“You’re right. We don’t,” I agreed, and that got me thinking. Modeling might be competitive, but so far, it was nothing like playing soccer. Every shoot was with different people. And while many of them were friendly, not all of them were. There is nothing like bonding with your teammates. After all, when I first moved to California, I didn’t have a single friend. But thanks to the Kicks, I had a whole carful of them! I realized that what I liked best about modeling was what I liked best about playing soccer: when I could be active, contribute to ideas that helped the team (or the shoot), and do a good job. Except with soccer, I didn’t have to force it. Even though I had to work hard, train, and practice for soccer, it all seemed to come more naturally to me. I had a lot to think about before I got back in front of a camera.

Chapter Twelve

“Welcome to the South County Animal Shelter. I’m Lynn. Thanks for volunteering today!”

All of the Kicks, along with Coach Flores, were standing outside the animal shelter building on Sunday morning. Lynn, the volunteer coordinator, was a tall woman with wavy blond hair. She wore a blue T-shirt that read SOUTH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER, with a picture of a dog and a cat inside a heart. In the background, we could hear dogs yipping, barking, and howling.

“All of the animals here in the shelter are waiting to find their forever homes,” Lynn said. “And while they’re waiting, they need the same kind of attention and care that every animal needs. They need exercise and they need to interact with other people. That’s where you all come in. Since you’re athletes, you can give our dogs a good workout!”

“That’s right! Go, Kicks!” Jessi called out, and we all started clapping.

“Great! Love the enthusiasm,” Lynn said. “I’ll need a dozen volunteers to walk the dogs. The rest of you can help out in the kitten room.”

Zoe’s hand shot up. “Kittens, please!”

“Me too!” Frida chimed in.

“I think I’d like to walk a dog,” said Emma.

I looked at Jessi. We’d never had a pet because Dad has bad allergies to a lot of stuff, so I didn’t have strong feelings about cats or dogs either way. They both seemed cute to me.

“I’m a dog person,” Jessi said.

I nodded. “Cool. I feel like a walk, anyway.”

Everybody began talking excitedly at once.

“Dog walkers, follow me, please!” Lynn called out over our voices. “Kitten people, please go see Holly over there.”