Page 50 of Just a Little White Lie

Someone snickers and scoffs from the back, but I notice Trixi raise her eyebrows in interest. Yes! Feels like a win.

So I read the names with gusto and get back varying levels of enthusiasm. One kid lists off about three, and as soon as a horror movie is brought into the mix, a bunch of answers change to that. Yeah, right. I want to tease them about peer pressure but keep my mouth shut and let them finish. My favorite choice is Trixi’s. She saidThe Greatest Showman.I seriously love that movie but don’t want to tell her because how uncool would that be for her. It’s like spotting someone on the street wearing the same outfit as you—and they’re in their fifties. Not a great feeling.

“Well, thank you for that.” I smile at them. “It’s nice to get to know you a little better.”

They seem open to the fact that I’m trying to mix things up, and it gives me the confidence to stand and walk around my desk… and try for a little honesty.

“So, I know you guys all think you’ve been lumped in here because no one else wants you and they’re trying to give you ‘busy’ work to keep you out of the way. But I want to make it clear that for me, that’s not the case.”

Maverick lets out a hard laugh. “I thought you were just in it for the money.”

“Maybe that’s one of my reasons, but last night I found another one, and I’m super excited to share it with you.”

The wave of suspicion that hits me is near toxic.

I blink against it and force a bright smile. “I have entered you guys into a dance competition. The Waikato Dance-Mania is happening in May, and you will be performing at it.”

Tobias’s face lights with a grin before quickly dropping into a frown like he realizes he’s not supposed to love my idea.

Maverick’s eyes narrow. “Why’d you do that?”

“Because our time together needs to have some purpose, and I want you guys to enjoy it. If we’re working toward a common goal, it’ll be motivating.”

“We’re not dancing in no competition, Miss.” Arlo laughs and shakes his head. “No way am I getting up in front of a bunch of people like that. Shame! Not doin’ it.”

“I’m sorry to inform you, Arlo, but you are.” I keep my voice firm, hoping to hide the shakes rocketing through my body. What if they all refuse?

“And what moves are we supposed to do?” Dante asks. “We’re not dancers.”

“I think you are,” I counter. “I was watching you guys when I was on duty yesterday. You’re all athletic. I even saw Mav do a backflip. You can’t tell me you’re not capable of doing this. I won’t believe you.”

“Someone’s got her bossy pants on today.” Dante raises his eyebrows at Maverick, and they both snicker.

“Maybe I do, so good for me, right?” I stand tall, my heels clipping as I walk around their little circle. “This is going to be awesome, you guys. We’ll put together a fantastic number, and you’ll wow the judges and win that prize money.”

“There’s prize money?” Trixi perks up. “What are we talkin’?”

“First place gets five thousand dollars to go toward the school’s performing arts program.”

“Five grand.” Cedric’s green eyes bulge.

“Toward the school?” Maverick’s flash of enthusiasm peters out. “Like they need more money.”

“Hey.” I click my fingers and point at him. “Youare the performing arts program. All of you. The money would go toward you. This class. I would make sure of it.”

They go silent for a moment, contemplating this, and I start to feel that buzz. I’m winning them over! This is going to work!

Stick it, Jack! I can do this!

I picture his smile in my mind and almost wish I could call and tell him right now. He might tease me all the time, but I’ve got a feeling he’d actually be kind of proud of me right this second.

My insides buzz as a memory of his shirtless body and playful grin scorch me.

“What would we do?” Maverick narrows his eyes at me, and I blink, forcing my focus back to the students. “What are the moves? What are the songs? I’m not getting up in front of a crowd only to embarrass myself.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to. We’re only competing if we can put something amazing together, and I am determined not to let you guys down. So, let’s start by picking some music, shall we?”

I grab my phone and start scrolling through the playlist I began.

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