Page 56 of Just a Little White Lie

LAUREN

Ican do this, I can do this, I can do this!

The mantra is circling my brain, but a hungry vulture is cruising just above it, waiting for my confidence to die. The second I walk into that dance studio I’m sure it’ll start pecking.

Pulling in a breath, I walk my sneakers and yoga pants onto that wooden floor and set myself up for the day.

“We’re gonna do this, and it’s gonna be awesome,” I whisper-bark to myself, keeping that vulture at bay for as long as I can.

Thoughts of Jack sitting next to me, helping me figure out a dance plan cruise into my conscious. They’re not a slow bird circling, they’re like a leer jet—a force that sends ripples coursing through my body.

He was on my bed.

And he was looking at me like—

I swallow.

He left. Very suddenly. He’s not into it.

And that’s probably a good thing, right?

He obviously sensed myI want you so bad I can barely stand itvibes and high-tailed it back to his room. You know, so he didn’t have to hurt my feelings. No one likes the awkward rejection talk.

Ugh. So embarrassing.

My stomach pinches. It’s impossible to deny my disappointment. I wouldn’t mind Jack’s lips on mine, his large hands roaming my body, his—

Stop thinking about him!

I distract myself by getting the projector running and go over the steps, feeling completely uncoordinated as I attempt the ten beginner moves I want these kids to do. I have to stop thinking about them as kids and turn these teenagers into a well-oiled dance crew.

After the bell trills, they saunter in—dribs and drabs shuffling across the wooden floor.

Cedric spots me and bulges his eyes while Trixi starts to giggle and points at me.

“What are you wearing?”

“They’re called clothes, Trixi. And I’m gonna dance in them.” I eye her uniform and frown, wondering why this hasn’t occurred to me before. “In fact, go and get changed into your PE gear. All of you.”

They collectively groan, except for Arlo. “Yes!” He sprints out of the room and is back a few minutes later, looking far more comfortable in sportswear.

The others take their sweet time, and it’s after nine before I take the roll. Today, I try to counter their PE gear animosity by making them answer the roll with their favorite ice cream flavor.

It goes pretty well until Maverick tells me he hates ice cream.

“Really? Youhateice cream?”

He nods.

“Okay, fine. What do you like, then? Tell me your favorite sweet treat.”

He purses his lips as though he’s looking for the most scandalous answer he can think of.

I cut him off before he can open his mouth. “If you say beer or alcohol or anything I know you’re not old enough to have, you’re going to be doing push-ups until your arms turn to jelly.”

“Oooooh. Bro!” Arlo cracks up laughing. “Miss is going all drill sergeant on us today!” He stands up with a mock salute, and I can’t help laughing with him.

“Sit down.” I point to the floor. “I’m just trying to get you guys to answer a simple question. I’m really enjoying getting to know you better, and finding out your ice cream jam is interesting for me.”

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