He looks masculine, wearing jeans with cowboy boots and a white tank. Falkor follows closely on Derek’s heels.
    Bree stops her routine. “Who
is
that?” she asks a bit too loudly.
    â€œDerek.”
    â€œHe’s Brandi’s stepson,” Monika tells her. “He’s—”
    â€œ
Super
hot,” Bree interrupts almost breathlessly. “Oh, my God. You have definitely been holding out on me, Ash. I love his boots, and that knit hat he’s wearing is so cute.”
    â€œIt’s a beanie,” I correct her. “I don’t know anyone who wears one in the summer. It looks stupid.”
    â€œI disagree one bazillion percent.” Bree is practically drooling over Derek like he’s a hunk of meat to be devoured in one sitting. I’m tempted to ask if she needs a bib. “If a guy looks like that, he can wear whatever he wants. Introduce me to him, Ash.”
    â€œTrust me, you don’t want to meet him.”
    â€œOh, yes, I do.” She nods so fast it’s a wonder her head doesn’t just fly right off. Monika and I give each other a knowing look. We’ve been friends long enough to know that when Bree’s on the prowl, there’s no stopping her.
    When Derek reappears, I make a weak attempt to wave him over, hoping he’ll ignore me. Unfortunately, he doesn’t.
    â€œDerek, this is my friend Bree,” I say. “You already know Monika.”
    â€œHey, Monika. Nice to meet you, Bree.” He tips his head like a perfect southern gentleman. I’m surprised he didn’t call her ma’am.
    â€œWant to watch us?” Bree asks. She twirls her hair on her finger and flashes Derek a big smile. Oh, man. She totally bought the southern gentleman act. “We could use another opinion on our new routine. I’m the captain of the cheer squad.”
    Derek flashes her an appreciative glance. “I don’t know much about cheerin’.”
    Monika eyes his physique. “So, Derek . . . do you play sports?”
    â€œNot anymore.”
    â€œReally? With that body?” Bree cocks her head to the side for a better view of Derek’s backside. “Well, then, you must work out. A lot.”
    It sounds like Derek is coughing, but it’s obvious he’s covering up a laugh. “I jog and lift weights.” He shoots me a mocking look. “And I try to stay away from ice cream, Skittles, and cookies for breakfast.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with a little comfort food?” I ask him. “It’s good for the soul.”
    â€œI’ll bet.”
    â€œSo, Derek,” Bree interrupts. “How do you like Chicago so far? I know we don’t
technically
live in Chicago, but you’ll get used to us suburbanites claiming Chicago as our own.”
    â€œIt’s all right, I guess,” he answers. “Let’s just say I don’t plan on claiming Chicago as my own. I’m fixin’ to move back to Cali the first chance I get, then join the Navy after graduation.” After glancing at me again he says, “Well, I’m gonna see if I can get the lawn mower started. It was nice chattin’ with y’all.”
    Bree raises an eyebrow after Derek puts his earbuds in his ears and pushes our old, beat-up mower out of the garage.
    â€œWhat?” I ask.
    â€œDerek is dreamy, Ashtyn. With a body like that he’ll probably end up as one of those Navy SEALs. How sexy is that!”
    Sexy? Dreamy? Derek is not what dreams are made out of. More like nightmares, where the girl is continually being annoyed by a boy who haunts her. “He’s not all that.”
    My friend looks at me as if I’m nuts. “Umm, did you take a look at those biceps, and that