Page 105 of Just a Little White Lie

I’m not exactly sure what to say to them. I can try to empathize, but I have no real understanding of what they go through, and by the looks of things, they really don’t want to talk about it.

“Well, we’re back, and I for one am stoked to see you all.”

My enthusiasm scores me a couple grins. Trixi smiles at me, Arlo’s lips twitch, Dante at least looks at me. His smile is the most grateful of them all, so I focus on him.

“I have a surprise for you guys.”

That gets every head turning my way.

I clap my hands together and resist the urge to say, “Drum roll, please.” I kind of get the feeling it wouldn’t fly today.

A look of impatience is starting to crease Alexia’s forehead, and Maverick is already in a glaring mood, so I just rush it out.

“Mrs. Kwan has agreed to let you guys perform at the assembly today. Isn’t that cool?”

“What?” Maverick spits.

I brace myself against his sharp tone, countering it with an extra bright smile. “It’s your chance to perform in front of an audience before Dance-Mania. It’s a great opportunity and totally necessary.”

“You want us to perform in front of everyone at this school?” Maverick’s already shaking his head. “That’s not an opportunity, that’s a death sentence. You’re asking me to watch my step and then you throw this at me?”

“Come on, Mav. This is your chance to show them how awesome you are. You guys are amazing. Your dance is hot and dynamic and shows off your talent. It’ll leave them speechless.”

He scoffs and shakes his head again. “Those idiots are never speechless. They’ve always got something shitty to say. We’re just giving them more ammo.”

My insides twist. It’s so sad he thinks that way.

I shake my head. “I disagree. This is your chance to stick it to them all.”

That earns me a snicker from someone at the back. It boosts my confidence.

“Come on, you guys. Up you get.” I flick my hands, beckoning them to stand. “Let’s warm up and run through the routine a few times. It’ll make us feel better.”

They act like turtles, sluggishly rising to their feet and shuffling into position.

Maverick stands back until Dante tips his chin and frowns at him. “Come on, man. Just get over here.”

With a sharp huff, he storms into position and glares at me.

I swallow and force a smile. “So, let’s focus on the sharpness of our moves and keeping perfect time. This is our chance to blow everyone’s minds.”

There’s a reluctant groan, but I start the music, and we run through a warm-up and practice. It doesn’t go brilliantly, so I make them run through it several more times. It’s like working with stubborn boulders, and by the time morning break rolls around, I’m exhausted.

But I won’t be deterred. A great performance this afternoon will boost their confidence and get them pumped for the competition.

After break, I make them change into their costumes, and we run through everything again. Some of them start to loosen up a bit, accepting that this is happening. But Maverick continues to stew.

I wonder how bad his time in Auckland really was. His black mood is filtering throughout the entire group, and it’s making me edgy.

“Mav.” I pull him aside just before we head over to the assembly. “I can sense you’re not having a great day. Was your holiday bad? Did you—”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” he snaps, stalking ahead of me.

My gut sinks, my nerves starting to fray as we walk through the back of the hall and get ready behind stage.

The Misfits are a jittery mess as the hum of students fills the auditorium behind the curtain.

I force my way into the middle of the pack. “Remember, you guys are awesome. You’re incredible dancers. You’ve worked so hard. You’re going to kill it out there.” I eye each person in the group and lend them my personal confidence booster. “Repeat after me. ‘I belong here.’”

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