Page 96 of Just a Little White Lie

“Well, you don’t have to make that decision right now. In fact, if you can control yourself around Ronan, then you might not even need it. Who knows?” I keep my voice bright, not wanting to kill the ground we’ve made. “Just for now… even though it sucks and it shouldn’t have to be this way… can I suggest that you don’t walk through the quad? Just hang in all the places Ronan’s not?”

“And if he tracks me down?”

“Move somewhere else.”

He tuts. “I don’t want to be controlled that way.”

“I know. I get it, but can you imagine how riled he’s gonna be if he’s constantly trying to engage and you just won’t let him? You know if you really want to disarm the guy, try being friendly.”

“What?” He scoffs.

“I’m serious.” I laugh. “I remember this teacher I worked with briefly in London, and she was horrible. She was snobby and like high school catty, and I wanted to slap her so hard, but my friend made me promise that I’d be nice. So every time she said something bitchy, I just spun it around and pretended like her insult was a compliment. Oh man, she hated it!” My face lights with glee, and Maverick actually laughs.

“You’re all right, Miss Fillion.”

I grab hold of the compliment and tuck away the sound of his laughter. I will cherish this moment forever. I just know it.

“Well, I better get to class, and you better get yourself organized. Don’t want you to miss homeroom.” I stand up, straightening my shirt before pushing my chair in.

“See you soon.” He nods and starts walking away.

I clip the other direction but stop when he calls me.

Spinning back around, my heart is set to singing all over again when he gives me a thumbs-up and lifts his chin. “Thanks.”

LAUREN

The next few weeks fly by without incident. Maverick takes on my challenge and steps up big-time. He pushes hard during our dance sessions, encouraging the rest of the crew to strive for perfection. I think he annoys a few of them, but he gets away with it because he’s Maverick, and they all seem to love him.

Maverick, Dante, Arlo, and Alexia are by far the strongest dancers in the crew. Last time Jack came in to help, he arranged how they’d be standing on the stage and moved those four to the front for big portions of the set.

“Watch that back step!” I call above the music as I study them. “Five, six, seven, eight! Keep time!” I point to the back line. “Don’t miss that beat!”

I start clapping with the music, walking around to the back row and getting them in sync again. They fall into line quickly and are soon back on track, so I run around to the front and stand on my chair, watching them from a higher angle.

Maverick dances forward, his fancy feet twisting out a few moves before he pulls off a stunning backflip.

“Yes!” I punch my arm in the air. “You’re looking great, guys!”

They finish the song with a flourish, fall into their final poses, and I cheer loudly. They grin at me, breaths punching out of them.

“You are gonna look so amazing.” I do a little happy dance on my chair before jumping down.

“Once we’re in costume, we will!” Trixi shouts from the back.

“Have you got those finished yet?”

“Nearly.” Tobias stands up. “Monica’s been helping us with the sewing.”

I wrinkle my nose. “Did you manage to stretch the budget Mr. Van Weiss gave us?”

Erik came through, much to my relief. I have no idea which budget he took the money from, but when he slipped me the envelope, he just winked and said, “Don’t ask.”

So I didn’t.

I nod and grin at Trixi’s enthusiasm, happy that Monica is helping out too. Monica is the senior girls’ house parent, and her husband looks after the junior boys. I’ve heard she’s pretty handy with a needle and thread.

“Her sewing machine’s been working ’round the clock.” Trixi beams with pride while Alexia rolls her eyes.

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